Entry Level Camera Gear I Use for Travel & Hiking
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I’ve loved photos for as long as I can remember. It started with organizing family photos. Then progressed to taking and editing photos on my early model iPhone. In late 2016, I finally bit the bullet and bought my first (and only) DSLR during a black Friday sale.
It was love at first shot. During our four-year relationship, my Canon EOS Rebel T6 has been with me just about anywhere you can imagine including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Cuba, Banff, Montana, Idaho, and the Oregon Coast, to name a few. I’ve used it for all types of photos, from mid-hike nature shots to event photography.
…but even though it worked out well, I remember the lead up to the purchase was fraught with uncertainty.
What did all these specs mean?
Should I buy something on the cheaper end or spend a few hundred dollars (+) more?
What brand was best?
I imagine if you’re considering trying DSLR photography, you have some of the same questions. My advice is simple: Don’t overthink it. Buy an entry level digital camera kit from a reputable camera brand like Canon, Sony, or if budget is no option
You can always sell and upgrade. There’s a pretty strong market for used cameras and lenses. Plus, after you get some use out of your camera you’ll have a much better sense of what you actually want in an upgrade (tip: spend on lenses).
Note: Since I’ve used my gear for years, the same models are not always available, so in those cases I’ve linked to the current version of the item.
My Entry Level Travel, Hiking, & Everything Photography Gear
Camera & Lenses
Canon EOS REBEL T7 DSLR Camera|2 Lens Kit with EF18-55mm + EF 75-300mm lens, Black (This is the current version of the camera kit I have)
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Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
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Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
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AmazonBasics UV Protection Camera Lens Filter
View on Amazon | Find the Right Sizes
Camera Cleaning
Altura Photo Professional Cleaning Kit
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Nikon Lens Cleaning Wipes
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Tripod
AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag
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Bags
These are not camera specific bags, but what I actually use since I’m outdoors/traveling a lot. Sea to Summit to keep items dry and separated inside pack. I also like that a CamelBak is discrete and doesn’t scream “I have expensive stuff in here.” For a camera specific bag, people rave about Wandrd.
Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack (4L)
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CamelBak Women’s Helena 20 Hiking Hydration Pack
View on Amazon | View on Camelbak
For printing photos, I like Kodak Endura Luster paper and the occasional metallic for prints that I plan to use as wall art. For general small prints of friends, family, etc, I’m not as picky about photo paper.
Like Photos of Pretty Places? Check on my prints on Etsy, or some of these photo-heavy articles:
Havana, Cuba in Ten Photos
Photo Journal: Scenic Drives in the Canadian Rockies
WARNING: These Photos May Cause You to Book a Trip to Banff, Canada
Scenes from my Solo Oregon Coast Road Trip
