This post may have affiliate links. When you click on a link we receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you. See Our Affliate Policy for more info.
For years I just traveled with my iPhone, and that was it. Now looking back, I have some major regret. The pictures I got were fine, and the iPhone camera is good, but I could have done better. The essential camera gear for solo traveling females has everything you need to shoot like a pro!
To get the best photos when traveling alone, you will need to shed any insecurities you have about using a tripod or selfie stick. Strangers take the worst pictures, I now politely decline when they offer.
When I first started traveling solo, taking out a selfie stick made me uncomfortable. Back then, I couldn’t have dreamed about using a tripod. But now I have years of travel pictures, and I’m not in a single one! I can’t go back in time, but I can recommend others do it right from the start!
This is all the essential camera gear you need to perfectly capture your solo female travel and adventures.
Essential Camera Gear For Solo Traveling Females
If you want to achieve high-quality photos, it is time to get a mirrorless digital camera! This one below from Fuji-film is great for photos and videos! I really enjoy the lightweightness of this camera as well.
Mirrorless Digital Camera
Fujifilm X-T20 Mirrorless Digital Camera
- 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor with no low-pass filter and X-Processor Pro; Battery: NP-W126S Li-ion
- 5.0Fps Live-view shooting, start-up time of 0.4sec., shutter time lag of 0.050sec. And shooting Interval of 0.25sec
- 3.0″ tilting Touchscreen panel for operation at almost any angle ; Digital interface:USB2.0 (High-Speed) / micro USB terminal
- 4K video using the x series’ famous film Simulation effects (including ACROS). you can output recorded video to an external monitor via the HDMI port and input audio from an external microphone
- Af-c custom settings for moving subjects.LCD monitor aspect ratio 3:2..Operating Temperature:0°C – 40°C (+32°F – +104°F)C
- Video Capture Resolution: Fhd 1080P
- Lens Type: Interchangeable
- Mounting Type: Bayonet
Standard Lens
XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS Zoom Lens
This XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS from FUJIFILM is a flexible 27-84mm-equivalent standard zoom for X-mount mirrorless cameras. It has bright f/2.8-4 maximum aperture range suits working in difficult lighting conditions and helps keep the lens’s overall size and weight.
If you buy a camera and lens together, this is often the one you will get. It is the lens I currently use.
Wide Angle Lens
FUJINON XF10-24mmF4 R OIS Wide Angle Zoom Lens
Why and when do you want to use a wide-angle lens? This is important to use when you are shooting in a small space. Or looking to capture a wide-angle landscape.
This lens is expensive, and if you are a beginner, you may want to wait to invest.
Prime Lens
FUJINON XF35mmF2 R WR
Why do you need this lens? This lens is useful in low-light situations as well as colder weather. It is a 35mm prime made for the X Series cameras. The lens is much less expensive than others. Consider using this lens when you are shooting subjects with a shallow depth of field.
Zoom Lens
Fujinon XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
This is for those far, far, far shots! If you are looking for a zoom lens, this one is for you. Your starter lens is a great start. But, if you plan a trip, such as a safari, this is the lens you want.
The Essential Accessories
There are a few essentials that you will need, especially for solo photography. If you plan to be in any of the photos you take on your trip, you will want to start with a good tripod.
Manfrotto Compact Tripod
Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum 5-Section Tripod Kit
I use this very same tripod, and I love it. Easy to use, lightweight, and highly reviewed. It fits easily into my suitcase!
Camera Remote
Hama DCCSystem Base Wireless Camera Remote
If you are going to set up that tripod and take some incredible pictures when traveling solo, you need a remote!
I would highly recommend this remote for the Fuji Film camera.
Camera Strap
Camera Shoulder Neck Strap Vintage
A worthwhile starter accessory is the camera strap. The strap that comes with the camera does the job, but the quality is just basic.
