5 Photographers Share What They Bring for Photography Trips
We asked several jet-setting photographers from five different genres about their gear packing decisions, and here’s what we learned!
Whom we asked:
- Taiwan-based travel and architectural photographer Allen Lo (@allenlo0809), who makes it a point to go on a trip at least once a month, either domestically or overseas.
- Canon Singapore EOS Master and renowned bird photographer Daryl Yeo (@daryl_yeo), who goes on several wildlife photography trips a year.
- Canon Malaysia EOS Master and wedding and portrait photographer Johnson Wee (@johnsonweew), who travels to various places around the world for shoots nearly every month.
- Canon Singapore EOS Xplorer and fashion and street style photographer Leong Su Shan (@leongsushan), who shoots the world’s most prestigious fashion shows for fashion clients and magazines.
- Canon Singapore EOS Xplorer and expedition photographer Ryan Cheng (@ryancheng80), who has documented sights, scenery, and people on expeditions in places like Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia.
1. What are your photography essentials for travel?
Allen:
For domestic travel within Taiwan, the RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM on the EOS R6 covers about 70% of my shooting scenarios. I might crop some images to achieve a 50mm perspective where necessary. But when I go overseas, I bring the RF70-200mm f/4L IS USM to cover distant scenes, and the RF50mm f/1.8 STM to meet nighttime shooting needs.
“I think the RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM, RF50mm f/1.8 STM, and RF70-200mm f/4L IS USM achieve the perfect balance between coverage, size, and weight. They fit perfectly into my frequently used 10-litre sling bag.”
© Allen Lo
Allen snapped this photo with the EOS R6 and RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM outside the Chicago Theatre on Mexican Independence Day. “Many people were waving Mexican flags and honking their vehicles in celebration. Some even got out of their cars to dance in the streets!”
Daryl:
I usually bring at least the RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM and Extenders RF1.4x and 2x along with one or two full-frame bodies (EOS R5 Mark II or EOS R1). Most of my trips are for birding, so the 800mm’s reach is a necessity. For some trips like Kenya, where there are plenty of opportunities for landscape shots and environmental shots of animals in their habitat and I can photograph from a vehicle, I bring a full set of optics to cover 24mm to 800mm, and two camera bodies. I also bring TSA locks to secure my gear in case I must check them in.
Daryl usually carries his RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM either in the original Canon lens case that is bundled with the lens, or in his backpack.
“While my wife has handbags, I have camera bags. They range from backpacks to trolley bags, and my choice depends on the gear I decide to bring. I am always looking out for the lightest camera bag that fits the gear while ensuring protection.”
© Daryl Yeo
Giza Mrembo (“Beautiful darkness” in Swahili), a black leopard that Daryl photographed on a recent trip to Kenya. “She is usually more active at night, so spotting her in broad daylight was a lucky sight.” Shot on the EOS R5 Mark II and RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM.
Johnson:
I bring 2 full-frame camera bodies (EOS R5 Mark II and EOS R6 Mark II) and 3 or 4 RF lenses to cover the focal lengths required, which depends on the location. For pre-weddings portraits, I’d carry more zoom lenses; for actual day shoots, I will bring more prime lenses for more low light flexibility.
While I use 3-4 strobes or continuous lights for domestic shoots, for overseas shoots, I usually bring 2 flashes and 2 LED lights instead. When I have to bring my 500-watt strobe, I wrap it nicely in a towel and check it in together with my travel light stands.
The RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is one of Johnson’s most frequently used lenses for destination portraits. Recently, he has also been using the RF24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z and RF35mm f/1.4L VCM. The latter is his current go-to lens for personal trips, where he brings just 1 camera and 1 or 2 lenses.
© Johnson Wee
Johnson captured this pre-wedding shot on the EOS R5 Mark II and RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM at the famous Gellért Bath in Budapest, which happened to match the couple’s specially prepped outfits perfectly.
Ryan:
I aim to get the best possible images for my clients on their expeditions to hard-to-access places, so I bring two full-frame camera bodies, a set of RF f/2.8 zoom trinity lenses (RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM, RF24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM, and RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM), my PowerShot G7 X Mark II for personal pictures, and the RF50mm f/1.8 STM for more intimate portraits. I normally use the RF50mm f/1.2L USM for domestic events and pre-wedding shoots, but it stays home when I go on expeditions.
