I took a trip to the Rockies in BC with my best friend last summer (from NB). I PROMISED her I wouldn’t lug my whole kit. Took my Fuji X-T3, the 16-80, and the 35mm. Nothing else. Came home with many photos that I love. - a memorable girls (ok, we’re both seniors) trip of a lifetime!
Kirk, “Travel light “ is great advice without a doubt. I take my camera on the plane and usually have a medium size Sling. In the field I might use or an easy to adjust strap or wrist strap very inconspicuous too. Cheers
Only reason why I said XT3 is better in terms of travel kit is the weather resistance. But I use a XT30 as a backup as well. Sometimes I just have a lens on each camera so don't have to switch lens. I bought the XT30 with the XC15-45 which is a GREAT combo for people just starting out, plus a great camera for teens who is just starting out and for younger kids, they can just switch on the auto mode and it still delivers great image,
Thank you Kirk, you are on the spot about needing to travel light. I do have some of the Fuji gear you mentioned and I also added the Nikon Z5 with the Nikon 24-200 Z lens. I find the Nikon with the combo lens to be my best at the moment and sometimes I switch to the Fuji XT3 and my 18-135 zoom only. Thanks for the tips greatly appreciate it. Cheers.
When I first started working as a newspaper photographer, I asked the senior photographers which camera they took with them when they went on vacation. They looked at me like I was crazy. Years later, I understand what they were not saying. Today, when I vacation travel, the last thing I want to do is take pictures. Therefore, the camera in my cell phone is all I carry.
Now that I am a semi retired photojournalist having worked for over 40 years as a staff newspaper guy I have to say I never traveled with much gear. Maybe a point and shoot. But now that I have populate my TH-cam channel I need to carry just a bit more but I keep it light.
Kirk, Your compositions are great! It's not really about the gear but how you use it. You should consider doing a future video about how you get these great compositions, what you look for and how you set up the foreground and background, etc. You have a wonderful skill. Jerry
Jerry - Thank you so much for the compliment! I’ll have to sit down and work through my process. For me it’s mostly about two easy ones rule of thirds and leading lines. Most of my comps are pretty simple. Also keeping the backgrounds and edges clean.
One of my Fuji cameras and the 16-55mm f2.8, that's it most of the time. Now you might say that's a big lens but it's certainly smaller than anything I have/had from FF Canon, and if you tend to shoot in darker conditions, that f2.8 comes really handy sometimes. If I want to expand that kit, I'll trow a Samyang 12mm f2 and some small & short (most likely vintage) telephoto lens in the bag...
Good video Kirk, for travel I take the X-T4 with the XF16-80, but as you mentioned, it all depends on the location and subject to photograph, if I think that I'll need something longer I'll also take the XF70-300 with me, as a backup camera (if it's a trip far from home) I'll take the other X-T4. Be well and stay safe.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography I believe that I mentioned this to you sometime ago, after shooting film for many years, my first digital camera was the X-T2 and there was nothing wrong with it, great image quality, but I skipped the X-T3 because I wanted better battery life which is why I got with the X-T4, otherwise the X-T3 would've been just as good, especially since I only use it for photography (zero video).
Hello Kirk, another excellent video I appreciate the insight on your photographer gear’ I have a few Fuji cameras left' but still love my Leica like you. Hope you’re keeping well looking forward to your next video. Cheers👍👍👍
Great video Kirk. I love some of the ideas below from the viewers also, I carry an X-T3 with the 18-55 and 55-200mm when traveling. I wanted a point and shoot for a backup. I ended up going with a Panasonic Lumix LX100 II. Bright Leica designed lens 28(f1.7)-75mm(f2.8) . Extended zoom to 150mm that isn't digital zoom, Micro 4/3 sensor and EVF. I love the Fuji X100 series but no zoom, more expensive and slightly big for a backup.
I'm a prime shooter all my life and have tried zooms, but mostly forget to zoom with the lens and still zoom with my feet. My current travel and even walk-about kit is the absolute small and minimalist FujiX-E4 with the 18mm f2 and 27mm f2.8.
