What Camera Gear 📸 Should You Take On Holiday? ✈️ | From Phone to Full On | A Guide | Matt Irwin

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

What gear do you take on holidays?

[@8bitofit359]

For light city walks and nice photos of the food im eating at the restaurant…DEFINETLY THE Z9 WITH THE 400 2.8. Just imagine someone standing in a restaurant with that setup casually saying:“just taking a snap for my insta fellas…could you, maybe move a little Bit? I need more space.“

[@LavricSorin]

I hope Z9 with 24-120, until will come to Norway Nikon Z9 I will keep with me D850 with 24-70 2.8 G / Sigma 35mm 1.4 and 70-200FL with a 2x TC + my drone

[@koenpijpersphotography]

Nikon Z6 with 24-200 and 14-30, plus 20 1.8 for night photography. If i have the space I will also pack my 50 and maybe my 24-70 f/4.

[@bryan2182]

I am selling my A7iv for $2000 bucks. You can reach out to me if you’re interested.check it out👆👆👏

[@Tom_367]

Huawei P30 Pro, Panasonic Gx9, Nikon D6 with 20mm, 35, 50 and 105 mm

[@jamesspicewilliams8835]

Matt I’ve committed to Z6ii, 24-200mm z and 28mm z as my edc and travel kit. I’ve tried so many compact and cropped sensor combos. As a working pro, they all fell short. I like the Z7 option but I think Nikon is going to make a medium format Z Mount camera. I’m waiting on it.

[@tyronnehulten490]

This is my choice, for travel. Street kit, left pocket Contax T3, right pocket Ricoh GR III. Landscape back pack kit, Z7II with the Z trinity, TC-2 some filters and a Peak Tripod. Sometimes I even bring my hard core Film camera, Nikon F3 with some nice lenses.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Great Kit, love it Tyronne :)

[@EugeneMaynard]

Good points Matt! I shall add a few more: Make sure your insurance covers any high end gear you take abroad. Consider what you might want to photograph, for example, I have had two holidays in Australia (five months in total) where I had always dreamed of photographing surfers, so for me it was well worth lugging around my 300 f2.8 with 1.4 TC with a smaller APSC camera! Also consider how dangerous a place might be, for example I like to travel most years from Sweden to England for their London Carnival in the month of August, I always take gear that I am prepared to lose or get damaged whether it be by theft or just the oddities that can occur in city life. Remember the more expensive the gear that is on your shoulder the more mouths it can feed for a poor family or someone dependant on substances! If you are travelling somewhere exotic they probably will not have a camera shop that has your specialised batteries so take enough with you! Put that gear in something that does not scream photographer and have a great trip!👍🏾🙏🏾

[@LightTheShadows]

For a photography dedicated holidays I take Z6 & Z7, 14-24mm, 24-120mm and AF-P 70-300mm with me. That (together with filters, FTZ, sensor cleaning kit and backpack just fits the 8kg hand luggage limit. For non photocentric holidays the Nikon 1 V3 with 10-100mm does the job.

[@ytr8989]

I carry around my Nikon D3300 and get a lot of looks, especial when using the old 70-300 VR lens.

[@davidroberts6766]

Part of my attraction into the Z system was its ability to travel light. My Z7II and 24-120mm S Line can give me just about everything I need. In fact, by just adding a DX crop that one lens goes all the way to 200mm. Bringing the small Z 28 and 40mm primes, or maybe a couple of f1.8s, for low light., completes the pkg. That said, the last time I travelled any distance was to London, UK. All I brought was my iphone 10 pro max and the very small Sony RX100V. I captured a ton of memories, which I have looked back fondly on them during the last two years of being home because of the pandemic. Lets face it, any camera in 2022 should allow you the ability to capture lovely images, assuming good light, subject, etc.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Well said David and great choices. What a combo the Z7 II and the 24-120/4 S are. But indeed memories are more important than corner sharpness at the end of the day. The camera you have in hand is the best camera. :)

[@marcusbraun8889]

I would say that the z50 two lens kit is one of the best combos out there in terms of money/IQ/versatility/size/weight. Pair it with a mid range phone, upload and edit on the go, the best of two worlds for the price of one top-shelf cellphone. For myself, I like my z7. That IQ in such a small package is just formidable. The available lenses (and future lenses) allow me to customize my setup for each trip. Going on a city trip with friends, photography not the main thing, bring a 24-200/24-120 zoom, perhaps one more lens for low light. Going for on a evening walk in my city, bring two primes only. Going on a two week offroad bicycle tour, bring two compact zooms, one low light, plus macro tubes. Going on a full-on photo trip somewhere, bring the full monty. Of course this option costs more, but if photography is really your thing it's worth it (and looking at how long gear can last it's actually not that expensive). I used to do that with the single digit series (F3/F4/F5/D3) with f2.8 zoom, but these days I prefer the smaller z7 size bodies and compact zooms, in particular because of those bike tours, but I do bring the smaller setup more frequently along otherwise, too. I thought (and still think) about getting a z50 to replace my j5 as a second body, to carry at all times in my day/office bag. However, if I wait another years or so, a z7 III might take the place of the first gen, I I simple might keep that one as a daily body, with that tiny 24-50mm zoom or the 28mm (and perhaps a small tele 2.8 prime along the same lines if Nikon ever releases something like that, something like a 60/90mm 2.8 or even 3.5). Time will tell.

