Canon EOS Rebel T5i
My very first camera was a Canon Elph, and I took that camera everywhere. I was documenting my teenage life. Great times!
Over the years I’ve transitioned through a few Canon cameras, and although there are newer models available, I’m but currently happy with my T5i. It’s perfect for travel not too bulky with the right mix of beginner to intermediate.
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Canon XA10
As I developed my skills as a videographer I needed to upgrade from the smaller, consumer-style video Canon camera to a professional camera with more options, better lens and sound options for interviews with guests. I bought this camera initially thinking I could bring it with me when I travel and I brought it to Spain and Greece but it proved to be too cumbersome. I have since bought my Canon EOS Rebel T5i and retired this Camera for videography jobs and projects locally here in Toronto.
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EF-S 18-55MM F/4-5.6 IS STM
This lens is a standard zoom lens and usually comes with EOS Camera. A standard zoom lens captures images the way your eye sees it. It's not heavy and has a little bit of zoom, which makes it perfect for spending the day exploring a city. This lens is always with me, it's usually already on my camera, and it typically is the lens I use when I first start taking pictures.
Focal Length & Maximum Aperture
18-135mm f/3.5–5.6
Lens Construction
16 elements in 12 groups
Diagonal Angle of View
74°20'-11°30'
Focus Adjustment
AF with full-time manual
Closest Focusing Distance
1.28 ft./0.39m
Filter Size
2.6 in./67mm diameter
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight
3.1 x 3.8 in., approx. 18.2 oz.
77.4 x 96mm, approx. 515g
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EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
My second lens was this telephoto lens. At this point, I've travelled to a few different countries, and I noticed that on occasion there were situations where a cathedral or a castle was just too far in the distance. It close enough to see but my standard lens couldn't zoom in enough. At this point, I decided to add this lens to my arsenal of photography gear.
Focal Length & Maximum Aperture
55-250mm 1:4-5.6
Lens Construction
15 elements in 12 groups
Diagonal Angle of View
27° 50' - 6° 15'
Focus Adjustment
Rear focus system
Closest Focusing Distance
2.79 ft. / 0.85m
Filter Size
58mm diameter
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight
2.8 x 4.4 inches, approx. 13.2 oz. / 70.0 x 111.2mm, approx. 375g
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EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
The third lens in my arsenal is this wide-angle lens. While in Copenhagen, I stopped into a camera store looking for a memory card for my camera as I was running out of space. While talking to the employee, I learned that they had a great sale on this wide-angle lens. I never knew how much I needed it until I started using it. It's great for landscape shots as it fits more into the shot, but it's also incredible in tight spaces like rooms and narrow European streets.
Focal Length & Maximum Aperture |
10-18mm 1:4.5-5.6 |
Lens Construction | 14 elements in 11 groups |
Diagonal Angle of View | 107°30' - 74°20' |
Focus Adjustment | Rear focus system |
Closest Focusing Distance | 0.72 ft. / 0.22m |
Filter Size | 67mm diameter |
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight | 2.9 x 2.8 in., 8.5 oz. / 74.6 x 72.0mm, 240g |
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Capture
As much as I love my camera - I hate carrying it. I love my hands to be free, especially when out all day exploring a new city. Trust me; I was never the tremendous romantic type as I never liked holding hands.
That said I was in a local camera store here in Toronto when I discovered Capture by Peak Design. It allows me to attach my camera to my belt or my backpack strap, which not only prevents theft, but it will enable my hands to be free!
The all-new Capture is the most secure, convenient, accessible way to carry your camera, period. Unlike a camera strap, Capture keeps your camera rigidly stable while hiking, biking, or moving around the studio. Unlike a camera bag, Capture keeps your camera instantly accessible with the click of a button. Includes 2 components: a metal clip that clamps to any backpack strap, belt, or bag, and an Arca tripod-compatible plate that screws into the bottom of your camera. Your camera locks into the clip, where it is held rigidly and securely. Press the lockable quick-release button to remove. Holds well over 200 lbs. (90kg), making it strong enough for the heaviest of pro camera/lens combinations.
