The Ultimate Minimalist Travel Photography Gear Guide
Never miss a shot, with the least amount of gear possible.
Intro
Packing light while still bringing the right gear for high-quality photography is a constant challenge. As a travel photographer, I need a setup that’s compact, versatile, and reliable without being a burden to carry around all day.
For my upcoming trip to Portugal, I’ve refined my minimalist kit to include only the essentials: a drone for aerial shots, a versatile camera and lens setup, a lightweight laptop for editing, and a few key accessories that keep everything running smoothly. If you're looking to build a minimalist travel photography kit, here’s exactly what I’m bringing and why.
1. DJI Mini 4 Pro – A Powerful Drone in a Small Package
A drone adds a whole new perspective to travel photography, but it needs to be compact and easy to carry. The DJI Mini 4 Pro is perfect because it weighs under 250g, making it legal to fly in most countries without extra permits.
Why I use it: It’s lightweight, shoots in 4K, and has impressive obstacle avoidance.
What I pack: Three extra batteries for extended flight time and the RC2 controller for precise control without relying on my phone.
Pro Tip: Always check local drone laws before flying in a new country!
2. Canon R6 Mark II + Two Essential Lenses
A mirrorless camera is the heart of my travel photography kit. The Canon R6 Mark II gives me professional image quality in a relatively compact body, and I keep my lens selection minimal to stay lightweight.
My Two-Lens Setup:
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4: My go-to travel lens. It covers everything from landscapes to portraits without needing to swap lenses constantly.
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8: Small, lightweight, and perfect for low-light photography or creative portraits.
Pro Tip: If you can only bring one lens, a 24-105mm is a great all-around option for travel.
3. M2 MacBook Air – The Ultimate Travel Editing Machine
Editing on the road is a must, but bulky laptops are a hassle. The 2022 M2 MacBook Air is my ideal travel laptop because it’s:
✅ Lightweight (just 2.7 lbs)
✅ Powerful enough for Lightroom & Photoshop
✅ Great battery life for working on long travel days
Pro Tip: Keep your RAW files on an external SSD to save space on your laptop.
4. RFID Document Holder – Double Duty as SD Card Storage
This might seem like an odd addition, but my RFID document holder is one of my favorite travel hacks. Not only does it protect my passport and credit cards from RFID skimming, but I also use it to store SD cards and extra cash safely.
Pro Tip: Always keep a backup SD card in a separate bag just in case.
5. Neewer CM28 Wireless Mic Set – Compact & Reliable Audio
For capturing high-quality audio for reels, vlogs, or client projects, I bring the Neewer CM28 wireless mic set. It’s small, easy to use, and gives me clear audio even in noisy environments.
Pro Tip: If you’re filming content on the go, always carry a small windscreen to cut out background noise.
6. K&F Concept Variable ND Filter – A Must-Have for Video
A VND filter (variable neutral density) is essential for shooting smooth video in bright conditions. The K&F Concept VND Filter lets me control exposure without changing camera settings, making it perfect for capturing cinematic footage.
Pro Tip: If you’re filming in harsh daylight, an ND filter will help you keep a natural motion blur.
7. AirPods – The Simple Essential I Never Travel Without
While not strictly photography gear, AirPods are always in my bag. Whether I’m editing, taking calls, or just zoning out on a flight, they’re a travel essential I never leave behind.
Pro Tip: Download podcasts or lo-fi playlists to help you focus when editing in busy cafés.
Final Takeaways:
Minimalist travel photography is all about bringing the right tools without overpacking. With this setup, I have everything I need to shoot high-quality photos and videos while staying mobile and efficient.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or refining your own travel kit, I hope this guide helps you pack smarter and capture amazing moments along the way.