What I am taking, why and how….(complete with links for almost everything to where you can buy what I use!)
This trip will be a mix of business and pleasure. That means that I will need a variety of camera equipment and technology. The problem is, I don’t want to carry a lot, so my challenge is to figure out what is the least I can take and still do all my jobs well. I will be taking my camera bag on board with me as well as a carry on that has additional essentials like my toothbrush, handbag/purse, change of clothes and Kindle filled with all the books I have not had time to read!
No laptop : Asus Transformer Android Tablet with detachable keyboard. Not pictured (my USB card reader and USB Seagate 320GB external travel hard drive) and apps. The keyboard of my tablet has a slot built in for SD cards, so I can read the memory cards from my photo-blogging camera without an additional piece of equipment! Actually, even better than that, I will be getting the WiFi adapter for the new camera body so I can just send those files right on over to my tablet or phone, wirelessly! Photojojo carries a cool memory card reader for the iPad if that is your thing! Oh and for iPhone users…look at this cool backup battery option for you!
I can get away with only having a tablet for a few reasons. First of all, I will be editing and delivering all of my pro shoots when I get home to Australia so that I can be sure that they look exactly how I want them to look with my calibrated monitor. Then there is the fact that I can always do quick edits from the road on a borrowed computer with PicMonkey (no really…I have used it for “real” photos here before and no one even noticed!) if I need to. I have a lot of image editing apps that I can run snapshots (both from the phone and small DSLR) through if I want quick effects, but I have bought Adobe Photoshop Touch for Android to have full featured editing on the road. It is $10, and available for both the iPad and Android, so totally worth it. The tablet has USB ports to connect my external hard drive and keep all my images safe. I can even upload to Box, Flickr, or Google Drive from WiFi so that I have additional backup just in case.
Two DSLRs* : Hanging around my neck (on the way home, as pictured here is the D200 who will not be making the trip as it is literally masking-taped together.) will be the Nikon D3200 body and Tamron 17-50mm lens for photo-blogging my trip! Tucked into the camera bag will also be the Tamron 10-24mm lens that I am testing out. Really looking forward to photographing NYC in wide angle!
For my professional shoots, my trusty D3. I will take a selection of primes for that as well. Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G, Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI (an old manual focus gem of a lens!), Nikkor 105mm f/2D and the Tamron 90mm macro. I am also bringing my Nikon SB-700 speedlight in case I need a flash. For good measure I am brining my Sekonic light meter as it takes up hardly any room and I may need it. Same with my color checker chart and grey card. I tuck away all of my memory cards in the ThinkTank case and then toss in the Giotto dust blower thing-a-ma-jig. Not pictured are all the chargers and batteries that go into the other carry on bag.
*If I did not have professional shoots already booked and paid for, I would not be taking the D3. In fact, when we take our family holiday to Fiji later in the year, the D3 will stay at home. That sucker weighs nearly 3 pounds (over 1 kilo) without a lens versus the decidedly petite D3200 at just under 1 pound without a lens. I would also ditch all the primes (except for the 50mm f/1.4G) and keep the Tamron zooms as listed, adding the Tamron 70-200 f/2.8. That would be my ideal minimum camera / lens combination for travelling.
My Phone : HTC ONE XL for Instagram/YouTube video sharing some of my adventures/Foursquare/social media of all kinds/and MOST importantly…hanging out on G+ with my husband and three kids!!!!!!
My Bag : All tucked into (except for the camera and lens that I will have around my neck) my gorgeous Epiphanie Clover bag in grey. Yes, it is called Clover after my little girl.
The majority of my gear is from the states so I have the proper plugs already. Just make sure that you have enough Australia to USA converters to charge everything! Also, not really related to this…forget about bringing your hair straightener unless you are sure it is a dual voltage one…you don’t want to blow up the hotel bathroom. 
Happy to answer any questions you have about what might be the best kit for you to take. Even what to buy when you are there! I will be at Adorama (be forewarned, they are closed on Saturdays so don’t be disappointed!) more than once on this trip, so if you are in the market for new camera and/or electronic gear, I can point you to the right guys. Just leave a comment!
My last instalment on this trip will be the sightseeing/shopping edition…soon.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I had my Rocket dust blower with me, too, on our last trip to Canada/US back in 2008 and the guys at the security check were very confused what it was…
hahaha, mine has never been questioned…my nail clippers though…they will be going in my checked bag this time.
another great post! love that you are an android girl too
I am getting one of the new Asus tablets when we are over there and I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with my 5D while I’m out and about. 9 days and counting until I’m on the plane! tatum xx
i have just done a great trip to Switzerland!
and i have brought with me my Nikon D3100 + 18-55mmVR a zoom for photograph the place and landscape
(i follow your advice that you have write in your “beyond snapshots”. thank you for have write this amazing and helpful book)
have a great day!
from italy!
I’m heading over to the conference too! I have a ghd hair straightener will it work there? Im really looking forward to the conference can’t wait, this time in 2 weeks I’ll be on my way!
Kat, double check that hair straightener…would not want to destroy it with the different power!
Just signed up for the Thursday Adorama event. SO excited.
It is very good that you are planning the things that you will bring with you for your trip. I agree it is very important to bring only the things that you would really need the most. You really do not need to bring every camera and lenses that you have, planning the shoot ahead of time and identifying the right camera and lens that you need is extremely helpful.
So excited you’re coming to NY and to meet you on August 2nd at the Adorama event.
Are the Nikon flash attachments and lenses good with any high end Nikon? I have a Nikon D40 is why I ask.
Hi!
I was just wondering if you took your Epiphanie bag out with you when you were exploring? I just bought a Clover bag and now that it is sitting here, I am worried that it will be too big!
Thanks,
Ngaire
Yes, I did not have any other bag, so I take it as a purse as well as a camera bag…I tucked my umbrella in it in NYC as I left most of the camera gear at the hotel and only took what I needed for the day.