Thanks for these advises. Deciding what to bring on a trip is bad headache for photographers. I am going to Morocco in August/September and I have started wondering what to bring and what not to bring, with every decision changing daily :)
If I were you I would try and keep it as simple and light as possible. Nothing worse than toting around gear you won't use. Also depending on the country its always a worry about safety from theft. taping up the logos etc. is a good idea making the gear look as shabby as possible. Not having a lot of it is key.
Great video, Kirk. I took my Sony A6600 with a Tamron 17-70 zoom on vacation to VT and got some great compositions. I also have a NEX-7. Sweet little lightweight camera. Since then I bought a Fuji Xt-5 with the 16-80 and I hope to use that on my next trip. Fuji paired the 16-80 with the XT-5 as a kit, but Fuji does not have that lens on its preferred list of lenses for the XT-5. Go Figure!
I’m sure that a 16-80 ll will be out at some point but so far unless you blow it up on the screen the edge softness is barely visible. Btw I love that little Nex-7. I used to have a a6300 and it was also a pretty sweet little camera but the aps-c lenses were lousy. That’s why I went with Fuji.
MY NEW FUTURE TRAVEL KIT: Fuji XT5 wih 16-55,70-300 and the new 30 mm MACRO :) (used the 23mm f2 for low profile street but now with the 30mm it must work)
I call myself a "traveling street photographer" so I've always lusted after the Leica. One day... Meanwhile, my ideal travel kit is the Fuji X-T30 II, the 35mm f/2 prime, the 18-55 kit lens (which recently got a firmware update) and that's it!! I have small hands so it's perfect for me. On longer trips, such as Europe where I just returned from, I also bring along my older X-E2 for magical goodness! Thanks for sharing your kit!
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography YES! So glad to hear....they'll have to pry both out of my cold, dead hands!!! I was unsure about the 23mm because I have the 27mm. Haven't compared them yet but I should, especially since my genre is street.
I’m going on a family trip in a week or two. I’m taking the X-E3 and only 2 of the F2 primes. The 23mm and the 50mm. I would like a wide angle, but I don’t own the 16 F2.8.
Kirk, just got this video recommended, guess because I subscribed after watching a previous video. My travel kit (day trip) when you posted the video was the X-T3, the 16-80 and 35 F/1.4, if i was shooting video, I'd swap out the 16-80 for the 10-24, although the XF 35 F/1.4 always stayed in the bag. Fast forward to today and it is still an X-T3, still the 16-80 but the 35 F/1.4 I can swap out for the Sigma 56 F/1.4 (10-24 is still my main video lens when required) back up camera.... I don't carry one with me, just the mobile phone. I have access to other cameras should something happen to my X-T3 but in 3 or 4 years I have never needed to get a backup (I hope the X-T3 serves me without fault for a few years yet
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography If I owned the 70-300, i'd probably be carrying it to but, is one of those lenses I can't justify buying right now. I love wildlife so getting a telephoto zoom would be nice but I also have no interest in carrying some thing as big as the 100-400, so the 70-300 would be a good choice, I've considered the Tamron 18-300 as a single solution option on a second body too. I've toyed with the idea of getting a Panasonic FB1000ii (or the Leica badged version) with the 1" sensor as an option for a second body... but since I have backup X-mount bodies, getting the 70-300 or 18-300 tamron and leaving it there as an effective bridge camera with a larger sensor for when i need more reach is probably more appealing
Admittedly, I suffer from GAS and own way too much photography gear. With that out of the way, if I want to travel ultra light I leave my Fujifilm and Nikon gear at home and only pocket my Panasonic LX100. Fantastic camera and a joy to shoot!
My travel bag which is small, travel style oblige contains an X-T3 a XF16-80 which is my Jack of all trade lens a XF70-300 and a XF33f1.4 .That's it no more space available . As always nice chanel !
Hello Kirk. I follow you with pleasure from the west coast of France (in front of Rockport). I was thinking about my next travel to Iran. Should I bring the XF 10-24 or the XF 70-300 in addition to my 16-80 ?
Thanks Michel! Wow - tough one. If I was going to Iran I would just bring one camera and the 16-80. Just so you are inconspicuous. My feeling is that the 70-300 might be too long. At 80/120 mm might be long enough. You might never use the 70-300. So I think I would go with the 10-24.
