Quick Answer: Here are the Best Shotgun Mics for Video Content Creators

My Top Pick: JOBY Wavo PRO

Other top contenders for high-quality shotgun microphones include:

• TAKSTAR SGC-600
• RODE VideoMic Go II
• Rode VideoMic Pro+
• Shure VP83F

Read on for detailed summaries including the top features, pros and cons, and reasons to buy.

1. JOBY Wavo Pro - The Best Shotgun Microphone for Content Creators

JOBY is the brand behind the very popular Gorillapod tripods and a company that sells high-quality equipment for content creators.

Their new range of on-camera microphones has been quite popular, especially their top-tier WAVO Pro shotgun microphone, aimed at video creators, run and gun filmmakers, and YouTubers. This is an attractive option for many as it balances price, performance, and ease of use in a portable and well-built microphone.

Key Specifications

• Signal to Noise ratio: 96 dBA
• Super-cardioid polarity
• Self Noise: -76dBA (thanks to ANR)
• Condenser microphone capsule type
• Built-in USB-C chargeable battery
• Aluminum & high-quality ABS plastic material
• 0.35 lb (161 g) weight

With an excellent self-noise level, high directionality, and external audio control via the iOS or Android App (volume, output gain, EQ), this is a high-quality microphone with a nice, flat frequency response. Additionally, the microphone can record an optional -10db safe track in parallel in case of accidental clipping.

I've been using this mic on my Canon R5 for the majority of my recent run-and-gun video projects and content creation trips. The quality of the audio captured on this mic is excellent, and a world above my camera's onboard microphone. I like that it came with a quality wind jammer, which is permanently attached to the mic instead of the foam windscreen since I'm always shooting outdoors and need to cut wind noise.

Since I'm not working on studio or cinema-grade projects, this mic is more than enough for me and I never have to spend time cleaning up audio in post thanks to the in-built ANR. Additionally, the included app is a handy feature– However, admittedly, I haven't taken advantage of it to the fullest.

2. TAKSTAR SGC-600

While in no way a top-of-the-line shotgun microphone, the TAKSTAR SGC-600 often appears in gear roundups like this due to the great value-for-money it offers.

At less than a fraction of other camera-mounted shotgun mics, this canon microphone offers super-cardioid sound polarity and decent sound quality overall. However, shooters will miss advanced features and may not like the static noise it produces.

Key Specifications

• Super-cardioid polarity
• No reported self-noise specs, although some static is certainly audible
• AA Battery power
• Plastic material
• 0.165 lb (75 g) weight

While the overall specs aren't enough to turn heads, the TAKSTAR SGC-600 is a decent choice for those looking for an ultra-budget shotgun microphone under $40.

While I'm reluctant to include this microphone in this roundup, the truth is that is very hard to ignore at this price point. I used the earlier model TAKSTAR SGC-598 for my first video projects, and truthfully it is a huge step up from your camera's inbuilt audio and often enough for most beginners working on stepping up their audio game.

The newer TAKSTAR SGC600 has improved on many of the pitfalls of the previous iteration, although sticks to very basic features aimed at beginner video creators. This is a low-tier option for those who need a mic at a very affordable price.

3. RODE VideoMic Go II - Most Versatile Shotgun Mic

RODE is a brand that is almost synonymous with on-camera shotgun microphones, creating the first of its kind with their VideoMic back in 2004.

The RODE VideoMic Go II is targeted toward content creators looking for a good balance between ultra-compact portability and decent audio recording quality.

Key Specifications

• Super-cardioid polarity
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 79 dBA
• Self-noise: 15 dBA
• Plastic material
• 0.196 lb (89 g) weight

RODE's Videomic GO borrows the unique acoustic design introduced by their Videomic NTG cameras. It allows for a very versatile recording since you can mount it on your camera, attach it to a desk stand, or hang it from a boom pole.

This shotgun mic from RODE is often recommended as the best budget mic on the market. At around $100, this mic offers excellent build quality, versatility, and of course, excellent sound quality with an impressive self-noise rating that is a considerable improvement over the original GO at a very competitive price range.

However, it lacks certain advanced features like ANR or the ability to access a high-pass filter or gain control when using it with a camera. As a result, this mic may not be adequate for those searching for professional shotgun microphones.

4. RODE VideoMic Pro+

It goes without saying, the RODE VideoMic Pro+ is one of the most popular shotgun microphones for vloggers. I see this thing everywhere, and for good reason– it captures excellent audio and packs in good control features.

Key Specifications

• Super-cardioid polarity
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 79.8 dB
• Self-noise: 14 dBA
• Plastic material
• 0.259 lb (122 g) weight

The VideoMic Pro+ is the flagship shotgun microphone for content creators. While RODE NTG mics offer more quality, the truth is that these are aimed at the professional video production markets and film sets.

Video creators working on their own online videos for social media or YouTube videos will find that this mic offers more than enough control and performance. There's a reason why this thing's so popular– it does everything you need it to do.

However, I personally prefer the JOBY Wavo Pro due to the in-built ANR, which for me is one of the most useful features in a shotgun mic.

5. Shure VP83F LensHopper Shotgun Microphone

Shure's unique VP83F LensHopper is an ambitious attempt at combining a small shotgun microphone with a digital recorder.

This is a clever idea that cuts out time for professionals doing video production using mirrorless cameras or DLSRs, who would otherwise record audio to an external recording device and need to sync picture and sound in post.

Key Specifications

• Super-cardioid polarity
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 76.6 dB
• Self-noise: 17.4 dB
• Plastic material
• 0.293 lb (133 g) weight

While the Shure VP84F has been around for a while, it still offers a unique solution to cold shoe-mounted condenser microphones.

Yes, the specs ranging from NTS ratios, off-axis rejection, and general tonality are not as impressive as some of the best shotgun mics like the RODE VideoMic Pro+ or the JOBY WAVO Pro. However, the inbuilt digital recorder is a big reason why some of the biggest YouTubers like Casey Nesitat use this mic.

A confession, this is the only mic in this roundup that I haven't personally tested. However, I wanted to include it as an option because one of the major pitfalls of recording audio on a shotgun mic is the camera's microphone pre-amp, not the mic itself.

Therefore, even with slightly inferior microphone specs on paper, the Shure LensHopper might prove to offer better overall sound quality due to its internal recording capabilities. The reviews and tests online certainly seem to indicate so.

1. ND Filter Set For the Mavic 3

The most common filters, and the one that most aerial photographers purchase for their Mavic 3 is an ND, or Neutral density filter set.

The job of this filter is to modify the intensity of all wavelengths (light and color) equally. These filters work by using high-quality light reduction materials which don’t modify natural colors. What this means is that you’ll have precise control of the amount of light that reaches the Mavic’s 20MP four-thirds sensor.

Why Use ND Filters For Drone Photography?

The most common use of ND filters is to reduce the intensity of light, allowing drone videographers to use the correct shutter speed to conform with the 180-degree rule. This rule states that in order to create buttery smooth video, the shutter speed should be set to double the frame rate.

Of course, on a bright, sunny day, dialing in the correct exposure while shooting at 1/50 or 1/100 (25fps or 50fps) would be almost impossible, even at the narrowest aperture setting.

Snapping on the correct ND filter for the ambient light situation onto your Mavic camera will allow you to control the exposure and still have flexibility with your aperture setting.

Alternatively, a second use-case for an ND filter would be to block out a lot more light, giving drone photographer’s the flexibility to bring up the exposure time and create motion blur in their still images. While this has technically been possible on previous drones, none have been as stable as the Mavic 3 and long-exposure photography was usually a miss more than a hit for most of the time. However, thanks to the Mavic’s 3 improved stability, long exposure photography of up to 2-3 seconds usually results in great images!

ND strengths explained: the ND number refers to how strong the darkening effect is, correlated to f-stops. Say we want to reduce 1 stop of light, we want to halve (1/2) the amount of light reaching the sensor. In order to do this, we will use an ND2 filter. Conversely, if we want to reduce the amount of light by two halves, or stops, (1/4 the amount of light), we will use an ND4 filter. Again, on a very bright day, we might want to halve the amount of light six times (1/64), so we would use an ND64 filter.

The Best ND Filter Set for the Mavic 3

I’ve used many filter brands over the years, including brands like NiSi filters, PGYTECH filters, and Tiffen. However, none offer such a high quality of optical glass as PolarPro Filters.

1. PolarPro VND Filter Set

PolarPro is my go-to brand for all my drone filters and I’ve been using their high-quality, optical glass filters for the past two years almost exclusively.

This brand is well-known for creating some of the best variable ND filters on the market. And, their VND 2-Pack is one of the best neutral-density filters for the Mavic 3.

This pack comes with 2-5 and 6-9 stop filter variations, allowing for precise control of light in the majority of conditions. Variable NDs work by twisting the ring to increase or decrease the darkening effect. This is useful since you will be able to get a more precise lighting setting without carrying around a dozen filters.

