The Best Travel Photography Gear I Use in 2026

I’ve been working as a professional travel photographer for the past 8 years. During this time, I’ve shot for national tourism boards and world-leading photography brands like Manfrotto and LowePro.

But, it’s been a long road to get to where I am today. I’ve been traveling and taking photos as a hobby since 2015, funding my way around the world by working online jobs, while obsessively sharpening my skills through constant practice on the road.

While practice is more important than gear, choosing the right camera kit is undeniably the most important first step for beginners.

So, to help you kickstart your journey, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to choosing the best travel photography gear. Whether it’s your dream to become a pro travel photographer, or perhaps you just want to find a good camera for your next vacation, this guide will cover all budgets and photography styles.

Video: My Current Travel Photography Setup

Below is a quick video showing my current photography gear setup that I carry around the world. This is a good showcase of some of the good features of my current favorite camera backpack for hiking & travel: the Atlas Adventure.

What's New for Travel Camera Gear in 2026?

I update this guide every year to make sure you're getting the most accurate, no-fluff recommendations to help you pick the right gear for your travels, not just what’s trending on TikTok.

Let’s get one thing straight: the fundamentals haven’t changed. If you’re here looking for the “best camera” and your plan is to post shaky phone videos with pastel presets, you might be on the wrong page (no offense, influencer crowd, you’re doing great).

But if you're a traveler who actually wants to capture real moments, shoot epic destinations properly, and maybe even build a portfolio or get brand work, this gear list is for you.

What's New in My 2026 Gear Recommendations:

• GoPro Hero 13 Black replaces the Hero 11. Better image sensor, upgraded stabilization, and GP-Log video make this a no-brainer for action shots.
• Sony RX100 VII replaces the Panasonic Lumix TZ220. Yeah it's old but still no true successor. I still think it’s the best compact alternative available in 2026 with excellent image quality and zoom in a pocketable size.
• Sony ZV-E10 II replaces the original ZV-E10. Same compact size, now with improved autofocus, better heat handling, and sharper 4K video for hybrid shooters.
• Canon R5 II replaces the original R5. Updated autofocus and improved battery life make this the best pro-grade mirrorless I've used, especially for travel work.
• DJI Mini 5 Pro replaces the Mini 4 Pro, and it finally brings a 1-inch sensor into the sub-250 g class. A marginal step up in the air, but the upgrade cost is small enough that I’d buy the newer one.
• Insta360 X6 replaces the X5, with a bigger sensor and 8K at 50 fps. Same story: marginal, but worth it if you’re buying new. Purely for social content, the X4 still does the job.

How to Choose the Best Camera Gear for Travel

You don’t need a bag full of gear to take great photos. For some, a GoPro or Insta360 is all you’ll ever need. But if you’re serious about capturing quality travel photos and videos whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, it helps to build a proper kit around your camera.

Your camera is the foundation. Every lens, drone, or accessory you add needs to match the system you choose. And with the explosion of compact mirrorless and MFT cameras, the options are endless and often overwhelming.

That’s why I’ve narrowed it down to what actually works. Below you’ll find the complete travel photography kit I use daily, along with updated recommendations for 2026. It covers every category:

• Camera
• Lenses
• Drone
• Action/360 Camera
• Essential Accessories
• (Optional) Tripod

1. The Best Cameras for Travel

Best beginner camera: Sony ZV-E10 II

What I use: Canon R5

Camera	Type	Price
GoPro Hero 13 Black	Action	$
Sony RX100 VII	Compact	$$
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV	Micro Four Thirds	$$
Sony ZV-E10 II	Mirrorless (APS-C)	$$
Sony A7IV	Mirrorless (Full Frame)	$$$
Canon R5 II	Mirrorless (Full Frame)	$$$$

GoPro Hero 13 Black

Years ago, there's no way I would’ve recommended an action camera as a serious tool for travel photography. But these days? They’re pretty darn good. I’m still not a huge fan of the "action cam look", that super-wide, slightly distorted view doesn’t suit every scene.

But for travel video, it’s hard to beat what these things can do in such a tiny body.

The GoPro Hero 13 Black is still the current flagship, which catches people out. GoPro skipped the Hero 14 in 2025 entirely and put the year into the Max 2 and the budget LIT Hero instead. A Hero 14 running their new GP3 processor is confirmed for 2026, so if you’re not in a hurry, it’s worth waiting to see it. If you need something now, the Hero 13 is still the best tool for capturing fast-paced, hands-free content on the move. While it’s marketed mainly at the action-sports crowd, GoPros have become an essential part of many travel photography kits thanks to their rugged design, ultra-wide lens, and reliable video quality.