[@barryobrien1890]

Z50 and the 2 kit lenses

[@mladen5016]

Thanks, I'll stick to my D90, until the shutter disintegrates ..😀

[@enricomarconi8358]

hey Matt, shooting with the telephone on holidays (especially if you spend that kind of money) is like going to the 2 star Micheline restaurant and bring with you the sandwich (that you'll eat at the restaurant instead of ordering a la carte). Having said so, the weight is and it isn't an issue. Let's face it: you go to the airport by cab probably (you're not carrying the weight - the cab is). Then you are probably having one of these Think Thank trolleys with wheels on - which are robust, well built and have wheels to help you move heavy stuff (!). You're pulling a trolley basically. Then the airplane carries your gear to your final destination where you'll reach your hotel by cab (once more a car is carrying your gear regardless of the weight). They you're off to visit sites. At which point I suggest the following: 1 small camera such as the Fuji X-100 V or X-Pro 3 with small interchangeable lenses. This is a perfect solution for what we call in Italian 'il cazzeggio' (i.e. walking around in a 'what the hell am I doing here anyway?" mood, with a more than fair quality camera (and a non intrusive one) for street photography and location scouting. Then when you spot what you truly want to bring back, by all means carry the Z9 on steroids lenses, use whatever you see fit to bring back the top notch quality images. After all, it's silly to buy a Ferrari Holiday and mount a fiat 500 engine on it... isn't it?? WARNING - in some countries it's advisable to cover your camera's brand name... PS. I would avoid 24-200 as the image quality leaves a lot to be desired... so that's weight spent poorly imo. No point of carrying a Z9 with a lens like that one. I would rather stick to a few top notch lenses.

[@nirajgandhi5921]

Great video! I take the z50 and 2 kit lens for my wife/kids to use and then I take my z9 with 24-70 and 70-200. Since it’s the same mount, the z50 serves as a backup that will work with the FF lenses. Also, since the z50 has a flash and selfie screen, it also relaxes the phone

[@jimbrooks1440]

I love film and digital so I'm in trouble with the weight... I'm going to the coast, I'm taking my Nikon Z6 with 24-70 f4, Nikonos V under water camera and probably my medium format Pentax 67II.

[@JRodPhotoArt]

Great video Matt. There are so many variables when choosing camera gear for travel. Recently, I have also moved away from just my phone to my Z6. The one issue is finding time to stop and take pictures when you are with family, You have to keep up with the family trip !! Good day!!!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

I agree. I am always being told off for stopping to take a shot. 😀

[@Interbeing_CDN]

For me it really depends on what, and where I will be going. If I am going hiking I carry my phone, Z7 or Z6ii and the Z 24-200mm and 20mm f/1.8, along with an extra battery and a polarizer filter along with a small tripod. If I'm not hiking and I'm able to carry a dedicated bag, I would probably take the Z7 or my newly acquired Z9, the Z14-24 f/2.8, 24-70 f/2.8, and the 70-200 f/2.8 along with the two Z teleconverters, batteries, filters, and the small tripod. The bag I have is compact enough to be able to carry on the plane if flying, and also allows my to fit my Apple Air notebook in a dedicated sleeve. If traveling in my pickup solo, I throw the kitchen sink into the back seat, and include my super teles, extra lighting, a heavier tripod, my gimbal, and even my astrophotography gear. If my wife is along, I need to keep it compact as she hates it when I spend the whole day, and sometimes the night out shooting and I will then stick to my hiking gear setup.

[@stevehayward1854]

Ricoh GRIII (Compact Camera with an APSC sensor), Nikon D850, Nikkor 24-70 + 70-200 f2.8, Gitzo Tripod, Manfroto geared head, Lee 100 Filters, spare batteries, spare cards, Lacie rugged 1TB external hard drive and Apple M1 Mac as minimum, sometimes a bit more, like the Nikkor 14-24 f2.8, if I do, then I have to take the Lee SW150 kit. Oh and of course my i-phone. PS I have to discard clothes to get that lot in lol, sometimes I have to wear a jacket with big pockets to carry extra gear, they never weigh you but they do weigh your baggage

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Steve you travel like me. I love it. 👍😀✈️

[@detectivejonesw]

Love the Ricoh cameras 😍

[@markmwj]

Hi Matt, I asked you this question a while back. It's great to hear that you have included a drone in your list. I will be upgrading to the new Mavic mini 3. My travel bag includes a Sony PXW-Z90V 4K XDCAM for video and a Nikon Z6 for stills. I prefer the XDCAM's ergonomics and ND filters. For me the 24-70/4S lens is fine for casual walk about vacation images. I am looking forward to a more affordable Z8 becoming available. For now I have to choose between a D750 or D800 to go with my 200-500mm (with a 1.4 adapter) for wildlife images. I think that people tend to get too hung up on specs and primes over zoom lenses. For me it's all about the subject and composition. My f mount 28-300mm provides lots of flexibility to capture interesting images while on the move. If I take a 50mm lens, then would it be my 1.8S over my f mount lenses. For landscape images, I would take my f mount 17-35mm lens and adapter for Z6 focus shift shooting. For me taking images and video at night is something that I have yet to master. I love the night images and videos that you produce!

