The Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners (for all types of photography) In 2025
Looking for the best travel photography gear for beginners? You’ve come to the right place! Here’s my top pick for an all-in-one bundle:
If you want to shop more individually and read more on each item, plus find alternatives and different types of gear, read on!
- Mirrorless, lightweight best camera for beginners
- 15-45 Lens Kit
- Memory Card Included
- 3-piece filter kit
- Tripod
- Memory Card included
- 3-piece filter kit
- Camera bag + More accessories
Choosing beginner photography gear is a big deal, and it’s no easy feat (speaking from my own experience)! You want to get exactly the right equipment, and you can spend hours on end researching… I know the feeling.
One of the reasons I was so obsessed with doing things right was all the photography snobs out there – but please, take my advice and go easy on yourself! Let me tell you why:
- Everyone (and I mean everyone) starts at zero. Don’t listen to people who can’t remember what that’s like, or those whose ego has them set only on making themselves feel better about them by making you feel bad!
- Having a good eye for photos takes practice, and can beat out those with fancier equipment who don’t know what they’re doing! I’ve had people be so surprised at beginner cameras I used because the end product was so good.
Okay. Now that we’ve covered that, I’m going to list my top pick for a kit on Amazon, if you’re short on time and just want to go all in! Then, we’ll get into the specifics and I’ll share my top pick for each piece of equipment you’ll need – all on a budget and lightweight for travel, because that’s what you get (in a good way) to focus on as a beginner!
The Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners (for all types of photography)
I’ll make it simple first, then go into specifics and more options! Here’s a quick photography equipment list for what you’ll need when starting as a beginner photographer:
✔️ Camera
✔️ Lens (just one is fine to start)
✔️ Tripod
✔️ Memory Card
✔️ Laptop
✔️ Backup battery and memory card
✔️ Battery charger
That’s it for necessary gear for beginners! A few more things that can add to your kit as a beginner, if you’d like, include:
✔️ Action Camera or 360 camera
✔️ Drone
✔️ Additional lenses
✔️ Lens Filters
✔️ Hiking/backpacking clip or specialty strap
✔️ Rain cover
What to pay attention to when choosing the right camera gear for you
👉 Brand
You don’t have to stick with a brand, but it’s cheaper to when you get a camera that you’ll need interchangeable lenses for (and if you want better photos and control over your photos, this is a must)! Brands and types of cameras will take different classes of lenses.
👉 Ease of use
Look for a beginner-friendly camera, but one that will force you to learn camera settings! Once you learn it the first time, it gets easier and easier. Then, when you’re ready for a new camera again, it won’t be as much of a learning curve!
👉 Minimalist camera gear
Beginner travel photography necessitates minimal equipment – it’s easier to pack, learn and use! Plus, carrying a ton of equipment around airports and destinations isn’t fun. When you’re beginning, I say get one good lens and the basics to start!
👉 Travel activities
Are you an avid scuba diver? Are you always seeking adventure when you travel? Or, do you love photographing adventurers? If you’re outdoors a lot, around or in water or doing sports a lot when you’re going to be using your camera, go to the adventure and action cameras to find your best options.
👉 Video capability
Do you want to vlog or make videos? You’ll want certain features, like 4K video, audio jack and more! Go to the section with the video and vlogging kit to find the best option!
Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners: Best Camera Overall
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II Mirrorless Camera is my top choice for beginners because it really does check all the boxes: excellent quality, lightweight for travel, affordability, 4K video and more! If I were just starting out, this is definitely what I would buy.
I just recently made the switch to Mirrorless from DSLR, and I 100% believe that’s what any new photographer should go with!
- Beginner-friendly with room for growth
- Mirrorless (lighter for travel)
- 24.1MP + 4K video
- Affordability
👉 If you’re interested, here’s the camera I chose for myself (as a professional-level photographer who wanted to stay on budget)!
