Now that I’ve upgraded from P&S to DSLR with multiple lenses and tripod, packing camera gear takes more thought than it used to, like throwing it in my purse or pocket.
What gear should go
For a long international journey it’s important to think about how much bulk and weight you want to carry. While at the same time you know there will be many outstanding photo opportunities not to be missed. Give a thought to what kind of photos you like to take—landscapes, architecture, wildlife, flowers or people—to decide what camera or lenses would be best. I’m pretty much a landscape photographer with as much wildlife thrown in as I can focus on yet also like to take macros of flowers and bugs.
Too much or not enough. So far the Nikon list includes the 18-200mm and 55-300mm lenses, digital remote and three camera batteries with charger, plastic bags, cleaning cloths, a 4GB, 8GB and 2-16GB SD memory cards that will fit in all three cameras. Yes I’m also taking the waterproof P&S and the Fuji for backup. I’m packing some extra AA Lithium batteries for the Fuji because I had a hard time finding them last time I was in South Africa, and their batteries can be slightly off-size from those in the US. Don’t ask me why. I’m thinking about not taking the tripod because I don’t use it that much, but if I leave it behind know I’ll want it.
Then there’s all the cords. What a snaky mess that can be. But I rubber band them and color-code with tape as needed. Nothing more frustrating than trying to figure out which cord goes to what. And don’t forget chargers for all the techi-toys plus if traveling internationally think about backups that could be difficult-impossible to replace. Also consider that many countries, like South Africa, don’t operate off 110 like the US, so I have a power converter that will go in my checked suitcase.
Wrap and pack
You certainly want to be sure all your gear arrives safely and in tack. Fortunately, and due to my obsession with thrift stores, I found a sweet carry-on case for only $10. And it has wheels and a handle which is good as I’m sure to pack it heavier than I really want hanging off my fragile shoulders. There are many options for camera bags so pick the one that works best for you.
Every piece of gear should be wrapped or in a protective cover, camera body separate from lenses. Use that extra T-shirt or pair of socks you thought to put in your carry-on just in case your checked bag gets lost. Or think bubble-wrap to pop in celebration that all parts survived the journey. Leave no space for jiggles that allow banging things together. Tape lens caps on for added protection. You don’t want to spend time replacing photography gear rather than using it.
Except for the tripod, all the camera gear fits neatly and padded in one divided compartment. Plus my netbook easily slips in another compartment. The waterproof P&S fits in the carry-on and the Fuji will be in my shoulder bag.
Keep it with you, keep it safe
NEVER put your camera in your check-on bag. Do you trust a stranger to be careful with your gear? What if your luggage is lost? If the carry-on is over weight, take out the camera body and possibly a lens and put it around your neck to be returned to the carry-on when able. If you bring one, depending on size, the tripod may have to go into your checked bag.
Plus just in case any of your gear is lost or stolen have all model and serial numbers stored in at least three places, one of them back home with a friend. You might even think about insuring expensive personal belongings.
Photo storage
Storing all those precious photos depends on how long you’ll be traveling. Memory cards are small so take plenty of them, more than you think you’ll need. If you’re carrying a laptop dump your photos onto it daily and think about a back-up external drive as well. You could even burn CDs. If your gear is stolen, memory cards and CDs stored separately could save your photo memories.
Looks like I’ve got all the photography gear needed for my trip to South Africa and a safe way to pack. I could dream for an even bigger lens, but then how would I carry it.
I’m impressed. You certainly practice the 6P’s “Proper Preparation and Precautions Prevents Piss Poor Performance”
So stealing that!
I’m a good girl scout, always prepared. Haha. I wish.
Great tips, Gaelyn. I’ve been leaving my DSLR at home for my trips to MN and have only been using my waterproof Nikon P&S. I sure have missed having my big camera with me, but I needed to lighten my load. At least I still have a camera with me.
Sometimes you have to make choices.
Makes you wonder how all those folks travel round the world with just a carry-on backpack. Maybe just buy needed clothes at your destination, then leave them there when you go home.
I don’t really pack all that many clothes. There are laundrymats. And there’s nothing wrong with picking up some international clothing. Or wearing a whole lot of layers on the plane.
Sounds like you have a solid plan! I always carry my big camera bag then hardly ever use it! I like your set up a lot!
Thanks Geri. The only thing I worry about taking and not using is the tripod. But ya’ just never know.
Merry Christmas to you and Chuck.
Great advice. I’m at about the same stage with my photography, so traveling with this amount of gear is very do-able if you follow your careful steps! What happens when we want more lenses & stuff? I’m guessing we take a chance and rely on those laundromats more? :=) Oh, and recording those model & serial numbers. Good idea to email them to yourself (from someone else’s email addy if you have only one?) so that you only need an internet connection to be able to access them.
Have a wonderful trip. I shall be following with much interest and curiosity, and just a tinge of jealousy!
Thanks Linda. The email idea is a good one that I’ll add to my list. Who needs lots of clothes anyway.
(from someone else’s email addy if you have only one?)
I’m not sure how this is beneficial unless you can get the someone else to retain the sent message. If the intent is only to have the camera information available in your email account then sending an email to yourself will do just fine with only one address. I have done exactly that to make info readily available on-line.
Great tips! I have a backpack made for my camera and it NEVER leaves my side. I don’t trust a single A$$%#% with my equipment. Clothes I can replace….but expensive camera equipment stays with me at all times. Plus, as you mentioned, you never know when a photo opportunity will arise. Switching the lens can also be very difficult in certain areas so I usually put the short one on for that part. Now I bring my laptop with me to keep up with my editing of pictures. While I may not have internet, I can still get my photos ready to publish. Too much equipment:)
Seems like at least one of the cameras are always nearby. Internet can be spotty for me in South Africa but I usually spend evenings with the day’s photos on the netbook. 35 days left!
I have learned that I can’t bring it all with me. The big lens must stay behind unless we are camping or on a birding trip.
Going on safari means the big lens Has to go.
Can’t believe you got that bag for that price.
Scoring at thrift stores is my specialty and this is perfect.
So impressed with how much thought you’ve put into it. That looks very usable and yet compact. Yes, always take your equipment up front. When is your trip?
I leave Feb 1 and will be gone 6 weeks.
You’re sooo sorted!!
I suppose I don’t have to say this but as a Saffer… NEVER leave that little case unattended! I think you should invest in a cable lanyard… to tie to your wrist when you’re sleeping in your tent at night!
Sorry I sound like the pessimist but you can never be too careful out there in the wilds of darkest Africa. There the hyenas and baboons are known to raid campsites at will! 😉
Mostly though… I’m looking forward to seeing the old country through your eyes! I envy you…
I’ll be using that little case as my pillow. Most of my camping will be done in caravan parks, so at least the 4-legged animals won’t be as much problem.
It sounds like you are ready with or without tripod. Thinking about not loosing the tripod is hard on the mind but it depends on the kind of pictures you are ready to bring back.
Happy New Year and thks for all these insights Gaelyn.
I so rarely use the tripod but know I should. Probably come down to space and weight.