Ever wondered what a full-time travel blogger, who has been running this blog for more than 10 years, has in his camera bag? Well, I’m here to spill all the beans and share all the camera gear that I have been relying on for the last year or so.
From a new camera body to three new lenses, including a lightweight tripod and more, here is what is in my camera bag in 2026:
Why Did I Choose This Setup for My Travel?
As I have mentioned many times before, one of the most important considerations for me when it comes to travel and carrying my camera gear is to keep it as lightweight as possible without sacrificing flexibility and capabilities.
I am a backpacker through and through, and I prefer to carry all the gear I need with me in my backpack every day. When you do that, every ounce you put in your backpack counts. I’m also not getting any younger and since I have been doing this for 10+ years, being lightweight is more important than ever before.
Despite all that, my camera gear continued to grow in size and weight as my work became more demanding as I continued to grow as a travel blogger. I began this career using a point-and-shoot camera, the Sony RX100, then I moved to an APS-C camera, the Sony a6500, then to a compact full-frame camera, the Sony a7C. Now, I have finally acquired a full-fledged full-frame camera, the Sony a7R V.
That is the reason why I went with my current setup. I used to carry 5 lenses when I was using the Sony a7C, but with the Sony a7R V, I had to trim down to three lenses. I came up with this setup to ultimately strike a perfect balance between keeping my backpack lightweight without sacrificing the ability to capture whatever the world throws at me.
I want to be able to produce high-quality content for all of you on this blog while also avoiding strain on my back in the process. I’ve found this setup to be the best of both worlds. Now that you know the reason behind my decision for this setup, let’s take a look at what’s in my bag!
My Camera Gear
A Camera Body
The Sony a7R V camera is now my main camera body. This camera is the most advanced, feature-rich, and probably the most expensive camera I have ever owned.
As some of you may know, I am a hybrid shooter, which means I often switch between shooting photos and videos all the time as I create travel content for this blog. The Sony a7R V does it all and does it exceptionally well on both the photo and video fronts.
The Sony a7R V features an exceptionally high-resolution sensor, capable of shooting at 61 megapixels. This enables me to crop my photos more easily without compromising quality. The camera also offers an APS-C mode, allowing me to crop the photo down to 24 megapixels while retaining sharpness. This eliminates the need for frequent lens changes and spares me from carrying unnecessary lenses, as I can achieve the desired framing through cropping. Such flexibility is only possible on a high-resolution camera like this.
The camera can also capture 4K 60p videos with minimal crop, and it even extends to the 8K territory if want. Plus, its AI-powered autofocus system, crucial for travel photography, makes it so much easier for me to track my subject without having to control it manually. Its incredible stabilization feature also enables me to shoot at a slower shutter speed handheld, while the 4-axis articulating screen is just great for shooting photos and videos from hip level which I often do to stay discrete.
After using it for a year, it is now my favorite camera to use, and just like all my other cameras, looks like I will be using it for many years to come. Hit the link below for more information on features, pricing, and more:
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An All-Around General Lens
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is my go-to all-purpose lens that I always carry with me when I travel. I used to use the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens (review) as my all-purpose lens, but to be honest, I didn’t enjoy hauling a 900-gram lens around that much. So, when Sony announced they were updating the lens to the second version with a more compact and lightweight form factor, I knew right away that it would be my next purchase.
With a focal range of 24-70mm, I find myself having this lens mounted on my camera most of the time, as it covers both the wide-angle range of 24mm, which is great for landscape photography, while the 70mm allows me to zoom in and blur out the background for portraits and product shots.
It also has a fast aperture at F2.8, which allows me to capture sharp shots even when the lighting is not ideal. With the new version, Sony has improved its optical performance as well, while reducing the size and weight of the lens to only around 690g instead of the 900g from its predecessor, making it one of the best travel lenses you can get.
The only downside of this lens is that it is expensive, retailing at almost $2,300 USD, and there are other cheaper options out there, although you won’t find anything lighter at the focal length and aperture.
If you are looking for a more affordable option for a general-purpose lens with a fast aperture, I highly recommend either getting the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 lens, which is even lighter than the GM lens, but sacrifices the 24mm wide focal range, or the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 G2 lens, another popular budget lens to consider.
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Ultra-wide Lens for Landscape & Architecture
The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lens is the newest addition to my arsenal. I replaced my Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 lens with this one, as I found 28mm to be too limiting, often requiring me to switch lenses. With the new Sony 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens, I can zoom to a more conventional focal length at 35mm, and if needed, I can crop further with my Sony a7R V.
