Cuba Photography Packing List
Packing for a photography tour in Cuba is as much about finding your balance as it is about preparing for an adventure. Some photographers travel light, relying on a single versatile lens and a smartphone for backup. Others can’t imagine heading out without multiple cameras, a collection of lenses, a sturdy tripod, and an array of accessories to cover every possible scenario. Most of us, however, fall somewhere in between, tailoring our gear to match our personal shooting style and the nature of the trip.
On this tour, you’ll be exploring Cuba’s vibrant streets, lush landscapes, and dynamic cultural scenes for up to two weeks. This isn’t a weekend photo shoot—it’s a continuous journey of discovery and creativity. For gear enthusiasts who are used to bringing everything but the kitchen sink, consider this: the more equipment you carry, the more you’ll need to manage and protect during the trip. Simplicity often leads to better focus on the art of photography itself.
Remember, ease of travel is key. Most tours in Cuba involve moving from place to place, so it’s wise to pack everything into one manageable suitcase with a bit of extra space for souvenirs and unexpected finds. Whether you’re capturing the golden light of Havana’s streets or the serene blues of Viñales, a well-prepared packing list will ensure you’re ready to photograph every moment without feeling weighed down
Minimal Setup
- Primary Camera
- All-Purpose Wide-Angle Zoom Lens: Suggested options: 24-105mm or 24-70mm.
- Tripod: Essential for blue hour photography in Havana, Trinidad, and sunset shots in Viñales. I will bring a basic tripod that I can lend you if needed.
- Memory Cards: Bring more than enough storage to avoid running out of capacity.
- Camera Charger: Chargers with USB connectors that can be powered by a power bank are particularly handy in Cuba.
- Extra Camera Batteries: Bring plenty, as Cuba often experiences extended power outages.
- Lens Cleaner/Cloth
- Photography Backpack: A 30-50L backpack should be sufficient for your gear.
Recommended Additional Equipment
- Wide-Angle Lens: A fast 16-35mm lens can be useful for architecture (e.g., the Capitolio) or wide-angle shots in Viñales.
- Filters: UV, polarizer, and/or neutral density filters (2-8 stops). Graduated filters, as well as little or big stoppers, are great for landscapes and long exposures.
- Secondary Camera and Lens: a backup camera with a second lens is recommended.
- Portrait Lens: Consider bringing your favorite portrait lens, such as an 80mm or a fast 70-200mm.
- Headlamp or Flashlight: A high-quality headlamp or flashlight is invaluable for low-light conditions.
- Swiss Army Knife or Multi-Purpose Tool
Light Equipment That Tristan Will Bring
- Small reflector
- Stella Reflex S light
- Umbrella or softbox
At Your Hotel
- Universal Plug Adapter: Most outlets in Cuba use round-prong plugs.
- Multi-Socket Adapter: Useful if you have multiple devices to charge.
- 110V Power Strip: Helps charge all your gear simultaneously.
- Light Laptop: Ideal for importing and organizing your photos daily.
- Photo Editing Software: Recommended options include Photoshop, Lightroom, or similar programs.
- Portable SSD: For reliable photo backups.
- Feem App: For syncing files to your phone without an internet connection.
- AirDrop: Works well for iPhone users.
- Resilio Sync: You can use a secondary phone as a personal hotspot and sync folders via this app.
Wi-Fi & Internet
- Don’t Rely on Internet for Backups: Internet access is very limited in Cuba. Avoid relying on it for backing up or downloading images.
- VPN for Accessing Cloud Services: Most cloud services (e.g., Google Drive) don’t work directly in Cuba. You’ll need a VPN. I recommend Turbo VPN (easy and free).
- SIM Card Rental: I will rent a SIM card with approximately 5GB of data for messaging.