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Capture Lens Kit
So after using Peak Design's Capture for my camera, I discovered the Capture Lens for the extra lenses I carry with me. Sweet. Easy to change lenses to capture the perfect shot!
Changing lenses is one of the most common workflows in photography. It’s also one of the most frustrating. Enter Lens Kit™. Lens Kit is an adapter for Capture that lets you change lenses rapidly, with just one hand, and holds your unused lens rigidly and securely. Now you can carry up to 2 lenses on any backpack strap, belt or bag, keeping your spare lens quickly accessible and freeing up the inside of your bag for other gear. Includes 1 Lens Kit adapter. Choose from Canon EF, Nikon F or Sony E/FE mounts. Under License in the US by Go Wing USA, LLC U.S. Pat. No. 9,634,396, Lens Flipper®
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MeFoto Backpackers Tripod
Every camera needs a good tripod. I have two. I love this tripod because of its size when folded and how light and easy it is to carry around.
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Clutch
I really need to stop wandering into camera stores. This time I discovered the Peak Design Clutch. It allows you to get a nice firm grip on the camera making it almost impossible to drop. IT also really helps me to keep the camera steady when filming.
The world’s first camera hand strap that is quick-connecting and quick-adjusting. Clutch gives you access to your camera’s controls but quickly cinches down when you need security. Hypalon exterior, microfiber pad, and aluminum adjuster hardware is ultra-durable and inspired by high-end climbing gear. Attaches to your camera at 2 points: your camera strap mount (via a reinforced Hypalon loop) and your camera tripod mount (via our low-profile Arca-compatible Standard Plate). Clutch can be used alongside other Peak Design straps, as well as the Capture Camera Clip.
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Always have more than one. They com e in different capacity sizes at different price points. That said choose a size that suits your needs based on what you are doing.
When I travel, I bring my laptop and a hard drive. As soon as I get back to the hotel or Airbnb I import all the photos on my MacBook and transfer all the video clips to my hard drive.
Mavic 2
Ever since I was a kid I dreamed of having a remote-controlled helicopter. The first time I ever saw a drone being flown was on a trip to St. John's in Newfoundland, Canada.
Let's just say at that point, I knew what my next toy was going to be!
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Osmo Pocket
As the cameras in our mobile devices get better and better the more people are using their phone to film, document tell their stories - otherwise known as vlogging. Although the camera has improved, stability and shakiness did not. With my latest toy, I have the best of both worlds.
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Osmo Pocket 3.5mm Adapter
Just as important as video quality is sound - especially when vlogging, and when you have such a small, discrete vlogging camera like the Osmo Pocket you need a small microphone. With this 3.5mm adapter, you can attach a lapel microphone like the Rode SmartLav +
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Osmo Pocket Wireless Module
This little guy allows me to connect my iPhone to my Osmo Pocket so that I can control my Osmo Pocket without physically connecting to my iPhone. Brilliant.
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Osmo Pocket Extension Rod
My very first camera was a Canon Elph, and I took that camera everywhere.
Nowadays I take my OSMO Pocket everywhere. It's truly the perfect vlogging camera but sometimes when you need to share the screen with someone, the OSMO's camera is not wide enough.
with the extension rode, I am able to attach the OSMO Pocket and extend it further away from me to fit more of me and my environment into the background. The controls on the handle control the gimble, the video/photo options
Built-in Battery Type: LiPo
Battery Capacity: 65 mAh
Charging Temperature Range: 5 to 60°C
Operating Temperature Range: 0 to 40°C
Size:49.2 x 48.0 x 235 mm (folded)
49.2 x 48.0 x 755 mm (unfolded)
Weight:199 g
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PGYTECH Osmo Pocket Extendable Tripod
My very first camera was a Canon Elph, and I took that camera everywhere. I was documenting my teenage life. Great times!
Over the years I’ve transitioned through a few Canon cameras, and although there are newer models available, I’m but currently happy with my T5i. It’s perfect for travel not too bulky with the right mix of beginner to intermediate.