Besides his camera gear, Ryan’s 35-litre backpack includes a powerbank and as many as 4 to 5 spare batteries. These are crucial as each expedition involves trekking up 12km a day for 6 days and 5 nights with little to no access to power sockets. Other must-haves include a lens cloth, multi-tool, camera rain cover, portable tripod, a snack, an insulated reusable water bottle, and a first aid kit.
Ryan also carries a smaller 10-litre bag around his waist. It keeps necessities accessible and also functions as a lens-changing bag.
© Ryan Cheng
The mountains of Bhutan, shot by Ryan from over 4000m above sea level on the EOS R5 Mark II and RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM.
Su Shan:
Shooting at international fashion week is intense, and sometimes involves over 8 hours of standing, navigating crowds, and moving all around the city. For street style shoots and smaller fashion weeks where I don’t need much gear, I’ll just bring the RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM and EOS R6 Mark II. For the more demanding shows in bigger fashion capitals, where I have to do backstage shots as well, I also pack the RF24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM and Speedlite 470EX-AI.
For street style shoots, Su Shan carries her camera and lens in hand. Her leather tote bag holds her essentials, a 300ml water bottle, and a snack for sustenance while on the go. “Practical reasons aside, at fashion events, everyone’s dressed stylishly, and walking around with a big camera backpack just doesn’t match the vibe!”
© Leong Su Shan
Su Shan’s shot of Uruguayan actor Enzo Vogrincic at the LOEWE Fall/Winter 2024 Menswear show in Paris went viral. The RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM provides a comfortable focal range for street-style shots like this, where photographers have to jostle with other photographers and the crowd to get the shot they want.
Pro tip: Bring spare memory cards
Memory cards can fail or go missing when least expected. It might not be so convenient to purchase a new one when you are overseas especially if you’re miles from civilisation, so having a spare or two on hand saves time and anxiety!
Know this: f/2.8 zoom lenses
Nearly all the photographers we interviewed bring at least one f/2.8 professional zoom trinity lens. This set of lenses (pictured above) traditionally consists of the RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM, RF24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM, and RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, which together offer top-notch optical quality, reliability, and flexibility in low light over a versatile focal range.
Other lenses to consider:
- f/4L zoom trinity
- RF16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM
- RF28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM
Also see:
2 Ultimate Lenses to Elevate Your Travel Photography
2. Travel packing considerations and philosophies?
Allen: Covering sufficient focal range
I try to cover as large a focal range as possible so I don’t miss any shooting opportunities, especially when I’m travelling abroad! The most important part of traveling is to have fun and capture beautiful moments.
Daryl: Transport, hiking conditions, and airline weight restrictions
I consider: Are mammals and landscape photography possible on the trip? Where will I be photographing from: a vehicle, boat, or on foot? What is the hiking distance and terrain? What are the weight restrictions on carry-on luggage for domestic flights?
Once, when I travelled to Katmai National Park in Alaska, the plane was so small that my EF300mm f/2.8L USM lens couldn’t fit in the cabin! I had to check it in at the gate. Since then, I always check carry-on restrictions. I wouldn’t want to check in my telephoto lenses if I can help it!
Johnson: Carry-on weight
I’ll pack only what I need, especially when it involves budget airlines that are very strict about the weight of your carry-on and check-in luggage. Gear is expensive, so you want to reduce the risk of things getting lost or damaged in transit.
Ryan: Power supply
Deciding what gear to bring isn’t tough: through my experience shooting expeditions, I have a pretty clear idea of what I need. But my power supply is crucial, so I ensure that my power bank, spare batteries, and any other devices with lithium batteries are all in my carry-on luggage. They are not allowed in check-in luggage for safety reasons.
Su Shan: Weight and being prepared
As far as possible, I plan beforehand and bring only what’s necessary. As a smaller person, it can be difficult to handle heavy carry-ons especially when carrying a laptop and managing transit flights.
I always make sure I check all my equipment before I pack it. I bring extra batteries, chargers, and SD cards, and I clean all my lenses and hoods before heading out. That way, I’ll be well-prepared for the tightly packed schedule that awaits me when I reach!
For bigger fashion weeks when she has to carry more gear with her, Su Shan puts them in a hard case, which she then locks and checks in. She feels the case provides better protection for her gear. It also looks more professional.
“I often feel anxious when checking in my camera bag,” she admits, noting that it attracts unwanted attention. It has been opened by baggage screeners—one clue was a missing TSA lock. “I’m still on the lookout for a lighter and more efficient way to travel with all my equipment.”