[@JimVajda82]

When I travel hyper light it's the Z6II and 40mm f2, one of my favorites Z lenses regardless of size.

[@soundadviceb2b]

Hi Matt ….I just went to St Lucia on a long awaited holiday with my wife and another couple. I have a z6ll and a Z7ll as well as a Nikon W300 and go pro 10 , and a iPhone 12pro. I also have 70-200,85,14-24 and 50mm macro. We were scuba diving and hiking so water proof was important. I decided to take my GoPro and Z7ii with the 24-70 f4 ….with filters for the Nikon and batteries with chargers it filled my backpack quite well. Of course my phone was key as well ….it’s much easier to share friends and family photos and videos over texts.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Great stuff Scott, I love the mix of gear. Sounds like an awesome kit :).

[@davidmurphy7847]

For me the perfect package is the Z7 with the 24-70 2.8 and a 1.4 teleconverter. Add a platypod and it’s all you need.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Hi David, Can you use the 1.4 on the 24-70 2.8 S ? I have never tried :) That is awesome. Great kit. Cheers Matt

[@Vromiaris778]

Last trip was last year, I brought my z50 - the kit lens (16-50mm) limited the range I wanted, so the Tamron 16mm-300mm with an FTZ was my top choice - 90% of my shots were done through that lens and it was phenomenal! Visited Family in Greece and Vienna and shot about 3,000 pictures in my 3 week stay. Other lenses I had with me were a 35mm & a 50mm f1.8, Sigma 10-20mm and my Nikkor G 18-140 which I did not use a single time. I had a sling bag that I carried one lens extra and the body + my full camera bag that stayed at the base most of the time (I carried the sling when going around town)

[@thunderpup1327]

Going for 3 week trip to London and Paris in May. The honeymoon promised to my wife 30 years ago. 8-\ Purchased the Z 6ii and 24-70 f4 and am learning how to use it in anticipation. Dithering over whether to add the 28mm f2.8 as a "carry around" because of quality and portability or commit to the more unwieldy 24-200 because I have never before traveled out of the U.S. Can only afford one. Hope to decide before we leave...

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Hmm the 24 or 24-200, very different lenses. Both great, both I own. Obviously the 24-200 gives you much more reach. Do you think you will need beyond 70mm of the 24-70? Cheers Matt :)

[@christhomas5846]

Now that I have one I would for sure take my Zfc since it is so light and compact. I might take my old 18-200 DX lens that came with my D7100. That lens served me well on the cruise that we did back in 2014/2015 so that with the FTZ adapter and the 16-50 kit lens that came with the Zfc would probably do me for a trip.

[@richardpette]

Camera Z6, lenses 24-70mm f2.8 and 70-200mm f2.8 and my prime 50mm f1.8. That's all I need! And a good camerabag, my tripod and my laptop! Yes it's much and it's heavy!!!! But I love it so much! That's what I do on my holidays, take pictures!!!!

[@jean-claudemuller3199]

My ultra light holiday compact camera that remains a real photographic tool is the good old APS-C Nikon Coolpix-A with his additional optical viewfinder and tiny remote control, when in a town a compact Nikon speedlite, when in the nature a compact Gitzo "Legende" tripod

[@BKMonf]

I’m heading to Europe in May and Oct. I plan on bringing my Z7 + 14-24 f2.8S + 24-200 f4-6.3 + 50 f1.8S.

[@bron_son_m3094]

I'm going to Zion National Park again soon for serious landscape photography, I'm favoring focal length coverage and speed while enduring some extra weight. A7R ii with 14-24 f/2.8 Sigma Z7 with 24-120 f/4 (workhorse) A7R iii with 70-300 Tamron Fujifilm X-T20 with 16 f/1.4 Leica M2 with Voigtlander 35 f/1.7 & 75 f/1.5 Full range of landscape focal lengths covered without having to expose the sensor of a camera to the dust and sand or risk dropping lenses off cliffs. Hence the 3 high resolution bodies. Film for fun of course and the Voigtlanders are exquisite on the other bodies, especially the Fuji and Nikon. Leaving the drone due to National Park restrictions and leaving the 100-400 to save size and weight. I don't foresee needing a super telephoto much in Zion. Can't forget the big old tripod and all those batteries. Thanks for reading about my addiction.

[@davewalker5706]

Am off to the US next week, travel kit will be, Nikon Z6, Z14-30, 24-70 f4 and F 70-300 VR on FTZ (a Z of that is something I look forward to). Starting to think about the value of the gear I’m taking - £5k! So I think I am going to start taking out specialist camera insurance and not rely on household. Staggering that at current prices my Z gear totals £7k! Oh and a phone and a waterproof compact

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Great selection Dave. Where are you headed?

