What are the essential travel accessories for the Fuji X-T5?

Question

I finally pulled the trigger on the Fuji X-T5 for my trip to Kyoto and Tokyo next month but honestly I am panicking a bit about what else I need to carry because my budget is getting tight after spending so much on the body and the 18-55mm lens. I have about $200 left for extras and I want to make sure I dont miss anything vital before I leave in three weeks.

I spent all night reading forums and saw everyone raving about the SmallRig baseplate for better grip since the body is a bit small but then other people say it just adds unnecessary weight for long walking days so I am totally stuck on that. My logic was that I might need it for handheld shots at night but maybe a simple thumb grip is enough? I also read that the NP-W235 batteries last a while but some people swear you need at least three for a full day of shooting video and street stuff. I looked at some third party ones because they are way cheaper but I am scared they might swell and get stuck in the slot which would be a total nightmare while I am traveling.

Then there is the screen... should I get a protector? I usually hate how they look but the X-T5 screen feels a bit exposed when it is flipped out. I also saw people talking about Peak Design straps but are they really worth the price just for a piece of nylon or should I stick with the scratchy one that came in the box? I just want to be prepared but I feel like I am overthinking everything...

Nora Ava Soto · Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, I fell for the more grip is better trap when I first started traveling with my Fuji. I spent way too much on a heavy metal baseplate thinking it would help my handling, but it basically turned my light travel setup into a total brick. After four hours walking around the hills in Kyoto, my wrist was honestly killing me... it just felt so clunky and unbalanced. I ended up feeling so disappointed that I wasted the money. I eventually ditched it for a simple Haoge THB-XT5B Thumb Grip for Fujifilm X-T5 which just slides into the hot shoe. It is way cheaper and actually gives you that leverage you need for one-handed shots without adding any noticeable weight to your bag. Regarding the screen, I was super let down by those flimsy plastic film protectors. They always peel at the corners and look like garbage after a week. I finally just grabbed a ULBTER Fuji X-T5 Tempered Glass Screen Protector 3 Pack and it is basically invisible. Definitely worth the tiny investment to avoid a permanent scratch from a jacket zipper or something. Also, since your budget is getting thin, please dont overlook your storage. I had a cheap, generic card fail on me mid-trip once and losing those memories was the worst feeling ever. You dont need the most expensive tech, but just grab a couple SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB UHS-I SDXC cards. They are reliable and honestly fast enough for street photography. Saving money there means more cash for snacks in Osaka, which is way more important tbh.

Zane Perry · Answer

Definitely be careful with sensor dust in those temples. I once had a whole gallery of Kyoto shots ruined by one tiny speck because I forgot a blower. Make sure to pack a Giottos Rocket Air Blaster Medium... its totally essential. Also, maybe consider the Haoge THB-XT5B Thumb Rest instead of a plate. It gives you that extra security without adding any real weight or cost to your kit.

XpressXeno · Answer

Focus your budget on these two essentials for Japan:

Power: Buy an official Fujifilm NP-W235 Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery. Third-party ones are cheaper but might swell and damage your camera.

Straps: The Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap is worth every penny. Unlike the scratchy box strap, it wont irritate your neck during long Kyoto walking days. Skip the baseplate; it adds bulk you dont need.