The Hero 13 continues to improve on both image quality and video performance, now offering better low-light capabilities, 5.3K video at 60p, 4K at 120p, and GoPro’s excellent Hypersmooth 6.0 stabilization. It even has GP-Log and 10-bit color, which gives you more flexibility in post if you’re editing.

Even for stills, GoPros can surprise you. You won’t get pro-grade depth of field or full dynamic range, but if you shoot in good light, frame your scene properly, and use the SuperPhoto mode or RAW, the results can actually be impressive, especially for something you can clip to your chest or helmet.

Best for: Travelers who want an easy, rugged camera for action and video. Great for hiking, diving, and rough conditions. Not a main camera, but perfect for capturing scenes your big setup can’t.

Sony RX100 VII

The Sony RX100 VII is still the king of premium compact travel cameras, even six years after release. Despite its age, nothing has really dethroned it when it comes to packing serious performance into a pocket-sized body. It’s got a 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor, a sharp 24–200mm equivalent zoom lens, and Sony’s reliable real-time autofocus tracking, all in a camera that weighs under 300g.

This is the kind of camera you can throw in your pocket for a city walk, use for sneaky street shots, or pull out for a quick landscape without fiddling with lenses. It’s also one of the best “stealth” cameras out there for travel, especially if you’re somewhere you don’t want to draw attention with a full mirrorless setup.

It shoots great stills and solid 4K video, though low light is its biggest limitation. You also won’t get that depth-of-field look that larger sensors provide. Still, for many travelers, this might be the only camera they need.

Best for: Travelers who want a compact, all-in-one camera without compromising too much on quality. Perfect if you don’t want to carry lenses or just need a reliable backup to your main kit. Still one of the best point-and-shoot options for travel photography in 2026.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a 20-megapixel micro four-thirds camera with 5-axis in-built image stabilization and includes a great range of high-quality compact lenses.

This is the entry-level camera in Olympus' micro four-thirds range of compact DSLR-style cameras. However, I believe that it's the best option in this price range with all the features you'll want in a low-budget interchangeable lens camera for travel.

Best for: Olympus is a great entry-level camera for travel photography serving as a perfect platform to learn and grow as a photographer.

Sony ZV-E10 II

The Sony ZV-E10 II is the long-awaited successor to the original ZV-E10, and it’s now my most recommended camera for beginner travel photographers. Sony kept everything that made the first version great, and improved it where it counts: better autofocus, sharper 4K video, updated color science, and improved heat management.

It’s a compact mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, making it a great entry point into “real” photography while still being super capable for video. The flip screen, headphone and mic jacks, and USB-C charging all make this a great hybrid shooter.

What really sets it apart is that you can grow into it. Pair it with the kit lens to start, then slowly add a wide-angle or telephoto when you're ready. It’s budget-friendly, flexible, and actually fun to use.

Best for: Beginner travel photographers or creators who want to level up from a smartphone without diving into pro gear. The ZV-E10 II is compact, affordable, and futureproof enough to grow with you.

The main downfall for me is that due to the small size, it is a little more difficult to use the buttons and controls than compared to some of the larger, pro models below.

Sony Alpha A7IV

These last two camera bodies see us step up into the pro-level travel photography gear. The Sony A7IV is a big step up from the super popular A7III, which I used to recommend in this constantly updated article for several years.

This updated model is easily one of the best-performing full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market and more than capable as an excellent full-frame camera for travel.

Best for: The Sony A7IV came in very close to taking the top spot for the best camera for travel photography. While it's a little pricey, Sony certainly offers great value for money through excellent performance and great features that make it the perfect camera for pros or those really serious about travel photography.

One update since I last revised this guide: Sony announced the a7 V in December 2025 at US$2,899 body only. It’s a real generational jump rather than a spec bump. You get a partially stacked sensor reading out about 4.5 times faster, 30 fps bursts instead of 10, and image stabilization up from 5.5 to 7.5 stops.

The A7IV is still an excellent camera and used prices have come down accordingly. But if you’re buying new at this level in 2026, the a7 V is the one.

Canon EOS R5 II

I used the original Canon R5 for over five years, and honestly, most of the photos on this website were taken with that camera. It’s been an absolute workhorse, reliable, fast, and with image quality that still holds up today. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the R5 was, in my opinion, the best camera ever made… until the R5 II came out.