Note: The lenses I recommend in this list will go with this camera, and I’ll also talk about other types of cameras (action cameras, etc). I have a list with more camera options of all kinds for travel photography beginners that you can find here!
Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners: Best Lens Overall
The Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 Image Stabilization STM Zoom Lens is my top pick, and coincidentally, it’s what comes with the Canon EOS M50 Mark II if you buy the kit, and for good reason: It’s versatile, so you can do a bit of everything with it, and it’s compact, so it’s perfect for travel and won’t be cumbersome!
This is the perfect starter lens unless you’re only going to want something more specialized – in that case, keep reading!
- Beginner-friendly with room for growth
- Telephoto & Wide Angle
- Compact for travel
- Optical Image Stabilizer technology
- Affordability
Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners: Best Tripod Overall
This 4-In-One Travel Tripod is what I own, and I love that it’s perfect for travel and affordable! Plus, it has more than one use – read the list below to learn more!
- Beginner-friendly with room for growth
- Works with smartphones & cameras
- Folds up small & lightweight
- Turns into a selfie stick & trekking poles
- Comes with a carrying case
- Affordability
Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners: Best Memory Card Overall
The SanDisk Extreme Pro Memory Card (Regular Size SD Card) is a necessity, trust me (I learned the hard way)!
- Beginner-friendly with room for growth
- Best for taking more photos & video
- Temperature Proof, Water Proof, Shock Proof & X-ray Proof
- Affordability
Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners: Best External Hard Drive Overall
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD Hard Drive is on my list for my next one of these – I’ve been a SanDisk fan for years, and this is SO small and lightweight, I can hardly believe it! But of course, my first external hard drives were HUGE and fragile – and since then, technology has come a long way and I’m here for it!
- Beginner-friendly with room for growth
- Small & Lightweight for travel
- Up to 3-meter drop protection
- IP65 water & dust resistance
- Carabiner to secure to bags
- Excellent storage capacity
- Password protection included
- SanDisk Memory Zone app makes file management easy
- Affordability
Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners: Best Laptop Overall
The MacBook Air 13″ Laptop is what I own, and I love it! It’s so amazing for traveling and everyday use because it’s small, lightweight, easy to use and works best for all things photography and graphics!
- Easy to Learn
- Lightweight & compact for travel
- Great display, battery life & speed
- Affordability
Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners: Best Camera Bag Overall
This DSLR Waterproof Camera Insert Case is what I own and cannot stop raving about! You don’t have to buy a “camera bag” this way, which saves money and makes life easier, in my opinion!
I simply put this in my existing carry-on (backpack or my brand-new BEIS that I’m obsessed with before I’ve even traveled with it) and switch to my packable, waterproof daypack! I’ve been doing this for awhile now and continue to love my system!
- You can use your existing bags (this goes inside)!
- Easy to swap between a carry-on & daypack for travel
- Waterproof
- Versatility (moveable inserts + multiple sizes available)
- Affordability
Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners: Best Editing Software Overall
Luminar Neo is perfect for beginners! You can do all the same things as Adobe programs, removing backgrounds is a breeze and they have filters and presets that make it easier to learn.
The best part is that it works as an add-on extension for Lightroom & Photoshop for when you’re ready to grow!). There’s also an app so you can edit photos from your smartphone on the go. Use code MUKI10 for 10% off!
Luminar Neo
✔️ Beginner-friendly with room for growth
✔️ Tons of things you can do
✔️ Can use on desktop and there’s an app for your phone
✔️ Affordability
Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners: Additional Cameras + Gear for beginners
Still want extra gear? When I started filming and photographing archaeological digs in Israel, I was past the newbie stage but I still didn’t have much of my own gear; but I knew I needed an action camera!
The things on this list have various purposes, and as a beginner you might find yourself needing these, so take some time to read about each to help you decide – it all depends on what kind of photography you love and want to emulate!