The focal length of 16-35mm is extremely versatile, with 16mm being wide enough for landscape and architectural photography, something I often do when I travel. It is also exceptionally fast, with an aperture of F2.8, making it great for capturing stunning details even in low-light conditions. I can definitely see myself using this lens extensively for photographing churches and mosques around the world.
It is also extremely compact, with the lens extending only 4.5 inches (111.5 mm) when zooming out and weighing around 19.3 oz (547 g). Having this lens mounted on my camera while walking around is definitely more enjoyable than with any other lenses I have in my arsenal. It is one of my favorite travel lenses. For more information on the lens, click the link below.
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Telephoto Lens for Portrait and Wildlife
The Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II lens is another recent addition to my arsenal, replacing both my portrait lens, the Sigma 85mm F1.4, and my old telephoto lens, the Tamron 70-300mm F4.5-6.3. While both were great lenses that got the job done, I often found myself wanting more and why carry two lenses that weigh a total of 2.64 lbs (1,200 g) when I can carry just one that weighs only 2.30 lbs (1,045 g).
Thanks to the fast aperture of F2.8 on the Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II lens, I can now use my telephoto lens in places where it would not have been feasible with my old Tamron 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 lens, such as at a concert or an indoor event.
The lens is also compatible with Sony’s teleconverter allowing me to extend the zoom range beyond its limits which is something that other third-party lenses can not do. With the Sony FE 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, you can essentially extend the 200mm focal length to 340mm or 400mm respectively allowing me to adapt your telephoto lenses for wildlife without having to buy another lens.
It’s definitely one of the best purchases I’ve made in a while. It is not cheap, but if you can justify the price, you are going to love the Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II lens. For more information on pricing and availability, hit the link below.
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A Teleconverter
With the Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II lens, I can use the Sony FE 1.4x and 2x teleconverters to extend the 200mm focal length to 340mm or 400mm, respectively, whenever I need the extra range. This is particularly useful, for example, when going on a safari trip, without having to buy another lens.
While I do experience a slight loss in sharpness and speed with the teleconverter on, I don’t use it very often. However, it’s always nice to pack one in case the need arises. Personally, I have the 2x teleconverter, but I would recommend getting the 1.4x instead. I found the photos produced with the 2x to be too soft for my liking. Your mileage may vary, so you can give both a try, but for maximum sharpness, your best bet is to go with the Sony FE 1.4x.
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My Drone
The DJI Mini 2 is my go-to drone for aerial travel photography and filmmaking. I reluctantly got into aerial photography in late 2019 because I didn’t want to add more weight to my already heavy backpack. However, with the release of the DJI Mini, a drone that weighs only 249 grams, carrying a drone becomes much more appealing. Additionally, the photos and videos you get from these tiny drones are exceptional.
The DJI Mini 2 might be old considering and there might be newer options available like the DJI Mini 4 Pro, I still find the DJI Mini 2 to still be more than capable with its 4K video capability, reliable OccuSync transmission, and its automated features that make my life as a travel photographer so much easier.
With the Fly More Combo, the DJI Mini 2 comes with three spare batteries, which allows me to fly for around 1.5 hours in total. This is more than enough for a day of shooting. All in all, if you are a weight-obsessed traveler like I am and you are looking to get into aerial photography, considering its price-to-feature ratio, the DJI Mini 2 still reigns supreme in my opinion.
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My Secondary Camera
The DJI Pocket 3 is another new addition to my camera gear. I have always wanted to get a secondary camera for when I want to shoot timelapse videos that take a long time to complete and I do not want to have my main camera occupied during those times, say during a sunset, etc. The DJI Pocket 3 solves that for me, with its 1-inch sensor, which is bigger than most action cameras and phones, allowing me to shoot smooth footage even in low light.
The coolest thing about this camera is the fact that it comes with a mechanical gimbal, allowing me to keep my shots smooth as I walk and film. I can also use it to shoot hyperlapse, motion lapse, and many creative shots that wouldn’t have been easily achievable with other cameras. It is also very discreet, which makes me want to shoot even more. Not even the bigger cameras can perform all of these tasks without a cumbersome setup.
It is also excellent for vlogging, even though I don’t do it myself. If I ever decide to vlog, at least I have the path forward to grow in that direction with this caemra. For more information, click the link below:
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My Camera Accessories
Sirui Traveler 5CX Carbon Fiber Tripod is a lightweight tripod that weighs only around 1 kg (2.2 lb), including the tripod head. I was considering the Peak Design tripod, but I couldn’t bear its high price. Therefore, I chose Sirui, and I couldn’t be happier.