[@mattgrant447]

Hi Matt. Great video. I’m an enthusiast and would take the Z6 with the Z24-70 F4, Z 50 1.8 and the f mount 70-200 F4. It’s not super long, but let’s me do a bit of anything that I want. Now…I just need to go on a nice holiday to take advantage of all this sweet gear.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Good choices, yeah me too, I have been looking at tickets to the northern hemisphere ... I am keen to travel again, it has been a while. Cheers Matt :)

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Good question. The last time I travelled out of Canada (to the UK) I took my first mirrorless kit -- the Fuji X-Pro2 and 3 lenses, which all fit in the Billingham Hadley Pro shoulder bag (I bought in London). That camera and lenses is being traded in on the Z9 I'm waiting for, but I've been using the Z6 for the last 3 years. It's a bit bigger and heavier than the Fuji but I prefer the Z6 overall. I'm not sure if I'd take the Z9 (if it ever arrives) on a trip that involved air travel and leaving the car behind. Then again, if it's all it's cracked up to be, you never know. Maybe I'd have to take 2 cameras ... well, 3 counting the iPhone.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Nice mix, I think the Fuji would be a great travel camera, but I too prefer 35mm. The Z 9 will appear, and it will be worth the wait, do you know where you are in the queue Ray? Cheers Matt

[@johnhjic2]

Hello Matt, travel kit, that a big one for me. As I have not been away from the UK in 15years its mostly local weekend or the odd week. The kit I take is normally a Nikon Z7ii with 24-70mm f2.8 14-24mm and my 500mm Pf. But if I am doing landscapes it will be my X1D and three or four lense. There will be tripods and filters and a good selection f batteries. And this will change when my Z9 get here hopefully in a month or so. Keep well, keep safe, and stay positive.

[@theartofimaging618]

Z 5 with smaller F-Mount lenses which fit better into a smaller camera bag.

[@avnerbenzvi8757]

Z6 + Z24-200 + Z 105 MC

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Got a lot covered there Avner :) Great choice.

[@alistairnicholson2046]

I have a Z fc that fits in a 'stealth bag' with the 16-50 kit lens that does a better job than the old kit lenses. It will do in any travel 'street' situation. I've got the 40mm f2 if I need more light. I found that I do a lot of shooting (travel or not) between 35mm and 135mm so I bought the 24-200, so I'm not always changing at the kit lens 16-50 and 50-250. The trade-off being the discreet look and weight of the pancake for catching the shots I would lose changing lenses. I still have my 'proper' camera back pack for those days when I need all the kit, but the stealth bag holds the essentials plus a spare battery. [Enthusiast level, not Pro]

[@terrywbreedlove]

Take my advice i have been around the world take a small easy to keep on you camera enjoy your trip. I think in the Z Line the ZFc would be fantastic. Buy lots of extra memory cards and an extra battery or two. Don't overburden yourself. The iphone is an incredible tool to share your trip in real time on social media. Enjoy your trip first.

[@dfinlay587]

I have found I take my phone (pixel) to capture images when I don't want to carry a camera (e.g. at dinner). My kit when I travel is 14-30, 24-120, and my 70-300. And my Z6. A recent trip was disappointing from a above water photography point of view, BUT my fave was a shot from dinner at sunset, with my Pixel. Go Figure. I do take a small Olympus for underwater shots, waiting on the Z30 for that!

[@NikCan66]

Nice suggestions

[@1ryanlc]

I really like the idea of traveling with a 14-24 (or a 20mm), 24-120, and a 100-400

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Nice choices.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

And which body?

[@1ryanlc]

@@MattIrwinPhotography I haven't had my Z9 on a vacation yet, but I like to use a double harness so I'm not constantly switching lenses. Next time will be a Z9 with a telephoto and a Z7ii with the standard zoom!

[@cccycling5835]

I used to carry an ultra wide zoom and a normal 50mm. But I found myself pushing the ultra wide too far at night inside cathedrals and dark forests and getting really bad noisy images. Now I carry my Z6 with the 20mm 1.8S for interiors/landscapes/environmental portraits and the 85mm 1.8S for candid portraits (I have a lot of family and friends abroad) and some landscapes and street photography. I also carry the venerable Ricoh GR III as my snapshots/candid/standard. For me I don’t use my super telephoto lenses on vacation because I don’t do a lot of sports or birding photos abroad, and they’re just too big and heavy to travel with. I had the 24-200mm Z super zoom lens for awhile but I found the images not as good as the primes and I guess I’m prime spoiled.

[@disco4178]

I LOVE my Z50 and 2 lens kit! But if I wanted full weather freedom I'd want my Olympus EM-1 MkII and 12-100mm F4 Pro and call it a day. Sadly I sold the latter...

[@jpdj2715]

