10 Everyday Carry Essentials To Go Places & Capture Moments

Exploring a new city? Taking a leisurely photo walk? You’ll need the right tools to capture the moments. These EDC essentials will help make sure you’re ready for every shot and situation.

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1. Camera

First things first, you need the right camera. I always choose one that balances portability with performance when I’m on-the-go, but if I have to choose between these two qualities, I’m taking whatever’s easiest to carry. A compact, high-quality camera makes it so you don’t have to compromise. Here are our top two picks for catching all the shots without being weighed down:

  • Fujifilm X100VI: Nobody is surprised this is on the list. It’s a favorite among street photographers for good reason. This camera combines portability and retro aesthetics with cutting-edge features.
  • Ricoh GR IIIx: Ultra-compact and discreet with sharp optics, this one is ideal if you prioritize portability and refuse to compromise on image quality.
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GR IIIx Digital Camera

Ricoh

Imaging performance without compromise The GR lens has been imbued with our unique optical technology that aims to always provide high image quality. The GR IIIx uses a newly developed optical system ...

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The X100VI is perfect for traveling and everyday documentation.
The X100VI is perfect for traveling and everyday documentation.

2. Lens

If you’re using a camera with an interchangeable lens, the right glass can transform your shooting experience. Zoom lenses are great for capturing a range of scenes, but if you need something small and light, consider a prime. Go with a wider focal length for a more versatile field-of-view, but stay mindful of how bulky the setup is.

  • Sony FE 35mm f/1.8: Perfect for capturing street scenes, portraits, or landscapes, this lens is known for superb sharpness and low-light performance.
  • Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR: This weather-resistant lens offers excellent optical performance in a compact pancake design. Pair it with a Fujifilm X-T30 II for a pocketable setup.
Photo by Zackery Ormonde, the Fujifilm 23mm lens is super compact and sharp.
Photo by Zackery Ormonde, the Fujifilm 23mm lens is super compact and sharp.

3. Phone

As most of us already know, smartphones are more than just phones these days. They can be powerful tools for capturing, editing, and sharing your work on the go — especially with the right accessories.

  • Mobile Lenses: Widen or narrow the field-of-view on your phone’s camera with a telephoto or wide-angle mobile lens.
  • Tripod or Mount: If you’re shooting in lower lighting conditions or capturing self portraits, a mount makes things easier. These come in multiple styles and sizes that are easy to toss in a bag and carry with you on a regular basis.
Shot on the Fisheye 14mm on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Shot on the Fisheye 14mm on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Shot on the Tele 58mm on the iPhone 13 Pro.
Shot on the Tele 58mm on the iPhone 13 Pro.
Dress up the iPhone camera case with lenses and mounts.
Dress up the iPhone camera case with lenses and mounts.

4. Bag

A well-designed camera bag is an absolute must for keeping your gear organized, protected, and easy to access. Choose one that fits your essentials without being and is comfortable to wear.

  • Sling Bag: These look small, but they’re often quite spacious. A compact sling bag is perfect for carrying a camera, lens, and a few extras.
  • Backpack: If you need more room for extra accessories, choose a backpack. It’s arguably the most comfortable to wear and many of them have customizable compartments for all your gear.
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Everything Sling 2L - Olive

Moment

Our best-selling 2L sling is tailored to be the go-to bag for coffee runs, city strolls, and weekend adventures. Walk out the door and easily slide your phone into its own dedicated zipper pocket; no ...

Add for $70

The 4L Everything Sling by Moment.
The 4L Everything Sling by Moment.

5. Wallet

This one feels like a given, but it’s still worth a callout. For everyday use, we recommend a slim, functional wallet. The right one will keep your cards and cash secure but still easily accessible if you’re running around town or grabbing a quick coffee between photo sessions. These lightweight designs easily fit in your pocket or bag.

The best looking wallet, made be Clever Supply.
The best looking wallet, made be Clever Supply.

6. Strap

A comfortable and secure strap makes carrying your camera feel like less of a chore. Look for one that balances functionality with your own personal style.

  • Moment Adjustable Leather Camera Neck Strap: This adjustable strap is both comfortable and durable. The leather will stand the test of time and age with grace.
  • Peak Design Cuff Camera Wrist Strap: For smaller cameras, consider a wrist strap. This one is a crowd favorite and works seamlessly with Peak Design’s interchangeable anchor system so you can quickly switch between different setups.
Rock the adjustable leather strap by Moment with any fit.
Rock the adjustable leather strap by Moment with any fit.

7. Memory Cards

Running out of storage is a creator’s nightmare. Have a few high-speed, reliable memory cards on hand so you can shoot without interruptions.

  • SanDisk Extreme Pro 64GB: SanDisk has been in the memory card game for decades. Known for its speed and reliability, this one is perfect for high-resolution photography and 4K video.
  • Lexar Professional 64GB SDXC: Lexar offers this more budget-friendly option that still delivers excellent performance and more than enough storage capacity for daily shooting.
Don't forget the memory cards!
Don't forget the memory cards!

8. Charger

What’s worse than running out of storage? Running out of juice! Keep all your devices powered for long days of shooting and editing. Have a portable option handy, so you’re never left scrambling for an outlet.

  • Wireless Chargers: With so many high-capacity options, these power banks are perfect for creators with multiple devices.
  • Mobile Cables: For all that critical coffee shop, train station, library, park bench connectivity.
Get creative with charging units for all-day juice.
Get creative with charging units for all-day juice.

9. Lighting

Good lighting can make or break a shot. Don’t miss good moments relying solely on the sun. Portable lights give you the flexibility to control your scene, even in challenging conditions.

  • Lume Cube Panel Mini: This one is durable and compact and works well for low-light photo and video work.
  • Aputure AL-MX On Camera LED Light: This small but powerful light packs a bright punch, with 128 SMD LED bulbs in a credit card-sized panel. Toss it in your bag and forget it’s there (until you need it).
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Panel Mini

Lume Cube

LumeCube's Panel Mini Bi-Color LED is made for the videographers and photographers who move quickly and need their lighting to adapt to any shooting condition. Featuring an adjustable dial for increas...

Add for $69.99

The Lume Cube Panel Mini goes on cameras AND phones!
The Lume Cube Panel Mini goes on cameras AND phones!

10. Inspiring Accessories

Lastly, since every creator needs to step outside their comfort zone on occasion, pick one or two accessories to keep things fresh. Find new ways to capture everyday moments with these:

  • C1 Plus Creative Gel Kit: Have fun with existing light sources and spark some creativity with these magnetic lens attachments.
  • Cineflare Streak Filter: Pop these on your lens for a cinematic flare effect. They’re great for nighttime shots and making ambient lighting look less flat and more dramatic.
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C1 Plus Creative Gel Kit

Profoto

Shooting with color gels allows you to get amazing creative effects that big studios use to add depth to skin tones and cinematic light to your shots. The kit comes with Rose Pink, Yellow, and Peacock...

Add for $50

Using lights + filters for getting creative with mobile shots.
Using lights + filters for getting creative with mobile shots.

💌 There's More!

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