With the Sirui Traveler 5CX tripod, you are getting one of the lightest carbon fiber tripods with one of the most compact form factors out there. The tripod extends up to 136.5 cm (53.8″) and is only around 31 cm (12″) when collapsed, making it easy to store in and outside of your backpack.
Plus, the Sirui Traveler 5CX legs are also contoured for better handling and easier storage, which is something you won’t find in tripods that have a straight leg design. Best of all, it costs only 179 USD, which is considerably cheaper than other carbon fiber tripods out there.
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ND Filters
Nisi Swift ND Filter is my go-to choice for an ND filter. The filters from Nisi are the best at retaining natural colors, which is the main reason why I decided to choose it over other brands. With Nisi, all my photos come out looking natural without color casting, which eliminates the need for me to color-correct them in post-processing.
It also comes with a quick-switch capability, allowing me to add filters on top of one another without having to screw each one. It is also priced extremely well, with the Swift Kit costing around 400 USD. In the kit, you get the ND filter, ND16 4-Stop, Black Mist 1/4, and various adapters all in one package. For more information on availability, click the link below:
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A Camera Strap
Langly Tactical Camera Strap is a highly functional, minimal-looking camera strap by Langly that I never knew I needed until I got my hands on one. Langly makes some really stunning camera gear, and their camera straps are exceptional both in terms of the quality of the material and the comfortability of prolonged use.
The Langly Tactical Camera Strap is the most comfortable and reliable camera strap I have ever used. I often carry my camera everywhere I go when I travel, and I have never once found the Langly Tactical Camera Strap to be uncomfortable.
The smooth, wide nylon strap really helps distribute the weight of my pretty heavy camera kit (Sony a7R V and Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens) around my shoulder in a way that doesn’t weigh me down like other camera straps do.
If you are looking for a camera strap that is both functional and stylish, I highly recommend you check out the Langly Tactical Camera Strap. Langly also makes several other great-looking camera straps, so be sure to check them out as well with the link below: Langly Tactical Camera Strap.
What can I say, I am a sucker for good-looking camera gear and vintage-style hipster fashion, and Langly always delivers when it comes to the look department. If you are looking for a vintage-looking leather strap for your camera, get the Langly Premium Leather Camera Strap.
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Sony Shutter Remote
Sony Wireless Remote Commander is what I use to take photos of myself when I travel alone. I often have my camera mounted on a tripod and use this Bluetooth remote control to trigger the shutter from afar.
That way, I am able to get a photo of myself interacting with the element without having to ask someone to do it for me. The Sony Wireless Remote Commander is very small, lightweight, and cheap, making it a camera accessory to have in your backpack at all times if you are a solo traveler.
If you are looking for a way to take photos of yourself while you are alone, take a look at the Sony Wireless Remote Commander. It is well-built and more reliable than any other third-party Bluetooth remote controls out there.
It’s definitely more reliable than the JJC Remote Control that died on me after less than a year. If you are looking for a long-lasting product, you are better off investing more money in the Sony one instead, believe me.
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Extra Batteries and External Chargers
Nitecore USN4 Camera Battery Charger is an external battery charger I use to keep all my Sony a7R V batteries juiced up during my travels. This Nitecore charger allows me to charge 2 NP-FZ100 batteries simultaneously. When you pair this with a charger that supports Quick Charge 2.0 technology, you have yourself one of the fastest chargers you can get for your Sony camera batteries.
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I also bought one more Sony NP-FZ100 Battery as a spare battery, in case my main battery runs out during the day or I forget to charge the camera the day before. That doesn’t mean the battery life of the NP-FZ100 is bad, but it is always better to have a spare battery when you need one than not.
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Fast Charging Travel Adapter
The Baseus 70W Universal Travel Adapter is one of the best travel adapters you can get. Long gone are the days of carrying separate adapters for different electronics, whether it’s a laptop, phone, camera, or other USB-powered device.
It also delivers up to 70W of fast charging, so you can power everything from your phone to your laptop without carrying bulky chargers for each device. All you need is the adapter and the appropriate USB cable, which saves both space and weight in your bag.
If you carry a lot of electronics like I do and want a compact all-in-one solution that can keep everything charged while traveling, the Baseus 70W Travel Adapter is hard to beat.
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SD Card
Sony Tough SD Card is an SD card built for speed and durability and is the one that I prefer using with my Sony a7R V when I travel. The SD card comes with all the usual features you would expect from high-quality SD cards, such as UHS-II grade, Class 10, U3 compliant, with fast read and write speeds.
