Travel filmmaking is an art that combines the beauty of new destinations with the craft of storytelling. As a travel filmmaker, the right gear can make all the difference in capturing breathtaking visuals and creating engaging content. In this blog post, I’ll share the essential gear in my ultimate travel filmmaking kit and explain why each piece is crucial for my work. Whether you’re an aspiring travel filmmaker or looking to upgrade your setup, this guide will help you make the right choices.
Camera
Sony A7C Mark II
The Sony A7C Mark II is my primary camera. The Sony A7C Mark II is my primary camera. I chose this camera for my travel filmmaking because it has all the Video features of the Sony A7M4 with Sony A7RV/ A7R 5 best-in-class autofocus AI chip. Its full-frame sensor offers great low-light performance and stunning image quality. The 4K video capabilities and amazing autofocus make it perfect for both cinematic shots and quick vlogging sequences.
Lenses
Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 Lens for Sony FE / Full Frame
This is an ultra-wide angle lens for Sony E-mount full-frame cameras, the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE lens is a perfect choice for my needs. This lens can be used for vlogging and being a wide lens, it is also good for taking beautiful landscape shots. One of its great features is that this lens does not have any distortion, so whatever footage or photos you take with it, you will not get distortion at the corners like other wide-angle lenses. The Sony A7C Mark II camera has a super 35 crop mode which makes this 16mm lens a 24 mm lens which is also a good focal length for filmmaking. If I had to choose just one lens for my ultimate travel filmmaking kit I couldn’t go out without this lens.
Sony E Mount FE 85mm F1.8 Full-Frame Lens (SEL85F18)
How can we forget the Sony E mount FE 85mm f1.8 full-frame lens, because no filmmaker’s kit is complete without this lens, although this is my opinion, yours may be different. I don’t think there is any need to praise this lens, you will find many reviews on the internet praising this lens in this budget. Due to the super 35 crop mode of the Sony A7C Mark II camera, this lens gives an output equivalent to a 130mm lens, which according to me is an amazing focal length for both photos and videos.
Tripod
Digitek (DTR 520 BH) (60 Inch) (152cm)
This tripod, the Digitek DTR 520 BH, is both affordable and I think perfect for travel filmmaking. It’s super versatile because it can be used as both a tripod and a monopod. The swivel pan head is great, making panning and tilting shots easy. It extends up to 60 inches, so you can get a lot of different angles, and the quick-release plate makes setup a breeze. Plus, the built-in bubble level helps you keep your shots perfectly aligned. It’s made of durable aluminum, yet it’s lightweight and compact, which I think is great for travel filmmaking.
Joby GorillaPod 3K Kit
This is a great tool for travel filmmaking and vlogging. It’s incredibly flexible with its bendable legs, so you can wrap it around anything and get steady shots from any angle. This tripod is compact and lightweight, making it extremely easy to carry around. Despite its small size, it can carry a load of up to 3kg, which is perfect for DSLRs and other heavy cameras. The ball head allows for precise adjustments and smooth 360-degree panning. It also has a quick-release plate for fast setup and breakdown.
Many big travel vloggers use it, so you can imagine how good it is. It is more expensive than other Gorillapods available in the market but its quality is much better than the cheaper ones. How can you mount your camera on something whose quality and strength cannot be trusted?
Drone
Dji Air 3 Fly More Combo
The DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo with RC 2 drone features a dual-camera system with a 24mm wide-angle lens and a 70mm medium telephoto lens. Both lenses have 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensors, which means the footage is incredibly sharp and detailed, even in low light.
The 4K HDR video and 10-bit D-Log M color mode give me professional-level visuals and provide great flexibility in post-production. This Fly More Combo offers 3 batteries, each of which lasts up to 46 minutes of flight time. This extended battery life means I can capture more footage in one go without having to constantly land and replace batteries.
This drone has omnidirectional obstacle sensing, it helps me navigate tricky environments, ensuring I can focus on getting the perfect shot without worrying about bumping into obstacles.