Furthermore, I’m a big fan of the reliable fit of their lightweight aluminum AirFrame 4.0 clip-on design, which is sure to stay on the camera lens no matter the flying conditions.

2. PolarPro Vivid Collection

The majority of my photo and video work involves flying over water, snow, or other bright, reflective surfaces. While I’ve gone into detail a little more regarding the use of Mavic 3 filters for polarizing light, I’ll skip ahead a little and introduce my absolute favorite drone filters.

If you ask me what the most essential drone filters are, I’ll tell you it’s these NDPL filters. This combines high-quality Germanpolarizing glass with ND8, ND16, and ND32 neutral density options. The result is a single set of three filters that’ll have you covered for all the various shots you’re looking to capture.

3. DJI ND Filters

If you purchased the DJI Mavic 3 Fly More Combo, you’ll already have the awesome set of ND filters including ND4, ND8, ND16, and ND32 variants.

These DJI ND filters for the Mavic 3 are among the most popular, since they are affordable and of decent quality. If you didn’t bag the fly more combo, then you can also purchase these from DJI or Amazon.

Furthermore, DJI also sell an ND64/128/256/512 filter set for very harsh lighting conditions or for some serious slow-shutter photography.

While these standard ND filters will likely do the job, it’s hard to compare them to the high-end glass you’ll get with PolarPro filters.

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Related: Best Lightweight Tripods for Travel & Hiking

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2. Polarizer Filters (CPL Filters)

If there’s a single filter that I’d recommend for aerial photographers, it’s a CPL filter.

CPL filters, or circular polarizer filters, work in the same way that your polarized sunglasses do. Essentially, these filters, when oriented properly will filter out the glare, while still allowing plenty of light through the camera lens.

This is essential if you are shooting over water or harsh, reflective surfaces like roads or snow. Furthermore, reducing the shiny reflections naturally increases the vibrance and saturation of real colors, resulting in a beautiful image.

Filter tip: due to the way that polarizing filters work, you need to manually twist the CPL filter to ensure proper polarization depending on the sun’s angle. As a result, I don’t recommend regular PL filters without the option of dialing in the polarization effect.

The Best CPL Filter Kit for the Mavic 3

If you’re after bang-for-buck, then I highly recommend PolarPro’s Vivid Collection ND filter kit, which combines light-reducing ND filters with polarized glass.

However, below I’ll list some more top-of-the-range Mavic 3 CPL filters to give you some variety.

1. PolarPro CPL Filter

Unfortunately, PolarPro’s Vivid Collection doesn’t come with a CPL filter without any ND light reduction.

There are many use cases for a regular CPL filter for still drone photography. For example, imagine shooting stills of a fast-moving speed boat powering through the waves, or a snowboarder launching off a snowy ramp. In these situations, you want to maximize frame rate, while reducing glare.
The PolarPro CPL filter does just that, and is the filter that I use on my camera almost every day if I’m shooting stills or recording aerial video while trying to preserve low-light details.

This filter is very high-quality and built from the same glass and frame materials as their highly-acclaimed vivid collection.

2. Freewell CPL Filter

Freewell are well-known for making affordable, yet decent-quality drone filters. I’ve used Freewell filters on my previous Mavic 2 Pro and they performed quite well. However, while I’m yet to try the Freewell CPL filter for the Mavic 3, reviews seem to fit the bill from the previous generation.

For around $25, you can bag a decent CPL filter which does a great job at reducing glare and boosting contrast. However, just like the stock DJI ND filters, don’t expect cinema-grade glass on these cheaper Mavic 3 filters.

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Related: Finding the Best Camera Bag for Travel

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3. FX Filters For Unique Drone Shots

Other than a light-reducing ND filter kit and a CPL filter, there’s little else you really NEED to start creating amazing, professional aerial photographs and cinematic video with your drone.

However, advanced users, or those working in film production might be interested in FX filters. FX in the cinematography world essentially means effects, and when it comes to filters, usually work by adding some kind of cool, unique, or quirky look to the footage.

While I don’t use FX filters too much for my adventure travel and landscape content, I have listed some awesome filters below that might catch your eye.

Common Special Effects Filters for the DJI Mavic 3

1. Morphic Filters

Morphic looks are a very new concept in aerial filters. These work by adding long, cinematic-looking streaks and flares that really give a unique look almost impossible to replicate in post-production.

The only options I’ve been able to find are made by PolarPro, who sell a BlueMorphic and GoldMorphic for cold, or warm light streak looks.

2. Mist Filters

Looking to enhance your footage with that dreamy, cinematic look you often see on the silver screen? Mist filters work by giving your aerial shot a soft, atmospheric vibe.

Depending on the manufacturer, these FX filters come in various strengths, or densities. The best options are from PolarPro, Freewell, and NiSi, and sometimes even come integrated with neutral density coatings as well.

Quick Answer: Here are the Best Camera Backpacks for Hiking & Travel

Not in the mood to read through the pros and cons for all of the best camera backpacks?

Here is the quick answer.

The best camera backpack overall for travel and landscape photographers serious about their craft and their gear is the new F-Stop Tilopa DuraDiamond 50L backpack. Read on for an honest breakdown of why I use this camera backpack every day.

10 more great photo backpacks include:

• Peak Design Travel Backpack
• Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II
• Thule Covert Camera Backpack
• Bagsmart Camera Backpack
• Burton F-Stop 28L
• LowePro Flipside Trek BP 450 AW
• WANDRD FERNWEH Backpacking Bag
• Atlas Packs Adventure Pack
• Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35L
• Shimoda Action X30

Below I'll go into more detail about each pack, giving reasons for why I would recommend them for hiking and adventure shoots.

Breakdown: The 11 Best Travel & Hiking Backpacks for Photography

Next, here is a detailed breakdown of the best camera bags for hiking, travel, and adventure.

Below I've listed 11 camera backpacks and included specifications, pros, cons, and some reasoning for why I've included them in this roundup.

1. Best Overall: F-Stop Tilopa DuraDiamond Pack

• Pack volume: 50 liters
• Weight: 4.2 lb | 1.9 kg
• Size: 24.5 x 13.7 x 11.1 in | 62.3 x 34.8 x 24.4 cm

Right off the bat, you already know that I consider the new F-Stop Tilopa DuraDiamond 50L adventure backpack to be the best camera bag on the market.

F-Stop Gear is known for top-of-the-range camera storage systems for harsh backcountry adventurers. Their line of camera bags features removable camera inserts, or ICUs, allowing for a completely modular storage solution for your gear.

The original Tilopa is an adventure camera backpack that I have personally used and severely abused in the past. With only a few minor opportunities for improvement, the new DuraDiamond version includes some subtle yet appreciated upgrades that really make this the best hiking camera pack on the market.

Top Features

Here are a few stand-out qualities that make this pack so great. For owners of the original Tilopa, I've highlighted the new features.

• Proprietary DuraDiamond material is insanely durable, lightweight and includes excellent water repelling coating (new feature)
• Intuitive easy access integrated pocket zippers enabling "pockets within pockets" for flexible organization (new feature)
• Very comfortable, wide, and thick algae-based shoulder straps (new feature)
• Aluminum buckles and adjustment hardware (new feature)
• Welded water-resistant zippers (new feature)
• Wide back panel access to all gear, including a padded 16-inch laptop compartment(new feature)
• 50L storage capacity is perfect for DSLR cameras and mirrorless cameras including long telephotos, drones, tripods, and accessories, with plenty of pockets and enough room for personal items & hiking essentials
• Solid aluminum frame and solid waist straps for comfort when carrying gear-heavy setups on multi-day treks

What's Lacking?

Truthfully, there really is little to gripe about with this camera backpack. However, the F-stop has again chosen not to include a water bottle holder on the side of the pack, which I liked on their older LOKA bag. This does seem like a downside at first. However, this decision was intentional in order to create more versatile side pockets, which are already a huge improvement over the original Tilopa. Furthermore, there is an integrated water bladder pocket with convenient hose routing, which is a better way to carry water anyway.

Additionally, for those who use water bottle filters, it's easy to clip one on easily using a carabiner and a Gatekeeper strap.

The second initial downside is that the integrated side-compression straps have been removed on the DuraDiamond version.

The result is a more refined stock backpack. However, I find these compression straps essential to make the backpack smaller for use as an in-flight carry-on bag. This is quickly resolved by using F-stop's Gatekeeper Straps mounted onto the integrated strapping points.

While photographers will have to pay extra for these straps, the fact that they are removable could actually be viewed as an improvement as it provides more flexibility in external pack configuration. Either way, I keep two on the side for extra compression potential at all times.

The Verdict

The Tilopa from F-Stop's Mountain Series is my number one pick for the best camera backpack for both travel and hiking, including long trips in the backcountry and professional photographers working on demanding expeditions.

