What's In My Bag? Galapagos Edition!

📷🐢 Planning a wildlife photography trip to the Galápagos Islands? In this video, I break down what’s in my camera bag for capturing stunning images of the unique wildlife and landscapes of this incredible destination. From camera bodies, lenses, and accessories to essential travel gear for photographers, I’ll share packing tips, must-have equipment, and my favorite photography tools for shooting in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

💡 Whether you’re a professional wildlife photographer or a passionate enthusiast, choosing the right gear for Galápagos photography is crucial. I’ll cover:
✅ Best cameras and lenses for Galápagos wildlife photography
✅ Telephoto vs. wide-angle lenses for capturing birds, marine life, and landscapes
✅ Must-have accessories like rain covers, bags, and cleaning kits
✅ Travel-friendly camera bags and packing tips for flights and boat excursions

🏝️ Why the Galápagos is a Wildlife Photographer’s Dream:
The Galápagos Islands are home to incredible wildlife like blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, sea lions, and hammerhead sharks. Whether you're photographing birds in flight, underwater marine life, or stunning volcanic landscapes, the right photography gear makes all the difference.

🎥 Watch now to see the gear I trust for my Galápagos photography adventures!

📸 What’s your must-have gear for wildlife photography? Drop a comment below!

#WildlifePhotography #GalapagosPhotography #WhatsInMyBag #PhotographyGear #TravelPhotography #CameraBag #NaturePhotography #WildlifePhotographer #PhotographyTips #CameraGear #GalapagosWildlife #PhotographyEssentials #AdventurePhotography #sonyalpha #nikon #sony300gm #sony100-400 #nikonz50ii #nikonz8 #sonya1

Below are links to the products mentioned in the video. Note that some are affiliate links that give me a small commission if you make a purchase with them. Thanks!

Ortlieb Atrack Bag:

PGYTECH Camera Insert (Large)

Nikon Z8:

Nikon Z50ii

Nikon 24-120:

Nikon 100-400:

Sony a1ii:

Sony 300 2.8:

Sony 100-400:

Sony 24-105:

Alternatives:
Nikon 180-600:

Nikon 600PF:

Sony 200-600:

Canon 100-500:

Batteries

Z8 Battery:

Sony battery:

Lens Wipes:

Microfiber cloth:

Lens Pen With Brush:

Rocket Blower:

Sensor Swabs:

Visible Dust Smear Away Solution:

Delkin Black Memory Cards (325GB):

3rd party lens body / rear lens caps:

4TB Samsung T7 SSD (backup drives):

Apple AirTag:

OFF! Wipes:

Laptop Bag & Accessories:

GuraGear Chobe 16 Laptop Bag:
10% Off Code: bcg10

Apple 16" MacBook Pro (I have an M2, the new ones are the M3 - I have a 4TB SSD and 64GB RAM)

Delkin CF Express Card Reader:

JBL 660NC Noise Cancelling Headphones

Amazon Kindle:

[sjgunn]

Great video! Would you ever consider doing a video from one of your workshops where you pair photographs taken by you with photographs taken by one or more of your workshop participants to show the impact that differences in technique, position, background, gear, etc., have on the shots? This would require the participants to agree to have their shots showcased but it would be extremely helpful for your amateur viewers (like me) to see the differences between photographs taken by a professional as opposed to amateurs (from the same trip, location, day, subject, etc.). This might be a good joint project for your channel and the Journal of Wildlife Photography. Just a thought.

[jsadiving]

As always .... great video Steve ... thx

[laurencedunkley]

Thanks Steve, very informative as usual, looks like a great trip to do!

[RichardBedford-pq]

Great video, again. Love the tee shirt 🙂

[adamrubinstein]

Great stuff as usual and it was great to showcase Rose's images! After seeing the FL's used, you almost convinced me that the 24-105 and 180-600 would be a great Nikon combination.