Action Camera/360 camera
📸 GoPro HERO9 Action Camera
The GoPro HERO9 is the most budget-friendly and quality version for beginner photographers! People still love this version (versions through 12 are also out, though 10 isn’t much different than 9 from what everyone says), and it has 5K video.
I’ve been doing research on these because I just bought a GoPro, so when I say “everyone” I mean I’ve literally done the research for you!
- 5K Video
- 20 MP Photo with Superphoto
- Hypersmooth 3.0
📸 Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition
The Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition is a camera I’ve also been considering (putting in those hours of research I mentioned at the beginning of this post)! It’s waterproof, and apparently you need the “twin edition” for the true 360-degree effect!
The main differences with using this camera vs the GoPro, besides 360-capability, is that you have to change out the lenses and there’s not as big of a screen to see what you’re filming.
The stabilization seems to be absolutely amazing, though, and you can choose to get wide-angle action shots like with the GoPro, too!
- 4K Boost Lens & 5.7K 360 Lens (2 cameras in one)
- FlowState Stabilization
- 48MP Photos, 6K Widescreen Video & Active HDR Video
Drone
The DJI Mini 2 SE is the best affordable drone and was made for travel photography beginners – it’s more compact than most, plus foldable and lightweight! It’s also easy to use with intelligent modes.
- 2.7K, 1080p video resolution
- Beginner-friendly and has a return-to-home function for safety
- Easy-to-use templates allow automatic flying with professional-level video creations to share directly on social media
Additional lenses
You might decide to add to your lens collection over time, especially for wide angle, telephoto and portrait photography! Keep reading for different types of photography and lenses you might need.
Remote Shutter
The Remote Shutter (this one works with Canon cameras) is what helps you take nighttime shots without touching the camera (camera shake causes blur), low light photos and photos of yourself from afar (though you may be able to use an app for that, too)!
- Compatibility with a lot of cameras (be sure to check for yours)
- Works at 2.4GHz frequency with 16 available channels
- Reduces camera shake
- 5 Shooting Modes
Lens Filters
A Circular Polarizer like this one is great for blocking the sun’s UV rays, like sunscreen for your lens! They’re also needed for water reflections for lake photography and more, allowing you to capture reflections more clearly and the bottom of the lake.
Just make sure you get the right size for your lens!
- Circular polarizer--one of the most popular special-effect filters
- Deepens the intensity of blue skies; reduces or eliminates glare
- Multi-coating reduces reflection
Hiking/backpacking clip or specialty strap
The Peak Design Hiking Camera Clip is the best camera “strap” for hiking and backpacking because it’s not a strap at all!
- Holds cameras (DSLR, Mirrorless, Point-and-Shoot), as well as lenses, GoPros or binoculars with the peak design adapter plates and kits
- Lifetime Warranty included
- Has a quick-release button that can withstand over 200 lbs of force
You might also need this Peak Design Pro Pad V2 for Capture Camera Clip (Sold Separately) for more comfort with heavier cameras!
Rain cover
A Rain Cover like this one is great for outdoor adventures – you definitely want something to protect your camera when it’s rainy or snowy outside!
- It's a good idea to bring a rain cover, like this one, in case of incliment weather, rain, snow and more for cold weather (make sure to get one that fits your specific camera and lens!)
Lens cleaning kit
This Altura Photo Professional Camera Cleaning Kit is a great option for cleaning your camera and lens!
- Absorbs and sweeps away invisible particles and smudges
- Compatible with APS-C sensors
- Uses the power of nature to clean without leaving streaks or blemishes
- Safe for all electronics, coated lenses and sensors
- Comes in a convenient travel case
Tiniest Travel Camera for Beginners
The DJI Pocket 2 is kind of a bonus on this list – it’s ridiculously small and lightweight, yet mighty! If you want an extra camera for smooth video that you can simply pull out and use without the setup, this is an amazing option.
It has a built-in gimbal which makes it ultra-smooth, has 4-directional audio, a waterproof case and more!
