Photography
This is the gear I use and recommend.

My Recommended Starter Kit

If I were starting photography today, I would build my system around Nikon's Z-series mirrorless cameras.Rather than purchasing a camera kit with multiple entry-level lenses, I recommend buying the camera body separately and investing in a versatile lens that you'll still be using years later.
⭐ My Primary Camera: Excellent image quality, outstanding dynamic range, and plenty of resolution for landscapes, wildlife, and travel photography.Nikon Nikon Z7ii⭐ Most Versatile LensIf I could only own one lens for travel photography, this would be it.The 28-400 covers everything from landscapes and small towns to wildlife and distant subjects. It spends more time on my camera than any other lens. Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR  ⭐ Camera Bag:Comfortable, durable, and large enough to carry a serious travel photography kit while remaining manageable on long shooting days.Think Tank Focus Point 30L

Beginner to Enthusiast

Once you have a camera body and an all-purpose travel lens, the next question becomes:What do you enjoy photographing most?Sunrise & Sunset Landscapes

⭐ Mid-Range Lens: Nikon Z 24-75 f/2.8

This is my go-to lens for sunrise, sunset, and general landscape photography. The constant f/2.8 aperture makes it ideal for low-light conditions and creative depth of field.

Wide Angle Lens:

⭐ Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 

Perfect for dramatic foregrounds, mountain scenes, national parks, and RV campsite photography.

Wildlife & Distant Subjects:

⭐Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5-6.3

Birds, wildlife, moon photography, and anything far away. If wildlife photography interests you, this lens will quickly become a favorite.

Macro Photography:

⭐Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8

Designed for capturing flowers, insects, textures, and close-up detail that often gets overlook

It's not hoarding if it is camera gear

Bags & Storage

I really like everything I have tried from Think Tank, and it is all reasonably priced.  You need protection for your very expensive camera gear. 

 I do not have the rolling case listed below, but if I had a need for one, that would be the purchase.  

When I fly, I carry on my backpack.

Rolling Case – Think Tank Airport Security v2 

Think TankBattery Storage –

Think Tank Battery Holder

Think Tank Pixel Pocket  

Tripod

A fellow photographer told me:  

"The difference between a casual and serious photographer is a good tripod. " 

After testing everything from budget models to premium brands, I believe 3 Legged Thing offers some of the best value available.

I currently use the Billy tripod (now replaced by Albert in their lineup).

Recommended Tripod

Tripod – 3 Legged Thing

Ideal for landscape photography, long exposures, waterfalls, sunrise photography, and low-light shooting.

Accessories 

Memory Card Strategy
I carry four memory cards and four batteries when traveling.Most of my cards are 128GB or 256GB.Rather than keeping all of my images on a single card for an entire trip, I rotate cards every day or two and back up images to an SSD.While it creates a little extra work, it dramatically reduces the risk of losing an entire trip if a card becomes damaged or lost.

Extra Batteries –

KF Concept 2600mAH

Memory Cards – Lexar 128/256 gb 

Cleaning Kit – K&F Concept

External Storage – San Disk Extreme SSD

--- Affiliate Disclosure ---
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.