Rudderless is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Osmo Pocket Accessory Mount
My very first camera was a Canon Elph, and I took that camera everywhere. I was documenting my teenage life. Great times!
Over the years I’ve transitioned through a few Canon cameras, and although there are newer models available, I’m but currently happy with my T5i. It’s perfect for travel not too bulky with the right mix of beginner to intermediate.
Rudderless is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Rode Wireless Go
Just as important as video quality is sound - especially when vlogging, and when you have such a small, discrete vlogging camera like the Osmo Pocket you need a small microphone. Using the 3.5mm adapter Sold separately), can attach the Rode Wireless Go Reciever to the OSMO Pocket or Canon DSLR and attach the Rode Wireless Go Mic to your shirt for the perfect sound - without all the wires.
Wires are always a hassle as they always get tangled. When Rode came out with a wireless device of this quality and at that price point I knew I needed to buy them. For perspective wireless mics typically go for at least 700 or so dollars.
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Osmo Pocket 3.5mm Adapter
Just as important as video quality is sound - especially when vlogging, and when you have such a small, discrete vlogging camera like the Osmo Pocket you need a small microphone. With this 3.5mm adapter, you can attach a lapel microphone like the Rode SmartLav +
Rudderless is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Rode VideoMic Go
Just as important as video quality is sound.
This is a great little lightweight mic that I like to attach on my camera which is great for unexpected interviews or recording ambiance. The built-in mic's on DSLRs are pretty brutal so if you plan on using your DSLR to record a video where the audio is important you'll need to upgrade the mic.
In addition to I bought an extension wire so I can remove the mic from the camera, place it on a small stand like the PGYTECH Osmo Pocket Extendable Tripod and connect the extension wire to the camera. This allows the camera to be further back, fitting more of the scene or a two-person interview into the video
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Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone
I've used Blue Snowball Mic for several years before discovering my Audio Technica AT4040 microphone, from my rap and hip hop days collecting dust.
I've recorded the majority of the narration portion of my videos and early podcasts with my Blue Snowball.
For those on a budget, this is a great quality mic that will get the job done. If you have a bit more room in your budget you can upgrade to a Blue Yeti, They have a suite of microphones that range in price, styles, specs and colours.
At the end of the day, The average podcaster is recording in their office, closet or spare room. As a result, requires something that is straightforward, less forgiving with ambient sounds and plugs directly into your computer via USB.
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Audio-Technica AT4040 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
This is the microphone that I am currently using to record my podcast Travel Horror Stories but to be completely honest this mic is not going to be for everyone.
Admittedly, this mic was one I already owned from my days of recording music as a hip hop artist.
That said, this is a professional studio mic and will absolutely give you the best sound - but you have to be able to control the environment that you are recording in. This mic will record EVERYTHING and is the type of mic that is used in a soundproof studio.
This mic is also a condenser mic which means it requires additional power, known as phantom power so I also have a Blue Icicle which gives the mic it's power while providing a way to connect with my computer via USB.
The average podcaster is recording in their office, closet or spare room and as a result, should take a look at Blue Microphones and purchase a mic that is a bit more forgiving with regards to ambient sound and plugs directly into your computer.
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Rycote InVision Studio Kit
Essentially, the Audio-Technica AT4040 Microphone can not stand on its own so the Rycote not only holds the mic but suspends it in the air to help reduce loud noises from the mic being nudged of bumped.
The kit also comes with a pop filter to help soften those hard "P" sounds.
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Pyle Microphone XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter
This adapter simply provides the extra power my Audio-Technica AT 4040 condenser mic requires while giving it the ability to plug into my computer's USB port for recording.
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Heading to Billy Bishop Airport (Toronto to NewYork City)
Standard Luggage – Carry-on Backpack – A 35L Travel Backpack
Short Trips, Long Weekend Getaways and Business Travel are my jam. I love nothing better than to toss my Carry-on Backpack in the back of my Jeep Wrangler and drive out of the city for a long weekend. It's my favourite bag to bring when I'm flying over to New York City for that Easter Long Weekend with family and friends.
