My travel season is heating up, and I will be in Barcelona until early next week. I did have plans in January to escape the cold weather of Atlantic Canada, but unfortunately, things were not meant to be, and that trip never happened.

I like to travel light, as minimizing what’s available benefits my photography. The restrictions allow me to concentrate on getting the photo instead of considering what camera or lens to use. So, let’s look at my recent travel gear and why I chose it.

Fujifilm X-H2

I’ve repeatedly mentioned why the Fujifilm X-E4 is Great for Travel, and I’m hoping the X-H2 will be similar. I replaced the X-E4 in December based on several features I was looking for, and even though the X-H2 is larger, it’s a more friendly camera to use with the grip, which the X-E4 did not have. It has a fully articulating screen, weather sealing, and the security of the combination of CF Express and SD slots.

Fuji XF35mm F2

The Fujinon 35mm f/2 lens is my top choice for my travel photography. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry all day without adding significant bulk to the X-H2. The 35mm focal length is suitable for capturing a wide range of subjects. The lens’s construction is fantastic, and it has a good weight without being too much. And there’s something to say about that satisfying click when it is attached to the camera. Overall, the 35mm f/2 lens combines portability, versatility, optical excellence, and even weather resistance for those times in need. I like this lens, which will be part of my travel arsenal for years.

Fuji XF23mm F2

The 23mm f/2 is my newest lens addition. The 23mm is similar to the 35mm in size, weight, and build quality, but at 23mm, it’s wider. I wanted to add some width to my options while not getting anything too large, And with the look and feel being familiar, it was an obvious addition. It is an excellent choice for travel photography due to its versatility, compactness, and wide aperture capabilities. Its moderate wide-angle perspective captures scenes with minimal distortion and a natural perspective. It’s also small, making it ideal for travel, and the f/2 is plenty for low light if needed.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

I ordered this a while ago but waited months for it to arrive. The wait was worth it, as I saved significantly on the cost. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a hugely popular device for good reason. It comprises a compact handheld camera designed for capturing stabilized 4K video footage from its gimbal-based lens. It’s small, easy to carry around, and quick to record and stop recording. Battery life is excellent, and it charges very fast. In fact, with a PD charger, you can charge the battery over half in about 10 minutes. I got the Creator Combo, which comes with numerous accessories, including a mini tripod, a battery handle that makes using it a bit easier to handle, a microphone, and a bag, to name a few. I probably won’t use the included bag; I’m using the plastic sleeve, a protective way to carry the camera when not used, and one that protects the gimbal.

Memory

For the X-H2, I have two CF Express and three SD Cards. The CF Express comprises SanDisk Extreme Pro 256GB and 128 GB. The SD Cards are all 128GB and also SanDisk Extreme Pro. And finally, for the Osmo Pocket 3, I have one 256GB Sandisk Extreme Pro Micro SD.

Conclusion

Looking at what my gear includes today, it’s hard to believe that the DSLR used to be part of every destination. Don’t get me wrong—the 5D Mark II is excellent, and I still adore that camera. It’s my only option for extended range using the 70-200mm, but travelling with something so large, with multiple lenses, seems so far removed. However, the Mark II still has its place in my travels; it was my primary option in South Africa last year.

The Fujifilm X-H2 is an excellent camera and a reliable companion. I can capture diverse scenes and subjects with the 35mm f/2 and the recently acquired 23mm f/2 lenses. For video, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, with its compact form factor and advanced stabilization, ensures smooth footage from this compact device.

I’m using my Thule backpack to carry everything listed above. Although the Think Tank Retrospective 7 bag is also great and something I’ve used for many years, I find it more suitable for day trips than air travel. The Think Tank bag is easy to access and can hold the gear, but it has limited space and can’t carry much more than camera gear. That’s why I prefer the Thule backpack, which is larger and offers options to carry more than just camera gear.