"What Camera Gear Should You Take On Holiday?" Well, my version of that question actually is "What Camera Gear Should I Take with me when I step out of the front door (or even, when I wake up)?" Smartphone, compact, Z 7ii. With the Z 7ii, the question then is, what subset of accessories - I only shoot primes and which matching case (or harness). As the primes are "faster" than f/2.8 zooms, and have a lot of elements, they are not a lot lighter than zooms, by the way. Basically, a prime that has no focus breathing is a zoom lens - and that explains part of the load of elements. A 'tiny' and 'very light' Z 28/2.8 can serve as my version of a walkabout pancake lens. With the compact I need to wonder if I want to bring the wide-angle converter. And in all cases if I want to bring flash with me, the tiny ones, the big speedlights, additional battery packs, spare batteries, reflectors, etc. Oh, if any, one tripod or more. I will always take a ColorChecker Passport (X-Rite) with me and frequently a lightmeter. Between the Z 7ii and smartphone, the compact does not add a lot of value any more, though, but it is really compact and has nice options. Its 12 MP JPEGs are actually better than the smartphone's raws but I need to pixel peep to arrive at that conclusion. The smartphone is always with me. Part of how good our shots look, is determined in the software we use to look at them and print them. A year or two, three back I compared Lightroom Classic (LrC) with a couple other applications. At the time, Topaz's GigaPixel AI did a much better job at upsampling and in blowing images up, it recovered detail that I never expected to be present in my images. At the time, Photoshop's best (it had 2) upsampling algorithms did not come close and LrC was below Photoshop (Ps). I did not buy the TGPAI software at the time, for several reasons. I tested DxO PhotoLab in this process to look elsewhere and it had a compute intensive noise suppression that was way better than anything else at the time. My feedback to DxO was, I still need LrC & Ps, you do not integrate well with my in-post workflow and ignore what raw processing I already did. They took the noise processing module out into a separate app and they modified their software to read .XMP files, potentially shoving their own additions into that (PhotoLab 5, not sure PureRAW does XMP). As LrC gave me random color noise from raw Z 7 with Z 1.8S prime images in certain surface reflections that weren't visible with F mount lenses on the Z 7, I also tested Nikon's NX Studio (free) and it did really well. The problem with LrC is that it may be able to do the same, but you need to doctor with all sorts of parameters away from default and in the end you may not like the resulting image. But that is version dependent. Tools like TGPAI and PureRAW might actually improve shots from smartphones and compacts too. Applied to the full frame images too, the quality gap with the images from the smaller cameras remains. Here we have to realize that our displays have increased in resolution too. If you still work with a 1920x1080 monitor then you are missing out. But 4K (3840x2160) needs a more powerful graphics card and average graphics adapter with less than 8GB of video RAM will have a hard time to let you work comfortably with two 4K displays (LrC and CR base preview calculations on the horizontal display resolution and two 4K next to each other gives 7680 ...). My notebook can drive two 4K displays, has a discrete GPU chip with 4GB video RAM and cannot drive that (Windows 10 64-bits). Prejudice has it that Apple MacOS (UNIX based) has better software engineering in general and memory management in particular so it may do much better with regards to these numbers.

[@bryan2182]

I am selling my A7iv for $2000 bucks. You can reach out to me if you’re interested.check it out👆👆👏

[@MojoPapiFPV]

Ultimately depends on what you're trying to capture but generally I would say most people want something akin to the phone but considerably better quality. So I generally opt for and recommend a 18-24MP camera and a 35mm eq lens. No, not the 50. A 35 gives you more options, can still be shallow and does a better job at documenting your travels. This is usually a very lightweight and portable setup. Currently my version of this is a Z6 w the 28mm 1.8. On canon I ran the 35mm f2.

[@detectivejonesw]

That's solid advice. You're always compromising something if you leave something out but that keeps your photographic options very open

[@mrsusan893]

50mm for me as I find it more versatile than 35mm. 35mm is too wide for my needs.

[@MojoPapiFPV]

@@mrsusan893 you can always crop in a bit. I've traveled with the 50 and regretted it. Too stifling. You'll probably shoot more with a wider lens.

[@csc-photo]

I have a nice setup ranging from ultra portable (iPhone 13 Mini) to a gripped Z6II with 5 Z lenses and 2 F lenses. Having a modular grip allows me to downsize the Z6II depending on what the outing calls for. My DJI Mini 2 is my "sky camera" 🙂 All that said, I haven't been on a true holiday in years at this point - that needs to change. Thanks Matt for your awesome vids, love your channel & work.

[@slewisgreen]

I have the Zfc and the Z6-2, after using both, I am taking my Z6-2 with the Zfc's 16-50 lens attached for spontaneous photos...also bringing the 24-200 for those long range landscapes.

[@bluejays5660]

My Canon R6 with the 24-105 provides all I need for most situations.

[@halvideos]

Nikon COOLPIX A1000 for outside and iPhone for museums and inside shooting for local outings its nikon ZFC with 18-140

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Fantastic Trio. :)

[@gregcorker2193]

Great video. Excellent examples and analysis regarding the options people have for travel photography.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it Greg! What kit would you take on a trip? :) Cheers Matt

[@gregcorker2193]

@@MattIrwinPhotography A Z7, 24-70 f2.8 S, 70-200 f2.8 S, 50 f1.8 S, 85 f1.8 S and a good travel tripod.

[@mikkos_photos]

Z6 II with 24-70S F4 strikes great balance between size, quality and capability when biking, cross country skiing or otherwise being on the move on porrige power. For adittional capability, add 40 mm F2 when darkness is expexted or Gopro if shooting on the move with reasonable light and I still have compact set. Iphone on the pocket is good ”at ready” backup. Widish angle lens and algorithms with computing power give reasonable chance to take ok picture on the go, when there is no time to adjust settings, but are also the reasons I do not like the camera in iphone.

[@brianeibisch6025]

Matt, you forgot the P1000! This camera is an absolute “must have” whist travelling.

