I haven’t posted about my photography kit in quite some time, but I thought it would be fun to respond to Jan Erik Moström’s (@jemostrom) My mini camera bag post. My digital camera bag setup is well-equipped for photography adventures, whether I am doing some macrophotography or engaging in a bit of street photography. In this post, I am focusing on the gear.
As a photography enthusiast, I want a portable setup that allows me flexibility without weighing me down. My gear revolves around the Fuji X-T3, a popular mirrorless camera known for its excellent image quality and appealing 35mm film camera aesthetic. The X-T3 features a high-resolution 26.1MP sensor, and fast and accurate autofocus making it suitable for a wide range of photography styles.
Lenses for Every Scenario
My lens choices are appropriate for various shooting situations:
- Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 R WR: With a field of view (FOV) equivalent of 41mm in full-frame (FF) terms, this compact pancake lens is great for street photography and everyday shots.
- Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR: With 24-84mm FOV in full-frame terms, this lens is a versatile zoom lens covering a wide to medium telephoto range, just right for landscapes and portraits.
The Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 R WR is a vital part of my kit for its portability and discreet profile, making it my favourite for street photography. Its compact size and lightweight design allow me to blend into the environment, capturing candid moments without drawing attention. Despite its small form factor, this lens delivers sharp images with excellent clarity and contrast, ensuring my street photos are vibrant and detailed.
The Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR is my go-to lens for versatility. Covering a focal range from wide-angle to medium telephoto, it is perfect for a variety of shooting scenarios, from landscapes to close portraits. The constant f/2.8 aperture across the zoom range provides consistent exposure and depth of field control, making it a reliable choice in varied lighting conditions. This lens’s robust build and weather resistance also ensure it performs well even in challenging environments.
Expanding Creative Possibilities
I do not always include these in the camera bag, but if I expect that I might be able to do some macro photography I include the following in the camera bag:
- MCEX-16 macro extender: For close-up photography of small subjects.
- Godox TT350f flash unit: Providing additional lighting options for challenging conditions.
The MCEX-16 macro extender is invaluable to my close-up photography. By allowing closer focusing distances, it transforms my Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR lens into a macro lens. This is useful for capturing details of flowers, insects, and other small subjects, bringing out textures and features that are often missed in regular photography. The macro extender’s versatility means I can explore subjects without needing to carry a dedicated macro lens.
The Godox TT350f flash unit provides lighting in low-light conditions or when I need to fill in shadows or get more light when shooting stopped down for macro. Its adjustable head and various modes, including TTL (Through The Lens) and manual, offer flexibility for different shooting situations. The TT350f allows me to control light, ensuring well-exposed images.
Power and Storage
Ensuring I never miss a shot, my bag includes:
- Three Fujifilm NP-W126S Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery: Offering reliable power for extended shooting sessions.
- Two ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II V90 300R Memory Card (64GB): High-speed storage for rapid shooting.
Having multiple batteries and memory cards ensures I have enough power and storage capacity, even on long shoots. This redundancy provides peace of mind, knowing that I am prepared for any situation without interruptions.
Carrying it All
All this gear fits neatly into a 6L Peak Design Everyday Sling Camera Bag, allowing for easy access and comfortable carrying during photo walks or travel.
When I shoot 35mm film, I swap out all the digital gear and pack the camera bag with two or three 35mm film canisters and one of my 35mm film cameras. Sometimes, I insert a roll of 35mm film, grab the 35mm film camera and go, leaving the camera bag at home.