How much gear to take on a photo trip?
Over the years, I have struggled with that question each and every trip in which I take a camera. Early on in my photographic journey, I took it all. Back then, I might have had 2 zoom lenses and a prime. So not a huge deal, but I was still learning. I'd often bring the entire closet of accessories too, every filter, multiple batteries, memory cards, and other various things I never really ever used.
With the current state of my camera bag, 2 camera bodies and 10 lenses, I need a really good plan. When I travel for work, based on where I am going, and how many days I might have off, I can make a pretty good decision about what to bring. A vacation with others and not a true photo vacation, I will bring a pared down kit, maybe not even a tripod. The walkaround lens is key here, and I have found with the Canon R5, the RF 35mm f1.8 is fabulous for this role, and the 16mm and 30mm Sigma lenses are up to the task with the Sony A6400.
That said, even the best plan has me needing or wanting a lens left at home. For example, in the Lake District in 2018, I did not take my 24-70, instead opted for my 16-35. I really needed my 24-70 instead of the wide angle. In Alaska just recently, I really needed my 100-400 for some wildlife shots, but it was home on the shelf. Both were dedicated photo trips!
To answer the question, I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer. The key point is to have fun and enjoy the experience. That may mean 2 camera bodies, a drone, filters, a tripod, maybe 2, and 4-6 lenses. Or it may mean a point and shoot. Or a full frame camera with a single lens. Or your phone camera.
A few weeks back, work sent me to the beautiful island of Kauai for 10 days. When I left, I knew I'd have 1, maybe 2 days off, and likely several sunrises and sunsets I could photograph. Once I got there, the work schedule was amped up and I ended up working all 10 days, but still managed to find time to press the shutter on 1000 pics. Most of it handheld, just interesting stuff I saw, and only twice on the tripod for a few seascapes. I think I have found a fantastic work trip travel kit, my Canon R5 with the 16mm, 35mm, and my venerable EF 70-200 f4 covered everything I needed. I'm sure to share a few more pics of the trip soon, but here are a few of my favorites from the beautiful Isle of Kauai.
