What’s in a Photographer’s Camera Bag in 2025

Photography has far outgrown its standing as the new kid on the block. Through its many iterations, from the early days of discovery, to the glorious film days, to the current digital age, technological advancements assure that photography is constantly evolving. A photographer's kit is never identical, from time to time, and from person to person; today, your photography kit might have a focus on intelligent efficiency, seamless connectivity, and pushing creative boundaries, all in a portable package.

So, what are modern photographers packing? Let's take a peek inside the ultimate camera bag of 2025.

It will come as no surprise that in 2025, mirrorless cameras will rule the roost for both beginners and more advanced photographers. They're lighter, more compact, and boast cutting-edge features that DSLRs simply can't match.

• Mirrorless Cameras: Include a mirrorless camera body or two in your camera bag that can handle your required tasks, whether that be a mirrorless camera for travel, landscapes, portraits, or even vlogging. The mirrorless camera you choose is very personal, but here are some key features that current top-of-the-line mirrorless models are offering:
  
  

• Advanced IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilisation): Capture handhold shots at incredibly slow shutter speeds

• AI-Powered Autofocus: Beyond just speed, modern AF systems are intelligent. They recognise and track eyes, faces, animals, and even specific objects with remarkable precision

• Brilliant Video Capabilities: 6K and 8K RAW video recording, advanced cinematic profiles, and superior dynamic range are now expected

• Computational Photography: Borrowing from smartphone tech, cameras are now silently combining multiple frames in-camera for enhanced HDR, focus stacking, and noise reduction, streamlining post-production.

• The Trusty DSLR: While mirrorless reigns supreme, some professional photographers might still cling to a trusty DSLR as a backup, particularly for specific scenarios where optical viewfinders or extended battery life (without external power) are preferred. You might also keep your DSLR handy purely for emergencies - if your main camera fails or runs out of power unexpectedly, you need a backup to stop you from having any downtime.

The choice of lenses is always a personal choice, but the trend leans towards versatile, high-performing optics. If you need help choosing the right lens for your camera or objective, our digital camera lens buying guide is here to help you out.

• Fast Primes: A set of fast prime lenses (e.g., 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 135mm with wide apertures like f/1.4 or f/1.8) are essential for their low-light performance, beautiful bokeh, and sharpness.

• Versatile Zooms: Professional-grade zoom lenses covering popular focal ranges (e.g., 16-35mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8) are workhorses for event photography, landscapes, and portraits, offering flexibility without constant lens changes.

• Speciality Lenses: Depending on your special interest as a photographer, you might require a macro lens, a tilt-shift lens for architectural work, or a super-telephoto zoom lens for wildlife.

If you want to maximise your potential as a photographer, having reliable power and ample storage is non-negotiable. Here are some must-haves for your camera bag:

• High-Capacity Batteries: Multiple lithium camera batteries are a must, so you can keep shooting while you go from A to B, without any pauses in your game.

• Charging options: To keep your multiple camera batteries all fired up and ready to go, you need to have a charger with you in your camera bag. USB-C charging is best in the modern age, and you can even get your hands on a charger to not only power up your camera but also your smartphone and other necessary digital devices.

• Fast, reliable Memory Cards: CFexpress Type A/B and high-speed SD cards are standard, and similar to batteries, carrying around a few spares is required. A robust memory card case is crucial for protection and organisation.

• Portable SSDs: For quick backups on location or while travelling, compact and fast external SSDs are indispensable.

Beyond the main gear, a host of accessories enhance workflow and image quality.

• High-Quality Camera Bag: A durable, weather-resistant, and comfortable backpack designed for camera gear (e.g., Peak Design, Shimoda, Manfrotto, Lowepro) is vital. Look for modular interiors, quick access points, and dedicated laptop/tablet sleeves.

• Sturdy Tripod & Ball Head: Carbon fibre tripods offer stability without excessive weight, while ball heads are great for quick and simple adjustments to your composition.

• Lens Cleaning Kit: Dust, smudges, and fingerprints are the enemy of sharp images. A good cleaning kit (blower, microfiber cloths, lens solution) is always in the bag.

• Circular Polariser & Variable ND Filters: These filters remain essential for managing reflections, enhancing skies, and achieving proper exposure in bright conditions for both stills and video.

• UV Filters: When you don’t need any special effect in your shots but you wan’t to protect and prolong the life of your camera lenses, UV filters are a must.

• Remote Shutter Release: For long exposures, self-portraits, or avoiding camera shake.

• LED Lights/Portable Strobes: Compact, powerful LED lights for fill, accent, or even primary lighting, especially for hybrid shooters. Of course, a standard speedlight is also popular for portraits and similar images.

• Miscellaneous but Mighty:

• An AirTag or similar travel tracker, such as the Cygnett Voyager travel tag, can provide peace of mind.

• Alcohol wipes for sanitising hands and gear.

• Snacks and a water bottle - you need to stay fit and firing so your camera gear can do the same!

While not necessarily housed in a camera bag, a 2025 photography kit extends into the digital realm.

• Editing Software: Programs like Luminar Neo, Adobe Sensei, and generative fill features in Photoshop are streamlining photography workflows, automating tasks like noise reduction, subject masking, and background removal, allowing photographers to focus on their creative decisions.

• Cloud Storage & Sync: Seamless cloud integration for backups and remote editing is increasingly common.

• Mobile Editing Apps: For quick edits and social sharing on the go, powerful mobile apps continue to be a staple.

Whether you need the latest high-tech hardware, or a simple cleaning kit to take care of your camera gear, Ted's Camera's is your one-stop-shop for all things photography. As well as a huge online store, Ted's have camera stores for you to visit nationwide; pop in to your local Ted's store today!