Great video Kirk !! If you have a chance to test the new XF150-600mm, i would like to see if the performance is also good on a X-T3 or X-T4 because i am interested to it but all youtubers show there review only with the New XH2S. Thanks
My first question now days is “do you fly cheap or expensive”? You defenetly don’t want to take bigger bag when flying on a budget (read as when you check in all lagage it will be even more expensive then getting more expensive flight).I would go with XE or Xpro line up and three smaal primes or two zooms.
I actually use a peak design clip and just clip my camera plus the largest lens on the outside of the backpack on the strap. Works perfect if yuou are not checking any bags. A roller and a personal item bag.
Interestingly I have not ever tried that lens. The reason why is that I always heard it was a terrible lens. That being said there are some who really love it just for that purpose - travel. It's a great range.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography fair point.....with that n mind...XT-2, XE-3, 16-80, 50-250 (10-24)....the X-E3 would probably be the most used if I am wandering the streets.....
Kirk, I would be interested in your view on the Fujifilm 18-135mm vs the Fujifilm 16-80mm lens for travel and landscape photography (hiking). I have the 18-55mm but feel I need more reach especially when hiking with a group and it is impractical to change lenses. I have also looked at the Tamron 17-70mm 2.8 lens. Would appreciate your thoughts.
I must tell you that I have never used the 18-135. I asked several people about it and not one person had a good thing to say about it so I did not bother. On the other hand I love my 16-80 and take it out hiking all the time. With that being said I also carry my 70-300 at the same time.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography Thanks for responding Kirk. I also have a Fujifilm 70-300mm and love that lens. I have enjoyed the 18-55mm especially given it’s small form factor but it has limited reach. Enjoy your TH-cam site and your enthusiasm for photography.
@@TicaHikes Lorena, thanks for sharing your experience with 16-80. I have read several positive reviews of the tamron 17-70. My main concern is whether it is too bulky for travel and hiking. It is 1.2 inches longer than the 16-80 and weighs 3 more ounces. Has this been an issue for you? Thanks again for replying.
Kirk, please advise which of the cameras you provided in this video is best for shooting action.I am looking for a small camera to shoot my dogs in a local trip. I'm sure that all these cameras perfectly shoot static scenes, but what about active ones? I have fujifilm xt1 , but I always want to have something small and faster in my pocket, shooting on a mobile phone does not suit me
The 21, 35, 50, 90 Leica glass all in one small bag. But to be honest the 35 gets the most use if I go in that direction.I could easily get way without the 21 and the 50.
I took a trip to the Rockies in BC with my best friend last summer (from NB). I PROMISED her I wouldn’t lug my whole kit. Took my Fuji X-T3, the 16-80, and the 35mm. Nothing else. Came home with many photos that I love. - a memorable girls (ok, we’re both seniors) trip of a lifetime!
Great to hear Ceci! Traveling light is the way to go! I have a trip coming up just to visit my kids in Oregon. Only bringing the X-T5 and two lenses.
Kirk, “Travel light “ is great advice without a doubt. I take my camera on the plane and usually have a medium size Sling. In the field I might use or an easy to adjust strap or wrist strap very inconspicuous too. Cheers
Mike that's the way to go nice and light.
Only reason why I said XT3 is better in terms of travel kit is the weather resistance. But I use a XT30 as a backup as well. Sometimes I just have a lens on each camera so don't have to switch lens. I bought the XT30 with the XC15-45 which is a GREAT combo for people just starting out, plus a great camera for teens who is just starting out and for younger kids, they can just switch on the auto mode and it still delivers great image,
Yes great light setup like mine and a good suggestion with the lighter less expensive lens for folks just starting out.
Thank you Kirk, you are on the spot about needing to travel light. I do have some of the Fuji gear you mentioned and I also added the Nikon Z5 with the Nikon 24-200 Z lens. I find the Nikon with the combo lens to be my best at the moment and sometimes I switch to the Fuji XT3 and my 18-135 zoom only. Thanks for the tips greatly appreciate it. Cheers.
Have fun traveling.
