16/04/2026 9:30 pm
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I finally pulled the trigger on the Fuji X-T5 and man I am so hyped to start shooting with it! The silver finish looks incredible but coming from a bulky Nikon I gotta admit the handling is a little bit scary. I feel like its gonna slip right out of my hand when I have my 33mm 1.4 on there because the body is so much slimmer than what Im used to.
So Im looking at a few things to make it feel more secure. For the thumb grip im torn between the official Fujifilm one and the Lensmate folding one. The Lensmate is like 60 bucks which seems crazy for a piece of metal but people say it doesnt block the back dials which sounds important. Then there is the SmallRig l-bracket that has the grip built in which is way cheaper but might be too bulky for everyday street stuff?
For the strap I want something that looks good but is actually functional. I was looking at the Peak Design Slide Lite because of the quick anchors but then I saw those leather ones from Clever Supply and they look so much better for that vintage aesthetic. I have a trip to the Olympic Peninsula coming up in ten days so I need to decide fast and get it shipped to me here in Seattle. My budget is about 150 bucks for the whole setup. Should I go for the utility of the SmallRig and Peak Design or stick with the more expensive dedicated thumb grip and leather strap? Just dont want to regret it when my hands get tired after four hours of hiking...
3 Answers
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16/04/2026 9:30 pm
I would suggest the Lensmate Fujifilm X-T5 Folding Thumb Grip since its 6061 aluminum hinge design wont block your dial. Be careful and make sure to consider:
- Hand fatigue: SmallRig L-Shape Grip for Fujifilm X-T5 4060 adds 120g which is kinda heavy for street stuff.
- Weather: Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap SLL-BK-3 handles PNW moisture better than leather. Tbh I would prioritize the Lensmate for the best ergonomics...
5
16/04/2026 9:55 pm
Honestly I had a pretty bad experience with those high-end folding thumb grips. I bought one thinking it was a premium necessity but the hinge got loose after a month, totally not worth the 60 bucks imo. Felt like a waste of cash. Since you are heading to the Olympic Peninsula, it is gonna be wet. Those leather straps look great for photos but unfortunately they are not as good as expected in the rain. They get heavy and take forever to dry. I ended up grabbing the Haoge THB-XT5B Thumb Up Rest Black Aluminum for way less and it feels solid. For a strap that handles hiking better, I switched to the Vancropak Cotton Rope Camera Strap 100cm Black. It gives that retro vibe but it is much more practical for long days. You will save enough money to grab some spare batteries or a fast SD card instead. Enjoy the trip, the scenery there is unreal!
3
29/05/2026 7:35 am
To add to the point above: Ive spent a ton of time trekking through the PNW and honestly, weather-sealing your accessories is just as important as the camera body itself. I remember one trip to the coast where my fancy leather strap basically became a wet noodle after two hours... it was miserable and took days to dry out! TL;DR: Focus on durability and weather resistance. A solid grip and nylon strap gonna save you money and a major headache.
- JJC TA-XT5 Thumbs Up Grip: This is a fantastic budget pick. Unlike the folding ones, this is one solid piece of metal so it wont have a hinge to fail on you during a hike. It fits the hot shoe perfectly and feels super secure.
- Urth Core Camera Strap: Amazing quality and the recycled nylon is super tough. It dries way faster than leather or cotton rope, which is huge for our local weather. The minimalist look fits the silver X-T5 vibe perfectly tho.
- SmallRig Silicone Grip for FUJIFILM X-T5 4230: If you want better handling for that 33mm 1.4 without the weight of a metal L-bracket, this is perfect. It adds a nice rubbery texture that makes the slim body feel way more secure in hand. Youll definitely stay under that 150 budget with these!
