Since I spent countless hours reading reviews and testing different lenses before we left to travel around the world, I thought I might share what camera I gear I decided to drag around the world with me.
Camera Body: Nikon D7000 DSLR
I looked long and hard for the perfect travel camera and came to conclusion that one does not exist. They are either not rugged enough, too slow, too heavy, or too expensive. In my personal opinion and experience, the Nikon D7000 (or the newer D7100) is about as perfect as you can get. It has a rugged magnesium frame, dual SIM card slots, high FPS, great image quality, easy to use controls, and not too expensive. The file sizes are also manageable, which to me is very important when traveling. So why did I choose Nikon over Canon? While Canon makes nice cameras, I chose Nikon for the fact that I can use older Nikon lenses, whereas you cannot do that with Canon. I looked at the mirrorless camera options, but found too many limitations and prefer the speed and quality of a DSLR.
To make manual focusing much easier, I installed a KatzEye Optics split prism focusing screen. I initially purchased a much cheaper Chinese made one, but found it worthless. The KatzEye is not cheap, but is highly recommended if doing any manual focusing.
I have also added a Crumpler Industry Disgrace camera strap, which I highly recommend.
To see specs, CLICK HERE
Lenses:
Nikon 28mm f/2.8 AIS (manual focus)
This little 28mm manual focus lens is amazing and is my favorite lens. It is optically a masterpiece and built like a tank. I love to use this for long exposures, landscapes, and street photography.
Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR
My D7000 came with the 18-105mm kit lens and I found the images it took to be too soft. It was also too heavy and bulky for travel, so I sold it. I had heard good things about the cheapy little 18-55 lens and thought I would give it a try. I found the images sharper than the 18-105mm and it’s easy to walk around all day with this lens on the camera.
To see specs, CLICK HERE
Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP Macro
I thought it might be good to have a macro lens and this lens came highly recommended. It was also said to be an excellent portrait lens. I have a love/hate relationship with this lens. While it is not too heavy, it is really bulky. I do not do too many macro shots, and have had problems with this lens hunting for focus when shooting in the distance. When the lens does nail the shot, the images are stunning and the bokeh is nice and creamy.
To see specs, CLICK HERE
Nikon 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF
I love this lens! The optics are amazing, the bokeh is smooth and creamy, and it is fast! I use this lens for shooting animals and portraits. I would love to have the even more impressive Nikkor 70-200mm, but the size and weight make it not a very good candidate for long-term travel. This little 180mm is built like a tank, has a built in lens hood, and is a very manageable size for travel. When I first bought it my test shots had a purple fringe around high contrast areas, but as soon as I placed a Hoya UV filter on the front, the purple fringe went away.
To see specs, CLICK HERE
Tripod: Benro A1691T Travel Angel
It may sound crazy to drag a tripod around the world, but it has helped get some amazing night shots. I looked at so many different tripods and finally decided on the Benro A1691T Travel Angel. It’s lightweight, compact, affordable, and is really stable. It also converts to a monopod for places that do not allow tripods. This is a great tripod for travel!
To see specs, CLICK HERE
Misc.
- Nikon Lens Pen (highly recommend)
- Air Blower
- Vivitar remote (a wireless remote would have been nicer)
- (2) Lexar Platinum II 16 GB memory cards
- Spare Nikon EN-EL15 battery
- OP/Tech Neoprene camera case
- 52mm Hoya HMC ND4 neutral density filter
- 52mm Hoya HMC ND8 neutral density filter
What I would change
Now that I have been traveling with this gear for over a year on the road, I wish I had done a couple of things differently. I should have purchased either the famed Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens or the older and much cheaper Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D lens. There have been many times where I could have benefitted from one of these pro lenses. The 18-55mm I have is nice for a lightweight walk around lens, but when I need to have pro glass and autofocus, the 24-70mm or 35-70mm would have been a really nice addition.
The other thing I would have done differently is brought along a messenger style camera bag. I started with a camera backpack, but ended up sending it back home due to it’s size and limitations. I am currently looking for a messenger bag and will buy one as soon as I can find one!
Hi Jason. Came across your page and I’m son thankful. I am traveling to France and Italy soon and can’t decide what lens to take. Of course I need to go light, I have neck issues. And don’t want to come back from vacation needing another vacation. I too have a d7k, I have the following 35mm,50mm, 28-75mm , 85mm , 55-200 and a 70-300. I was thinking on the 18-55 either borrow or purchase one. What do you think. I want to be able to get the Eiffel Tower and the narrow streets in Italy. My choice would be 18-55 and the 35mm. Can you help w your experience and recommendation. BTW did you find the messenger bag?
Hi Wynett,
For France and Italy, and most of Europe, you would do fine with just the 35mm prime. Lightweight, sharp, and fast. In fact, the famous photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson used only a 50mm lens when shooting the streets of Paris, which would be the same as the 35mm lens paired with the cropped sensor on the D7K. The image quality will also be a lot better than the 18-55mm. I do like the 18-55mm as a nice lightweight walk around lens, but it does lack that look you get from pro glass. My favorite lens is the old school Nikon 28mm f/2.8 AIS manual focus lens. Being a prime and manual focus means I need to really focus on the composition of my shot and the photos always have a unique look to them . The 50mm is also a great little lens, but a bit too long at times on a cropped sensor. It also can create a large purple spot in the center of the photo if shooting in bright light from f/8 to f/22. But it makes an excellent portrait lens and has great bokeh when shooting wide open.
Still looking for a messenger bag. I am using just a regular backpack now, but changing lenses is far from quick. Most days I just stick with the 28mm, though.
Enjoy your trip to Europe and let me know what you decided to bring and how it worked out. I would also be interested in seeing your photos.
Hi Jason, thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my questions here. I appreciate it
Looks like the 35mm is sitting at the top of my list. I would love to make the trip with one lens. At this time it’s the best lens option from my camera bag. Wish I could bring an additional lens but I suffer from neck pain so light is best and the 35mm is a nice lens. I would like a little wider but it is what I have at this time.
I am still looking for another camera bag that fits my Europe traveling needs. Got to secure my gear.
I’m so glad I ran into your blog. I enjoy seeing your photos and reading your journey around the world.
Enjoy the ride.
Ps: I will share my photos when I return from my trip. Stay safe.
I’m so thankful to this guide. Every time I go somewhere, I forget one thing or the other. Thanks a bunch for this post. By the way, lovely photos you have on your blog.