[@epicdream]

I done Route 66 back in 2016 and I took my Nikon D800 with 17-35mm & 80-200mm 2.8 lenses (for quality). My run ‘n’ gun camera was a Sony A6300 with the 18-105. All worked very well though I found myself picking up the Sony more because of the portability.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Yep makes perfect sense. Thanks for sharing. 😀

[@Hirokiji]

When I did alot of photography 20yrs ago and travelled alot, the Sony was my go to over the Nikon. My mate was a Canon fiend and swore by them. Horses for courses when it comes to cameras I think.

[@tbeau29]

My Pack is getting to heavy. I bring the 2.8 Trinity, covers almost everything, but then I bring my 50 1.2 which and 85 1.8... cannot wait for the 1.2. and my tc 2x. for that extra reach. now i can add an extra 1 lbs. i think the z9 is a 1 lbs heavier than the z7 ii. either way. that is alot of gear to carry around. ohh and tri-pod... what bag do you all use. i am finding even my big bag does not hold my z9 with a lens attached. bag is to skinny.

[@NikonDave]

Oh Matt, if you only knew how much I agonize over this for every trip. Z9 has yet to travel with me so it's going next week but lens selection will be painful. I find battery is the deciding factor a lot of the time. Taking the Zfc or Z7ii with the Z9 requires more planning to make sure you can charge...especially going overseas when you need adapters. Good topic. Cheers!

[@bryan2182]

I am selling my A7iv for $2000 bucks. You can reach out to me if you’re interested.check it out👆👆👏

[@WahidFayumzadah]

Coincidentally I made a video where I discuss wether I should bring the Z9 or Z6 II on a 5 day hiking trip. For now I plan on bringing the Z6 II for ease of use and weight savings. With the 24-120 f4 z and 14-30 f4 and maybe the 50 1.8.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Great vid Wahid, I left a comment and subscribed, and great choices. :) Cheers Matt

[@sandybottom6623]

Matt, Hi, Is that an add on grip you have with the Z FC?

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Yes a great grip from SmallRig 😀

[@angelawilkins3624]

I just got the Z7ii, the 14-30 f4, 100-400, waiting on a 1.4 tc and a 24-120 f4. I’m still deciding if the 500pf stays home when I travel. I’m waiting to see how happy I am with mirrorless before I sell my D850 and most of my f mount glass.

[@eldiabolico3750]

I chose a Ricoh GR III for my EDC. APS-C sensor in a compact camera package. Only 259gr with strap. Of course it’s a28mm equivalent but still, fantastic.

[@jamesurzykowski4918]

My next travel will include a Nikon Z7, a 24-70S F4 zoom, and the 105Z macro.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Great kit James :) I love both of those lens, punch well above their weight.

[@kaminobatto]

My go-to travel kit used to be a a 5D Mark II and a 24-105 F/4 L lens. When I moved to Nikon, the travel setup became a D800E and a 28-300mm VR lens. Now, I find myself mostly using a Z fc, so it's going to be my travel companion but I'm still yet to find a suitable Z lens to accompany it. Worst case scenario, I can use my 28-300mm adapted but it kinda defeats the purpose of having a smaller footprint.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

hmmm I wonder if the 24-120/4 S is the middle ground for the Z ... ? Have you tried adapting the Canon lens to the Z FC, it is possible ... www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Canon%20Ef%20To%20Nikon%20Z%20Adapter&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&gclid=CjwKCAiA9tyQBhAIEiwA6tdCrDtxb6YxNp7B8fck3JzQtnUS0dFJGbVXcGb34ZpbPvoHtC_BeE6EPBoCNV4QAvD_BwE Ken Rockwell talks about it here, and says it works very well. www.kenrockwell.com/tech/fringer/ef-nz.htm

[@kaminobatto]

@@MattIrwinPhotography thank you for the suggestion. I actually already have the Viltrox EF to Z adapter and it works like a charm with my TS-E 24mm f3.5 giving me one extra stop of light (which more than compensates for the 1.5 crop factor of my Z fc) and bringing me an almost identical framing to a full frame 24mm equivalent (just shy of). I have also ordered the Fringer adapter recently and I'm just waiting for it to arrive to do a comparison with the Vitrox adapter as it has no extra glass elements and merely compensates for the difference in flange distance. The 24-120mm Z is a great recommendation and I have my eyes on it, but when traveling I got spoiled with the 10X zoom range and I'm hopeful that Nikon will replicate this lens in the Z mount with better quality.

[@ronboe6325]

I wish. I tend to take two cameras (when traveling by car - motorcycle I stick to one). The Z50 for just bopping around. Z7 for more serious stuff. Then it becomes another rabbit hole - lens choices! Gah!

[@Skye_the_toller]

Would like a Z6 or a Z5 with the 24-120… and do not carry my Z9 in less secure paths…

[@princekhandelwal8069]

Samsung s22 Ultra has 2 Telephoto lens one is 10x and one is 3x so that seems a better option over Iphone and also it has a larger depth of fueld as it has 108 mp sensor.

[@jean-claudemuller3199]

You should also show your H camera as the "no go" holiday travel solution 😊

[@barrynorris4590]

Nikon D5600 with a 18-200mm VR plus a 35mm 1.8 prime. Still a little bulky at times.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Nice survey.

