The camera gear I actually use around the world

Words & photography by Pete Rudd
Updated August 2026

There’s one question I’m asked more than any other:

“What camera do you use?”

After photographing luxury hotels in Morocco, hiking through the Scottish Highlands, documenting remote islands in Indonesia and shooting commercial campaigns across Europe, my camera bag has changed quite a bit.

This isn’t a list of the newest gear on the market—it’s the equipment I genuinely rely on. Every camera, lens and accessory below has earned its place through real assignments and thousands of miles of travel.

If you’re building your own travel photography kit, I hope this helps.

Updated for 2026: This guide reflects the exact equipment I currently travel and work with.

From chasing sunrise in the Scottish Highlands to documenting remote islands in Indonesia, my camera bag has travelled thousands of miles. If you love dramatic landscapes, you might also enjoy my Isle of Skye Travel Guide, where I share my favourite locations and photography spots.

Before You Buy

A quick disclaimer before we begin.

None of the brands featured in this article have paid to be included. These are simply the tools I personally use and trust. Some product links may be affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decide to purchase through them.

My philosophy has always been simple: buy the best gear you can comfortably afford, then learn it inside out.

If you’re travelling internationally with camera equipment or a drone, it’s worth checking the latest guidance from the UK Civil Aviation Authority before flying.

Camera Bodies

Sony A7R V

The Sony A7R V is the heart of my photography kit and my primary camera for both commercial and travel work.

Its incredible 61-megapixel sensor gives me enormous flexibility when photographing luxury interiors, landscapes and product campaigns. Whether I’m shooting for a hotel in Marrakech or creating large prints from mountain landscapes, the detail is simply outstanding.

Why it’s my main camera:

• 61MP full-frame sensor

• Exceptional dynamic range

• Industry-leading autofocus

• Incredible image quality for both stills and video

Sony A7C R

My lightweight travel companion.

Alongside the A7R V, the Sony A7C R has become the camera I reach for when travelling light. It shares the same remarkable 61MP sensor in a much smaller body, making it perfect for long hiking days, city exploration and documentary-style travel photography.

I’ll often carry both bodies with different lenses attached, allowing me to switch focal lengths instantly without changing lenses.

Perfect for:

• Travel photography

• Street photography

• Lightweight hiking

• Everyday storytelling

DJI Mini 5 Pro

The DJI Mini 5 Pro is the newest addition to my travel kit—and probably one of my favourite pieces of gear.

Its compact, lightweight design means it fits effortlessly into my backpack, making it perfect for hiking, travelling and capturing luxury destinations without adding unnecessary weight. Some of my favourite aerial images were captured while exploring Thailand, where vibrant cityscapes and ancient temples offered endless opportunities for storytelling.

For hotels, tourism and outdoor brands, aerial imagery has become an essential part of the story, and this little drone consistently delivers incredible image quality from a package that’s easy to carry all day.

Why it’s in my bag:

• Lightweight and incredibly travel-friendly

• Outstanding photo and video quality

• Ideal for landscapes, hotels and destination storytelling

• Small enough to take on almost every trip without thinking twice

The Lenses I Travel With

Rather than carrying every lens I own, I choose lenses that each serve a specific purpose while keeping my kit as lightweight as possible.

Sony 16–35mm GM

Landscapes • Hotels • Architecture

This is the lens that spends the most time on my camera. From dramatic coastlines to luxury hotel interiors, it’s incredibly versatile and beautifully sharp throughout the zoom range.

Sony 24mm GM

Travel • Astro • Everyday

If I could only take one lens around the world, this would probably be it.

It’s fast, lightweight and produces beautiful natural-looking landscapes with fantastic low-light performance.

Sony 50mm GM

Lifestyle • Food • Commercial

The 50mm is my storytelling lens. It creates natural perspective and is perfect for hospitality, food photography and environmental portraits.

Sony 85mm GM

Portraits • Detail • Luxury

For portraits and luxury details, this lens is exceptional. The compression and background separation make it one of my favourite lenses for hotel and lifestyle campaigns.

Sony 70–200mm GM

Mountains • Sport • Travel

Probably the most versatile telephoto lens in my bag. It’s equally at home photographing Formula E, mountain ridges or intimate moments from a distance.

Sony 200–600mm GM

Wildlife • Adventure

This isn’t an everyday lens, but when wildlife or distant landscapes are involved, nothing else comes close. It’s become invaluable for outdoor adventure projects.

The Accessories I Never Leave Home Without

Great photography isn’t just about cameras.

These are the accessories that quietly make every shoot easier.

Peak Design Capture Clip

If you hike, buy one.

Being able to clip your camera securely onto your backpack while keeping both hands free completely changed how I photograph in the mountains.

Manfrotto Befree Tripod

Lightweight, compact and reliable.

Perfect for waterfalls, long exposures and sunrise landscapes without taking up valuable luggage space.

Lee Filters LEE100 Long Exposure Kit

If you love photographing the sea, rivers or waterfalls, this kit creates those beautifully smooth long exposures while maintaining excellent image quality.

SanDisk Extreme Pro Memory Cards

Fast, dependable and the cards I trust for both commercial work and travel assignments.

Peli SD Card Case

Simple but essential.

Keeping used and empty cards organised has saved me countless headaches on the road.

Editing & Workflow

The camera is only half the process.

Every image I deliver is edited using the same colour-managed workflow, whether I’m in a hotel room abroad or back in my studio.

Apple MacBook Pro

My mobile editing studio.

Perfect for culling, Lightroom editing and delivering client work whilst travelling.

BenQ 27″ Monitor

Back home, everything is edited on a colour-accurate BenQ display, ensuring consistency across commercial photography and print work.

What’s In My Bag?

Photography Tips

One lesson I’ve learnt over the years is that less is often more. I’d rather know two camera bodies and a handful of lenses inside out than carry a bag full of equipment I rarely use. The lighter my kit becomes, the more enjoyable travel photography becomes too.

If you’re just starting out, invest in good glass before chasing the newest camera body—it will make a much bigger difference to your photography.

If you’d like to see this setup in action, take a look at my Four Seasons Marrakech hotel review, where this kit was used to capture the resort’s architecture, interiors and atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camera do you use for travel photography?

I primarily shoot with the Sony A7R V, while the Sony A7C R is my lightweight travel body for hiking and city photography.

What’s your favourite travel lens?

The Sony 24mm GM is probably the lens I’d save first. It’s incredibly versatile for landscapes, travel and low-light photography.

Do you always travel with a drone?

Yes—the DJI Air 3S has become a huge part of my storytelling, especially when photographing luxury hotels and dramatic landscapes.

Is expensive camera gear necessary?

Absolutely not. Light, composition and storytelling will always matter more than owning the latest equipment. Buy the best gear you can afford and learn it well.

Final Thoughts

My camera bag is constantly evolving, but every piece of gear here has earned its place through real work rather than spec sheets.

From photographing luxury hospitality in Marrakech to chasing sunrise in the Scottish Highlands, this is the equipment I trust to tell stories around the world.

If you have any questions about gear—or you’re putting together your own travel photography setup—feel free to leave a comment or get in touch. I’m always happy to help.