Photo Equipment

a. PhotoTOUR - regular

The photographic equipment mentioned is not mandatory and I recommend using all the gear you have available. A non-exhaustive list may include: a digital (or analog) camera, and the lenses you own – it is preferable to cover as wide a focal range as possible. 15–300 mm is a reasonable range, although any other focal length limits are also welcome. A selection of commonly used zoom lenses: 16–35 mm; 15–30 mm; 24–70 mm; 70–200 mm; 70–300 mm; etc.

For landscape photography during sunrise or sunset sessions, a tripod is essential, as well as a shutter release cable and landscape filters: graduated neutral density filters, solid neutral density filters, and polarizing filters, together with a filter holder and adapter rings for each mount. A few wet wipes, a dust brush, and a microfiber cloth are sufficient for basic field maintenance of the photo equipment.

The number of camera batteries is 2, although a higher number of batteries allows greater independence. For a photography weekend, 4–5 batteries are sufficient.

A photo backpack is recommended, as most tours and workshops also involve hiking, either easier or more demanding, depending on the tour.

b. PhotoTOUR in Danube Delta

The photographic equipment required for wide landscape scenes or for photographing wild birds in the Danube Delta should include two types of lenses: ultra-wide-angle lenses and telephoto lenses with a focal length of at least 300 mm. The longer the focal length, the better. Cameras with APS-C sensors are preferred due to the 1.5x crop factor advantage, which turns a 300 mm telephoto lens (on full frame) into a 450 mm equivalent (on APS-C).

A tripod is not necessary, however graduated neutral density filters and polarizing filters are useful, together with a filter holder and adapter rings.

Cleaning tools are essential, as water droplets may appear on the front lenses of the equipment. Therefore, the use of UV or protective filters is recommended. A small cleaning and protection kit is necessary: wet wipes, a microfiber cloth, a microfiber towel, and 1–2 large waterproof bags in which the photo bag/backpack can fit, useful in case of bad weather.

c. PhotoTOUR in mountain areas with bivouac in tents/refuges

In mountain tours with bivouac in tents/refuges, each participant will arrange their own accommodation in a personal tent or we will stay in mountain refuges without electricity.

The photographic equipment must include: a camera, lenses with focal lengths between 15 and 200/300 mm. Teleconverters may optionally be used for wildlife photography.

The minimum number of camera batteries is 2, but the more you have, the better. For a 4–8 day mountain tour, 3–4 fully charged batteries are usually sufficient.

A tripod, shutter release cable/remote control, graduated neutral density filters, solid neutral density filters, and polarizing filters are required, together with filter holders and adapter rings.

A small cleaning and protection kit is necessary: wet wipes, a microfiber cloth, and a microfiber towel.

A power bank is also required for recharging camera batteries. Its capacity should be calculated based on the number of recharges needed.

e. PhotoTOUR in high mountains

For the photography expeditions organized by us in high mountain areas, choosing the right photographic equipment is essential. As these trips take place in remote and isolated regions, it is necessary to carry two cameras, one of them as a backup. It is recommended to have three types of lenses: ultra-wide-angle, telephoto, and optionally a macro/portrait lens of 60 or 100 mm.

Landscape filters are required: graduated neutral density filters, solid neutral density filters, polarizing filters, filter holder, and adapter rings.

A power bank is absolutely necessary, its size being limited by air transport regulations.

A photo backpack is mandatory, one that includes a compartment for mountain gear and allows a tripod to be attached. The backpack must be equipped with a rain cover.

Participants in the expedition will receive, after registration, a detailed list of the required photographic equipment.

Clothing and personal equipment

PhotoTOUR regular

Summer equipment

Each PhotoTOUR also includes short hiking segments in its program. Therefore, a pair of lightweight trekking boots (3-season) is necessary. A pair of breathable hiking trousers, a T-shirt, a thermal jacket, a wind/rain jacket (Gore-Tex type), a breathable hat/cap, and sunglasses. A photo backpack is recommended.

Winter equipment

Layering multiple thin layers is the winter clothing technique used to easily regulate thermal comfort and perspiration. Winter boots (4-season) are required, gaiters, warm and water-resistant trousers (ski trousers are suitable), thermal base layers if it is very cold, thermal technical T-shirt (retains heat while quickly wicking away sweat), Polartec jacket (preferably two layers: Polartec 100 and Polartec 200 instead of a single Polartec 300), Gore-Tex windproof jacket, down jacket for sunrise and sunset photo sessions, photo gloves, trekking poles, beanie, sunglasses.

PhotoTOUR in Danube Delta

The personal equipment in the Danube Delta is adapted to water-based tourism, with very short walks on sandbanks or through Lipovan villages. Sports shoes, light trousers, a T-shirt in light colours but not white, a wide-brim sun hat/cap, and a windproof jacket and outer layer for sunrise and sunset photo sessions. A poncho-type rain cover is mandatory, as navigation is carried out in open boats. Do not forget 1–2 large bags in which you can protect your photo equipment in case of rain.

PhotoTOUR in mountain area - tent/bivouac

In mountain tours, personal bivouac equipment is necessary, as well as equipment for preparing hot meals. The mountain gear is similar to the summer equipment described above, and those who register for such tours will receive a detailed list of the required camping and mountain equipment.

PhotoTOUR trekking in high mountains

Mountain equipment for high-altitude expeditions is specific and varies depending on the destination. It must include 4-season mountain boots with a sole flexible enough to be used both on rock and snow, warm technical trousers, thermal technical base layers, a Polartec jacket, a windproof and waterproof Gore-Tex jacket, gloves, a beanie, UV4 altitude sunglasses, trekking poles, gaiters, and a down jacket.

Participants in the expedition will receive, after registration, a detailed list of the required mountain equipment.