[@KTNewsEntertainment]

Good day

[@waynemarkovich8842]

Matt great video and tips for travel. I just came back from a 2 week trip to the southern Caribbean and had to decide what to bring. My decision came down to how much I wanted to carry on the plane. I took my Z7 and Z6 II, the Z 24-70 2.8 and an older FX 70-300 as well as my new iPhone 13 pro max. The Nikon's as always were perfect and I also wanted to see how the iPhone would do since it has had so much hype. The iPhone is fine for posting to the web and will look OK in prints up to 5x7 and 8x10. When you open the files in photo editing programs there is no comparison the Nikon images are a 1000 times better. I ended up using the iPhone when we went out for dinner and I didn't want a large camera sitting around.

[@bryan2182]

I am selling my A7iv for $2000 bucks. You can reach out to me if you’re interested.check it out👆👆👏

[@cesarm8811]

I own the D7200 with 16-85mm dx, 70-300mm ( In the process of selling). I purchase the Nikon z50 with the kit lenses as a travel camera (the D7200 was to heavy and want to go mirrorless). Really happy with the Z50. Awesome little camera for travel. Planning on purchasing the Vitrox 23mm dx prime lens as fast lens. Also thinking of getting the Godox tt350 as a fill flash and travel flash. Matt any other suggestion? If Nikon introduce a D500 mirrorless replacement, that will replace my D7200.

[@luispacheco9683]

Thanks Matt, very useful. However, I suggest that the 1 inch sensor cameras should have some attention in future recommendations like this. For instance, the quality difference between RX100 VII and smartphones or other types of pocketable cameras is huge. In my last vacations, I used a RX100 VII, my iPhone and my Z7 with the 24-200mm lens. Fantastic combination. My girlfriend uses a X-S10 with light pancake lenses.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Totally agree. I had my RX100 V for this video and then could not find it when shooting. You will see it is in the thumbnail. I need an assistant lol. 😀 next time. Great mix of cameras there.

[@TheCoolpics]

You missed one point with the compact camera, I have a 60M housing for my RX100 great combination worthy of consideration 👍

[@mrsusan893]

You could pretty much lump everyone into the category that only has 1 camera and two or three lenses so I'd take my whole kit.

[@boazsayar1193]

I use kind of camera you didnt mentioned. Canon G3X. I travel with my family, and that is my compromise between size and quality. I can control all the specs of light an focus, and have raw files. The big problem is that these cameras are expansive compare the quality of aps-c cameras. But still I think my next camera will be Sony RX10 if they continue to innovate in this line.

[@rumporridge1]

Looking at the comments their are tons of people going on assignment instead of vacation. I travel light. Olympus TG-6, Sony RX100M7, and my XT3 with a 35f2, 56 f1.6, and a 90mil. Images are superb. And I carry insurance for the associated risk theft.

[@starbase218]

I feel like you've kind of skipped over the premium compact segment. It feel like the pocket camera segment you highlighted is a bit below that, and, as you mention as well, has been largely replaced by the phone. But my Sony RX100 V with its viewfinder, tilting screen, tilting flash and 1 inch sensor, with a fast lens, almost feels like cheating to me. Because actually, the 2.7x crop factor with f/1.8-2.8 lens means it's actually slightly more capable than the Z fc with its 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 kit lens, at least when it comes to low-light performance. What you're gaining with that Z fc though, is of course the ability to change lenses and put that 50-250 on it, or a fast prime (and then that becomes better in low light again, but you carry more stuff with you). Also, when low light is not a concern, the Z fc should have better image quality. But also, the fact that it has a much better user interface if you want to adjust things. I find myself sometimes thinking which dial to turn on my RX100, or which button to press. Because not everything is as readily accessible. For me, I had a D7100 about 4 years ago. So similar-ish to the Z fc. But with Nikon DSLRs, fullframe made more sense, so I got a D750. But I'm not always taking it with me. Sometimes it's just that RX100 V, maybe with an underwater housing as well. I wouldn't want such a housing for my D750 because it'd be enormous. I only really use my phone for snaps, and they can be ok, but it's not really made for taking photos. I hate that the lens gets dirty as soon as I put it in my pocket, and then lower light photos will have streaks when photographing highlights.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Hi Peter, It was fully my plan to include the RX 100 V that I own, which you can see in the thumbnail. But at the time of shooting I simply could not find it ... then I found it later. I NEED AN ASSISTANT !!! :). There are a few more things I have thought of too, which I think means an extended and more detailed version of this video will come :) Thanks for sharing your kit. There are just so many options. :) Cheers Matt

[@camilo8cheryl]

My Dji pocket-2 and a Z6ii/14-30mm F4-S and if i can get a hold on a 24-120mm F4-S :)

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Yeah the Pocket is a great travel cam, and so small ... ah yes the 24-120 F4. It is a must for travel I think. :) Great choices.

[@christopherlofquist1]

Great video Matt! I would take my Nikon Z5 and my Nikon J1 camera

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Great choice.

[@christopherlofquist1]

Just need a better lens for my Nikon Z5! Lock downs in Ontario, Canada are being lifted finally!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

@@christopherlofquist1 great news, what lenses are you looking at?

[@christopherlofquist1]

I do like the 24-200 or 24-120mm for zooms. I do have some sigma f mount glass. But are a paying to take places! Auto focus only works in my old D70 and have to focus manually! Itching to travel again!

