My Travel Kit
I’m not known to be the lightest packer anymore. Many years ago I spent over six months travelling half the world with an incredibly small backpack. I was so scarred from having this teeny tiny pack that ever since then my cases have been getting larger and larger. The reasoning was so I wouldn’t have to go all out war with the zipper every travel day, but I just ended up travelling with more crap then I needed.
This trip I wanted to go pack to my first travelling roots, and take only what was essential. Weight and size kept to a minimum but when you’re travelling for photographic reasons.. that can be a challenge!!
Fujifilm to the rescue.
I think the best thing about mirrorless cameras, and Fujifilm in particular is the size and weight. Not just of the camera bodies – but the lenses as well.
So take a look at the video I shot while I was in Cape Leveque. It shows the bodies and lenses that I have been using on my latest trip. And below I list out my gear and what I generally use it all for.
I have also listed out briefly the bits and pieces of that have been of great help along the way.
Camera Bodies
- Fujifilm XT2 – Main Body. I love this camera so much. Its become a close friend where I no longer need light to adjust the settings. Its light weight and balance is so familiar to my hands.
- Fujifilm XT1 – Secondary and backup. The Plan B camera – also an old friend. My first mirrorless, I use this one if I think Ill need to have a different lens on hand quickly (eg Whale watching)
Lenses
- Fujinon XF 10-24mm zoom – The most used for Landscapes / Seascapes / Escapes
- Fujinon XF 18-55mm zoom – The general use and the go to if I only want to carry one lens
- Fujinon XF 35mm F2 Prime – The Street and People Lens (makes everyone look good)
- Fujinon XC 50-230mm zoom – The Telephoto, Lower spec but still great results
- Fujinon XF 100-400mm zoom – A recent purchase for Sports (eg surfing) and Wildlife
- Samyang 12mm f2 Prime – The Astro Gun
Drone
- DJI Spark -cause its cute, little and light and still pops out great video and photos
Other
- Tripods: Joby GorillaPod, Fotopro Carbon Fibre
- Filters: Formatt Hitech Holder with Polariser, Formatt Hitech ND1.2 and ND3, Nisi ND Grad, Circular polarisers and UV Protectors various sizes.
- Bits and Pieces: Cards x 3, Batteries x 4, Remote control, TTL Flashes, Power banks x 2, Headtorch, backup torch and Bluetooth JBL Clip Speaker for funky tunes
Those are still quite a number of items, but essential too. If i were to reduce more weight for travel purpose, i probably take out Fujinon XF 35mm F2 Prime, Fujinon XC 50-230mm and Samyang 12mm f2 Prime. I won’t bring any filters except UV. The back up camera is good, can leave a spare in the room. Or simply mount one lens on each camera and bring it out, save the trouble of changing lenses.
I agree on the XF 35M and XC 50-230mm, I didnt really use them much, but I love the Samyang for Astro and Nightscapes, was great to have a F2 Prime. And Yes – the backup camera tended to have a lens attached which was great when I needed a different focal distance quickly. Thanks so much for your comments!!
No problem, I always ponder what to bring out for travel trips, depending on the subject I want to approach, then I bring what is needed. The rest I can settle with my phone.