The build quality of this bag is outstanding and I wrote all about it HERE:
BEST CARRY ON BACKPACK REVIEW – STANDARD LUGGAGE (TRAVEL BAGS & PACKING CUBES)
When combined with the Packing Cubes and the Backpack Packing Cube, all four fit snug in the Carry-on Back Pack.
I'm not sure how I managed to travel all this time without packing cubes !!
3-in-1 Design - allows you to carry it like a briefcase, wear it over your shoulder or wear it like a backpack.
Dedicated laptop pocket - This is one of my personal favorites as a person who brings his laptop everywhere. The laptop and tablet are accessible through a separate zip which is detachable for the plane ride. Pulling this out from the dedicated zipper makes it so easy to take out your laptop at airport security check points.
Full-perimeter zip & Roll-aboard strap. - the bag opens like a suitcase which makes it not only easy to pack but easy to access things instead of digging through your bag to find items at the bottom. The bag also integrates easily with rolling luggage.
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Backpack Packing Cube – A 8L Packable Daypack
Gordana loves this bag because it saves space. When used with the Packing Cubes you will have a total of four packing cubes that fit snug inside the Carry-on Backpack.
When you arrive at your destination you remove the Backpack Packing Cube, turn it inside out and it becomes an 8L Day Pack.
Brilliant!
Like all Standard Luggage products, the build quality is just amazing, military-grade.
Internal media pocket - The internal organization can hold a 12-inch notebook, Macbook Air or iPad Pro/tablet. Perfect for when inspiration hits!
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Exploring our home. Toronto, Canada.
Packing Cubes (3pcs set) – A Hanging Travel Dresser
When used with the BackPack Packing Cube you will have a total of four packing cubes that fit snug inside the Carry-on Backpack.
They are a bit pricey but like all Standard Luggage products, the build quality is just amazing, military-grade which I wrote about HERE: BEST CARRY ON BACKPACK REVIEW – STANDARD LUGGAGE (TRAVEL BAGS & PACKING CUBES)
I'm not sure how I've managed to travel so much, stay organized and save space all these years without these
Hangable & modular - Couple the cubes together to create a hanging dresser
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Daily Backpack – A 18L Laptop Backpack for Work & Travel
As I've mentioned at the very beginning...
I HAVE MORE CAMERA BAGS THAN KIM KARDASHIAN HAS BIRKIN BAGS!
I've been through hundreds of backpacks always looking for the one. The one that will not only carry all my photography gear but give me easy access to it. The one will not look bulky and thus be uncomfortable to carry. The one that is built tough, survives a variety of situations and will last for years.
Ladies and gentlemen, I think I found the one !!
I now use this bag for EVERYTHING!
I use it for travel as my main bag for my photography gear and I use this bag as the main bag for business travel and meetings.
3-in-1 Design - You can carry it like a briefcase, wear it over the shoulder like a messenger bag, or wear it like a backpack. I personally cycle between all of these depending on what I'm carrying or where I'm going (meeting, film/photography etc)
If on a photography/videography shoot, 9 times out of ten I'm wearing it like a backpack
Lockable zips + anti-theft design - When I had my iPhone stolen in Paris, France I added security as a must-have feature ina bag. With lockable zippers, you can prevent unwanted access and keep your valuables safe and secure.
Laptop & tablet pockets - Dedicated and cushioned pockets hold a 15-inch laptop and 10-inch tablets
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Skyroam Solis Lite (Portable Wifi)
Skyroam Solis Lite is perfect for short trips, weekend getaways and business travel. The Solis gives me another option for wifi.data in addition to local SIM Cards. The pay as you go prices and plans are reasonable - and worth it!
Blazing Fast Speeds
Get the fastest 4G LTE mobile WiFi speeds worldwide
Keep your data secure
Ensure safe communication and banking, avoiding risky public WiFi networks
Stay powered-on all day long with 18+ hours of WiFi battery life
Less than 1" in height and just 5.5 oz
Hassle-free Virtual SIM™, easy access to unlimited WiFi in 130+ countries
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Train from Gottingen to Cologne, Germany