Keep in mind that the F-Stop Tilopa is quite a substantial investment and is by far not the cheapest camera backpack on the market. However, with an included 20-year warranty, this is the camera backpack that you buy once and use for life.

2. Peak Design Travel Backpack

• Pack volume: 30 liters
• Weight: 3.9 lb | 1.8 kg
• Size: 19.1 x 13. x 10.6 in | 48.5 x 33 x 27 cm

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is another excellent and versatile camera backpack from Peak Design, the maker of one of my all-time favorite photography accessories, the Peak Design Capture Clip, as well as one of the best lightweight travel tripods on the market.

I regularly use many of Peak Design's innovating products and have personally tested out their highly acclaimed Travel Backpack (45L), as well as their more popular Everyday Backpack. Of the two, the Travel Backpack is more suitable for hiking, with a large main compartment and straps comfortable enough to carry heavy gear on any day hike.

Top Features

Top features of Peak Design's Travel Backpack include:

• International carry-on approved size
• Stowable shoulder & waist straps great for airline travel
• Large main compartment with tear access, dual side access, and top access
• Comfortable enough to take on day hikes and versatile enough for city shoots
• 45L is a good size to store plenty of camera equipment including a DSLR camera, drone, large lenses, and even a 16-inch Macbook Pro
• Solid bottom liner and weatherproof, recycled 400D nylon canvas
• Removable camera units for modular storage

What's Lacking?

While Peak Design's offering is an excellent, all-round travel photography backpack, there are a few things that might not make it the best camera backpack for hiking long distances or over several days.

Firstly, Peak Design has done a good job of making this camera backpack as versatile as possible for travel. However, this has resulted in some not-so-comfortable traps that can really dig in when carrying big loads. Honestly, I would have liked to see more attention paid to the shoulder and waist straps for added comfort rather than the ability to stow them.

Furthermore, while the Travel Backpack undeniably looks great, it does lack some organizational features present on other backpacks. This includes a lack of many pockets or organizational zippers inside the backpack. The bag is also quite heavy considering there are not many attachment points or pockets.

Also, this backpack is one of the most expensive in this gear roundup, which might discourage some people from purchasing it. However, Peak Design offers a lifetime warranty, making your investment a safe one.

The Verdict

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is one of the best and most versatile camera packs on the market. This is a premium backpack that photographers can use to carry their gear in a wide range of cases, from day hikes to overnight trips or week-long vacations.

However, the lack of a solid frame and rather thin straps would discourage professional photographers looking for a premium hiking backpack to carry their camera equipment in tough alpine or backcountry conditions.

3. Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II

• Pack volume: 25 liters
• Weight: 6.3 lb | 2.8 kg
• Size: 20.4 x 14.2 x 8.7 in | 52 x 36 x 22 cm

LowePro is one of the world's top photography brands, offering a wide range of high-quality storage solutions for everything from heavy gripped DSLR camera rigs to lightweight electronics organizers for hard drives and accessories.

Their most popular backpack is the LowePro Protactic BP 450 AW II. You'll see this bag advertised everywhere, with many great photographers using it as their go-to camera backpack for hiking and travel photography.

Top Features

This is a top-of-the-line backpack made from a serious photography equipment manufacturer. Some of the things I love about LowePro's Protactic backpack include:

• Great hard top with turret access
• Four convenient access points (sides, back, and top) enables photographers to access their gear quickly
• Comes with a rain cover
• Zippable camera compartment capable of housing up to 15-inch laptops
• Nice organizational features with zippers inside the backpack
• Compatible with many accessories and add-ons using LowePro's SlipLock mounts
• Minimal design doesn't stand out too much at airports

What's Lacking?

I used the original version of this pack for quite some time and while I did harbor some gripes with it, it seems that LowePro really has addressed most of this in their new version.

However, one thing in particular that I wish they would have addressed is the thin shoulder straps and waistband. I have tested this new backpack with a full-load of gear and I couldn't imagine hiking any more than a few days with it on.

Furthermore, the pack is very heavy considering LowePro only offers 25L of internal storage at over 2.8 kg for the base backpack. As a comparison, the F-Stop Tilopa at a similar pricepoint offers double the storage at a lower base weight (roughly equally weighted after adding the ICU).

Lastly, I wish that LowePro would upgrade the velcro dividers that come with this backpack. While they do offer some unique solutions including dividers with pockets for lens filters, they all seem to come unstuck easily and just feel flimsy after a few weeks of use.

The Verdict

If you're looking for a great, all-around camera backpack that you can take on short trips or use to transport your equipment between jobs, then the ProTactic BP 450 AW II from LowePro is an excellent option. However, the thin straps and low-quality velcro inserts are disappointing to see in such an expensive bag.

4. Thule Covert Camera Backpack

• Pack volume: 32 liters
• Weight: 4.71 lb | 2.1 kg
• Size: 20.5 x 14.2 x 9.1 in | 52.1 x 36.1 x 23.1 cm

Swedish company Thule makes excellent, high-quality electronics and photography bags. Their premiere backpack is the everyday Thule Covert 32L, which includes a unique, removable camera insert that doubles as a small sling bag.

Top Features

In my opinion, the Thule Covert is one of the most beautiful-looking backpacks. Apart from the aesthetics, there are some practical features that have landed this bag a spot on this list:

• Innovative, removable camera insert can be taken out and used as a sling bag
• Roll-up top for extra storage for personal items
• Plenty of pockets with quick access pockets on the sides
• Adjustable and transformable from a convenient hiking day bag or camera backpack
• Laptop storage on the back panel up to 16" MacBook Pro
• Expandable side pocket for storing tripod or large water bottle
• Magnetic front pocket zips
• Zip-up inner divider to separate personal and photography items
• Overall great accessory storage compartments throughout the bag

What's Lacking

There are many things to love about this backpack. However, similarly to LowePro's Protactic and Peak Design's offerings, the Thule Covert's thin straps just don't cut it when it comes to long-distance hiking.

Additionally, while the removable camera storage unit is an innovative and well-thought-out feature, the small size means you can't store more than a DSLR camera and lens with maybe some small accessories. For professional photographers, this is nowhere near enough storage space.

The Verdict

After speaking to other professional photographers, not many had even heard about the Thule Covert. This surprised me since it really is a great backpack, but I have to be honest when I say that I haven't seen it in the wild too much either.

Regardless, its innovative storage solution, attractive design, and abundance of organizational features make this a great pick for many travel photographers.

In fact, I believe this is a better option than the Peak Design Travel and even the LowePro Protactic for most travelers, especially those carrying a minimal gear setup. However, pros and serious backcountry photographers with multiple lenses might want to give this one a swipe.

5. Bagsmart Camera Backpack

• Pack volume: 20 Liters
• Weight: 3.5 lb | 1.6 kg
• Size: 15.7 x 11.8 x 7.5 in | 39.9 x 30 x 19.1 cm

The BagSmart DSLR Camera Backpack is by far one of the most popular camera backpacks on Amazon. That's because you can pick up this stylish backpack, featuring a 15-inch laptop compartment, customizable velcro camera storage unit, and several accessory pockets for less than $50 delivered.

Top Features

Photographers looking for the most affordable camera storage solution for their short hikes will love this pack. Here are a few standout features.

• 15-inch laptop compartment
• Well-built backpack with thousands of 5-star reviews for under $50
• Quick access side pockets and expandable top pocket for personal items and clothing
• Thicker back padding than some of the premium camera backpacks with decently thick shoulder straps
• Water bottle holder for tripod or bottle
• Comes in several colors

What's Lacking

Professional photographers looking for the absolute best travel camera backpack or one for the outdoors will certainly miss things like welded zippers and seams, a waist strap, and customizable attachment points.

Furthermore, while this bag has held up on the Amazon review test, BagSmart is still not a premium brand and therefore quality and replacements are questionable.

The Verdict

Right off the bat, you can't expect this backpack to serve as a professional bag capable of transporting your gear for hundreds of miles in the backcountry. However, that's not what BagSmart has set out to create.

While this bag lacks premium features it's still a great hiking camera backpack for beginner photographers and hobbyists– or those who spent all their money on the newest mirrorless lenses.

7. LowePro Flipside Trek BP 450 AW

• Pack volume: 40 liters
• Weight: 3.7 lb | 1.7 kg
• Size: 54 x 31 x 24 cm

While LowePro's Protactic is a great backpack, its straps and fit are not exactly ideal for long hikes and outdoor photography shoots. That's why LowePro released the Flipside Trek BP 450 AW, an excellent 40-liter camera backpack designed for hiking and outdoor photography.

