Admina September 22, 2022

Tips

When packing your camera equipment, unless you have a dedicated lockable case such as a Seahorse protective case, don’t pack your gear into your checked in luggage – I’ve seen lots of equipment damaged.  

Please, always disassemble everything; don’t leave a lens attached to your camera, even in your carry-on bag.  

Don’t overpack – you might think you need every single bit of gear you own, but you’ll hate lugging it all around. Pack two versatile lenses instead of six primes. Basically, take as little as you need to get the job done.

Equipment  

Of course, apart from your camera and lots of SD cards, this list is what I recommend.  You can although get away with less.

Lenses

  • 18-55mm
  • 55-250mm or 55-300mm
  • Rain cover for your lenses – these are invaluable and can be reused

Lightweight tripod

  • I recommend a multi-purpose tripod which has a leg which detracts to use as a monopod, or tripod which also has a pan head 

Filters

  • Neutral Density (ND) ND2-400 variable fader or Circular Polarising (CPL) to fit the lenses you are bringing.

Camera Backpack

  • A backpack is an easier way to carry all your equipment than an over the shoulder camera bag

Camera Batteries

  • Some days you’ll likely be out all day and don’t have the opportunity to recharge camera batteries so bring enough camera batteries with you; two is an absolute minimum, three is recommended, but it also depends on how quickly your camera drains the batteries
  • Don’t forget to pack your battery charging pack to charge your batteries at night

Small Tarpaulin 

  • You may be laying down on the ground taking some photos or want some place clean to place your backpack, I suggest you buy from Bunnings a small tarpaulin (1.2m x 1.8m) – normally $1.48 

Torch or headlamp

  • For those early morning and late evening photography outings, a headlamp or small handheld LED type torch is required plus don’t forget to pack additional batteries 

Camera & Lens Cleaning Equipment

  • Pack travel lens and camera cleaning equipment in your backpack 

Laptop or iPad/tablet

  • Your laptop with Lightroom (and Photoshop) preinstalled and registered this requires a paid subscription. If you’re new to photography, I suggest you use the free versions for iPad or tablet instead.
  • Or tablet with Lightroom & Photoshop Mobile installed – these are free to download snd use, but -lesse download and register prior. Please make sure your device has enough capacity to process your images.

Clothing & Other Equipment  

This is my suggestion of what else to pack, regardless of season:

  • Beanie, neck warmer and fingerless gloves for early morning and evening photography 
  • Lightweight wind and rain proof GORE-TEX (style) seam sealed jacket  
  • Puffer vest – you never know when you just need a little light wind block
  • Lip balm, sticking plasters & sunblock
  • Lightweight thermal long sleeve top and leggings 
  • Hand warmers – these last for 10 hours and slip inside the Kathmandu fingerless gloves
  • Small travel size deodorant for your backpack so you can freshen during the day  
  • Comfortable and sturdy and worn in shoes for walking through water, climbing over rocks and walking on trails.  Ecco are my go-to waterproof shoes which I live in and have never given me blisters, also available for men.