There’s so many guides out there for camera bags, travel bags, camera bodies, lenses, and travel accessories – you get the idea. This guide is specifically built for those of you who are just beginning to develop a passion for photography and travel and are looking to invest in some equipment.
Looking for something else?
Table of contents
Camera Bodies
Nikon d750
We currently shoot with the Nikon d750, a very high quality and pricy DSLR. It’s also very pricy, with new bodies starting at $1,200. Keep in mind that used and refurbished are also great options and what we always try to purchase to cut down on waste.
If you’re just starting photography, look at the camera body below for a more affordable option that’s great to learn on. Price New: $1,200
Nikon d750 
Nikon d3100
Nikon d3100
If you’re just starting your photography journey, I recommend an older and cheaper DSLR to make sure photography is for you. It’s also a great chance to learn how to protect your camera. If you decide to upgrade, this is a light addition to your camera bag as a backup body. Price New: $300
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Lenses
Ah, the never ending debate about lenses. Through trial and error, these are two lenses have come out on top for us throughout our travels.
35mm Lens
If you’re shooting any sort of portrait this lens is a must have. With an aperture of 1.8, this lens allows you to have a beautiful depth of field (that blurry background effect) without sacrificing any sharpness of your subject. Keep in mind that this lens is made for DX cameras (such as the Nikon d3100 mentioned above) but it will also work with the FX Nikon d750. Price New: $176
Wide Angle Lens
Wide angle lenses are incredibly versatile and while they may not typically be thought of as a travel lens, they are indeed a great resource that allow you to capture an even greater amount of the beauty you’re seeing on your travels. This is a DX lens so it will work on both of the bodies above, but if you decide you want to upgrade, I recommend this lens. Price: $276
Camera Accessories
It’s easy to go crazy with accessories. Start small and work your way up. I have more accessories than I know how to use and it just adds weight. Here are some useful options to get you started.
- Peak Design Strap – A cheap camera strap rubbing on your neck is a problem you don’t need. Nor is looking like a tourist by wearing your camera around your neck. Invest in a quality strap, one that doubles as a cross body. I recommend this strap by Peak Design, which has a special latching system that allows you to switch between different carry methods. Price: $50
- Peak Design Wrist Strap – You may find yourself in situations where a large strap is cumbersome and you want to switch to a wrist strap that will ensure your camera’s safety. This wrist strap from Peak Design is super easy to use and looks like a black bracelet when your camera isn’t attached. Price: $30
- Lens UV Filters – Depending on what lens you have, the size of these will vary. I highly recommend Gobe as they are high quality but generally affordable and they are committed to environmentally friendly packaging and plant trees for every purchase. Price: Varies
Travel Accessories
After a few years of travel, these are a few of the things that we’ve discovered are a must-have for travel, whether you’re a photographer or not. You may have seen a lot of these things before, but we’ve linked to our personal favorites that have served us well throughout the years.
- 2-Lire Collapsible Water Bottle – Easy to stuff in just about any pocket or bag, this bottle is cheap, reusable, and won’t let you down. Price: $12.95
- Kindle – Between long haul flights and never enough storage space, I’ve found that my Kindle is an entertainment savior. It can hold hundreds of books and the battery life seems to last forever and there’s always some place it can fit. Price: Starts at $40
- Portable Charger – I can’t recommend this charger from Anker enough. It holds an incredible amount of charge, charges devices very quickly, and is small and portable. No more searching for outlets in the airport or fiddling with the USB on the plane. Price: $24
- Bluetooth Headphones (Expensive) – If you can afford a snazzy pair of headphones, these are ideal for travel. Noise cancelling so you can actually hear yourself think on planes, and a crazy long battery life. These are also great because you’re still able to hook them up to the airplane TV and catch up on some movies. Price: $350
- Bluetooth Headphones (Affordable) – If you’re on a budget and looking for something that won’t get tangled up with all the other wires, these Bluetooth headphones are a reliable buy. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to plug these in to the airplane TV though. Price: $14
- Neck Pillow – I absolutely love this neck pillow. It’s comfortable, soft, and it comes with a case so you don’t have to worry about it getting gross in the airport. It’s also inflatable so you don’t have to lug a large pillow around through security. Price: $15
Camera Bags Ideal for Travel
WANDRD: THE PRVKE SERIESWandrd has some absolutely amazing bags, and they design their gear with travel and practicality in mind. With a removable camera cube, easy access pockets, a roll top, accessory straps, and water resistant zippers and material, this bag really has it all. You really have to see it to believe it, so click on the link above or the picture to get a better understanding of how epic this bag is. Yes it’s a steep price, but between the lifetime warranty and the peace of mind knowing your expensive camera gear is safe, it’s worth it.
Wandrd has some absolutely amazing bags, and they design their gear with travel and practicality in mind. With a removable camera cube, easy access pockets, a roll top, accessory straps, and water resistant zippers and material, this bag really has it all. You really have to see it to believe it, so click on the link above or the picture to get a better understanding of how epic this bag is. Yes it’s a steep price, but between the lifetime warranty and the peace of mind knowing your expensive camera gear is safe, it’s worth it.
Price: Starts at $184
CADeN Camera Bag
This trusty backpack spent four months trekking around the UK and four weeks traipsing through Europe. It served me well and fit my Nikon 3100 and an extra lens perfectly. Tripod straps underneath, a laptop sleeve, and a small section for accessories make this the perfect starter camera bag.
Price: $27
Invest in Editing Software
Do yourself a favor and invest in Adobe’s Photography Plan. For $10 a month (less than you pay for Netflix) you’ll have access to Lightroom and Photoshop.
Taking a photograph and not editing is like making cake batter but not baking it! Still good but not quite good enough.
Keep Reading
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