My name’s Gajan, and I’m an award-winning photographer based in Toronto, Canada. My mission in life is to travel the world and make dope shit. While I’ve been able to make a living shooting portraits and fashion, street photography is, and will always be my true love. Street photography is becoming even more popular at home or abroad, and getting started has never been easier. I often get asked about the essential tools I use to capture my work, so I’ve compiled a curated guide with some of my favorites.
10 Must-Have Cameras & Accessories for Street Photographers
Capture the streets effortlessly with top items curated by professional photographer, Gajan Balan.
1. Moment Fanny Sling
The first thing on my list that still turns photographers' heads when I carry it is the Moment Fanny. Not something I thought I would get, but once I pulled the trigger, I couldn’t see myself going back. There’s plenty of room for a small camera, sanitizer, cleaning cloth, film rolls, business cards, playing cards, blank cards, and even your Pokemon cards. They’re built to last and will keep you low-key prepared in the streets.
Fanny Sling 2L - Clay
$20$70
This is our daily, go-to fanny sling. It’s comfortable, adjustable, and fits your daily carry from wallets to keys to phones, and even a 35mm camera. The seven different adjustment points mean the pack can expand for tall people, shrink for small people, cinch down for minimal carry, or expand up to 4 inches to fit a windbreaker. We use recycled materials with a double waterproof coating so the pack can handle the weather, while still feeling comfortable against your body. Reverse coil zippers also help to protect your gear during a rainstorm. The end result is a versatile pack you can wear for hours with a variety of gear and size combinations.
2. Fujifilm X100VI
It's called Fujifilm X100VI. And in case you're wondering, that's pronounced "X one-hundred six" because Roman numerals are still a thing. It's the successor to the original X100V and introduces several upgrades designed to iterate on an already great camera. What makes this camera so enjoyable is how effortless it feels in the hand. At well under 600g, it's light and feels like more of an extension of your hand. You don't have to fight it to take a photo. You have direct access to the key photography settings, and as I've said in the past, a layout like this makes for an easier path to learning photography.
X100VI APS-C Digital Rangefinder Camera - Silver
$1599
The Fujifilm X100VI isn’t just a camera—it’s a cult classic, cherished by photographers for its timeless design and unmatched image quality. With its fixed 23mm f/2 lens and 40MP X-Trans sensor, the X100VI combines simplicity, creativity, and performance in a compact, travel-friendly body. This is a camera that inspires you to slow down and fall in love with the art of photography all over again.
Photographers adore the X100 series because it bridges the gap between analog nostalgia and cutting-edge technology. Its classic manual dials and rangefinder-inspired design harken back to the golden age of film, while features like in-camera Film Simulations, a built-in ND filter, and AI-powered autofocus ensure it’s ready for modern storytelling. Whether you’re wandering through bustling city streets or capturing everyday moments, the X100VI delivers images with stunning clarity, vibrant colors, and that signature Fujifilm look.
3. Fujifilm AR-X100 & Moment 49mm CineBoom 10%
The following items are a duo, and that is the Filter Adapter for the X100V and the 49mm Cinebloom 10% filter. This small addition to the X100V gives it complete weather sealing and, more creatively, some sound diffusion to your images. Digital cameras have a way of capturing over-realistic sharpness at times, and this CineBloom by Moment does a great job of removing the bite that some images may have. What’s also great is that light sources will have a lovely bloom and feel more ethereal in select environments. These two pieces make for a killer combo and level up a fantastic camera.
CineBloom Diffusion Filters - 10% / 67mm
$90
Want to make your photos and videos look more cinematic and less digital? CineBloom Diffusion Filters soften harsh details, bloom highlights, and create a dreamy, film-like glow—without messing up your image quality.
These filters are great for smoothing skin tones, softening sharp edges, and adding a subtle glow to light sources. Available in 5%, 10%, and 20% strengths, you can choose a light touch of diffusion or go all-in for a bold, vintage look.
Designed to be super easy to use, they screw onto your camera lens and can even stack underneath an ND or VND filter for more creative control. Whether you’re shooting a short film, portraits, or everyday moments, CineBloom instantly makes your footage feel more professional.