- 4K 60p HDR video
- Rugged build
- Comes with waterproof case
Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners: Best lenses for travel photography types
You’ve made it to the different types of lenses! If you’re looking to do specialized photography, check out the recommendations below for a lens to add to your existing kit, or as a primary!
City travel & Street photography
The Canon EF-M 22mm F2 STM is a perfect companion to the Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 Image Stabilization STM Zoom Lens for the Canon EOS M50 Mark II for street photography and city photos (also look at the landscape lens for cityscapes).
It’s a pancake lens, so if you want something that’s super flat, you can keep this on your camera all the time! You won’t be able to zoom with this lens, but you can get close-ups with soft backgrounds and a wide angle that’s great for street photography!
For city photography, I do recommend a lens that allows you to zoom for getting photos of things you can’t get close to, and the 15-45 is good for that!
- Beginner-friendly with room for growth
- Moderate wide-angle (equivalent to 35mm on a full-frame camera)
- Compact for travel
- Smooth & quiet autofocus for video
- Beautiful, soft backgrounds
- Minimum focusing distance of 5.9 inches/0.15 meters allows you to get close to your subjects
- Affordability
Landscape Photography
The Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is perfect for landscape photography because it has ultra-wide zoom, much more than the 15-45mm. I personally love landscape photography and wide-angle photos, so I highly recommend this lens if that’s what you’re looking to accomplish!
- Beginner-friendly with room for growth
- Ultra Wide Angle
- Compact for travel
- AF with full-time manual focus
- Affordability
Telephoto Lens
The Canon EF-M 55-200mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is perfect for sports photography, wildlife photography and portrait photography! It has fast shutter speed for action photos, is compact for traveling and has image stabilization to reduce camera shake and blur.
- Beginner-friendly with room for growth
- Fast shutter speed for action shots
- Compact for travel
- Optical Image Stabilizer technology
- Affordability
Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners: Best travel photography accessories
If you’re still finding yourself looking for more options for camera backpacks and more accessories, here they are!
✅ Best Budget Camera Travel Bag
This BAGSMART Vintage Padded Camera Shoulder Bag is the perfect carrying case for travel! It’s waterproof, has pockets for accessories and a removable strap so you can use it as an insert!
✅ Best Budget Waterproof Camera Backpack
The BAGSMART DSLR Camera Bag Backpack is waterproof, plus comes with Anti-Theft, 15 Inch Laptop Compartment & Tripod Holder! Plus, you can choose your color!
✅ Waterproof Housing for GoPro HERO 11 Black
This Waterproof Housing for GoPro HERO 11 Black is needed for deep-water adventures.
✅ GoPro 3-Way 2.0 Mount
Versatile mount that you can use for selfies, stabilization & more.
✅ SanDisk Extreme MicroSDXC Memory Card with Adapter
Some cameras, like action cameras take MicroSD cards like this one!
✅ Memory Card Reader
A memory card reader is necessary when your camera doesn’t transfer photos without it, and for when you choose to transfer them this way – a lot of newer computers don’t have USB ports or memory card readers (mine doesn’t and I use one of these)!
✅ Memory Card Travel & Storage Box
This Memory Card Carrying Box is aluminum and shock resistant, and has 8 spots for memory cards (including microSD cards)!
✅ Over-Under Water Dome (this one works with GoPro)
This is great for capturing the perfect half-over, half-under shots, plus it’s a secure underwater housing option for GoPros for diving, snorkeling, surfing and more!
Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners: Video accessories
If you’re looking to make videos and vlogs, this kit is a must (it includes the Canon EOS M50 Mark II):
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II Content Creator Kit includes the EF-M 15-45mm Lens, Tripod Grip, Stereo Microphone and more – everything you need to make amazing videos!
- Mirrorless, lightweight best camera for beginners
- 15-45 Lens Kit
- Memory Card Included
- 3-piece filter kit
- Tripod
- Memory Card included
- 3-piece filter kit
- Camera bag + More accessories
The Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners: FAQs
👉 What do you need to be a travel photographer?
