My Travel Photography Kit

I’m not a professional photographer, but I’m incredibly passionate about it. Photography is more than just a hobby to me—it’s a journey, an art form, and a way to capture and share the beauty I experience in my travels. Over the past four years, I’ve been slowly building my kit, making it easier to budget for each piece of equipment. The gear I use is based on my personal experiences and is what I rely on to capture the photographs displayed on this website and during my adventures.

Photography is a skill where the more you put in, the better you get. Both your shooting and editing styles evolve over time, shaped by the places you visit and the gear you use. This setup reflects where I am in my photography journey—it's not the most advanced or budget-friendly, but it’s helped me grow and makes the process of creating and capturing moments incredibly fun.

An Overview

1. Primary Camera: Sony A7R IV

The Sony A7R IV ($4,800 AUD) is my mainstay for landscape photography. Its 61-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers exceptional detail and dynamic range, crucial for capturing expansive vistas. Durable and reliable, it’s been my trusted companion for over three years, withstanding a variety of conditions.

2. Backup Camera: Sony A6100

For a more compact and beginner-friendly option, I turn to the Sony A6100 ($1,100 AUD). This APS-C mirrorless camera offers full manual controls, making it ideal for learning photography fundamentals. Its affordable lenses make it a great entry point for anyone starting out.

3. Lenses

Wide-Angle: Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM ($3,000 AUD) paired with a PolarPro Circular Polarizer ($100 AUD) excels in capturing expansive landscapes and architectural scenes.
Telephoto: Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art ($1,300 AUD) is ideal for portraits and compression shots.
Prime Lenses for A6100:
- Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary ($650 AUD) – Perfect for astrophotography and wide-angle shots.
- Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary ($550 AUD) – A versatile lens for portraits and everyday photography.

4. Camera Cage: SmallRig Half Cage for Sony Alpha

The SmallRig Camera Half Cage ($100 AUD) is a compact addition to my setup. It provides added protection for my camera while maintaining portability. The cage also makes it easier to clip into a tripod, adding convenience for quick setup during shoots. Despite its lightweight build, it’s sturdy enough to keep my camera safe.

5. Tripod: MeFOTO Backpacker

The MeFOTO Backpacker Tripod ($200 AUD) has been my go-to for over three years. Packs down small and made of stainless steel, it’s durable but a bit on the heavy side. The screw-lock legs provide superior stability compared to clip-lock tripods, which I’ve found quicker but prone to slipping. While it’s showing signs of wear with chipping paint and stiffness, it’s still solid and reliable for long-exposure shots and rough conditions.

6. Drone: DJI Mavic 3 Classic

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic ($2,099 AUD) elevates aerial photography with its 4/3-inch CMOS sensor, delivering superb image quality and dynamic range. Its adjustable aperture is perfect for creative control over exposure, reducing the need for ND filters during travel.

7. Drone: DJI Mini 2 (Backup)

The DJI Mini 2 ($749 AUD) is my lightweight backup drone, capable of shooting RAW photos and 4K video. It’s great for quiet locations, long hikes, or when my primary drone isn’t available. While it lacks the image quality, wind control, and vertical shooting of newer models, it’s a reliable option for portability and convenience.

8. Action Cameras

The DJI Osmo Action 3 ($519 AUD) is my go-to for rugged, high-adventure moments. While not as sharp as larger cameras, it’s durable and integrates seamlessly with my other DJI products.

The Insta360 X3 ($750 AUD) adds creativity to my kit with immersive 360-degree capture. Its invisible selfie stick mode and intuitive app make it a fun and unique tool for travel photography.

9. Storage and Power Solutions

Portable SSD: SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 480GB ($180 AUD) – Compact and fast, ideal for file transfers and backups.
External HDD: Western Digital 8TB Desktop Hard Drive ($350 AUD) – Reliable home storage for large photo libraries.
Cloud Storage: iCloud 6TB Plan ($45 AUD/month) ensures accessibility and secure backups.
Portable Chargers: Kogan 26800mAh Power Bank ($80 AUD) – Airline-friendly and powerful enough for cameras, drones, and phones.
Device Charging: The iPhone 15 USB-C port allows for quick top-ups on other devices, offering a convenient power backup.

10. Post-Production Tools

Laptop: MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) ($4,500 AUD) – Reliable for photo transfers, stitching panoramas, and organizing files.
Tablet: iPad Pro (M1, 256GB) ($1,800 AUD) – A travel-friendly editing powerhouse with Lightroom Classic.
Smartphone: iPhone 15 Pro (512GB) ($2,400 AUD) – Incredible for quick captures and edits, with the 3x telephoto lens offering added versatility.