Canon’s new R5 II brings a few nice upgrades: better autofocus (especially subject recognition and tracking), improved heat handling for video, slightly better battery life, and a higher-res EVF. The sensor remains 45MP, but with improved dynamic range and readout speeds. There's also a new multi-function hot shoe and updated image processor.

But here’s the truth, the improvements are mostly incremental. Aside from the better video performance and autofocus tracking, there’s not a huge leap from the original R5. That’s why I’m still shooting the original. For the work I actually do, I don’t need the updated autofocus. It would be nice, but I haven’t found a reason that justifies the switch. If I were buying a new professional body tomorrow though, I’d get the R5 II. Why wouldn’t you?

That said, if you're buying new in 2026, there's no question, get the R5 II. It refines what was already a near-perfect camera and sets the bar again for high-end travel photography and hybrid shooting.

Best for: Pro-level travel photographers and hybrid shooters who want top-tier stills and video in one body. If you're buying fresh in 2026, the R5 II is one of the best all-around cameras ever made, just know it's overkill unless you’re using it to its full potential.

2. Best Lenses for Travel Photography

The next step in choosing your travel photography gear list is a lens or two to match your camera of choice. The truth is, there are way too many options to list and review for every camera body out there.

However, for travel photography especially, it's best to go for zoom lenses over primes. This will give you a more flexible focal range without doubling up or needing a whole bag of lenses for different shoot types.

To achieve good coverage of lenses for all shoots, consider purchasing:

• A good walk-around lens - a versatile lens for portraits, shots of people, landscapes, food, buildings, landscapes, etc.
• A wide-angle lens or ultra-wide - for landscapes, astrophotography, and architecture
• A telephoto lens - for wildlife and unique perspectives in landscapes (think blown up mountain backdrops)

A Walk-Around Lens (Kit Lens)

A walk-around or general kit lens is a versatile lens that photographers use for a wide range of subjects and shoots. The focal range will depend on the sensor size of your camera but usually covers the fairly wide to near telephoto focal range.

This is typically the type of lens that travel photographers use most. However, this varies depending on the style of photography you like. For example, I tend to shoot a lot more landscapes so I actually end up using my wide-angle lens more often.

Best option for the Sony ZV-E10 II: Sony 16-70mm f/4

What I use: Canon RF 24-105 f4L USM IS for the Canon R5 II (cheaper and lighter than the better 24-70mm f2.8L)

Camera	Lens	Buy
Sony RX100 VII	N/A	N/A
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV	Olympus 12-45mm f/4	Amazon
Sony ZV-E10	Sony 16-70mm f/4	Amazon
Sony A7IV	Sony FE 24-105mm F4	Amazon
Canon R5	Canon RF 24-70mm f2.8L	Amazon

Wide Angle Lens

For my style of travel photography, a wide or ultra-wide lens is the most fun and captivating focal range to use. Wides and ultra-wides fit an entire scene into the frame, which is great for landscape vistas, action shots, night photography, and busy streets.

Below I've listed the best wide-angle lenses for travel photography for each camera. Note that again, all but one are zoom lenses, allowing them to be more versatile. The Rokinon for the Olympus is a prime, but a great one that shouldn't be passed up if this is the camera you go for.

Best option for the Sony ZV-E10: Sony 10-18mm f/4

What I use: Canon RF 15-35mm f2.8L IS USM

Camera	Lens	Buy
Sony RX100 VII	N/A	N/A
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV	Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 NCS CS	Amazon
Sony ZV-E10 II	Sony 10-18mm f/4	Amazon
Sony A7IV	Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM	Amazon
Canon R5	Canon RF 15-35mm f2.8L IS USM	Amazon

Optional: A Telephoto Lens

Telephotos aren't a necessary lens focal length for many travel photographers. Due to their large size and limited use cases, many seem to pass them up to save room in their travel photography gear bags.

However, I've recently started shooting with a super-telephoto by Canon and I absolutely love the unique shots that I'm able to get with it. For landscapes, you can get incredible blown-up backgrounds of mountains, city skylines, or even the moon or setting sun. I also love using a telephoto for wildlife photography, allowing beautiful, up-close photos without needing to get too close to the subject.

