A Look Inside My Camera Bag—Travel and Adventure Photography
‘What camera do you use?’ is one of the most common questions I get asked and I’m going to answer it in detail for you here. It’s important to remember that most photographer’s gear set up is usually collected over time. I for one didn’t purchase everything at once nor do I have all the lenses I want. Camera gear is expensive—but a worthwhile investment. So, are you ready to take a look inside my camera bag? Let’s get into it!
Note: While this blog post isn’t sponsored, there are affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission if you choose to purchase something (at no additional cost to you). These funds go right back into creating content just like this. Thank you for the support!
Camera Body
Canon EOS R: There are so many camera bodies out there, and I’ve tried a couple, but this is the full-frame body I see myself sticking with for years to come. It’s not top of the line or the most expensive, but it’s perfect for me and I would recommend it to anyone who shoots travel and adventure photography! It’s also a great option for photographers who are stepping up to their first full-frame camera. I used to shoot on Sony, but I ended up with Canon because of the iconic color profile (the colors in my images just look right), the weather sealing (I am usually outside in the rain, wind, etc. and need my camera to be protected), better lens selection, and simply for the way it feels in my hand.
The body itself is lightweight, provides sharp images, has a reliable and easy-to-use touch screen, and incredible autofocus performance. The viewfinder helps me compose a photo better, see what I’m shooting even in harsh conditions and review images more clearly. When I pick up a DSLR I almost don’t know how to use it without the viewfinder!
Lenses
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8: A wide-angle lens is needed when shooting landscapes as it can easily capture an entire scene. I tend to shoot on 2.8 because I like the separation between the subject and the background. The images from this glass are always very sharp and it’s probably my most used lens!
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8: This is an expensive lens, and it’s my most recent investment! The images come out incredibly sharp and the compression is unbeatable. I bring this one, along with the 16-35mm on every trip.
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4.0 For a kit lens (a lens that came with the body), this one is great! The focal length makes it incredibly versatile. I’ve used it for the last two years, I’ve been more than happy with it. The only downside is that the lowest f-stop is 4.0.
Click here to purchase the Canon EOS R and 24-105 f4.0 together for a cheaper price (which is what I did).
Here are the lenses I’m going to investing in next:
Canon 24mm f/1.4: I’ve never been a fan of prime lenses but this lens is something special! My friend, Julia, introduced it to me and we use it regularly when we shoot together. The wide aperture of f/1.4 isolates the subject and makes scenes look absolutely dreamy while still maintaining sharpness. There have been many times, like when there was harsh light, where I tried to shoot with my Canon 15-35mm f/2.8 and this prime lens, and this lens simply made the images look better.
Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8: The addition of this lens to your setup is recommended for the ‘trifecta’ of lenses (70-200mm, 24-70mm and 15-35mm). It’s an expensive one, but so worth it. I would use this for anything that needs a lot of compression—like road shots and mountain layers. Those images aren’t possible without a focal length like this. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you could purchase the f/4.0 version.
Drone
DJI Mavic Pro 2: It’s so fun to be able to get a new perspective with a drone. This is a great aircraft that will provide you with sharp images/videos, is simple enough for beginners, and has a solid flight time. I don’t use it as much as I’d like since there are a lot of rules surrounding drones, especially in Canada.
DJI Fly More Kit: I use just about everything in this kit! The set of propellers (which help with minimizing noise), extra batteries (which are a must), and the car charger (which is essential for road trips)!
Accessories
Lexar 128GB SD Card: When investing in SD cards, I believe it’s more important to get one card with a fast writing speed and a lot of storage (which is more expensive) rather than multiple days less expensive SD cards that are slow and have little storage.
SD Card holder: This holds 8 SD cards or micro SD cards and protects them from water, dust, and breaking/shattering.
Neewer Batteries and Charger: I purchased these batteries and charger, rather than the more expensive Canon versions, and they have never let me down. They are compatible with the Canon EOS R and many other bodies. Extra batteries are a must if you are a backpacker and road tripper like me!
Canon Mount Adapter: The Canon lenses made for the Canon EOS R are RF lenses (ie. Canon 15-35mm f/2.8). The other lenses made for the Canon DSLR cameras are EF lenses (ie. Canon 24mm f/1.4). This mount adapter allows you to use EF lenses on the EOS R body.
Peak Design Travel Tripod: I recently invested in this tripod and I couldn’t be more stoked. It’s the only one that I’ve come across that is slim and lightweight without sacrificing height and stability.
Peak Design Capture Clip: This is what I use to clip my camera onto one of my backpack straps—and this has been a game-changer for hiking and backpacking. It’s definitely one of my most asked questions when people see it in action.
Peak Design Tech Pouch: I love having my cables, SD Card holder, and everything else in one pouch that stands up when open, has loads of pockets, and makes organizing so easy.
DJI Osmo Pocket: While I don’t use this often, it is in my camera bag. The image quality is incredible, the gimbal is great, it’s very small, and compact! It’s fun to use for videos and small client projects.
