Backup Body for a Fujifilm X-T5: I have a Fujifilm X-T5 with two zooms (10-24 & 18-55) and three fixed-length lenses (23, 50, 90). This year's travel agenda includes cruises to...

stevefrankel

I have a Fujifilm X-T5 with two zooms (10-24 & 18-55) and three fixed-length lenses (23, 50, 90). This year's travel agenda includes cruises to Australia and Africa. I'm concerned that I'll be in big trouble if the T5 fails or is stolen. Please suggest a backup Fujifilm body that's relatively light and inexpensive if purchased used -- that will ensure that I can use my lenses on these trips. Thank you for helping me.

Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

stevefrankel wrote:

I have a Fujifilm X-T5 with two zooms (10-24 & 18-55) and three fixed-length lenses (23, 50, 90). This year's travel agenda includes cruises to Australia and Africa. I'm concerned that I'll be in big trouble if the T5 fails or is stolen. Please suggest a backup Fujifilm body that's relatively light and inexpensive if purchased used -- that will ensure that I can use my lenses on these trips. Thank you for helping me.

There are a number of backup bodies from which you could choose, and you'll find a complete listing of those at:

https://www.dpreview.com/products/fujifilm/slrs?subcategoryId=slrs&page=1.

'Best' --as in least expensive-- would likely be one of the earlier X-body possibilities (like one of the XA or XE bodies), then rising in price (even used) as you got into one of the XT bodies. For a second/backup body, you might want to look into either an X-T20 or an X-T30, and an X-Pro1 was posted for sale --for less $ than most of the better-known resellers (KEH, mpb, etc.) are charging-- a couple days ago.

Personally, I'd suggest finding an X-T3, though they aren't as inexpensive when compared to those mentioned above. Cost -vs- capabilities, always a trade-off.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

I think you will need more lens for a trip to Africa. And probably for Australia too, depending on what your photographic interests are. I've been on trips to both places and wouldn't dream of going to either without at least a 500mm. But that's me.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Retired CPO wrote:

I think you will need more lens for a trip to Africa. And probably for Australia too, depending on what your photographic interests are. I've been on trips to both places and wouldn't dream of going to either without at least a 500mm. But that's me.

It all comes down to personal requirements and what you like to shoot. I primarily shoot wide angle and rarely shoot much over 100mm. I can't even imagine dragging around a 500mm lens while on vacation. If it works for you, that's great. My travel kit is a Nikon Z fc and 4 small and light weight manual focus prime lenses, including a TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4, a Voigtlander 23mm f/1.2, a Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 and a TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2. The camera with any one of those lenses mounted weighs between 21 to 25 ounces. The kit, regardless of which lens is mounted is compact, light, and sharp with lots of contrast. I use the two Voigtlanders most of the time. That is all I need to be happy.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

stevefrankel wrote:

I have a Fujifilm X-T5 with two zooms (10-24 & 18-55) and three fixed-length lenses (23, 50, 90). This year's travel agenda includes cruises to Australia and Africa. I'm concerned that I'll be in big trouble if the T5 fails or is stolen. Please suggest a backup Fujifilm body that's relatively light and inexpensive if purchased used -- that will ensure that I can use my lenses on these trips. Thank you for helping me.

Kodak instamatic

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

I would get a used XT-30. The X-Pro series is different from the XT series.

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

stevefrankel wrote:

I have a Fujifilm X-T5 with two zooms (10-24 & 18-55) and three fixed-length lenses (23, 50, 90). This year's travel agenda includes cruises to Australia and Africa. I'm concerned that I'll be in big trouble if the T5 fails or is stolen. Please suggest a backup Fujifilm body that's relatively light and inexpensive if purchased used -- that will ensure that I can use my lenses on these trips. Thank you for helping me.

Okay, I'll bite - why not a second X-T5? Perhaps in silver finish to tell them apart, if that's an issue. It's not as if the other X-Ts are lighter (in fact, my X-T5 is slightly smaller than any of the predecessors) or you will somehow "save weight" buying a different X body (and if cost is a consideration, then perhaps go used or rent an X-T5 for a few weeks or whatever). Just bring plenty of batteries and SD cards.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Why not a used X-T2 or 3?

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thinking ahead for loss prevention, if that's a concern to you, it may not be wise to keep all your gear in a single bag where it could be damaged, lost, or stolen.

Festus Loc: North Dakota

If I was that concerned that my camera could be stolen, I wouldn't even take it on the trip!

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

mwsilvers wrote:

It all comes down to personal requirements and wha... (show quote)

Understood and agreed. That's why I added the disclaimer in the end. But going, especially to Africa, and Australia to a lesser extent maybe, calls for a good telephoto for almost every traveler. I would put money on that!
85% or more of my travel is not just vacation, it's photography travel. Animal photography, primarily! And I keep in reasonably good shape so I don't "LUG" around a 500mm lens. I carry it lovingly as though it's my favorite child!

dick ranez

Whatever Fuji you can afford will be an adequate backup. Any lens works on a cruise - but the oceans look the same depending on the weather. If your Africa cruise does not include an animal safari, there’s no reason for a long lens. If it does, you’re going to be very disappointed to not have one.

Miamark Loc: Florida

stevefrankel wrote:

I have a Fujifilm X-T5 with two zooms (10-24 & 18-55) and three fixed-length lenses (23, 50, 90). This year's travel agenda includes cruises to Australia and Africa. I'm concerned that I'll be in big trouble if the T5 fails or is stolen. Please suggest a backup Fujifilm body that's relatively light and inexpensive if purchased used -- that will ensure that I can use my lenses on these trips. Thank you for helping me.

I have an Xt2 and you can get one for a reasonable price. The Xt3 has better autofocus but it is expensive used. I don’t think that you have the correct lens for Africa if you are going into the game parks. You will need a lens that is. A 200 or 300 mm equivalent at a minimum with a wide aperture, as to your kit, I think that you are carrying too much gear. Either dump the zooms or the 90. Personally I never liked the 18-55 but many disagree.keep in mind that the xt5 battery is different than the xt2 or xt3.

stevefrankel

I listed my lenses to provide insight into the 2nd body I'm seeking. I seldom carry more than two lenses when I'm shooting: One on the camera and the other in my pocket. The lenses fit neatly in a Peak Design Camera Cube that will remain in my stateroom onboard the ship. I'm taking the idea of a longer lens seriously, but I want to know, with the 40-meg sensor, whether the 90mm (135mm equivalent) can emulate a 270mm lens with judicious cropping. I like the X-T3 idea if I can afford it; otherwise, an X-E3 might be the second choice. Also, I've owned the 15-45 and 16-80 zoom, and I've found that the 18-55 is the best for me. Also, I would rate the 10-24 WR as the most satisfying Fujinon zoom of all.

stevefrankel

I'm not AFRAID of theft; all my gear has replacement cost insurance. I don't want the loss of a body to put me entirely on the sidelines for the rest of a cruise if I can't get another camera body to use almost immediately.