Best option for the Sony ZV-E10 II: Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS

What I use: Canon RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1L IS USM

Camera	Lens	Buy
Sony RX100 VII	N/A	N/A
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV	Olympus 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3	Amazon
Sony ZV-E10 II	Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6	Amazon
Sony A7IV	Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6	Amazon
Canon R5	Canon RF 100-500mm f4.507.1L	Amazon

3. Best Drone For Aerial Travel Photography

Drones have absolutely changed the game! I consider them one of the most useful bits of travel camera gear in my kit. More often than not, my favorite shot from a particular shoot will end up being captured from my drone. The unique perspectives are just too good to pass up.

Below are the current best drones for travel photography.

	Weight	Camera	Price
DJI Mavic 4 Pro	958 g	Wide-Angle: 4/3" CMOS, 100MP Medium Telephoto: 1/1.3" CMOS, 48MP Telephoto: 1/1.5" CMOS, 50MP	$$$$$
DJI Air 3S	724 g	Wide-Angle: 1" CMOS, 50MP Medium Tele: 1/1.3" CMOS, 48MP	$$$
DJI Mini 5 Pro	252 g	1" CMOS, 50MP	$$

Please note: The Mini 5 Pro flies for up to 36 minutes on the standard battery. The Intelligent Flight Battery Plus takes that to 52 minutes, but it also pushes the drone past the 250 g mark. If you’re flying somewhere those sub-250 g rules matter, that extra battery is a trade-off rather than a free upgrade.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro

I flew the Mavic 3 for years and it never let me down. I’ve since moved across to the Mavic 4 Pro, and the thing that finally got me over the line wasn’t the headline sensor. It was the second telephoto.

The main 4/3" Hasselblad sensor is back, but now there’s a sharper medium tele sitting alongside the long telephoto. The 70mm equivalent has changed how I shoot mountains. I can compress peaks or pull a single ridgeline out from a long way off, which I could never do properly with the Mavic 3.

If you’re buying new, and want pro-level drone shots with real versatility, this is the one to get.

Related:

3 Types of Filters You Need for Your DJI Drone

DJI Air 3S

The DJI Air 3S is one of the best all-round travel drones out right now, especially for adventure photographers who want pro-level quality without hauling a flying tank. It’s a solid upgrade from the Air 3, with a new 1" main sensor for sharper stills and better low-light performance, plus a refined dual-lens setup that includes a versatile medium telephoto.

I personally know quite a few high-level travel photographers who shoot with this drone full-time, especially those working in adventure travel. It’s light, fast to deploy, and delivers stunning images that easily hold up for commercial use. If you want something more capable than a Mini but not as bulky as a Mavic 4 Pro, this is the sweet spot.

DJI Mini 5 Pro

For amateur or enthusiast photographers looking to get into aerial photography on their travels, the DJI Mini 5 Pro is the drone I’d point you to. DJI finally squeezed a 1-inch sensor into the sub-250 g class, which is the part that actually matters. On calibrated scales it lands around 252 g (8.9 oz), so check how your local rules are worded rather than assuming it slips under the line.

Additionally, it folds down to the size of a Coke can, which is perfect for travel.

The camera is the real story. You get 50 MP stills, 4K HDR at 60 fps, and 4K/120 for slow motion, plus a gimbal that rotates 225 degrees, so vertical footage is actually vertical rather than a landscape frame cropped to death.

I’ve flown it, and I’ll be honest. Coming from the Mini 4 Pro it’s a marginal step up rather than a revolution. It’s still an awesome little drone, and the cost to upgrade isn’t much compared to the older models, so you may as well get the latest. The exception is if you can find a genuinely good deal on a Mini 4 Pro.

4. Choosing an Action/360 Camera For Travel

Another great piece of camera gear for travel is an action camera. For some, you could easily skip this. For others, you might choose to replace your entire kit with a single, tiny, high-performing camera.

Personally, I'm a big fan of action cameras like GoPros. Similarly to drones, they've changed the game in travel and adventure photography. They allow photographers to get insane perspectives and capture quite good images and video with a camera that fits in your pocket.

Recently, the industry is changing once again. With the introduction of high-quality 360 cameras, many like myself will end up replacing their traditional GoPros with 360 cameras since they do it all, with the ability to create awesome, 360 images and video.

Below I'll include the best action cameras for travel for you to consider.

GoPro Hero 13

The GoPro Hero range is the most-sold camera in history. And, the Hero 13 is the best yet. I already gave you a run down of these above, so I won't repeat myself here.

Insta360 X6

A few years back I traded in my GoPro for the Insta360 X3. There’s a new one on the block again. The Insta360 X6 landed in August 2026 and it’s still one of the most fun bits of kit I’ve used in years.

