Minimal Travel Filmmaking and Photography Gear Essentials
It’s hard for me to travel anywhere without wanting to document it with my camera. Even when I’m just on vacation, I always get the urge to document the places and people I encounter on my travels.
Camera Gear Essentials for Travel
Choosing the Right Camera Body
One body: My Sony A7IV has been my go-to for a few years now. In my opinion, it’s the best hybrid camera on the market as it balances both great photos and videos. It shoots 33MP full-frame photos, and also shoots 4K 10-bit video in SLOG-3.
Selecting the Ideal Lens
One lens of choice: My go-to travel lens is usually a 24-70 (I used to have the Sigma, now I have the Sony GM II), as I find it covers 90% of situations. However, it’s a bit bulky as a walk-around lens and also isn’t the most discreet. So for street scenes, I’ll usually opt for my Sony 35mm f2.8 — it’s tiny, light, and is a versatile focal length. I also recently picked up a vintage Super Takumar 50mm f1.4, which I’ve loved shooting with so far. However, it’s manual focus only. I think any prime autofocus lens between 28-55mm (full-frame equivalent) and a minimum aperture of f1.4-f2.8 will be a good choice for everyday carry.
Accessories for Enhanced Performance
An ND filter: I use a 1-5 stop ND filter from K&F Concept to capture daytime scenes on video. I rarely shoot after it gets dark when I travel, so it pretty much stays on my camera all the time.
A Peak Design Slide Lite strap: I like how easily adjustable this strap is. It allows me to wear the camera crossbody while I walk around, while still being quickly accessible when I find a subject to shoot. I also use it as a third point of contact when shooting video for more stability.
Specialized Gear for Unique Shooting Scenarios
On my most recent trip, I only brought my Super Takumar lens so I also brought the following:
SmallRig camera cage
SmallRig top handle
Atomos Ninja V monitor
Rode VideoMic NTG
Although it was mainly to help capture some footage of a friend’s wedding, I also used this whole setup one day while doing tourist activities. Although it helps to stabilize handheld footage and more easily check focus, it’s obviously pretty cumbersome. I either had to carry the camera by the top handle, or let it hang by my side using my PD strap.
It also brings a lot of attention to you, which isn’t great in a situation in which you’re trying to be discrete. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised at how little people around me seemed to care or notice. However, it can also be difficult to find a place to set it down — for example, when you sit down at a restaurant. I ended up putting it on the ground, but then I’d get paranoid about someone knocking it or trying to steal it.
What to Leave Behind: Tripods and Gimbals
You’ll notice I didn’t mention a tripod or a gimbal. I’ve brought them on trips before, but with my style of shooting, I never end up using them enough to make it worth the hassle. They’re bulky and difficult to pack in a carry on. It’s also another thing to carry around while shooting, either by hand or in a backpack. And when you’re traveling in the summer, the last thing I want to do is add weight and sweat to my back.
Conclusion
In summary, my travel photography setup is designed for photographers who prioritize mobility without sacrificing quality. From the versatile Sony A7IV to the compact and reliable lenses, each piece of gear serves a specific purpose in capturing stunning travel photos and videos. By carefully selecting and minimizing my equipment, I can focus on the joy of photography and the adventures that come with it. Whether you're an amateur or a seasoned photographer, I hope my setup inspires you to find the perfect balance for your travel photography needs.