Top Features

Things that I love about this backpack include:

• Unique, convenient front access zipper
• Solid design and zipper layout allows photographers to access their gear by hanging the bag in front of them using the waist straps
• Fits dual camera bodies and extra lenses, with enough space for personal items and adventure equipment
• Adjustable chest straps and padded shoulder straps comfortable for long trips
• Plenty of zippers and included water bottle/tripod holder
• Strapping points and compression straps built-in

What's Lacking

Similarly to Burton's F-stop backpack, the LowePro Flipside Trek also lacks a dedicated laptop compartment. I think this is a huge design flaw that limits the bag as it renders it useless for traveling photographers– often the guys and girls who work in outdoor conditions.

Furthermore, another flaw in the Flipside Trek is that it is slightly long, with limited adjustment positions for those under 5' 7".

The Verdict

Photographers who only need a backpack for hiking will love this pack. It offers everything you're looking for in a stylish and feature-rich design. It's also made by one of the world's best camera backpack manufacturers.

However, again, the deal breaker for me is the lack of a laptop compartment. F-Stop's Tilopa is a much better option or traveling photographers and digital nomads who need rugged protection for their kit and remote office gear.

8. WANDRD FERNWEH Backpacking Bag (M/L)

• Pack volume: 50 liters
• Weight: 5 lb | 2.3 kg
• Size: 26 x 13.8 x 9.5 in | 66 x 35 x 24.1 cm

Next up on this roundup of the best camera backpacks for hiking and adventure is the WANDRD FERNWEH backpacking bag. In terms of features, this is the closest competitor to my top pick, the F-Stop Tilopa 50L.

Top Features

This bag is one of my favorites on the market. After the wild success of the WANDRD PRVKE, they have finally made a backpack more suitable for outdoor photographers. Top features include:

• Intuitive "bucket" is a removable separator in the main compartment
• Dedicated water bladder in the front
• Looks absolutely amazing
• Excellent side pocket for storing drink bottles or tripods, with main camera cube side-access on the other side
• Amazingly comfortable mount with great adjustment features
• Waterproof Tarpaulin and 1680D Ballistic Nylon construction is bomb-proof

What's Lacking

In all honesty, there's very little lacking when it comes to features on this bag. As is the case with the Tilopa, I would have liked to see a water bottle holder on the side, but WANDRD instead put a large and more versatile expandable pocket there that essentially does the same job.

While this bag looks fantastic, there are only two color options, which might not be great for alpine professionals looking for a high-visibility backpack.

The Verdict

The WANDRD FERNWEH is an amazing backpack that is very comfortable. In terms of features, it's almost identical to the F-Stop Tilopa, while offering additional side-access capability.

Comparing the two backpacks fully loaded, I still prefer the Tilopa as it is more comfortable, but it's a close game. The FERNWEH is a top-of-the-line backpack for hiking photographers and while I've only tried it on briefly, I have been told that the durability is superb.

9. Atlas Packs Adventure Pack

• Pack volume: 60 liters
• Weight: 6lb+ | 2.8 kg
• Size: 23 x 11.3 x 9 in | 58.5 x 28. x 23 cm

Coming in next is the AtlasPacks Adventure Pack, a great backpack for hiking, trekking, mountaineering, or backcountry adventures. This is a relatively new brand but has really stirred up the market with its custom-fit design.

Top Features

New brands need to innovate to stand out. That's exactly what AtlasPacks has done by adding these features:

• Customizable torso size and hip belt when purchasing
• Unique Origami folding internal pocket to adjust internal camera storage size
• Water bottle pocket on the side
• Adjustable sternum strap
• New version has added MOLLE attachments on the lid
• Traditional trekking backpack opening lid with compression straps
• Fits up to a 17" Laptop
• 60L maximum capacity and compressible to 35L

What's Lacking

While I'm yet to personally test this one on an expedition or long hike, I'm a huge fan of this backpack after testing it in-store and loading it with gear. One thing I don't like right off the bat is the weight. While the backpack looks light, it is by far the heaviest on this list.

Furthermore, there is no side-access compartment, which limits photographers from quickly swapping gear without taking the backpack off.

Furthermore, for an adventure-minded backpack, I'd like to see companies include weather-proof material and welded zippers right off the bat, especially when we are paying $500 for a bag.

The Verdict

The Atlas Adventure Backpack is a great backpack for hiking photographers. If fit and comfort are a priority, backpacks don't come as comfortable as this customizable fit. I'd say that this bag is definitely up there with the WANDRD FERNWEH and new F-Stop Tilopa as the three best camera backpacks for hiking and adventure.

Choosing between the three will likely come down to price and availability.

10. Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35L

• Pack volume: 35L - 42L
• Weight: 5.75 lb | 2.6 kg
• Size: 22 x 13.5 x 9 in | 55.9 x 34.3 x 22.9 cm

As a long-term traveler, I have a soft spot for Nomatic products. They make high-quality, versatile storage solutions that really last a lifetime. In their newest collaboration with Peter McKinnon, they've taken their travel expertise into the world of photography.

Top Features

Most photographers and videographers have tuned into one of Peter's videos at least once. His gear expertise is unquestionable. So, you'd expect a collaboration with one of the world's best travel bag brands to result in some great features like:

• Expandable storage turns this 35L backpack into a 42L one
• Durable and waterproof material
• Plenty of organizational pockets in a minimal design
• Side tripod or drink bottle pocket
• Back panel completely opens up (can be a negative also)
• Very attractive design with hard, durable, and innovative velcro dividers

What's Lacking?

Firstly, the product I tried on didn't have an attached waist strap. I was told that it does include one, but couldn't find this option online either. Secondly, the straps are quite thin, and if you load this backpack up completely, you will struggle wearing it for hours on the trail.

Lastly, access to the primary compartment requires the Nomatic McKinnon's back panel to open up completely. This exposes all of your other gear to the elements and increases the risk of dropping or losing something.

The Verdict

This is arguably one of the best camera backpacks for travel available on the market today. However, Nomatic promotes this backpack for adventures, and I believe there are several design aspects that limit this backpack for serious outdoor use.

11. Shimoda Action X30

• Pack volume: 30 liters (expandable to 37L)
• Weight: 3.7 lb | 1.7 kg
• Size: 19.7 x 11.8 x 6.3 | 50 x 30 x 16 cm

Last up on this roundup is the Shimoda Action X30. Shimoda is a brand dedicated to creating long-lasting and top-performing mountain photography backpacks for professionals. The X30 series is one of their best-selling backpacks, and a top pick for the best lightweight hiking backpacks for photography.

Top Features

There's a lot to love about Shimoda's backpacks. Here's a quick summary:

• Welded seams, zippers, and waterproof outer material is excellent for rough-weather jobs
• Compressable with intuitive compression straps and roll-top
• Side-access pockets for quick camera access
• Plenty of extra pockets for accessories and miscellaneous items
• Lightweight and comfortable for short hikes or on long trips with ultralight equipment

What's Lacking

Honestly, there really isn't much lacking in this backpack besides its size. At 37L fully expanded, this bag is slightly too small for long-distance or multi-day hikes.

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the roll-up top. While I can see the benefits, I have seen this backpack look very top-heavy when storing extra gear, water, or bulky items in the top compartment.

The Verdict

At almost half the price of F-Stop backpacks, Shimoda Designs does a great job of matching them in terms of quality and features. If you're looking for a smaller backpack, the X30 is one of the top bags on the market for photographers who need their gear protected in harsh conditions.

Bonus: Use Your Hiking Backpack With the LowePro GearUP Creator Box

While there are so many great purpose-built hiking camera bags, wouldn't it be great if you could just use your comfortable hiking or trekking backpack instead? Well, this is possible, thanks to Lowepro's line of Creator Boxes.

These soft-padded camera storage boxes are similar to other padded inserts like the ICUs from F-Stop but offer additional functionality including front zippers, internal zip compartments, and convenient "Quick Door" access.

These additional storage features make the Creator Box a good option for not only storing cameras and lenses, but also essential accessories like filters, shotgun microphones, and SD cards.

Additionally, the fully-opening zipper is great, since you can use them with a top-opening trekking bag to access your gear quickly either from within the backpack or as a quick method of transporting your camera gear.

Quick Answer: Here are the Best External SSDs for Photography

Chasing delivery deadlines? After personally testing over 10 of the most recommended solid-state drives on the market, here are the 4 best SSDs for photographers.

Fastest portable SSD: Sandisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD V2

Highest capacity SSD: OWC Envoy Pro EX (up to 8.0TB)

Most Durable SSD: LaCie Rugged SSD

Most portable SSD: Kingston XS2000

Read on for a complete breakdown, including each drive's specifications and thorough reasonings for why I have selected these 4 portable hard drives for photographers.

Speed: Fastest SSD For Blazing Photo Imports, Editing, & Exports

When portable SSDs first entered the market, one of the most noticeable advantages was considerably faster transfer speeds than what was capable on traditional hard drives

But how does this speed increase translate to real-life benefits for photographers?