The X6 runs a 1/1.1" square sensor about a third larger than the X5’s, and pushes 8K 360 video to 50 fps instead of 30. You also get 120 MP 360 stills, 10-bit I-Log for grading, and around 140 minutes of battery. It’s US$700.

I’ve tested it, and like the drone it’s a marginal step up rather than a leap. Worth getting if you’re buying new, since the price gap to the older models is small. But if you just want a 360 camera for social content, the X4 is still more than adequate and you’ll save a decent chunk.

The newer X5 features 8K 360° video, better stabilization, improved low-light performance, and longer battery life.

What makes it great for travel photography is how easy it is to get dynamic, immersive shots without needing to worry about framing. You just hit record and decide on the angle later in post. It’s compact, waterproof (but I've broken one in shallow water, best get the dive case), and versatile enough to mount anywhere.

I've even used this tiny camera to make professional 360-room tours for hotels!

5. The Best Camera Accessories for Travel Photography

By now, you'll probably have quite the shopping list or Amazon cart. But I'm sorry to break it to you, it doesn't end there. When it comes to crafting a perfect travel camera gear list, you can't go past some of these accessories.

Again, as I mentioned at the start of this article, the goal is always to keep things as minimalist as possible. There are loads of nifty accessories on the market but the hardest part for travelers is sifting through what you actually need.

For example, as a start, you'll want to find a suitable SD card for photography. Additionally, if you're also looking to create travel videos, with your camera equipment, you'll want to consider getting a good shotgun microphone and even a gimbal.

But, if you stick to taking photos, your kit will be lighter.

Below I've listed travel camera gear essentials that I couldn't live or work without.

Lens Filters

Lens filters are arguably the most-used photography accessory. Usually, these screw onto the front element of the lens so you'll need to buy filters to fit your lenses. Below are the most commonly used filter types and why you should use them for travel photography.

• UV filters: UV filters reduce UV light rays slightly but are better used to protect your lenses. They are fairly cheap so if you drop or scratch your camera, you can just replace a filter rather than your expensive lens.

Find UV-filters for your lens on Amazon

• ND filters: Neutral Density filters reduce the amount of light hitting the sensor. The good ones achieve this without affecting the image. This is useful for videographers to maintain the desired shutter speed for their frame rate and for landscape travel photographers taking long-exposure photos.

Find ND-filters for your lens on Amazon

• CPL filters: Circular Polarizing filters reduce glare and increase saturation. If you've ever worn polarized sunglasses, you already know what I'm talking about. I often use CPL filters when shooting over water or if I want to make lush forest greens pop.

Find CP-filters for your lens on Amazon

Peak Design Camera Clip

A camera clip is my personal favorite travel camera accessory. These clips are made by Peak Design and allow you to easily clip your camera on and off your backpack or belt. It takes the weight off your neck on long hikes and outdoor shoots and I honestly couldn’t live without it.

Camera Backpack

Of course, you're going to need a camera backpack to store all of your gear.

Recommending the best camera backpack for travel is a difficult task as there are just so many variables to consider. Generally, backpacks are better for travel than sling bags or big pelican cases. That's because they’re easy to transport, more comfortable and more secure, and discrete for traveling.

Below are my recommendations for camera backpacks based on what I've used and reviews from photographers.

F-Stop Tilopa 50L Duradiamond

F-stop makes some of the best outdoor camera backpacks in the world. They're tailored for outdoor conditions and are comfortable for long hikes.

The Tilopa has great features with loads of pockets and a huge back-access pocket for all of your gear. The great thing about F-stop backpacks is their modular ICU systems. This means you can change up your backpack depending on whether you need lots of camera gear or more space for clothes and other things.

I was a dedicated user of the F-Stop Tilopa for quite some time before making the switch to the Atlas Pack. Don't get me wrong, the Tilopa served me well and is a solid choice. However, the Atlas Pack edged it out with some additional perks that I couldn't resist, like the innovative origami insert system, adjustable hip belts, and customizable sizing.

WANDRD PRVKE

The PRVKE by WANDRD is a very popular backpack for travel photographers with excellent features if you don't need a dedicated "hiking" or "trekking" pack. What's great about this bag is that it doesn't look like a camera backpack, but still has the accessibility of one.

The PRVKE comes in three sizes; 21L, 31L, and 41L. I've personally tried one on and consider it pretty darn comfortable. However, it's not designed to be a backpack that you take on multi-day hikes in the backcountry.

That said, if you usually shoot street or city travel photography, this backpack offers more than enough features and comfort.