Hopefully, now is the time of year when you can leave behind worries, fears, and all kinds of problems you face. Vacations are the time when you can relax and dedicate quality time for yourself and your family.

However, vacations also give you the opportunity to explore your creativity, especially when it comes to photography. Getting to know different, unique and beautiful places will make even the most uninterested person take a photo.

That is why it is very important to have the right photography gear with you. Even if you are a beginner or a professional travel photographer, you should carry at least the basic equipment.

So let us take a look at what you should take with you on your vacations.

Cameras

What could be more important than cameras? Probably nothing! That’s why you should be sure to always have your camera with you, no matter where or when you are out and about. You never know when inspiration will strike.

However, if you do not have a decent camera that can meet your expectations and capture even the smallest detail, then you should buy a new one. However, if you only need a camera for your vacation every now and then, you need to be very careful when choosing one.

There are plenty of great DSLRs and mirrorless cameras on the market to choose from that will satisfy you. As mentioned in a previous article on the best cameras for beginners, you do not have to spend a fortune to have a powerful and fully functional camera.

DSLR cameras are the most famous type of camera and the whole world is familiar with them. However, mirrorless cameras are becoming more popular by the day. They are slim, lightweight and have most if not all the features of a DSLR.

So if you are faced with choosing the best camera, make sure you look at all the options and make the right decision. And do not hesitate to buy a pre-owned camera in good condition. Most of the time, they are just as good as the new ones, but at a more decent price.

DSLRs 

Canon EOS 4000D

Nikon D3500

Mirrorless

Canon EOS M100 

Olympus PEN E-PL8

Lenses 

If the camera is the most important piece of your photography gear then the lenses are the second most important. A DSLR camera or a mirrorless camera alone can not do the job. That’s why you need a good lens.

However, do not forget that you are going on a vacation. You should pay attention to the weight you will be carrying around. So, look for a lens that can combine all the necessary features in it. In most cases, an 18-200mm lens will cover your needs perfectly.

With such a lens, you can easily zoom in or out, capture landscapes, and take photos with your beloved ones. However, if you insist on taking another lens with you, then it should be the 10-22mm or 12-24mm.

So do not forget your budget, because lenses are quite expensive, and choose them wisely. After all, you will be carrying these lenses around for hours to explore new places.

Camera bag

Let’s complete the list of essential photography gear with the camera bag. A proper bag is an essential tool for numerous reasons. First, in your camera bag you will have all the important pieces of your photography gear.

Therefore, you should choose a bag that you feel safe in and that fully protects your equipment. It should also have enough space to hold not only your camera, but also your lenses and other small or larger accessories.

Additionally, you should look for a bag that is comfortable enough since you will be carrying it around almost all the time. So, it would be better if you consider buying a backpack style in spite of a one-shoulder one.

To sum up, a camera bag needs to be both comfortable and functional. Research thoroughly, decide what suits you best, and make a wise choice.

Backpack Rucksack

Backpack Case for Travel Use

Lowepro Backpack

Tripods

Going on vacation means getting to know new, wonderful places, and it’s totally expected to want to capture the moments as perfectly as possible. Having a camera in your hand is the easiest thing, but how steady can you hold it to take an amazing photo? That’s why tripods are so important!

There are many different factors you need to consider before picking up a tripod. First of all, size. Since you’re going to be traveling a lot, you should choose a compact tripod. It would be a wise choice to take a small tripod that can be extended, as you can adjust it depending on the picture you want to take.

Another important feature is flexibility. There are tripods with adjustable legs, so you can use them for many different occasions like biking or hiking. However, it may not be as useful if you want to take a landscape picture.

When it comes to deciding how many tripods and which style you should take, we come back to space. Remember that you only have one bag and you need to take all the necessary parts with you. So choose wisely.

ZOMEI Tripod

Flexible Tripod

Additional accessories 

There are other essential tools you need to carry with you to be prepared for your vacations. First, batteries and chargers. We are sure that you do not want your camera to suddenly die while you stand at a perfect spot for a family photo. So before you leave, make sure you have fully charged spare batteries just in case.

One thing that should not be missing from your photography gear must-have is a memory card. Your camera should have the necessary memory to allow you to take the photos you want. It would be a shame if you could not capture a unique moment because the capacity of the camera is not enough.

SanDisk 64GB

Samsung 128GB 

Best Photography Gear: What about drones and GoPros?

Nowadays, GoPros and drones are very popular, and many people have included them in their photography equipment. Undoubtedly, they are useful for taking outstanding pictures and videos.

If you are going on a summer vacation and spending many hours on the beach, then the GoPro would be an amazing tool to have. The details of the sea that you can capture with this little miraculous camera will take your breath away.

On the other hand, a drone is perfect for both summer and winter vacations. Being able to capture a photo or video of the entire coastline or a panoramic view of the snowy mountains is a once in a lifetime experience.

Overall, using a GoPro is a simple task. The difference in quality comes to how much money you can spend. But all GoPro models, from the most expensive one to the cheapest, will satisfy you.

On the flip side, drones need some experience to operate them properly. Therefore, if you are a beginner, you should choose a drone that is small and easy to fly. But if you are experienced, then go for the drone that you know will suit you better.

However, as mentioned earlier, it all comes down to space and weight. If you have enough space and can carry a bit more weight on your back, then it would be great to have these amazing tools with you.

GoPros

GoPro Camera Fusion

GoPro HERO9 

Drones

DJI Tello (For beginners)

DJI Mavic Air (For Professionals)

The Bottom Line

Most of the time, when you go on vacation you usually want to take all your photography gear you have. However, this is not a wise decision. Vacation is all about having fun and relaxing. Therefore, the tips for comfortable travel are weight management and a practical camera bag. If you have the proper photography gear with you, you’ll be ready for the perfect vacation! Make sure to check our latest travel guides for some inspiration!