What makes this SD card so special is how it is built. The SD Card is clearly built to last. With its molded one-piece high-hardness material, you won’t accidentally bend these SD cards anytime soon.
They are also highly waterproof and dustproof, which is something that is lacking in other SD cards. If you are looking for a reliable SD card for your travels, this is the best one to get. When it comes to data storage, I always say it is better to be safe than sorry.
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SSD External Drive
Samsung T5 SSD 2 TB is what I use as an external hard drive when I am on the road. It is smaller than the regular disk drive, and it is fast enough for me to post-process my photos from it while I am traveling.
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Cleaning Kit
An air blower and a cleaning kit are essential to keep my camera sensor and lenses clean and ready for use. I often travel to unforgiving places, and sometimes dust and debris find their way onto my camera sensor. The only way to safely clean it is with a proper cleaning kit.
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Backpack and Organization Bag
Compagnon Element Backpack 30L is my current everyday camera backpack and the one I’ve been using for almost a year of long-term travel. After five years with the Langly Alpha Globetrotter, I was looking for something that could handle my full-frame camera setup while also being comfortable and versatile enough for the way I travel. The Element 30L has turned out to be a perfect fit.
The bag has a clean, understated design that I really like. It doesn’t scream “camera bag”, yet it still looks like a serious piece of outdoor gear. The build quality is excellent, and after taking it from China to Antarctica, South America, and Central America, it has held up incredibly well.
One of my favorite features is the side camera access. I can quickly grab my camera without completely taking the backpack off, while still having a usable side pocket on the same side. I often use one side pocket for my tripod or other gear while keeping the camera compartment accessible, which is something I haven’t been able to do with any other camera backpack I’ve owned.
The Element has plenty of room for my camera gear and everything else I need for a day out. My usual setup includes a Sony a7R V, 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II, 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II, teleconverter, tripod, water bottle, and various accessories. The customizable camera compartment gives me enough flexibility to organize everything around my particular setup.
It is also extremely comfortable to carry. The ventilated back panel, padded shoulder straps, sternum strap, and load lifters make a noticeable difference when the bag is fully loaded. I didn’t even use the removable hip belt during my trip because I never felt the need for it.
After almost a year of putting it through everything from chicken buses and airports to Antarctic snow and volcanic ash, I can confidently say that if you’re looking for a camera backpack that is beautifully designed, extremely durable, comfortable to carry, and versatile enough for both everyday travel and short adventures, you are going to Love the Compagnon Element 30L a go.
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Tech Pouch
A Tech Pouch is where I keep all my charging cables for my camera, smartphone, drone, and MacBook, safe and secure in one place. I also put most of the other camera accessories, like the Nitecore battery charger, SD card holder, and other GoPro accessories, that I may need.
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Other Essential Gear
Macbook Pro 14″ M1 Laptop (2020) is my work machine when I am on the road. The laptop has everything I need to work on the road, from the powerful specs that make editing photos and videos super smooth, to its lightweight design that allows me to take it wherever I want. Best of all, it has all the ports I need, such as an SD card reader and plenty of USB-C ports to connect with my other electronics. This is the ultimate powerhouse machine, and I look forward to using it for another 5 – 10 years before I upgrade.
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A Lightweight Water Bottle
Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is an awesome water bottle built for those of us who are looking for something that is well-insulated, lightweight, and durable. Basically, it is a water bottle that will keep my water warm or cold and won’t break when I accidentally drop it.
This Hydro Flask bottle comes in 3 sizes: 21 oz, 24 oz, and 31 oz, and 4 beautiful colors: clay, topaz, obsidian, and slate. I went with the 24 oz, which weighs only around 283 grams (10 oz), and I got it in this beautiful coffee color, clay, which goes really well with my Compagnon Backpack.
If you are looking to reduce plastic use and carry your own water bottle when you travel, the Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is the most durable, lightest, and prettiest water bottle you can get.
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A Power Bank
The UGREEN 25000mAh 145W 3-Port USB-C Power Bank is my power bank of choice. Its 25,000mAh capacity is more than enough to keep all my electronics charged for a few days, which is especially useful when I’m trekking in remote mountains where I may not have access to a power outlet for 2–3 days at a time.
It comes with multiple ports, including a Quick Charge-enabled USB port and a 145W Power Delivery USB-C port, allowing me to charge multiple devices at once. It can even deliver enough power to charge a MacBook Pro, making it much more versatile than a typical phone power bank.
Despite its large capacity, it’s still compact enough to carry comfortably in my backpack. I always keep it in the front pocket so I can quickly grab it whenever I need to charge my phone, camera, or other electronics while on the move.
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