Every day, I get questions about my travel photography gear. I’m a self-taught professional photographer, so I won’t always be using technical terms to describe my gear. I’m just passionate about telling stories and sharing my travel experiences through beautiful photos.
As a female traveler, there are a few things that are important when choosing photography gear. The first is size- I don’t want to lug around a big camera or have a camera so large that it draws unnecessary attention to myself.
While I shoot on manual settings nowadays, I’ll be honest; for the first 3 years of blogging, I only shot on Auto. So, secondly, I want a camera that is easy to use and has great automatic and manual features. Lastly, I look for quality. Above all, I want a camera that’s shooting incredible images, and that’s why I choose Fujifilm.
Here’s the complete list of my cameras and lenses by Fujifilm that I bring on my travels!
Camera Bodies
Fujifilm’s X Series combines traditional styling with cutting edge, innovative photography technology- here are my favorite models!
FUJIFILM X-HI
This camera is perfect for professional videographers and photographers! This is my main camera body that I travel with.
This camera is the newest addition to FUJIFILM’s X Series, and I’m in love! The camera body is slightly larger than its predecessor, the X-T2, but is still smaller than a DSLR and the added size is mostly due to its hand grip which is a welcome addition. The H1 also features a touch screen LCD which is a game changer.
With built-in stabilization, this camera is a dream for videographers!
One of my favorite things is the video quality is that it can shoot in 4k, as well as 1080/120P. Made with weather-resistant materials and a thick magnesium body, it truly is a well-rounded camera perfect for travel.
More on the FUJIFILM X-H1 Body
FUJIFILM X-T3
This camera is also perfect for professional photographers!
If video isn’t a huge priority, the X-T3 is a powerful and compact camera for professionals. The X-T3 still shoots in 4k video, but there is no built-in stabilization. The body is also weather-resistant and the external dials are a trademark FUJIFILM feature that I love.
The camera has a compact Magnesium body, and is well-balanced for handling and grip, and features a new Auto Focus system. This camera is perfect for professional photographers and for those looking to take their photography to the next level.
More on the FUJIFILM X-T3 Body
FUJIFILM X-T30
This camera is great for people who are just starting to get their feet wet in photography and will mostly be shooting on automatic settings!
This mirrorless digital camera is one of my favorite to shoot with when I’m out exploring for the day. The biggest update from the X-T20 model to the X-T30 is the lighter and more affordable body. It still uses the new AF system, so you’ll see that the camera’s ability to capture moving subjects is top-notch.
It has incredible auto settings, but if you want to test your skills at manual shooting, you are able to easily adjust the combination of aperture, shutter speed, and shooting functions while concentrating on picture taking—so you have options!
In addition to the pretty vintage style, the body is super lightweight and small in size, making it more discreet than other models.
Lastly, the X-T30 has a large and fast viewfinder. It offers a clear, high-definition live-view of what you’re shooting which helps you line up shots- or if you’re traveling solo, it allows the random stranger taking your picture to see what they heck they’re doing!
More on the FUJIFILM X-T20 Body
Lenses
There is a range of FUJINON interchangeable lenses for X Series cameras—here are the ones I use!
FUJINON XF18-55mmF2.8-4.0 R LM OIS Zoom Lens
When to Use: Every Day
This 18-55mm lens is the first one I got for my Fujifilm X Series bodies and it is the lens I shoot with 90% of the time– it is the most versatile lens in my kit. It is great for most shots you’ll take day to day exploring.
The lens also has a great range of zoom and a solid option for everyday use!
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The “every-day” lens will capture most shots on your travels, from lounging at the beach to wandering rice fields—it is my standard, go-to lens!
Photography Tip: What is Aperture?
In photography, the aperture is expressed in f-numbers, for example, f/5.6. These f-numbers, also known as “f-stops”, are a way of describing the size of the aperture, or how open or closed the aperture is. A smaller f-stop means a larger aperture, while a larger f-stop means a smaller aperture.
The iris of the lens, or diaphragm, controls the size of the aperture. Its purpose is to block or stop all light, with the exception of the light that goes through the aperture.
Larger f-stops like f/32 is a smaller aperture and when shot, it will bring all foreground and background objects in focus. A smaller f-stop like f/1.4 will isolate the foreground from the background by making the foreground objects sharp and the background more out-of-focus.