To be a travel photographer, the main things you’ll need are a camera (it can be your phone to begin with while you’re practicing), curiosity and open-mindedness, and observational skills (which can be developed)! Let’s break it down even more:
- Photography Skills: Research online and observe what kinds of travel photography you like. Read this post for more information on photography basics like the rule of thirds and more tips!
- Camera Gear: Invest in a good quality camera for your level, either DSLR or Mirrorless (I recommend Mirrorless). You’ll also need a standard all-around lens and you can continue to build your lens collection. Make sure you have a good tripod, filters, memory cards and spare batteries.
- Travel planning: To be a travel photographer, you’ll need to be able to research locations, get to know the local culture and landmarks and get to them to take photos! Sunrise and sunset are excellent times to get the best travel photos. Being flexible is key!
- Storytelling: The best travel photography is more than pretty pictures; it’s storytelling. Practice and experience can help you get better at having a sense of place and culture, conveying adventure and transporting the viewer.
- Editing: Practicing editing photos is key to getting the absolute best finished images to show off! Use editing software like Adobe Lightroom to do this – and remember not to over-do it!
- Building a portfolio and establishing your branded photography style, plus developing marketing and business skills, are key to becoming a professional travel photographer.
👉 How do photographers travel with their equipment?
Photographers keep their cameras and gear in carry-on baggage when traveling, and use a camera backpack or insertable camera case with padding and adjustable compartments. Fragile items can be wrapped for added protection.
Travel insurance that covers photography equipment is a good idea, as is memory cards, an external hard drive and cloud storage to back up photos in multiple locations.
Remember to research the specific regulations and requirements of the airlines, airports, and countries you’ll be traveling to. Stay informed about any restrictions on photography gear, batteries, or electronics, especially when traveling internationally.
👉 What do travel photographers take pictures of?
Travel photographers take pictures of landscapes, architecture, cityscapes, historical sties, culturally significant locations, street photography, wildlife, nature, food and restaurants, transportation and infrastructure like bridges, adventure and outdoor activities, abstract photos using angles, lines and shadows, and more!
👉 What lenses should a travel photographer have?
A travel photographer should have a good standard zoom lens for all kinds of photos, and any of the following that is needed:
- Wide-angle lens for landscape photography and interiors or alleyways
- Telephoto zoom for wildlife and more where you can’t get close
- Prime lens that isn’t able to zoom but has better quality for low light and portraits
- Macro lens for close-ups of flowers or insects
All In All: The Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners
I hope this helps you make the decision for your beginner photographer gear for traveling! I love travel photography (if you haven’t guessed by now), and love to help others in any way I can! You can contact me via my contact page with any questions!
Check out these posts for more photography tips & info:
📸 Top 5 Camera Straps for Hiking & Backpacking
📸 The 9 Best Mirrorless Cameras Under $1000 For Travel Photography
📸 Amazing Lake Photography Ideas (Full Guide)
📸 The Best Cameras For Landscape Photography (For Every Skill Level)
📸 The Best Cameras For Surf Photography (For Every Skill Level)
📸 The Best Cameras For Skiing And Snowboarding (For Every Skill Level)
📸 8+ Best Cameras For Cold Weather + Winter Photography Tips
📸 21 Best Cheap Cameras For Travel Photography Beginners
📸 Mukikapup’s Ultimate Travel Photography Guide
📸 15 Ways To Capture The Best Landscape Travel Photography
📸 Amazing Lake Photography Ideas (Full Guide)
📸 5 Best DSLR Cameras Under $300
📸 10 Best Intermediate-Level Cameras For Travel Photography
📸 33 Unique Gifts For Photographers
Planning Your Trip? Use my favorite resources:
Accommodation: Booking.com
Rent a Car: Discover Cars
Travel Insurance: Allianz
Flights: WayAway
Tours: Viator.com
Airport Transfers: KiwiTaxi