Remember:
- Lithium-ion batteries cannot be checked in
Make sure your power banks and spare batteries are in your carry-on. Double-check regulations: in addition to carry-on limits, some airlines don't allow power banks in the overhead bin.
- Pack your gear securely
You don't want your gear banging together as you transport them! Limit how much they move: that's what the padded dividers in camera bags are for. For extra reassurance, you can also wrap your gear (individually!) in a sweater, towel, or even bubble wrap.
Know this: Different strokes for different folks
For fashion photographer Leong Su Shan, minimal gear not only helps her blend in with the stylish people at fashion capitals, it also is more practical due to the hours she spends on her feet navigating crowds.
Meanwhile, the demands of expedition photography mean Ryan Cheng carries more equipment with him. He trains hard at the gym to ensure he can manage the gear load while keeping up with the rest of the expedition team.
3. What other advice do you have for fellow travelling photographers?
Allen: I recommend the RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM for photographers taking their full-frame camera abroad for the first time. With its coverage, you can focus on enjoying the journey and capturing the moment! With more travel experience, you’ll get a better idea of your shooting style and what lenses suit it.
Daryl: If it’s tough to decide what gear to bring, start with the end in mind: What images and subjects do you hope to photograph? Do a mental walkthrough of your transport and flight logistics. It’s a balance between what you want to bring versus what you can.
Johnson: Always be super nice and polite to the check-in counter and airline ground staff. You’d be surprised at how helpful that can be!
Ryan: Carrying too much will slow you down. Do research and make sure you bring what you really need.
Su Shan: Always keep your equipment within sight and close to you, as theft can happen at any moment. I've heard countless horror stories from friends whose gear was stolen, whether in a cab, trains, or even while they were taking a selfie!
Other pro tips for travel
- Get to the airport early; avoid tight connections
Leave ample time in case you run into unexpected issues at check-in or while going through airport security.
- Plan to board early
Boarding early means more space for carry-on bags in the overhead cabin.
- Take advantage of frequent flyer perks
If you fly often, try to use the same airline so you can get on their frequent flyer programme. It’s not just about accumulating miles: benefits like priority boarding or even extra luggage allowance can be very useful when carrying lots of gear!
- Make use of AirTags (or similar devices if you’re an Android user)
They could help you recover gear that gets lost or stolen. Of course, prevention is better than cure!
More travel photography gear tips and ideas in:
Expand Your Travel Vision with Wide-angle Zoom Lenses
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A photographer with a passion for reflections and symmetrical architectural structures, Allen hopes to share the beauty of Taiwan with the rest of the world with his architectural portraits.
Instagram: @allenlo0809
Coming from a photography family, Johnson Wee is Asia’s most awarded wedding photographer. His multiple accolades include Double Master of WPPI, Fellow of the MPA, UK, and Fellow of the BIPP, UK.
Besides travelling to the most fascinating locations in the corners of the globe to capture beautiful pre-wedding assignments for his clients, Johnson is also a veteran educator who is frequently invited by various photography organizations such as WPPI, MPA, SWPP, PWS for workshops, speaking assignments, and also to judge their annual competitions.
A Canon and Profoto Ambassador for his home country, Malaysia, Johnson is also the first-ever Asian director on the BIPP (British Institute for Professional Photographers)'s Board of Directors.
Website: https://www.johnsonwee.com/
Instagram: @johnsonweew
When he’s not photographing weddings, events, or travel documentaries, award-winning full-time photographer Ryan Cheng enjoys capturing moments and scenery all around the world, wherever he is. He was Canon Singapore’s EOS World Community Ambassador before being appointed EOS Xplorer in 2023.
Instagram: @ryancheng80
Intrigued by animals and their behaviour since he was young, Daryl naturally became hooked on wildlife photography. With his pictures, he hopes to convey stories of animal behaviour and the ecosystem they live in. He has won several awards in international photography competitions, and was awarded Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society (ARPS) from the UK in 2014. He is also a judge in international photography salons, as well as the President of Nature Photographic Society of Singapore (NPSS).
A prominent fashion and street style photographer, Su Shan has garnered widespread acclaim for her vivid and compelling fashion photography that is driven by her profound fascination with urban life and commitment to conveying her subjects and their stories with emotional depth and authenticity. She made history as the first Singaporean photographer to actively contribute to Vogue magazine with her photographs of street style fashion during international fashion weeks.
Website: https://www.leongsushan.com/
Instagram: @leongsushan