When I first started working as a newspaper photographer, I asked the senior photographers which camera they took with them when they went on vacation. They looked at me like I was crazy. Years later, I understand what they were not saying.
Today, when I vacation travel, the last thing I want to do is take pictures. Therefore, the camera in my cell phone is all I carry.
Now that I am a semi retired photojournalist having worked for over 40 years as a staff newspaper guy I have to say I never traveled with much gear. Maybe a point and shoot. But now that I have populate my TH-cam channel I need to carry just a bit more but I keep it light.
Kirk, Your compositions are great! It's not really about the gear but how you use it. You should consider doing a future video about how you get these great compositions, what you look for and how you set up the foreground and background, etc. You have a wonderful skill.
Jerry
Jerry - Thank you so much for the compliment! I’ll have to sit down and work through my process. For me it’s mostly about two easy ones rule of thirds and leading lines. Most of my comps are pretty simple. Also keeping the backgrounds and edges clean.
Great suggestions for sure. I typically carry my Fuji XT-3 with the XF 18-135 Zoom. For evening and street, I drop in my ever faithful Fuji X70.
Great setup Steve!
One of my Fuji cameras and the 16-55mm f2.8, that's it most of the time. Now you might say that's a big lens but it's certainly smaller than anything I have/had from FF Canon, and if you tend to shoot in darker conditions, that f2.8 comes really handy sometimes. If I want to expand that kit, I'll trow a Samyang 12mm f2 and some small & short (most likely vintage) telephoto lens in the bag...
Good video Kirk, for travel I take the X-T4 with the XF16-80, but as you mentioned, it all depends on the location and subject to photograph, if I think that I'll need something longer I'll also take the XF70-300 with me, as a backup camera (if it's a trip far from home) I'll take the other X-T4. Be well and stay safe.
Thanks Enrique! I'm with you for just about everything. I'm just using an X-T3 not 4 and the X-T30 as the backup.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography I believe that I mentioned this to you sometime ago, after shooting film for many years, my first digital camera was the X-T2 and there was nothing wrong with it, great image quality, but I skipped the X-T3 because I wanted better battery life which is why I got with the X-T4, otherwise the X-T3 would've been just as good, especially since I only use it for photography (zero video).
Hello Kirk, another excellent video I appreciate the insight on your photographer gear’ I have a few Fuji cameras left' but still love my Leica like you. Hope you’re keeping well looking forward to your next video. Cheers👍👍👍
Thanks Mike! The Leica comes out around town and small local trips. Nothing by plane though.
Great video Kirk. I love some of the ideas below from the viewers also, I carry an X-T3 with the 18-55 and 55-200mm when traveling. I wanted a point and shoot for a backup. I ended up going with a Panasonic Lumix LX100 II. Bright Leica designed lens 28(f1.7)-75mm(f2.8) . Extended zoom to 150mm that isn't digital zoom, Micro 4/3 sensor and EVF. I love the Fuji X100 series but no zoom, more expensive and slightly big for a backup.
Exactly my thoughts Bill!
I'm a prime shooter all my life and have tried zooms, but mostly forget to zoom with the lens and still zoom with my feet. My current travel and even walk-about kit is the absolute small and minimalist FujiX-E4 with the 18mm f2 and 27mm f2.8.
William great choice! My XT30 is similar in size and I love it with just my 23 f2 on it.
Thanks for these advises. Deciding what to bring on a trip is bad headache for photographers. I am going to Morocco in August/September and I have started wondering what to bring and what not to bring, with every decision changing daily :)
If I were you I would try and keep it as simple and light as possible. Nothing worse than toting around gear you won't use. Also depending on the country its always a worry about safety from theft. taping up the logos etc. is a good idea making the gear look as shabby as possible. Not having a lot of it is key.
Great video, Kirk. I took my Sony A6600 with a Tamron 17-70 zoom on vacation to VT and got some great compositions. I also have a NEX-7. Sweet little lightweight camera. Since then I bought a Fuji Xt-5 with the 16-80 and I hope to use that on my next trip. Fuji paired the 16-80 with the XT-5 as a kit, but Fuji does not have that lens on its preferred list of lenses for the XT-5. Go Figure!
