And so I'm packing for my month-long travel (longer, actually), and as always, the question is, “What do I bring with me?”.
It wasn't always the case, but now I'm used to travelling light—sometimes super light. But that's for a week maximum, while this time, I'll be away for at least a month. I think I've been smart in choosing to travel between countries that will have consistent weather all along; only a +/- 10C difference in temperature is forecasted, so clothing shouldn't be too much of a problem.
With me, the complications with packing for a month come with my gear.
I know I'll have my laptop and mobile devices. And I know I won't bring my drone because there's no worldwide standard regulation yet. Since this is an open trip (still), I don't want to find myself having to leave my drone with any law enforcer. There are countries, like Morocco, where you can't even pass airport security if you carry a drone.
I understand the worry of compromising security or fearing misuse (the Gatwick incident is the perfect example). But I hope that eventually, worldwide regulations will find the balance between state concerns and users' enjoyment.
But photography-wise, with such diverse countries, how do I select the few lenses to put in my backpack? Ideally, I don't want to have more than 3 lenses. So, how do I choose a good and versatile kit?
Decisions, decisions
You can see all my options by looking at my equipment on kit.com: what's in my photo bag?
After years of DSLR and iPhoneography, I now own a mirrorless system (Fujifilm), allowing me to achieve high quality in my pictures while also travelling light. And I'm in freaking love with my Fujifilm X-T2 camera.
Aside from the image quality (commonly regarded as the best JPEG files straight out of camera), the feeling of the X-T2 in my hands makes me enthusiastic about it. It's like a natural extension of my arm… And it is a joy to use… And I love the retro style, with all the buttons and dials in the right place. It's weather-sealed. Etc etc.
Yes, it lacks a full-frame sensor and in-body stabilisation, and I learned to get over that, but I hope these will make their appearance one day in a future model that will not be as expensive as the medium format GFX.
Fujifilm, if you're reading… ;)
(Final) Choices
Packing for a month, I think I'll end up bringing 4 lenses with me.
The 10-24mm and the 18-55mm will do for my Landscape/Cityscape photography. And I'll include the 23mm for Street photography (this is also weather-resistant, while the 10-24mm is not).
But even though it's a tad heavy, I think I'll add the 90mm because it produces gorgeous portraits and could also help me photograph animals without approaching and scaring them too much. It also happens to be the best Fujifilm lens, period, so how could I leave this at home?
On top of that, I'll pack some needed accessories: my light but sturdy travel tripod, the Pixi tripod and a clamp (all of which fit in a side pocket of my Peak Design backpack). Plus, I have a bunch of small items that help me get better pictures, keep my camera and lenses clean, etc. And, of course, a hard drive for extra backups (the Western Digital Passport is a great option as it works without a laptop; you simply insert the memory card).
Whenever I will have an Internet connection, I will backup all my photos to Backblaze too. You can never be too safe.
There are not too many items, as I'll carry them all in my hand luggage. I don't trust airport staff with my expensive gear, and I'll have it all on my shoulders on a daily basis anyway.
Still more than just my iPhone, which was all I had when in Iceland years ago (silly choice, in retrospect).
The List
You can see details of the camera and lenses I mentioned above in my kit.co page, but let's recap the essentials here:
- Fujifilm X-T2 camera (updated to the X-T5)
- Fujifilm XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS
- Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS (kit lens)
- Fujifilm XF 23mm F2 R WR
- Fujifilm XF 90mm F2 R LM WR
- XCSource Q-666C carbon fiber travel tripod
- Manfrotto Pixi EVO 2
- Takeway Campod T1
- Western Digital Passport Wireless Pro
- Peak Design Everyday backpack 20L
updates:
One indispensable item I added to my bag is the 70-300mm. It is a gorgeous zoom lens that is suitable for so many different situations that it's hard to leave it at home. It also outputs great image quality, as shown in comparison with the 100-400mm and the 150-600mm in one of my YouTube reviews.
In addition, it accepts both 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, meaning that in such a small form factor, I effectively bring a 70-600mm. It's also stabilised and weather-sealed.
Furthermore, I frequently leave heavy tripods at home now. Particularly when I wander around for a whole day, it is quite a heavy accessory to bring, and my shoulders don't enjoy it. My solution, light and compact, is a versatile clamp that I can attach to many surfaces (or one of the mini tripods mentioned above).
There are expensive options out there, Really Right Stuff or Leofoto. But I found a much cheaper one on Amazon that is identical to those, and I always recommend it to everyone I meet.
- Fujifilm XF 70-300 F4-5.6 R LM OIS (with 1.4x teleconverter and 2x teleconverter)
- Fotobetter Super Clamp
- FUJIFILM Fujinon XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS Weather Resistant lens
- Telephoto Zoom Lens
- Aperture Range = F4-F5.6 – F22
- Focal Length = 70-300mm (107-457mm in 35mm format)
- 【VERSATILITY】Versatile Tool for You!The super clamp is designed to mount onto anything like cameras, lights, umbrellas, hooks, shelves, plate glass, cross bars, even…
- 【FOR MORE ACCESSORIES】The clamp features 1/4’’ threaded holes and 3/8’’ locating pin for ARRI standard, which allow you to attach more accessories, such as…
- 【Adjustable C clamp Jaw】The Multi-Clamp securely mounts to any round stock up to 95mm. Or add the optional Flat Surface Adapters to mount to any flat surface up to…
I'm sure there will be more updates to this list soon… Or another article with my top tips added.
And now let's gooooo!
