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My Minimalist Travel Photography Kit: Carry-On Camera Gear I Never Travel Without
- Alyssa
- 12 minutes ago
- 7 min read
Looking for a compact, travel-tested camera setup that fits in a carry-on and delivers professional-quality images? As a BFA-trained photographer who has spent the last five years traveling the world from cities to national parks, I’ve refined my minimalist carry-on photography gear list. It has everything I need for stunning travel images, all packed into one personal item that fits neatly under an airplane seat.
This post breaks down my carry-on travel photography gear, why I love it, and links to purchase everything (available on Amazon), so you can shop confidently and travel light!
This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase. I only recommend gear I use and love!
Best Travel Cameras for Minimalist Photography
Before diving into my two favorite cameras, let me give you some context. Each of these cameras has a very specific purpose in my arsenal. I use the DSLR on big shoots, paid professional gigs, and anything I think I will want printed large scale. Its drawback? It's incredibly large and heavy! I use my Fujifilm when I need to travel light, or have quick turnarounds for things like social posts! It's so small it fits easily in my jacket pocket or in a purse! Together, they are a perfect pair. I can travel light, have perfectly edited pictures straight from the camera, and have a heavy-duty workhorse for higher stakes shots!
These two bodies give me the flexibility to travel light while still getting professional-quality shots.
Canon 5D Mark IV: Go-To DSLR for Both Professional and Travel Photography
This is the camera I used all throughout my BFA program, and it’s still the first camera I reach for when I want professional-quality travel photos. Even though it’s a DSLR and not one of the newer mirrorless options, the Canon 5D Mark IV has stood the test of time. It delivers sharp, high-resolution images that print beautifully and look stunning on screen.
It’s also more affordable now than when it was first released, which makes it a great value compared to Canon’s newer models. If you want one camera body that can handle anything from cityscapes to wildlife to portraits, this is it.
Why I Love It:
Wide ISO Range (50–32,000) – lets me shoot flexibly in changing light, from dark temples to bright beaches.
Long Battery Life – I can get through an entire shooting day without worrying about charging.
Outstanding Image Quality – that 30.4MP sensor still competes with newer cameras.
Weather Sealed/Water Resistant – perfect for unpredictable travel conditions.
Fujifilm X-T30 II: Compact, Stylish, & Perfect for On-the-Go Shooting
When I don’t feel like carrying a heavy DSLR all day, the Fujifilm X-T30 II is my go-to. It’s lightweight, fits easily into my purse or pocket, and has Fujifilm’s signature film simulations built right in, meaning I often don’t even need to edit my photos before posting. The retro styling also makes it one of the most photogenic cameras out there (yes, I’ve had strangers ask me about it while traveling!). This is the perfect choice if you want pro-level image quality but in a camera that doesn’t weigh you down.
Why I Love It:
Built-in Flash – handy for portraits or low-light street photography.
Compact & Lightweight – slips into a purse or small bag without issue.
Film Simulations/Color Profiles – instant edits straight out of the camera.
Pro tip: I always carry at least two batteries for this camera! On most long shooting days, I will go through both batteries! (Get extra batteries for the FujiFilm X-T30 II here!)
Best Travel Lenses for Every Situation
When it comes to travel, I try to pack as light as possible, but lenses are where I refuse to cut corners. The right lens can completely change the way you capture a place, whether you’re standing in front of a vast mountain range or sneaking a candid street shot in a busy market. These are the lenses that have earned a permanent spot in my bag.
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4: Versatile lens perfect for landscapes and portraits.
If I could only bring one lens, it would be this. The 24–105mm range covers everything from wide landscapes to tighter portraits, which means I don’t have to switch lenses constantly while exploring. It’s sharp, durable, and performs consistently in different lighting conditions.
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6: Perfect for details and Wildlife
This is the lens I rely on when I want to bring distant subjects closer without disturbing them. It’s incredible for wildlife (whales, birds, or even safari trips), but I also love it for architectural details and compressed landscapes. That extra zoom lets me capture textures and perspectives that a mid-range lens just can’t reach.