I’m sure that a 16-80 ll will be out at some point but so far unless you blow it up on the screen the edge softness is barely visible. Btw I love that little Nex-7. I used to have a a6300 and it was also a pretty sweet little camera but the aps-c lenses were lousy. That’s why I went with Fuji.
Travel light is great advice. That I tend to completley ignore because I'm ridiculous like that. lol
Maybe some day.
thank you so much. i really appreciate your videos
Thanks Martin.
MY NEW FUTURE TRAVEL KIT: Fuji XT5 wih 16-55,70-300 and the new 30 mm MACRO :) (used the 23mm f2 for low profile street but now with the 30mm it must work)
Have fun with that kit!
I call myself a "traveling street photographer" so I've always lusted after the Leica. One day... Meanwhile, my ideal travel kit is the Fuji X-T30 II, the 35mm f/2 prime, the 18-55 kit lens (which recently got a firmware update) and that's it!! I have small hands so it's perfect for me. On longer trips, such as Europe where I just returned from, I also bring along my older X-E2 for magical goodness! Thanks for sharing your kit!
Juliette I love my X-T30. I just bought a 35 f2 and it is as awesome as the 23 f2. I have friends that also love the X-E2.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography YES! So glad to hear....they'll have to pry both out of my cold, dead hands!!! I was unsure about the 23mm because I have the 27mm. Haven't compared them yet but I should, especially since my genre is street.
Great video Kirk.
Thanks Tony!
I just got a Nikon z7ii to add to my arsenal along with my xt3
Nice addition
I’m going on a family trip in a week or two. I’m taking the X-E3 and only 2 of the F2 primes. The 23mm and the 50mm. I would like a wide angle, but I don’t own the 16 F2.8.
Bob you will be fine with that setup. Since you are going with the family the 23 will be made good use of making photos of them as well as the sights.
Kirk, just got this video recommended, guess because I subscribed after watching a previous video.
My travel kit (day trip) when you posted the video was the X-T3, the 16-80 and 35 F/1.4, if i was shooting video, I'd swap out the 16-80 for the 10-24, although the XF 35 F/1.4 always stayed in the bag.
Fast forward to today and it is still an X-T3, still the 16-80 but the 35 F/1.4 I can swap out for the Sigma 56 F/1.4 (10-24 is still my main video lens when required)
back up camera.... I don't carry one with me, just the mobile phone. I have access to other cameras should something happen to my X-T3 but in 3 or 4 years I have never needed to get a backup (I hope the X-T3 serves me without fault for a few years yet
Andrew - Great one day kit! I go for my 23 f2 or 35 f2. For more than one day I include the 70-300. Backup would be phone on G15.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography If I owned the 70-300, i'd probably be carrying it to but, is one of those lenses I can't justify buying right now.
I love wildlife so getting a telephoto zoom would be nice but I also have no interest in carrying some thing as big as the 100-400, so the 70-300 would be a good choice, I've considered the Tamron 18-300 as a single solution option on a second body too. I've toyed with the idea of getting a Panasonic FB1000ii (or the Leica badged version) with the 1" sensor as an option for a second body... but since I have backup X-mount bodies, getting the 70-300 or 18-300 tamron and leaving it there as an effective bridge camera with a larger sensor for when i need more reach is probably more appealing
Admittedly, I suffer from GAS and own way too much photography gear. With that out of the way, if I want to travel ultra light I leave my Fujifilm and Nikon gear at home and only pocket my Panasonic LX100. Fantastic camera and a joy to shoot!
Mark - I too have that problem. I wish I had the X-100V just for that purpose.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography I do own the Ricoh GRIII but haven’t used it as my only camera on a trip. Maybe one day I’ll be so bold.
My travel bag which is small, travel style oblige contains an X-T3 a XF16-80 which is my Jack of all trade lens a XF70-300 and a XF33f1.4 .That's it no more space available . As always nice chanel !
Thanks. Yes the perfect travel setup. Although I tend to go with the smaller 23 f2.
Urban / City for a few days = XPRO3 and 27mm.
Bit of everything = XT4 with 16/80 and XT3 with 70/300.
