Travelationship’s Photography Gear

Last Updated on July 11, 2025 by Travelationship

You asked, and we answered! Photography is a big part of our travels, and with so many camera options, how does one choose? We received several questions about the type of photography gear and software we use. Regarding software, it’s simple: I edit images in Adobe Photoshop, and Heather keeps our photo library organized with Adobe Lightroom.

Our Photography Gear

Regarding our photography, this is what we prefer, as photography is largely about personal preference. If you are looking for Photography tips, check here.

Canon 5DS

I have been using Canon since before digital was an option. I have been using it for over eight years and am still amazed by its results. The excitement I get when transferring the images to the computer is palpable. The 50.6 megapixels Full Frame (the only way to go, IMO) sensor delivers some of the best pictures I have ever seen. This camera’s details, depth, and digital range are off the charts. This means you can open one of your images, zoom in for miles, and still find sharp details. I have taken one of my shots and cropped it down to less than 1/4 of the original image, and still had a fully detailed and dynamic picture with no loss of quality.

The learning curve was rapid when transitioning from the 5D Mark II; it featured the same logical and straightforward menu design, along with a few new features. One of the most notable and valuable updates to the body is the addition of a lock button on the camera’s shooting mode selector knob. I can’t tell you how many times I pulled my camera from my backpack only to find the settings had shifted. Also, I must give them props for their improved weather sealing as it spent its first three months bouncing around some pretty dusty parts of Africa, and I have yet to have to dust spot a photo.

Live View is a tool that can provide essential information for advancing a photographer’s understanding of the picture they are about to take and how the controls will affect that photo. Given a chance, set your camera on a tripod, flip the 5DS into Live View mode, and start experimenting with the controls. You will be amazed at how much you can learn about photography. While Live-View is not exclusive to the 5DS, it is a tool that deserves much more discussion. In photography, one should never stop learning about the craft or equipment.

In a nutshell, this is the world’s best DSLR camera for any situation that requires the highest image quality.

Lenses for the 5Ds

While I would have loved to bring every lens I own on this trip, I had to be reasonable with space and weight. I use a three-lens arsenal: the Canon 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Wide-Angle Lens, a Canon 50mm f/1.8 Prime Lens, and the Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Zoom Lens.

The 16-35mm wide-angle is my favorite lens of all time. It allows me to capture the whole scene, which I genuinely love. The Canon 50mm f/1.8 is my go-to lens for walking around. This lens makes my job easier when we’re headed to a market or doing street photography. It is easily Canon’s best-kept secret. I’m not sure why everyone doesn’t own this lens. It’s all business at a fraction of its competitors’ prices. The 100-400mm Zoom spends most of its time on the 200 mm side because you can never have too much zoom. The 70-200 L class may be all the rage, but it is big, heavy, and costs three times more than the 100-400mm, plus it lacks additional zoom.

Canon R6

Our first foray into the world of mirrorless full-frame cameras. The image quality is solid, and the video really brings it to life. I love how fast it focuses and can track faces or animals. It’s a blast to shoot, and I’m a big fan. It is a bit of a battery hog when you use all the features, but there are worse things.

Olympus Tough TG-6

Having a camera that fits in your pocket is ideal. Having one that is waterproof, crushproof, dustproof, freeze-proof, and can handle a severe shock from a fall is off the charts. This little device is incredible; it also features a microscope mode and saves images in RAW format.

Smartphone

It has often been said that the best camera is the one you have with you. That being the case, if there’s one camera we always have with us, it’s the one on our phones. I carry a Google Pixel 8a, and Heather totes an iPhone 16 Pro. They both do a pretty decent job, and often we marvel at each other’s latest shot. We have noted that Google is better for night shots, and the iPhone handles video better.

If you have any questions about the gear, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ve found the perfect travel camera, and I would love to hear about it.