FUJIFILM XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6: My Everyday Fuji Lens
For my Fuji setup, this lightweight zoom is my everyday go-to. It’s perfect for travel vlogs, wide city scenes, and casual photography when I don’t want to overthink gear choices. It keeps my Fuji kit small and easy to carry while still delivering crisp, colorful images.
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8: Pocket-Sized Prime Lens
I don’t own this one yet, but I rent it often when I want my Fuji setup to feel pocket-sized. The fast f/2.8 aperture makes it great for low-light shooting and travel vlogs, while the pancake design keeps my kit truly minimal.
Pro-tip: Renting lenses is a great way to try before you buy. I use Lensrentals, it's quick, easy, and shipped right to your door! (Not sponsored! Just love the service!)
Essential Camera Filters for Travel Photography
Filters are one of the most underrated parts of a travel photography kit. They don’t take up much space in your bag, but they can completely change the way your photos look, from cutting through harsh reflections to creating dreamy long exposures. I always carry at least these two:
Circular Polarizer filter: Reduces reflections and glare, and enhances colors
This is my go-to filter for travel. It helps cut reflections on water and glass (great for photographing lakes, storefronts, or even car windows), while also deepening skies and making colors pop. I’ll often leave it on my lens just for protection, because as I learned in school, it’s better to crack a $30 filter than a $2,000 lens.
Neutral Density Filter: Perfect for dreamy long exposure shots
When I want to get creative, I pull out my ND filter. It’s perfect for shooting waterfalls, ocean waves, or city streets with that soft, motion-blur effect. Since ND filters block out light, they let you use longer shutter speeds even on bright days, giving you more control over your exposure.
Best Camera Backpack for Travel
Before you can pack cameras, lenses, and accessories, you need a travel bag that works. I’ve tried everything from oversized hiking packs to sleek “stylish” bags that didn’t fit my gear, and I’ve learned the backpack is just as critical as the camera inside it. The best travel backpack should balance carry-on convenience, durability, and smart organization, which is why I’ve narrowed it down to one favorite that checks all the boxes.
BESCHOI Camera Backpack: The Best Carry-On Camera Bag for Travel
The best travel gear in the world won’t matter if you don’t have a bag that fits it all. For me, the carry-on backpack is just as important as the cameras inside it. I’ve tested multiple bags over the years, and the one I keep coming back to is the BESCHOI Camera Backpack.
It’s compact enough to fit under an airplane seat (yes, even on budget airlines!), but spacious and organized enough to hold my cameras, lenses, and filters. From transpacific flights to long hikes, this bag has been through it all, and it’s still holding strong.
Why I love it:
Fits all of my photography gear!
Carry on approved!
Never have to check it!
Sturdy and has held up against years of use!
Pro tip: If you’re traveling internationally, always double-check your airline’s personal item size limits. This bag has worked perfectly for me on, but it’s worth confirming before you fly!
Essential Travel Photography Accessories
Even the best camera and lens setup needs the right accessories to keep things running smoothly while you travel. These are the small but mighty tools I never leave home without:
SanDisk 128GB SD Cards: Reliable and roomy for RAW files!
SD Card Holder: Protect and organize up to 50 cards.
Apple AirTag: Keep track of your gear anywhere!
AirFly Bluetooth Adapter: Use your AirPods on airplane TVs (life-changing!)
Universal Travel Adapter: Essential for charging your gear worldwide!
Pro tip: Accessories are often overlooked, but they can make or break a trip. A forgotten SD card or adapter can leave you scrambling (and overspending) at the airport.
Minimalist Travel Photography Summary:
This minimalist carry-on camera kit has taken me everywhere, from rainy city streets in Japan to the sunny coastlines of California, and continues to perform year after year. It’s proof that you don’t need to travel with heaps of heavy, bulky gear to capture professional-quality images. Shop the gear, pack light, and get ready to capture your next adventure!
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