When choosing the fastest drive for photography purposes, there are two specifications that you will need to consider (both measured in megabytes per second (MB/s).

• Read speeds - how long it takes to open, edit, or move an image or video from your SSD.
• Write speeds - how long it takes to move images or videos onto your SSD.

Most of the portable SSDs on the market today have a read/write speed of at least 500MB/s, which is more than fast enough for storing a Lightroom library or for the temporary storage of a client's photos.

However, if you're importing a lot of files, doing some video editing, or previewing high-resolution RAW images on your mobile devices, the faster the SSD drive, the smoother the process will be.

When comparing disk speeds, photographers should know the difference between sequential read & random read (s read & r read, or s write & r write). When comparing data transfer speeds in this SSD roundup, I have prioritized sequential read and write as this is how the device reads and writes large files from the drive– for example importing RAW files from your SD Card. On the other hand, random write and read speeds refer to small files scattered throughout the storage device and is more applicable to boot drives storing things like your System OS.

Benchmarking: SSD Drive Speeds

Below are the average write and read speeds after benchmarking all four SSDs using Blackmagic's Disk Speed tool on the highest stress settings. All drives were newly formatted using APFS (Apple File System) on the same USB C port using the supplied cable.

SSD	Avg. Write Speed	Avg. Read Speed
Sandisk Extreme Pro V2	981 MB/s	917 MB/s
OWC Envoy Pro EX	920 MB/s	880 MB/s
LaCie Rugged SSD	791 MB/s	785 MB/s
Kingston XS2000	855 MB/s	901 MB/s

Sandisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD (V2)

Is speed your number one priority when searching for an external SSD for photography? I benchmarked over 10 different portable SSDs using BlackMagic's Disk Speed tool on macOS. And, in terms of objective speed results, the Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD (PRO V2) is the fastest SSD of the lot at constant 980+ MB/s write and 870+MB/s read speeds on my Macbook Pro M1 Pro 2021.

This is Sandisks' flagship portable SSD drive. This premium SSD drive features an IP55-rated durable body housing a blazing fast NVMe drive capable of 2000MB/s read and write speeds (if your computer has USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support). While a little larger than some of the other drives on the market, including the cheaper SanDisk Extreme line, its thin form factor still makes it very portable.

In real-world tests over the past few weeks, I have found that significant imports move extremely quickly. Furthermore, when connected to my 2021 Macbook Pro M1 Pro's USB Type-c, editing large 4K video projects directly off of this drive is as smooth as any internal SSD in a desktop computer.

Capacity: Best High-Capacity SSD For Large Photography Libraries

Just a few years ago, portable SSDs lagged significantly behind HDDs when it came to maximum storage capacity. However, solid-state technology has improved dramatically in the past few years, with portable SSD drives now offering up to 8.0TB and even 16.0TB of pocketable storage space.

This revolutionizes the workflow for photographers and videographers on the go. We can now store our entire Lightroom library and even work on large projects with up to 12k RAW video files– directly from a portable drive hooked up to our laptops with a USB Type-C cable.

Although a high-capacity external solid state drive is usually quite expensive, these options can be much cheaper than paying for large capacity internal drives on a Macbook or other laptops.

SSD Capacity Options

Below are the available storage sizes for each drive reviewed.

SSD	Storage Capacity
Sandisk Extreme PRO V2	1TB, 2TB, 4TB
OWC Envoy Pro EX	240GB, 480GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB
LaCie Rugged SSD	500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
Kingston XS2000	500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB

OWC Envoy Pro Ex External NVMe M.2 SSD

If it's high capacity storage you're after, you cannot beat the OWC Envoy Pro EX. OWC is a very reputable American electronics manufacturer that's been around since the late 1980s. While OWC specializes in products for mac systems, their Envoy Pro EX external thunderbolt drive is compatible with any device sporting USB 3.1 Gen 1, Thunderbolt 3, or USB 3.1 Gen 2 technology.

This portable SSD is an intuitive solution for photographers, since the Envoy Pro EX is simply a high-quality, durable USB-C enclosure, with an NVMe M.2 SSD inside. The cases allow for complete customization, and users can even install their own M.2 drives as long as it is a 2280 form factor.

However, OWC also sells high-capacity M.2 drives already installed, with storage sizes of up to 8.0TB and speeds of up to 980MB/s. These speeds held up in my speed benchmarking tests.

I now personally use the OWC Envoy Pro EX as a high-capacity and high-speed storage solution for my Lightroom library, allowing me to save tonnes of space on my Macbook Pro.

Durability: Best Rugged SSD for Landscape & Outdoor Photography

We've all been there before. A corrupted hard drive is one of the most stressful experiences a photographer or videographer can endure.

Thankfully, the lack of moving parts in SSDs makes for a much more durable storage solution than a traditional hard disk drive. While still not completely impervious to failure, SSDs can withstand much more abuse than their spinning disk counterparts.

However, not all SSDs are created equal. Some photographers, including myself, take ruggedness and durability seriously when trying to narrow down the best SSD drives.

Some durability factors you'll want to consider in an SSD are:

• IP Rating (Ingress Protection) - defines how well your drive seals out solids (dust) and liquids (water resistance).
• Build quality - is the drive built with high-quality materials that won't break under pressure?
• Ruggedness - is the drive built with a protective rubber case?

So, when making a decision, consider where you will be using the drive, whether it will be stowed in your camera backpack on long shoots in the outdoors, or whether you will be carrying it day-to-day.

SSD	IP Rating
Sandisk Extreme PRO V2	IP55
OWC Envoy Pro EX	IP67
LaCie Rugged SSD	IP67
Kingston XS2000	IP55

LaCie Rugged SSD

If you work in the photography space, then you'll likely be aware of LaCie drives. I've been using LaCie's rugged line of external HDDs for years. So, when they released a smaller, more durable solid state drive, I was eager to test it out.

The LaCie Rugged SSD is by far the most durable SSD for photography. Although I'm reluctant to test their claim, LaCie states that these drives will withstand 3-meter drops and two-tonne car crush resistance! On top of that, LaCie also offers a 5-year Rescue Data Recovery service, which I'm yet to try out but has received a good wrap online.

Inside this impressive casing is a Seagate FireCuda NVMe SSD utilizing USB 3.1 Gen 2 throughput at claimed 1,050 MB/s maximum speeds.

I use LaCie's drives to store and deliver projects to clients since I know that the data will be safe.

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Portability: Lightest & Most Portable External SSD

SSDs by their very nature are compact storage solutions that are hardly noticed in a laptop bag or camera backpack.

However, photographers know that gear quickly adds up in both weight and size. So, from CF Express card readers to tripods, shaving a few grams off our gear where we can goes a long way, especially for travel photographers and those always on the go.

Comparison: Size & Weight

Below is a table comparing the size and weights of each SSD in their 1TB option.

External SSD	Size (dimensions)	Weight
Sandisk Extreme Pro V2	4.3 x 2.3 x 0.4 in. (110.3 x 57.3 x 10.2mm)	3 oz (85g)
OWC Envoy Pro EX	4.5 x 2.6 x 0.4 in. (115.0 x 65.0 x 9.0mm)	5.2 oz (148g)
LaCie Rugged SSD	3.9 x 2.6 x 0.7 in (97.8 x 64.8 x 17.0 mm)	3.5 oz (99g)
Kingston XS2000	2.7 x 2.3 x 0.5 in (69.5 x 32.5 x 13.5 mm)	1 oz (28.9g)

Kingston XS2000

So far in this roundup of the best SSDs for photography, we've seen excellent portable drives for a range of applications. However, none of these drives are as small, lightweight, or compact as the Kingston XS2000.

At not much larger than a traditional thumb drive, Kingston is able to deliver storage of up to 2.0TB! These portable SSDs weigh less than 29 grams (around 1 ounce) and are practically unnoticeable, even when in your pocket. The included silicone casing also adds a layer of drop protection that feels and looks great.

The speeds on this drive are also very impressive, with a maximum write speed of 2,000MB/s (again, only with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support). During my speed tests, the sequential write and reads constantly held up above 800-900 MB/s, even with the highest stress settings.

This is now my go-to drive when out on expeditions or when I need to offload or backup files without adding to my pack weight.

Where to Stay Near Cetina River (IZVOR CETINE)

Looking to explore more attractions in the Dinara Mountain region of Croatia? Here are a few top-rated picks nearby.

• Villa Cetina - beautiful villa right near the river source under Dinara mountain.
• Hotel Alkar - popular hotel near the village of Sinj, just 40 minutes away.
• Kijevo Holiday Home - highly-rated holiday home on a private lot just 5 minutes from the Eye of the Earth.

Wondering about where to stay in Tulum? Generally speaking, there are two areas, Tulum Town (Pueblo), and the Tulum Hotel Zone (Tulum Beach).