Excellent choices!
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography Have you seen Fuji rumours? XH2s price notification. Personally I think it’s $500 to much.
Hello Kirk. I follow you with pleasure from the west coast of France (in front of Rockport).
I was thinking about my next travel to Iran. Should I bring the XF 10-24 or the XF 70-300 in addition to my 16-80 ?
Thanks Michel! Wow - tough one. If I was going to Iran I would just bring one camera and the 16-80. Just so you are inconspicuous. My feeling is that the 70-300 might be too long. At 80/120 mm might be long enough. You might never use the 70-300. So I think I would go with the 10-24.
Great video Kirk !! If you have a chance to test the new XF150-600mm, i would like to see if the performance is also good on a X-T3 or X-T4 because i am interested to it but all youtubers show there review only with the New XH2S. Thanks
Yes Alain - It would be nice to get my hands on it to try it out.
My first question now days is “do you fly cheap or expensive”? You defenetly don’t want to take bigger bag when flying on a budget (read as when you check in all lagage it will be even more expensive then getting more expensive flight).I would go with XE or Xpro line up and three smaal primes or two zooms.
Yes that’s a great setup! Works just as well as two zooms and is much lighter
I actually use a peak design clip and just clip my camera plus the largest lens on the outside of the backpack on the strap. Works perfect if yuou are not checking any bags. A roller and a personal item bag.
What are your thoughts on the XF 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R OIS WR as a travel lens?
Interestingly I have not ever tried that lens. The reason why is that I always heard it was a terrible lens. That being said there are some who really love it just for that purpose - travel. It's a great range.
Nice video Kirk God bless
Thanks Steve! I love the X-T30
Love your vids, why 2 camera’s?
I always carry a backup
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography fair point.....with that n mind...XT-2, XE-3, 16-80, 50-250 (10-24)....the X-E3 would probably be the most used if I am wandering the streets.....
Kirk, I would be interested in your view on the Fujifilm 18-135mm vs the Fujifilm 16-80mm lens for travel and landscape photography (hiking). I have the 18-55mm but feel I need more reach especially when hiking with a group and it is impractical to change lenses. I have also looked at the Tamron 17-70mm 2.8 lens. Would appreciate your thoughts.
I must tell you that I have never used the 18-135. I asked several people about it and not one person had a good thing to say about it so I did not bother. On the other hand I love my 16-80 and take it out hiking all the time. With that being said I also carry my 70-300 at the same time.
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography
Thanks for responding Kirk. I also have a Fujifilm 70-300mm and love that lens. I have enjoyed the 18-55mm especially given it’s small form factor but it has limited reach. Enjoy your TH-cam site and your enthusiasm for photography.
Thanks Jorge!
I bought the Tamron 17-70 because my 16-80 copy was soft in the corners. The Tamron is evenly sharp and the 2.8 aperture gives me more flexibility.
@@TicaHikes Lorena, thanks for sharing your experience with 16-80. I have read several positive reviews of the tamron 17-70. My main concern is whether it is too bulky for travel and hiking. It is 1.2 inches longer than the 16-80 and weighs 3 more ounces. Has this been an issue for you? Thanks again for replying.
Kirk, please advise which of the cameras you provided in this video is best for shooting action.I am looking for a small camera to shoot my dogs in a local trip. I'm sure that all these cameras perfectly shoot static scenes, but what about active ones? I have fujifilm xt1 , but I always want to have something small and faster in my pocket, shooting on a mobile phone does not suit me
Honestly the XT3 would be the best and next would be the XT30. The focusing in both is a huge upgrade from your XT1
@@KirkWilliamsonphotography Thanks!!!
A 21, a 35, a 50 and a 90 "AND THAT'S IT" 🤣😂 really? Might as well throw in a 200mm and a 600mm LOL!! Just kidding though thanks for the Vid
The 21, 35, 50, 90 Leica glass all in one small bag. But to be honest the 35 gets the most use if I go in that direction.I could easily get way without the 21 and the 50.
Me gusta mucho tu música y tus videos cortos. 👍 uno de QUINZAA.Monster Quiere compartir videos como el tuyon para conseguir el cariño que no tiene.