FUJINON XF10-24mmF4 R OIS Wide Angle Zoom Lens
When to Use: When Space is Required (Indoor & Landscapes)
Having a wide angle lens is awesome for landscape shots or shooting indoors in tight spaces. I typically use it when I want to shoot a large building or monument or give something scale.
Wide angle lenses can have some warping around the edges, but this lens has very mild distortion and, as you zoom, it minimizes it even further.
The wide angle lens will capture the whole scene—it’s what I always use for “Follow Me” shots because it frames the body and allows for more background in the shot.
Photography Tip: What is a Prime Lens?
Prime lens is a lens of fixed focal length. This means that the lenses have larger apertures while staying compact in size. A prime lens has fewer moving parts (no zoom), so there is less of an opportunity for problems and prime lenses generally capture images that are sharper!
FUJINON XF35mmF2 R WR (Prime Lens)
When to Use: Variety of Situations
This lens is the second 35mm prime made for the X Series cameras, but it is smaller and less expensive than the first. With the FUJIFILM’s APS-C sensor, it’s a 53mm equivalent. It is most useful for shooting images with a shallow depth-of-field and working in low-light conditions!
This lens is weather sealed for added protection with 8 sealing points for weather and dust-resistance that will operate in as low as 14 degrees.
This lens is great for detail shots and getting up close and personal with the subject!
FUJINON XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Zoom Lens
When to Use: Working with Distant Subjects
This is a big zoom lens and not something I bring on every trip. It obviously takes a lot of space in my backpack, so I only bring it when I know I’ll need it, like when I’m going on a safari!
The lens has a focus range of 1.75m with a maximum magnification of 0.19x so when you add the 1.4X Teleconverter you get an additional 1.4X zoom. A teleconverter is great because it means you get the power of a really big zoom lens without adding the bulk.
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Mind you, this elephant was about 100ft away! This lens is the perfect tool for capturing distant subjects.
My Camera Bags
I always travel with this camera backpack—it’s sturdy and durable and can hold my camera, lenses, drone, laptop, and more. I also use both these day bags, depending on the type of trip, for carrying around my camera gear during the day.
ONA Backpack
With waxed canvas and high-quality leather, the ONA Backpack has a compartment for laptops up to 17 inches, space for up to seven lenses, and room for a camera.
ONA Messenger
For a bit more space, The Prince Street is perfect. It’ll hold a DSLR camera with the lens attached along with one or two more lenses and an iPad.
The Claremont
Probably the swankiest camera bag you’ll ever see, The Claremont crossbody leather bag from Lo & Sons will keep your camera and accessories safe and sound.
Want to learn more about photography? Check out my South Africa Photography Tour!
This photography tour is for all women with all levels of photography experience—whether you’re a beginner, a pro, or somewhere in between. Kiersten, together with a team of professional photographers, will be guiding you through her favorite places in South Africa all while teaching technical skills through one-on-one mentorship and workshops so that you leave with unforgettable memories and beautiful photos.
READ MORE
Pin Me!
Which tripod do you use? I’m looking for one, maybe with remote control. Do you have recommendations? I do use a Nikon, but I don’t think that makes a difference?
Hey babe! I use the Manfrotto Compact Tripod! You can find a link to it here: https://theblondeabroad.com/best-photography-equipment-travel-blogging/
hi bb!
such a great article thank you! i’m heading on safari in october an was wondering would the FUJINON XF18-55mmF2.8-4.0 R LM OIS Zoom Lens still take good safari photos?
or would it still be better to splurge on the FUJINON XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Zoom Lens?
thanks in advance
Katya
Hey Katya! So my best advice would be to splurge on the FUJINON XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Zoom Lens—if you’re spending all the time + money to go on safari, you’re going to want the best possible photos, yes? The XF50-140mm is going to get you much closer in than the 18-55mm, and because it has the 2.8 aperture for even the longest zoom, you’ll get that nice bokeh effect!
Are you familiar with shooting manually? I would highly suggest playing with your camera and learning more about it before heading out—this is the best way to ensure you get crisp photos. Learning about shutter speed, ISO, and aperture will save your booty! https://theblondeabroad.com/photography/