Tulum Town is a laid-back town close to the ADO bus station and has loads of hotels, guest houses, hostels, restaurants, bars, and everything else you could imagine.

The Tulum Hotel Zone is located closer to the to the beach, where you’ll find more high-end hotels, beach resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs. Here are the 3 top picks from both neighborhoods.

• Casa Malca – Perfect for couples searching for a luxury, private and relaxing resort. It’s situated on a private beach surrounded by palm trees and offers luxury spa treatments and a large outdoor swimming pool.
• Mamasan Treehouses & Cabins – Stay in an epic tree house just 100m from South Tulum Beach! Features an epic root-top jungle bar with rooms overlooking the ocean.
• Myan Monkey – By far the best hostel for a party vibe and making lifelong friends. The perfect choice for backpackers looking for accommodation in a great location. Just a short walk to Tulum Center where you can find many restaurants and bars.

India Blue City Walking Tour

Jodhpur is vast. The streets are chaotic and it's almost like a step back in time for those used to the modernized infrastructure present in other Rajasthani cities like Jaipur.

In this guide, I'll do my best to help you find the Blue City in Jodhpur independently. However, I'll also recommend a few very highly-rated walking tours below that will take you to the best areas to see the blue buildings in Jodhpur. Truthfully, a local Indian guide is going to be the best bet to avoid you feeling disappointed.

The best Blue City walking tour operator in Jodhpur is BlueCity Walks. They offer a bunch of tours depending on what you're looking for, and I can personally vouch for their quality and friendliness.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a quality tour at a great price, then check out this group tour.

Since you have to pay for entry tickets, I recommend just booking a full-day Jodhpur sightseeing tour. This will take you to the best attractions in Jodhpur, including the fort, and they'll also show you the best view of the Blue City of Jodhpur from the fort.

It's also great value and much cheaper than you'd expect.

Book this tour: Mehrangarh Fort and Jodhpur Sightseeing Tour

2. Joby Gorillapod 5K

• Maximum Load: 4.98 kg (11 lb)
• Maximum Height: 37 cm (14.57")
• Folded Height: 38.5 cm (15.16")
• Weight: 0.482 kg (17 oz)

The Joby Gorillapod has long been the most popular alternative to full-sized tripods. This innovative and compact size is incredibly versatile, and is great for everybody from creative landscape photographers to professional vloggers.

The Gorillapod 5K is the largest and beefiest offering from Joby and it can support a very impressive 4.98 kg (11 lbs). This is quite impressive considering it only weighs 482 g (17 oz). This means it can support full-sized DSLRs like the Canon 1DX III or the Canon R3.

The ball head on this thing isn't great, but it definitely does the job for an unconventional tripod solution. While it can be a bit fiddly to set up sometimes, you can get quiet creative with the Gorillapod. For example, you can mount it on tree branches, poles, fences, and pretty much anywhere with a solid frame.

However, photographers shooting in a valley or on a mountain will be severely limited in terms of practicality and maximum height. Furthermore, while weight is a definite plus here, the Joby Gorillapod 5K still folds down to a similar size of a full-sized lightweight backpacking tripod. The price is also fairly expensive for what you get.

Best for: vloggers and beginner travel photographers who need to bring down their weight as much as possible

3. Peak Design Travel Tripod (Carbon Fiber)

• Maximum Load: 9 kg (19.84 lbs)
• Maximum Height: 153 cm (60.24")
• Folded Height: 39 cm (15.35")
• Weight: 1.27 kg (2.8 lbs)

When the Peak Design Travel Tripod first came onto the scene, it was almost impossible to get one. The hype was real! But, did all this hype live up to the promise of innovating the lightweight travel tripod industry?

In some ways, yes. It's hard to argue with the fact that this tripod design is very aesthetically pleasing. The weight-to-maximum load ratio is also quite competitive. Additional features like innovative ball-head design has also been very popular.

It's obvious that this tripod is catered to the travel market. It's packable, light, and even has a phone-holder feature. Peak Design is also one of the best photography accessory companies, and I use their products every single day.

However, there are some rather strange issues with the Peak Design Travel Tripod. Firstly, for some reason, you cannot rotate the ball head without first extending the central column. This is very frustrating as most professional photographers with larger rigs will want to keep that central column all the way down for maximum stability, especially in windy conditions.

Another caveat is the hexhead screw on the plate. Most companies these days offer a folding tab to quickly change plates without a tool. However, this isn't really a deal breaker, as you can often get away with just using the same arca-swiss compatible plates with most tripods and accessories these days.

In my opinion, I wouldn't bother with the aluminum version. For the same price, you can get the Manfrotto BeFree GT, which offers way more bang for your buck at the same weight. The carbon fiber version is a strong contender for the best lightweight tripod for backpacking, but the price might put some people off.

Best for: travel photographers who want a light, packable solution and can sacrifice on load capacity

4. Benro GoPlus Travel FGP18A

• Maximum Load: 10 kg (22.05 lbs)
• Maximum Height: 165 cm (64.96")
• Folded Height: 46 cm (18.11")
• Weight: 1.95 kg (4.3 lbs)

Best for: hobby or beginner photographers and backpackers on a budget

The Benro GoPlus Travel tripod offers great bang-for-buck for backpacking photographers who can sacrifice a little on weight. This tripod borrows similar leg designs from Gitzo products but builds them from heavier aluminum alloy material.

As a result, this is the heaviest tripod on the list, but still comes under the 2 kg threshold. This might be fine for many, especially when you find out it can support 10 kg (22.02 lbs), and do so well. Furthermore, the Benro GoPlus Travel offers other unique features like being able to be converted into a fully-functioning monopod.

The unique central column and canopy system offers further flexibility by being able to tilt out from the center. The main use case for this would be to act as a manual slider for time-lapse photography.

In the end, the Benro GoPlus Travel offers a decent tripod with great features at a fair price. Although it is heavy and the least packable on this list, it can support a full-frame DSLR or Mirrorless camera. However, keep in mind you'll often need to purchase a separate ball head unless you can find a package deal.

5. 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 +AirHead Pro Lever Kit

• Maximum Load: 30 kg (66.14 lbs)
• Maximum Height: 147 cm (57.87")
• Folded Height: 35 cm (13.78")
• Weight: 1.85 kg (4.09 lbs)

3 Legged Thing make some of the best lightweight travel tripods for professional photographers. If we're going to round down to the best, the 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 would take the cake. Pair this with the Airhead Pro Lever Kit, and you've got yourself a beast hiking tripod.

What really stands out with this carbon fiber travel tripod is that it can support 30 kg (66.14 lbs), which really blows the other options out of the water. However, it's important to note that this maximum load can only be achieved using the 23° leg position. With this narrow leg position, the center of gravity is more critical, and I wouldn't want to place 30 kg of camera gear like that.

However, most outdoor and nature photographers won't have 30 kg of gear to begin with. At the end of the day, these legs are strong, and you can trust it to support heavy camera and lens setups.

This lightweight tripod can also achieve near ground level shots at just 5 inches above the ground if you splay the legs wide at 80° and remove the central column. And, combine that with a maximum height of 147 cm (57.87"), photographers get quite an impressive range, even if the maximum height is a little lacking.

Besides the price (and potentially the wild color schemes), there's little to dislike about this lightweight tripod and ball head setup. Although, I have heard from some photographers that they've lost the rubber feet.

Best for: outdoor photographers with big rigs

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Related: Finding the Best Camera Backpack for Hiking

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6. Joby RangePod Smart

• Maximum Load: 8 kg (17.64 lbs)
• Maximum Height: 160 cm (63")
• Folded Height: 42.5 cm (16.73")
• Weight: 1.69 kg (3.73 lbs)

Another decent budget choice is the Joby Rangepod Smart. Although this tripod is made from heavier aluminum alloy, it still comes in at a decent weight. This tripod is a popular choice for vloggers and influencers, especially those who film or shoot content on light compact cameras or phones.

With this tripod, you get standard features like a decent ball head, arca-swiss compatible quick release plate, quick release twist lock leg segements, and a ballast hook. The design is very similar to the Manfrotto BeFree range, which many will love. The maximum height is also one of the most impressive on this list. In total, these features are great for those on a budget who don't need to support heavy cameras and can handle the extra weight.

However, the benefits really end there, especially for those with a higher skill level or for professional use cases. This tripod isn't very packable for only being able to support 8 kg. Its bulky size and heavy aluminum alloy material typically rules the Joby Rangepod out for professional photographers.

Best for: vloggers, influencers, and budget travelers and backpackers

7. Manfrotto PIXI EVO

• Maximum Load: 2.5 kg (5.51 lbs)
• Maximum Height: 20 cm (7.87")
• Folded Height: 20.5 cm (8.07")
• Weight: 0.267 kg (9.42 oz)

This is what a truly lightweight travel tripod looks like! Minimalists and photographers who typically only shoot with a tripod when recording time-lapses or the occasional slow-shutter shot will love this approach.

