I get asked a lot about my gear bag and how I will pack it for a given workshop/tour. Below is a list of gear that I will likely take on each of these upcoming trips.
Kenya
Because Kenya is mainly a wildlife destination and my target subject is wildlife, I will start packing my gear bag with wildlife in mind. Once I have all the camera bodies/lenses packed for wildlife, I will then start to think about the b-roll subjects I will encounter and pack for them. Last year we did a little Milky Way photography so I will also pack an f/2.8 wide angle lens and a tripod. I will also bring the new 400mm Sony lens with a 2x teleconvertor or hope for the 500mm lens to be announced by the time I leave-not sure. Last year I used the 100-400mm with the 1.4 teleconvertor most of the time and was quite happy. I did bring the Canon 400DO with 2x just in case and used it only a few times. But, you never know and it is best to have at least the capability of 800mm with you.
I always bring (2) camera bodies.
Sony Alpha a9 mirrorless camera
Sony Alpha a7R III Mirrorless Digital Camera
Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens
MeFOTO GlobeTrotter Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod/ black -comes with its own head.
Rocket Blaster Dust-Removal Tool (Large, Black)-if you have an inferior rocket blower -throw it away and get a good one.
Hoodman lens wipes-these are amazing.
USB 3.0 Dual Slot SD UHS-II and CF Memory Card Reader
Laptop
Think Tank Urban Disguise 60 Classic
Charger, extra batteries, memory cards.
Camera Strap
A pillowcase or microfiber towel to cover my gear in the safari vehicle.
To Pack:
I will remove all of the dividers in my Lowepro Pro Roller x 200 bag and add my 100-400 and 400mm lenses to the bag along with my 2 cameras and other lenses. I will use buffs to wrap each camera and lens in -they will double as head/neck wear on the trip. I will then fill any nooks and crannies with the other gear listed above-like rocket blower, lens wipes, etc.. In my Urban Disguise (laptop bag), I will put any extra gear or lens that doesn’t fit in my roller bag along with my laptop, chargers, batteries, card reader, etc.. I will take as carry-ons; both my roller and laptop bag. Usually my tripod/head, camera strap and pillowcase go in my one checked bag. One of the reasons I use the Lowepro Pro Roller x200 AW is because if I get stopped at the gate I can remove the entire outside shell of the roller bag (see image above), put the inner bag on my back as a backpack and check the shell. I never worry about gate checks. Tip-I fill the shell with a sweatshirt or jacket before gate checking if need be.
Japan
Japan is the kind of tour that has a wide range of subject matter and having almost every lens under the sun can’t hurt, including a super telephoto lens. I did Japan one year without my 600mm lens and to be honest I missed it. I am not saying that you absolutely have to have it, I’m saying it’s nice to have a long lens so that you can get intimate shots of the cranes, etc.. So my list below is slightly different-but if Sony comes out with a 500mm lens, I will most likely bring all Sony gear.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens
Sony Alpha a9 mirrorless camera
Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens
Think Tank Urban Disguise 60 Classic
Induro GIT304L Grand Series 3 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod
Mongoose 4th Generation M-3.6 Action Head w/the Integrated Low Mount Arm & Integrated Flash Arm
Rocket Blaster Dust-Removal Tool (Large, Black)
USB 3.0 Dual Slot SD UHS-II and CF Memory Card Reader
Laptop
Charger, extra batteries, memory cards.
Camera Strap
To Pack:
I will remove all of the dividers in my Roller bag (as discussed above) except I’ll add my 600mm lens first, followed by my 100-400mm along with my 2 cameras and other lenses. I will use wool beanie hats to wrap each camera in -they will be good to have on the trip. I’ll wrap the lenses in heavyweight merino wool buffs I will then fill any nooks and crannies with the other gear listed above-like rocket blower, lens wipes, etc.. In my Urban Disguise (laptop bag), I will put any extra gear or lens that doesn’t fit in my roller bag as well as my laptop, chargers, batteries, etc.. I will take as carry-ons; both my roller and laptop bag. My tripod and Mongoose head, camera strap go in my one checked bag. I usually put my Mongoose head inside of one of my muck boots for extra cushion.
Namibia
Namibia is one of my favorite destinations and this is another spot where having every single lens you own and more is a good thing. There is so much versatility on this trip, including Milky Way photography.
Sony Alpha a7R III Mirrorless Digital Camera
Sony Alpha a9 mirrorless camera
Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens
MeFOTO GlobeTrotter Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod/ black -comes with its own head.
Think Tank Urban Disguise 60 Classic
Rocket Blaster Dust-Removal Tool (Large, Black)
USB 3.0 Dual Slot SD UHS-II and CF Memory Card Reader
Laptop
Charger, extra batteries, memory cards.
Camera strap
Pillowcase to keep dust off of gear in safari vehicles.
To Pack:
Same as above, starting with longest lens, camera bodies, other lenses- wrap in mid-weight buffs. Pack in my Think Tank Urban Disguise laptop bag anything that doesn’t fit in my roller bag. Carry-on both my laptop and roller bag. In my checked bag put my tripod/head, camera strap and pillowcase.