When it comes to travel photography, having the right gear makes all the difference. Over the years I've fine-tuned my setup to be ready for anything — landscapes, portraits, aerials, action — while keeping things compact enough to actually travel with. Here's a look at what's in my bag for every trip.
The Full Kit — At a Glance
- Camera: Sony A7R IV
- Lenses: 24–70mm f/2.8 GM, 100–400mm GM, 85mm f/1.4 GM
- Drone: DJI Mini 3 Pro
- Action: GoPro Hero 11 Black
- Support: Peak Design Carbon Fiber Tripod + SmallRig Head
- Filters: ND8, ND1000, ND100K
- Bags: DB Backpack & Duffle with ICU
The Camera
Sony A7R IV
My main body. 61-megapixel sensor delivering incredible detail and dynamic range for both landscape and portrait work. Compact yet powerful — ideal for travel where weight and space matter.
The Glass
Sony 24–70mm f/2.8 GM
My go-to for versatility. Covers wide-angle to close-up, handles low light beautifully, and creates gorgeous background blur at f/2.8. If I could only bring one lens, this is it.
Sony 100–400mm GM
For distant subjects — wildlife, far-off landscapes, details you can't walk to. Sharp across the entire zoom range. Lets you get close without disturbing the scene.
Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM
Portraits and detail shots. The f/1.4 aperture creates stunningly shallow depth of field that makes subjects pop. Also fantastic for low-light photography.
Shot on the Sony A7R IV with the 24–70mm GM — the versatility of this combo is hard to beat.
Aerial & Action
DJI Mini 3 Pro
Lightweight, easy to fly, and packs a punch with its 4K camera. Perfect for aerial shots of landscapes, cityscapes, and unique angles impossible to get from the ground. Check out my drone tips post for how I use it.
GoPro Hero 11 Black
Waterproof, durable, and compact. Perfect for adventures — hiking, swimming, biking. The stabilisation and high frame rate options deliver smooth, dynamic footage no matter the conditions.
Support & Accessories
Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
Essential for long exposures, panos, and timelapses. Incredibly lightweight and compact, yet strong enough for the full setup. Quick to deploy and versatile height adjustments.
SmallRig Tripod Head
Compact and lightweight with smooth panning and tilting. Crucial for precise positioning, especially with longer lenses.
ND Filters — ND8, ND1000, ND100K
ND8 for subtle light control, ND1000 for long exposures in daylight (silky water, motion blur), and ND100K for extreme light reduction. Essential for creative control in bright conditions.
Multiple Batteries
Spares for the camera, drone, and GoPro. Running out of power is never an option when you're in the field all day.
The Bags That Carry It All
No travel setup is complete without reliable bags. I use DB bags for both my daily carry and longer trips.
DB Backpack with ICU
My daily carry. Quick access to camera and essential lenses on the move. The Internal Camera Unit keeps everything organised and protected without sacrificing the bag's sleek design.
DB Duffle with ICU
For longer trips or heavier kits. Spacious enough for the full setup, and the ICU keeps gear safely stowed even when packed to capacity. Weather-resistant and comfortable to carry.
Every piece of gear in my bag has been chosen for maximum versatility and quality while staying compact enough to actually travel with. It's not about having the most gear — it's about having the right gear.
Wrapping Up
Whether you're just starting out or refining your kit, the essentials are a reliable body, versatile glass, and a bag that protects it all. Everything else is built around what you shoot and where you shoot it.
Want to see what this gear produces? Browse my Landscapes, Aerial, and Travel & Adventure portfolios. And if you're looking for a photographer for your next project, let's talk.