No, this isn't a full-sized tripod by any means. But, it is the most compact design of any lightweight tripod for backpacking or hiking. At just over 20 cm and under 250 g, most hikers will not notice this in their backpack. Being built by Manfrotto, you can also expect great quality for such a tiny accessory.

Surprisingly, this lightweight and compact tripod solution can hold a full-frame mirrorless camera and kit lens like the Canon R5 and 24-105 F4 comfortably. Of course, you'll be very limited in terms of shooting angles, but if you want a no-frills approach, the Manfrotto PIXI EVO is an affordable and very packable solution.

Best for: cheap & lightweight tripod solution for ultimate minimalists

8. Gitzo GT1545T Series 1 Traveler Tripod

• Maximum Load: 10 kg (22.05 lbs)
• Maximum Height: 153 cm (60.24")
• Folded Height: 42.5 cm (16.73")
• Weight: 1.06 kg (2.4 lbs)

The Gitzo Series 1 Traveler is another great option in this ultimate list of the best lightweight tripod solutions.

This tripod is seriously sexy. Gitzo tripods are known to be some of the most aesthetically pleasing, easy-to-use, and functional tripods on the market. The Gitzo Series 1 Traveler weighs in at just 1.06 kg (2.4 lbs), which is insane, considering it can hold 10 kg (22.05 lbs).

The minimal design is also a pleasure to use. You won't find a thousand other functions like the Peak Design Travel Tripod or travel tripods from 3 Legged Thing. But, that's exactly why many professional photographers turn to Gitzo. Simplicity is key here, and it gets the job done.

Of course, the light weight in the central column and the leg sections mean photographers miss out on a little extra stability and load capacity that the Manfrotto BeFree GT offers. The design is also not as packable as other travel tripods with a similar maximum load.

Best for: professional photographers who need the lightest travel tripod possible

9. HEIPI Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

• Maximum Load: 25 kg (55 lb)
• Maximum Height: 151 cm (59.44")
• Folded Height: 44.4 cm (17.48")
• Weight: 3-in-1: 1.4 kg (3.1 lb) |
• Main tripod weight with head: 1.2 kg (2.65 lb)

The HEIPI Carbon Fiber Travel tripod is an interesting and unique Indiegogo project. This tripod is the most unique on this list, offering what they call a 3-in-1 travel tripod. It packs in a small removal sub tripod into the central column, which in itself, is a good little tripod for hiking.

While the maximum load claims are a bit outlandish, I have found that the new three-column design does offer significant rigidity gains over single-column tripods, even when used with heavy telephoto lenses.

In terms of weight and portability, this option also comes close to topping the list!

This is a budget-friendly option for mirrorless camera shooters that provides incredible flexibility in a tiny form factor.

Designing a Photography Kit For Travel

One of the most common and obvious questions you hear from people first starting out with travel photography is "what is the best camera for travel?" This is a good question because the camera is the foundation of your travel photography kit.

Hence, everything you choose to buy from lenses to accessories will need to be compatible with the camera that you choose.

As you might expect, with the boom of smaller mirrorless and even micro four-thirds cameras, there are just so many options on the market these days.

To narrow down the search, I've selected a few that I believe are the best cameras for travel photography in 2023. Again, I've also included various options to suit different needs and budgets. If you continue reading, I've also included recommendations for the best lenses and accessories to craft your perfect travel photography kit around the camera of your choice.

I use Adobe Lightroom (Creative Cloud) to edit all of my photos. Use my link to get a free Photographer trial to Lightroom and Photoshop.

Camera Gear For Travel: Travel Photography Gear List

Here's a useful travel photography gear list with recommendations. A comprehensive kit includes:

1. Camera
2. Lenses
3. Drone
4. Action Camera/360 Camera
5. Essential Accessories

Remember you don't need to have all of these items to take great photos. You might decide that a simple GoPro or Insta360 camera is enough for your travel photography kit. However, I've included everything that I use every day to cover all the bases of a great travel photography gear list.

1. The Best Cameras for Travel

Best beginner camera: Sony ZV-E10

What I use: Canon R5

Camera	Type	Price
GoPro Hero 11	Action	$
Panasonic Lumix TZ220	Compact	$
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV	Micro Four Thirds	$$
Sony SV-E10	Mirrorless (APS-C Crop Sensor)	$$
Sony A7IV	Mirrorless (Full Frame)	$$$
Canon R5	Mirrorless (Full Frame)	$$$$

Panasonic Lumix TZ220

The Panasonic Lumix TZ220 is Panasonic's flagship compact camera and is nicknamed the company's Ultimate Travel Companion. While it is technically a little more expensive than the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, the in-built 15x zoom means that you won't need to spend anything more on lenses.

Best for: The Lumix TZ220 is probably the best compact camera out there for travel. This one is best for people who don't want to spend a fortune on buying different lenses and would like to keep their travel photography gear as lightweight and discrete as possible.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a 20-megapixel micro four-thirds camera with 5-axis in-built image stabilization and includes a great range of high-quality compact lenses.

This is the entry-level camera in Olympus' micro four-thirds range of compact DSLR-style cameras. However, I believe that it's best option in this price range with all the features you'll want in a low-budget interchangeable-lens camera for travel.

Best for: Olympus is a great entry-level camera for travel photography serving as a perfect platform to learn and grow as a photographer.

Sony ZV-E10

The Sony ZV-E10 is an interchangeable lens camera aimed at the vlogging market. However, it is also my recommended camera of choice for travelers starting off with photography, as well as and photography-enthusiasts looking to upgrade their gear to a purposed-travel kit.

While many of the features, including impressive "4D autofocus", 4K HDR recording (at full width of the sensor), and a convenient flip screen are great for creating video, this travel-friendly camera also packs in some great photography specs.

Best for: The Sony ZV-E10 is one of the best options, ticking nearly all the boxes for excellent travel photography gear. The images and video this thing produces are incredible considering just how compact this mirrorless body is. This is a great camera for beginners and enthusiasts serious about travel photography.

The only downfalls are that due to the small size, it is a little more difficult to use the buttons and controls than compared to some of the larger, pro models below.

Sony Alpha A7IV

These last two camera bodies see us step up into the pro-level travel photography gear. The Sony A7IV is a big step up from the super popular A7III, which I used to recommend in this constantly-updated article for several years.

This updated model is easily one of the best-performing full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market and more than capable as an excellent full-frame camera for travel.

Best for: The Sony A7IV came in very close to taking the top spot for the best camera for travel photography. While it's a little pricey, you Sony certainly offers great value for money through excellent performance and great features that make it the perfect camera for pros or those really serious about travel photography.

Canon EOS R5

The Canon EOR R5 is the holy grail of small form factor, full-frame mirrorless cameras. I've been a Canon DSLR loyalist for years, shooting on bodies like the Canon 6D and the Canon 5D Mark IV but this camera finally gave me enough reasons to swap to mirrorless.

This camera has incredible features and insane specs, but be prepared to fork out a bit of cash for it.

Best for: The Canon EOR R5 is best for professional photographers who make a living with their gear. This camera will give you the best image quality and more than enough features for all travel photography needs. However, this is by far the most expensive camera and is very overkill for beginners or hobbyists.

2. Best Lenses for Travel Photography

The next step in choosing your travel photography gear list is a lens or two to match your camera of choice. The truth is, there are way too many options to list and review for every camera body out there.

However, for travel photography especially, it's best to go for zoom lenses over primes. This will give you a more flexible focal range without doubling up or needing a whole bag of lenses for different shoot types.

To achieve good coverage of lenses for all shoots, consider purchasing:

• A good walk-around lens - a versatile lens for portraits, shots of people, landscapes, food, buildings, landscapes, etc.
• A wide-angle lens or ultra-wide - for landscapes, astrophotography, and architecture
• A telephoto lens - for wildlife and unique perspectives in landscapes (think blown up mountain backdrops)

A Walk-Around Lens (Kit Lens)

A walk-around or general kit lens is a versatile lens that photographers use for a wide range of subjects and shoots. The focal range will depend on the sensor size of your camera, but usually covers the fairly wide to near-telephoto focal range.

This is typically the type of lens that travel photographers use most. However, this varies depending on the style of photography you like. For example, I tend to shoot a lot more landscapes so I actually end up using my wide-angle lens more often.

Best option for the Sony ZV-E10: Sony 16-70mm f/4

What I use: Canon RF 24-105 f4L USM IS for the Canon R5 (cheaper and lighter than the better 24-70mm f2.8L)

Camera	Lens	Check Price
Panasonic Lumix TZ220	N/A	N/A
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV	Olympus 12-45mm f/4	Amazon
Sony ZV-E10	Sony 16-70mm f/4	Amazon
Sony A7IV	Sony FE 24-105mm F4	Amazon
Canon R5	Canon RF 24-70mm f2.8L	Amazon

Wide Angle Lens

For my style of travel photography, a wide or ultra-wide lens is the most fun and captivating focal range to use. Wides and ultra-wides fit an entire scene into the frame, which is great for landscape vistas, action shots, night photography, and busy streets.