[SheilaFerguson-bk]

I didn't realize your wife was also in the business, love her set-up...I am an old Nikon gal...also nice that you two can share good trips and mutual interest...works in both of your favours!

[SheilaFerguson-bk]

Thanks Seve, love your tan! Glad you and your wife had a successful trip...

[bonniefisher]

As always, a great video. Wish I was young enough to join you. Love your shirt,

[juliette-mansour]

Ok the t-shirt... immediately noticed it!! 😆This is great! I can't wait to go. Your image gallery sent in the email are stunning!!

[willmansfield]

Another excellent video, Steve! Not only helpful for those lucky folks who go on your next Galapagos trip, but also for geezers like me who needed a reminder to grab an AirTag and charging cable the next time I head out somewhere. Keep up the great work! Clark Sykes

[captandy]

Thank you Steve I got a lot out of this!

[joint]

Great shots Steve. I also own the GM300/2.8, my favorite combination is with the TC1.4.

[jec]

When I went in 2013, my waterproof bag was the one that went in the drink - everybody gasped and I just didn't care and fished it out. I still have it, hasn't gotten much use but when you need it, you need it - LowePro used to make a dedicated camera one, and that's what I have.

For straps when the dual Blackrapid isn't appropriate, I use a Magpul rifle sling that plugs into my tripod plates, so I can have the camera strapped to me but quickly swap cameras from the bag.

[bobbrewerbobbrewer]

hi interesting video. Spent 7 days in the Galapagos last December. An amazing trip. Took a Dakina, roll-top dry bag (back pack) to carry the gear. This has worked well for me in polar trips as well, especially when using Zodiacs to get to/from shore. As a Sony shooter and I took two Sony A9s plus a well used 100-400 and the new(ish) 300 2.8 with a 2x converter. Good results with this kit.

[PatrickSmeaton]

That backpack appears to be ideal for when I use my packraft.

[thomaschamberlin]

Great video. I saved it for future reference. We had an interesting lesson learned in the Masai Mara one day when a lightning bolt hit the swimming pool at our base camp (Intrepids). John Shaw's laptop computer was destroyed because it was plugged in when the power surge occurred. We all learned to unplug our computers while away from camp. With primitive camps the generator is usually off while you are gone, anyway.

[carolynbustria]

Great video as always! Gorgeous photos especially Rose’s 😁. My husband and I were so stoked meeting you and Rose in person at my Central Florida stomping ground last January. You were prepping for Galapagos and I was prepping for Patagonia and Antarctica. I brought 2 Z8s, one with the 180-600 mm and the other with the 600mm PF and 1.4X TC packed into my Gura Gear 30L. I only used my 600mm PF set up 5% of the time in both places. There are restrictions in Antarctica due to the Avian flu so carrying a backpack wasn’t always practical since you cannot put anything on the ground ( squat or kneel down for that matter) so I had my 180-600mm set up jammed into my cotton carrier holster from ship to wet shore landings. I covered my gear with the raincoat attached to my holster under my zipped parka and life vest. I had no problem getting in and out of the zodiacs or kayaks although I felt like a penguin each time. I have to get that waterproof bag for future expeditions though for more protection and easy clean up. I referred a couple of Nikon shooters on the expedition to your channel and website.Everything I learned from your books and videos was put into good use in challenging weather conditions in Antarctica. Many thanks to you. I am rereading your books in preparation for Africa.

[ptoerner]

Great help as always with your videos. You refer to you favorite camera bag as the 30 L, can you send a link to it as well? Thanks for all your tips!

[JonasPaurellUnscripted]

Hey Steve, so nice to relive the moments from your images! Great video and recommendations - 100% agree with them! Looking forward to our 2026 tours!

[BudBetz]

Steve, another great trip and review. For a computer, I use an M3 Max MBP 14” 1TB, 48GB Ram and an 11.9” iPad Pro to use as a second display. What a great boost in productivity with LRC. If you can fit a 11.9” or 12” iPad Pro in your bag, it’s a great addition to your setup!