If you’re serious about travel filmmaking, the DJI Air 3 Combo with RC 2 is definitely worth considering.
Gimbal
DJI RSC 2 Pro Combo: Gem of my Ultimate Travel Filmmaking Kit
The DJI RSC 2 Pro Combo is a fantastic choice I made for my travel filmmaking journey, combining portability, advanced stabilization, and extensive features. Its lightweight, foldable design makes it easy to carry, while the Titan Stabilization Algorithm ensures smooth, professional-quality footage even in challenging conditions. The built-in 1-inch OLED screen provides gimbal mode information, and the long 14-hour battery life supports extended shooting sessions. The combo includes essential accessories like a focus wheel for precise control, the RavenEye Image Transmission System for remote monitoring, a phone holder, a sturdy carrying case for protection, and multiple mounting options for versatile setups. These features and accessories make the DJI RSC 2 Pro Combo an amazing tool for capturing cinematic travel footage. I know there are other options too but when I purchased it was the best option available for me and still, I have no intention to change for maybe at least 2 years.
Audio
Boya BY-MM1: Budget Microphone for Travel Filmmaking and Vlogging
The Boya BY-MM1 is a compact and lightweight cardioid microphone, ideal for travel filmmakers and vloggers. Its plug-and-play design does not require batteries, making setup quick and easy. Directional sound capture focuses on audio from the front, it comes with a wind muff/dead cat that helps reduce background noise, which is perfect for vlogging. It comes with TRS and TRRS cables, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, cameras, and camcorders. 90 percent of the time I use this mic in my vlogs. One of its special features is its affordable price, which provides great audio quality without breaking the bank. This mic is perfect for content creators looking for a budget-friendly and reliable audio solution.
Hollyland Lark Max: Professional-Grade Wireless Microphone for Travel Filmmaking
The Hollyland Lark Max is a professional-grade wireless microphone system, perfect for serious travel filmmakers and vloggers. It delivers exceptional audio quality with advanced noise cancellation, ensuring clear sound reproduction. The wireless design offers freedom of movement, making it ideal for dynamic shots. With up to 8 hours of battery life, you can film extended footage without worrying about power. The Lark Max supports dual-channel recording, allowing you to capture audio from two sources simultaneously. Despite its advanced features, it remains compact and portable, making it easy to take on your travels. This mic is perfect for creators who need great audio quality and flexibility.
Accessories for Travel Filmmaking
ND Filters & CPL Filters
I have two ND filters and one CPL filter from Kodak company, I know it’s not great but works for me. Neutral Density (ND) filters are essential for controlling exposure in bright conditions. They allow me to maintain a shallow depth of field without overexposing my shots, which is crucial for getting professional-looking footage even in harsh sunlight. While CPL filters help eliminate light reflections on surfaces like glass, water, or any reflective surfaces.
Extra Batteries and Memory Cards
Filming on the go requires a lot of power and storage. I always carry extra batteries and high-capacity memory cards so I never miss a shot. These are lifesavers, especially during long shoots or when I am far from a charging point. I carry 2 ProGrade 128GB UHS-II V90 cards and 4-5 batteries to last me through a full day of shooting.
Portable Hard Drives
Backing up footage is a must. A sturdy, portable hard drive keeps my data safe and is helpful for quick transfers and editing on the go. This ensures that my valuable footage is always safe and easily accessible, allowing me to edit and share content instantly. Because if you are away for a long time, what do you do when your cards are full? So, carrying at least one portable SSD drive or HDD is a must.
Conclusion: This is it!
So this is my ultimate travel filmmaking kit. Each of the tools in my camera bag serves a specific purpose, helping me tell engaging stories through my videos. When you create your own travel filmmaking kit, consider your shooting style and the types of environments you’ll be working in. Investing in reliable gear will benefit the quality of your content and the ease of your workflow.
I hope you found this guide helpful! Be sure to check out my other posts on this blog for more tips and useful information on filmmaking. I will meet you on my next blog and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to my social media accounts. Enjoy filming, and may your trip be filled with adventure and stunning scenery!
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