Below I've listed the best wide angle lenses for travel photography for each camera. Note that again, all but one are zoom lenses, allowing them to be more versatile. The Rokinon for the Olympus is a prime, but a great one that shouldn't be passed up if this is the camera you go for.

Best option for the Sony ZV-E10: Sony 10-18mm f/4

What I use: Canon RF 15-35mm f2.8L IS USM

Camera	Lens	Check Price
Panasonic Lumix TZ220	N/A	N/A
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV	Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 NCS CS	Amazon
Sony ZV-E10	Sony 10-18mm f/4	Amazon
Sony A7IV	Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM	Amazon
Canon R5	Canon RF 15-35mm f2.8L IS USM	Amazon

Optional: A Telephoto Lens

Telephotos aren't a necessary lens focal length for many travel photographers. Due to their large size and limited use cases, many seem to pass them up to save room in their travel photography gear bags.

However, I've recently started shooting with a super-telephoto by Canon and I absolutely love the unique shots that I'm able to get with it. For landscapes, you can get incredible blown-up backgrounds of mountains, city skylines, or even the moon or setting sun. I also love using a telephoto for wildlife photography, allowing beautiful, up-close photos without needing to get too close to the subject.

Best option for the Sony ZV-E10: Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS

What I use: Canon RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1L IS USM

Camera	Lens	Check Price
Panasonic Lumix TZ220	N/A	N/A
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV	Olympus 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3	Amazon
Sony ZV-E10	Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6	Amazon
Sony A7IV	Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6	Amazon
Canon R5	Canon RF 100-500mm f4.507.1L	Amazon

3. Best Drone For Aerial Travel Photography

Drones have absolutely changed the game! I consider them one of the most useful bits of travel camera gear in my kit. More often than not, my favorite shot from a particular shoot will end up being captured from my drone. The unique perspectives are just too good to pass up.

Below are the best drones for travel photography.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro

The DJI Mavic 3 is currently the best travel drone you can buy. While it is a little bulkier and a bit more dated than some of the newer, smaller drones by DJI, it still offers the best image quality, range, and features like variable aperture and 5.1k 60p/4k 120p video recording.

Related:

3 Types of Filters You Need for Your DJI Drone

DJI Mavic Air 2S

The DJI Mavic Air 2S takes an excellent camera and turns it into a tiny drone. This thing is smaller than the Mavic Pro 3 and offers similar specs and image quality. The Mavic Air 2S is more than enough drone for most people's travel photography gear list and is cheaper than the Mavic Pro 3.

However, what it does lack is a variable aperture, which will be enough to turn many of the pros away.

DJI Mini 3 Pro

For amateur or enthusiast photographers looking to get into aerial photography on their travels, the DJI Mini 3 is going to be the drone for you. This thing is tiny and weighs less than 250 grams (8.5 oz). Additionally, it folds down to the size of a coke can, which is perfect for travel.

Unlike previous versions of the Mini range, the Mavic Mini 3 actually packs in a great camera! You'll get great 4K/60fps video and 48 MP stills!

4. Choosing an Action/360 Camera For Travel

Another great piece of camera gear for travel is an action camera. For some, you could easily skip this. For others, you might choose to replace your entire kit with a single, tiny, high-performing camera.

Personally, I'm a big fan of action cameras like GoPros. Similarly to drones, they've changed the game in travel and adventure photography. They allow photographers to get insane perspectives and capture quite good images and video with a camera that fits in your pocket.

Recently, the industry is changing once again. With the introduction of high-quality 360 cameras, many like myself will end up replacing their traditional GoPros with 360 cameras since they do it all, with the ability to create awesome, 360 images and video.

Below I'll include the best action cameras for travel for you to consider.

GoPro Hero 11

The GoPro hero range is the most-sold camera in history. And, the Hero 11 is the best yet. Its tiny size, waterproof construction, and excellent image quality with features like a front LCD screen, 5.3K 60p recording, insane hypersmooth image stabilization, and 27MP sensor make most really rethink whether it can replace a traditional camera altogether.

Insta360 One X3

I recently traded in my GoPro for the Insta360 One X3. This new camera is one of the funnest pieces of equipment I've used in years. 360 video and photo is really starting to take off, and I've even used this tiny camera to make professional 360 room tours for hotels!

Thanks to the single lens mode, the Insta360 One X3 is a great action camera as well. It can now record 4K 30p. Additionally, in 360 mode, it records a 360-degree view at all times, allowing you to trim and crop video to turn it into immersive perspectives even in traditional formats.

The Insta360 also has powerful 360 image capabilities at a whopping 72 megapixels!

GoPro Hero Max

The GoPro Hero Max is GoPro's answer to the 360 camera. While I believe they've made too many sacrifices in their attempts to create an "all-in-one" action cam, it's still one of the best action and 360 cameras on the market.

5. Essential Camera Accessories For Travel

By now, you'll probably have quite the shopping list or Amazon cart. But I'm sorry to break it to you, it doesn't end there. When it comes to crafting a perfect travel camera gear list, you can't go past some of these accessories.

Again, as I mentioned at the start of this article, the goal is always to keep things as minimalist as possible. There are loads of nifty accessories on the market but the hardest part for travelers is sifting through what you actually need. For example, if you're also looking to create travel videos, with your camera equipment, you'll want to consider getting a good shotgun microphone and even a gimbal. But, if you stick to taking photos, your kit will be lighter.

Below I've listed travel camera gear essentials that I couldn't live or work without.

Lens Filters

Lens filters are arguably the most-used photography accessory. Usually, these screw onto the front element of the lens so you'll need to buy filters to fit your lenses. Below are the most commonly-used filter types and why you should use them for travel photography.

• UV-filters: UV filters reduce UV light rays slightly but are better used to protect your lenses. They are fairly cheap so if you drop or scract your camera, you can just replace a filter rather than your expensive lens.

Find UV-filters for your lens on Amazon

• ND-filters: Neutral Density filters reduce the amount of light hitting the sensor. The good ones achieve this without affecting the image. This is useful for videographers to maintain the desired shutter speed for their frame rate and for landscape travel photographers taking long-exposure photos.

Find ND-filters for your lens on Amazon

• CPL filters: Circular Polarizing filters reduce glare and increase saturation. If you've ever worn polarized sunglasses, you already know what I'm talking about. I often use CPL filters when shooting over water or if I want to make lush forest greens pop.

Find CP-filters for your lens on Amazon

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Peak Design Camera Clip

A camera clip is my personal favorite travel camera accessory. These clips are made by Peak Design and allow you to easily clip your camera on and off your backpack or belt. This is a game-changer for long hikes and outdoor shoots and I honestly couldn't live without it.

Camera Backpack

Of course, you're going to need a camera backpack to store all of your gear.

Recommending the best camera backpack for travel is a difficult task as there are just so many variables to consider. Generally, backpacks are better for travel than sling bags or big pelican cases. That's because are easy to transport, more comfortable and more secure, and discrete for traveling.

Below are my recommendations for camera backpacks based on what I've used and reviews from photographers.

My camera backpack: F-Stop Tilopa 50L Duradiamond

F-stop makes some of the best outdoor camera backpacks in the world. They're tailored for outdoor conditions and are comfortable for long hikes.

The Tilopa has great features with loads of pockets and a huge back-access pocket for all of your gear. The great thing about F-stop backpacks is their modular ICU systems. This means you can change up your backpack depending on whether you need lots of camera gear or more space for clothes and other things.

What makes the F-Stop Tilopa my favorite travel camera backpack is that I can store my gear, as well as many other things I use day-to-day when living on the road.

Great All-Round Camera Backpack For Travel: WANDRD PRVKE

The PRVKE by WANDRD is a very popular backpack for travel photographers with excellent features. What's great about this bag is that it doesn't look like a camera backpack, but still has the accessibility of one.

The PRVKE comes in three sizes; 21L, 31L, and 41L. I've personally tried one on and consider it pretty darn comfortable. However, it's just not as comfortable as the Tilopa, especially if you spend a lot of time hiking.

I'd say that the PRVKE is the best camera backpack for most travelers, especially for cities and transit.

How to Get to the Thieves Market

The Chor Bazaar is tucked within the Kamathipura neighborhood in south Mumbai.

If you're staying in the tourist district of Colaba, it's a fairly long 9-kilometer walk. Alternatively, you could use Uber or hail a rickshaw/taxi for around 100 rupees.

Otherwise, I've linked to what I believe to be one of the best Mumbai photography tours which also includes a walkthrough of Mumbai's Thieves Market.