[@alberte58]

Matt, you mist the SLR + film option !!!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Yeah fair call. :)

[@obedbrinkman]

although the quality of phones are not bad considering the sensor side, a lot of . effects like d.o.f on phones are artificial, i prefer real cameras 😎 z50 for the win if i want to travel lightweight

[@jefflastofka9289]

Z50, 16-50, small for bicycling, subway, etc. And 50-250 some days? Travel looks sketchy to Europe again unfortunately:-( Dreaming of a Netherlands visit, studying Dutch to get ready. Maybe come visit us in the US. As usual, the wars are geographically removed from here.

[@johnnyutah7299]

You need to also ask yourself, who are you travelling with and where are you going. Road trip? Bring it all!

[@theofinger7577]

Fuji xt2 18-55

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Great choice Theo. :)

[@lenjanka]

Z6 with 24mm 1,8 s and 50mm 1,8 s

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Great choice Janka. :)

[@rudolffoldvary5654]

Z5+24-200

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Great combo Rudolf. :)

[@Altitude2011]

Hi Matt, my favorite combo for travel is: the Z9 with the Nikon Z 70-200 mm f/2.8 and the Z7 II with the Nikon Z 24-70 mm f/2.8.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Great Choice :)

[@250157andyw]

iPhone 11 Pro Max + Nikon Z7 with 14-30 f4 & 24-120 f4

[@KTNewsEntertainment]

New subscribe

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Welcome. Great to have you here. 😀

[@jim7953]

Great information gave me a different look on what I want to carry.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Great Jim. What are you thinking?

[@jpdj2715]

As to smartphones, I do not feel the urge to pay a premium for a logo/brand that really has a minority share of the world market at a high price. At less than 50% of the 12 Pro Max, I bought an Android phone with real native (*) Android, 5 cameras with Zeiss lens that generate a raw file from stacking images from these 5 (3 are B&W and 2 are color). The resulting DNG file is easily processed in Lightroom Classic (=Camera Raw) - the camera generates a JPEG off the raw file too. That "pro" mode is slow, though, but the results are good. Acceptable quality, contour sharpness not so good. Color space and dynamic range are good. Low light and high ISO are limited. Manual settings for about everything if I want that. (*) Note that several phone brands give you an adapted version of Android and this means that the phone brand needs to do a lot of work each time Google releases updates, upgrades, patches, security fixes, etc. Some brands claim "native" when that is really not the effect (for instance because the brand needs to authorize any update/upgrade and they don't). By blocking updates or not making adaptations in their adaptations when Google updates Android, phone vendors can force you to buy another phone, for instance because your firmware has a known vulnerability and they do not fix it.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Great info thanks JP.

[@thegangstagentle]

And why choosing The ZFC and not the Fuji XE4? The Fuji is a better stills camera, a better video camera with a small and affordable gimbal… sorry, I love the Nikon, I just don’t like people who are brand fanatics.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

This is what I own. Not a fanatic. I would love to own some Fuji gear. Would mean a whole new set of lenses ... I am actually keen on the GFX series more so. Thanks for the tip I will check out the XE-4. ZFC is good though, have you used it?

[@abhinavarts3967]

Dont miss this u boxing video : kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5nCaWubYqh-n7c

[@bobfarley4102]

Seems like you're missing the point of a holiday if you're lugging around a Z9 and a mess of lenses.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Depends why you are traveling ….

[@stevehayward1854]

Taking pictures is my holiday, strict rules, one exploring with camera, the next day sat on the beach, rinse and repeat

[@khaivu9826]

Z6 and 24-70 f4/s

[@robertvarner9519]

Holidays may be a thing of the past due to the unfolding of current world events.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

First c19 … now. Yeah it is not good.

[@AndyMillerPhotoUK]

Should you take a drone -- the simple answer is NO. You must comply with the laws and practices of the country you are travelling to. In the UK for example both you and the drone have to be licensed. In Kenya and Tanzania they are ILLEGAL. 2ndly, which you glossed over -- they are very annoying and invasive - so be ready to lose teeth or worse if you are caught using one when locals and other visitors want not to be disturbed or their privacy impinged on. Local police/security are very hot on drones, particularly when piloted by idiots - who don't read the signs (normally in the local language) banning there use -- like within x-miles of vital infrastructure, airports and installations. I saw a fast armed response team take down an idiot who was "filming" another idiot on a bike within 2 miles of a nuclear power plant. They had avoided reading the very large signs in English telling the public that flying of drones was illegal. Idiots who flew a drone into a football stadium have recently interrupted sporting events - they were arrested and very heavily fined (oh and their drone and all footage was confiscated). l own and legally fly a drone in the UK. But we comply with the law.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks Andy. Indeed I did state check the local laws. And yea checking the local law is critical. I am also certified to fly here of course following the local laws. 😀

[@csc-photo]

Others are capable of complying with laws as well, but I agree the general public is just too careless to travel with drones. Drone laws in the US aren't quite as strict, but honestly it's just a matter of time until flying drones for hobbyists is a thing of the past. The idiots always ruin it for others. I have a Mini 2 and it's great fun, but I'm always a little nervous / overly cautious when it goes up.