External Hard Drive
Seagate STGX2000400 Portable 2TB External Hard Drive Portable
Now that you are taking amazing photos, you need to get an external hard drive to store them on. Taking professional photos can really use up all your memory. This hard drive can be used for Mac & PC.
Film Disk Memory Card
SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Card
Perfect for shooting 4K UHD video(1) and sequential burst mode photography | (1)Full HD (1920×1080) and 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video support may vary based on host device, file attributes, and other factors. Travel prepared and bring two cards. I always bring an extra memory card when traveling.
Lo & Sons Camera Purse
Lo & Sons Camera Purse
This vegan leather camera purse comes in three colors! It is the best camera purse on the market when it comes to style and function. I dare you to try and find a better one!
Can You Bring A Camera On A Plane?
Yes! The TSA regulations on bringing cameras on a plane allow them to be in your carry-on or checked luggage! If traveling with a disposal camera, the undeveloped film could be damaged through an x-ray machine.
How To Travel With A Camera
There are some best practices for packing your carry-on and traveling with a camera. My tips for traveling with a camera are listed below:
Protect Your Lens
You must be extra careful with your camera lens. Drop it in a bag without padding, and you could ruin it. I always pack my lens in a padded case.
Carry-On Your Camera
If something happens to your checked bag, god forbid, you can always get new clothes while you wait for your bag. If you were to have to wait days for your camera, it could be a big bummer on your trip. Pack your camera in your personal item or carry-on luggage to be safe!
Bring Extra Batteries
Having your camera accessories on hand! And that includes extra batteries! I have a total of three batteries at all times.
Camera Cleaning Kit
You never know when what you may encounter when traveling. To be safe, I always pack a cleaning kit for my camera! They are affordable and easy to pack.
Best Durable Luggage
Best iPhone Camera Travel Accessories
If you are not ready to go to camera pro, I understand! It is a massive investment and commitment to learn how to use the camera.
Travel with these iPhone camera accessories to uplevel your iPhone photography!
iPhone Ring Light
Adjustable 10 Inches Ring Light
Get your professional lighting with this lightweight and easy-to-travel with ring light! I especially love the fold-down feature making it easy to store and keep all together.
iPhone Adjustable Cross-Body Case
13 Pro Max Travel iPhone Case
Cheapest and easiest way to go when traveling! With this cross-body iPhone case, you can immediately access your phone to grab photos! It is ideal for traveling!
Tripod Selfie Stick
60″ Tripod Selfie Stick with Remote
If you are a solo traveling female, you must have this selfie stick! It doubles as a tripod, which is key to getting the best shots. I like this one as it has a remote and extends 60″. The remote is key, so you can be nearly hands-free.
Smart Phone Lens Kit
Fisheye, Super Wide, and Macro Lens for Smartphones
Get all the features of having a professional camera on your smartphone! This lens kit can truly transform your photos for next to nothing!
Need More Travel Gear? We have the best 33 travel gear for women here!
Best Adobe Lightroom Presets
Taking the picture photo is step one! STEP two is transforming it into a digital masterpiece with PRESETS!
I was initially skeptical about presents and hesitated for a long time before finally purchasing them. Now you tell me, was it worth it?
These INCREDIBLE Presets, created by Charlies Wanderings are on SALE Now!
Create Lasting Memories With A Photobook
Creating personalized photos has been made easy with Artifact Uprisingtravel photo album with a variety of layouts and styles. Worldwide Shipping is Available!
Pin It for Later
Tyra seguin says
This is so informative! been looking in buying a new lens for my camera and this helps a lot!
Samantha says
Great tips, just got a tripod and I can’t wait to use it!
Olivia says
Such a great post! Describing each of the lenses and what they are best used for is super helpful!
Farrah says
That’s me too–I rarely have any photos of myself in my travel photos–definitely gonna look into some of these! I’ve heard great things about the mirrorless cameras!
Luisa says
I’m really starting to focus on getting better at my photography so this is a super useful post. Thanks for sharing