Air Blower Duster: It’s crucial to keep the sensor on your body and glass (of your lenses) clean—and this is where the air blower comes in handy!
Breakthrough Photography UV Filter: These are important to have on your lenses because, in some cases, if you drop your lens, the filter will shatter instead of the actual glass. If you spend thousands on a lens, it should be a no-brainer to spend less than $100 on a filter that may save it! They also help to eliminate flaring, ghosting, and low contrast. Ensure you choose the correct thread size for your lens. I have both 82mm and 77mm.
Hoya Circular Polarizer Filter: Another filter that is essential for me is a circular polarizer. I use this when there’s a reflection I want to get rid of (or make less obvious). It’s great for shooting any scene with water—lakes, hot springs, etc. Ensure you choose the correct thread size for your lens. I have both 82mm and 77mm.
Computer Gear
Lacie Portable External Hard Drive: These are absolutely necessary if you’re a photographer or digital creator. They are drop, crush, and rain resistant. I use the 4TB drives with a USB-C cable because I have a Apple Macbook Pro 15″ with only those ports.
Satechi Multi-Port Adapter: This is needed for my older external hard drives and other cords that aren’t a USB-C. I also use it to plug my SD Card into when transferring photos.
WD Additional External Hard Drive: Okay, I don’t have this in my camera bag, but I thought it would be useful to share how I back up my photos (the second backup). I use the WD 14TB My Book Desktop hard drive and keep it at home in a cool and dry spot.
MITOBE Power Strip: This is always in my camera bag on road trips because of all the electronics I need to charge.
Camera Bag
Douchebag The Backpack Pro: I’ve used this bag for years now and it’s great. Comes with hip support and a water bottle holder (where the original backpack doesn’t). I also suggest buying the camera insert to help organize your gear.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack: This is an award-winning backpack for everyday life and for photographers! I just ordered this and can’t wait to give it a spin.
My wife and I have become big fans. You have amazing content and great advice. Thank you. Looking forward to many more of your adventures.
Thank you for the kind words, George. Means a lot!
Thank you so much for sharing this information.
My pleasure! Thanks for the comment, Jan.
Adorei o conteúdo suas fotos são maravilhosas!
Muchos gracias!
This is amazing and so helpful! I am an aspiring blogger as well & was wondering are you able to take the pictures yourself on self timer with the tripod ? Or does someone take them for you? I’m going to be alone so I’m trying to invest in something I can do myself.
Hi Adiyah! I’m so happy you found this blog post helpful and that you left a comment. Most of the time, I usually am with a friend/photographer who I collaborate with for my photos. I use my tripod if I’m trying to shoot myself, or myself and a friend, so it’s totally doable. Just takes some getting used to. Hope that helps!
Big fan of your IG – stellar photos! I have the ESO-R as well. I noticed I end up underexposing many times due to having to increase shutter speed to compensate for the lack of in-body stabilization. Do you have any advice for this rig?
Thanks so much, Greg. Means a lot! I haven’t come across that issue (probably because I also underexpose my images). I try not to shoot under 1/100 or if I do then I’ll use a tripod.
Hi Angela,
I really love your content on Instagram. My wife (Santa) just gave me a Canon EOS Rebel 7 with some accessories this Christmas to start an adventure life in AB, taking amazing landscapes inspired by you.
Keep going doing your passion!!
Follow me @axel_avc1
Hi Alex, thanks for the kind words! That’s so exciting. AB is a beautiful place to capture 🙂
I am a huge fan. What picture profile do you shoot for video and do you sell luts? Where do you edit your video?
All my videos are shot on my iPhone 13 and I edit in InShot Pro! I don’t have luts.
Hi Angela,
I really love your content on Instagram. My wife (Santa) just gave me a Canon EOS Rebel 7 with some accessories this Christmas to start an adventure life in AB, taking amazing landscapes inspired by you.
Keep going doing your passion!!
Follow me @axel_avc1
I absolutely have fallen in love with your page, you’re literally living my dream.
I have a question tho, when you started, did you have all this camera knowledge or you started with shots on your phone and learn as you go.
Also, would you like consider a YouTube channel and make Vlogs of your next trips, if so please tag me @qoey_wangui on IG because you gained a fan today
Thank you so much for your kind words! I learned with my phone and GoPro as I went along and as I progressed I purchased a camera.
I enjoy following your IG, and enjoy every post. Most of your uploads are actually breath taking even though the image is just from my phone. You’ve inspired my “stay at home self,”to start traveling the world and share my journey. One thing that’s been on my mind is how do you post on IG without the app compressing the quality. Is there a specific FPS you record on? Your videos are so high quality.
Hi Kenny, that is so kind to say. I’m thrilled to hear that you are feeling inspired. I shoot in 4k 60fps on my iPhone and upload on IG. I also have “High Quality Uploads” ticked on in the setting section. Hope that helps!
Awesome resources here for me to refer to! Do you ever use ND filters for your photography?
I’m happy this post was of use to you! No not really. I just use circular filters to cut glare!