AR-X100 Adapter Ring for Fuji X100 - Black
$48.99
The FUJIFILM AR-X100 Adapter Ring enables the X100, X100S, X100T, X100V and X100F digital camera's built-in lens to accept any 49mm threaded filter. The adapter ring replaces the pre-installed front ring on the camera's lens.
4. WCL X100 II & TCL X100 II
Regarding adapters, the WCL X100 II & TCL X100 II are two pieces of glass that can supercharge your X100V kit by allowing you to shoot wider and tighter. The camera has an equivalent focal length of 35mm; the WCL will stretch that to a 28mm equivalent, while the TCL will narrow it to a 50mm equivalent. This means you can have the three most popular focal lengths in street photography in a small package to fit your fanny back. Do you see how this all comes together? And if you’re wondering, which would you get if you could only get ONE? I recommend the WCL because it's often harder to get more expansive in the field than tighter.
WCL-X100 II Wide Conversion Lens - Black
$349.95
Dedicated to the FUJIFILM X100F and X100V digital cameras, the WCL-X100 II Wide Conversion Lens broadens the original fixed lens's field of view by 0.8x to offer a wider, 28mm equivalent focal length. This add-on lens is designed to maintain the optical performance of the original lens, and the X100F camera body also recognizes when the conversion lens is attached and displays matching frame lines when working with the optical viewfinder.
TCL-X100 II Tele Conversion Lens - Black
$349.95
Made for the Fujifilm X100, X100S, X100T, X100V or X100F digital camera, the TCL-X100 II Tele Conversion Lens narrows the original fixed lens's field of view by 1.4x to offer a tighter, 50mm equivalent focal length. This add-on lens is designed to maintain the optical performance of the original lens, and the X100F camera body automatically recognizes.
Note: Only available in the US.
5. Sekonic L-308X U
If you’re a photographer, buy a !@#$-ing light meter. Enough of this BS that you let your camera meter the light, or you can gauge it with your eye. None of that is as good as a dedicated light meter, and the Sekonic L-478D is the one I use and recommend, but the L-308X-U is plenty enough for most people. Now you’re wondering, when would I use this in the streets? Lock settings at the hour before you put in work. Or when you have time for a portrait and want the perfect light ratio. OR when you look to capture something on film and can’t afford to screw up. A light meter allows you to measure light and work faster and accurately. I go on at length about how to use a light meter in my studio photography course, so I’ll leave it at this: a light meter is something you buy once and use for a lifetime. It will make you a better photographer if you are willing to take the leap and use it.
6. Fujifilm X-S20
Okay, that last pick may have been a little assertive, so here’s a little more fun, the Fujifilm X-S20. For those who want more flexibility from their camera and need something that can perform excellent video work, the X-S20 has to be on your shortlist. Packing the latest Fujifilm sensor, image stabilization, and great video features, this camera delivers a ton of value that can cover many items for a budding creator. If you want to learn more about this camera, check out the honest review on my YouTube channel.
X-S20 APS-C Mirrorless Camera - Body Only
$1299
The Fujifilm X-S20 strikes the perfect balance between portability and performance, making it an excellent choice for creators looking to elevate their photo and video game. Featuring a 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and the latest X-Processor 5, the X-S20 delivers stunning image quality and fast, reliable performance.
Its 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) ensures sharp handheld photos and smooth, stable video, while its 6.2K video recording capability and Full HD slow motion at up to 240fps add creative flexibility. Designed for hybrid creators, the X-S20 is great for those who want more than a smartphone can offer, with features that are easy to use and highly portable.
The X-S20’s fully articulating touchscreen and long-lasting battery life make it an ideal companion for travel, vlogging, or everyday shooting. Paired with Fujifilm’s legendary color science and Film Simulations, it’s a camera that inspires creativity in both beginners and enthusiasts alike.
7. Fujifilm XF 23mm F2.0 WR
The first lens I got when I switched to Fujifilm was the XF 23mm F2.0 WR. This is also the lens I recommend most to new shooters. While zooms make the onboarding experience easy, a prime will train you to be a better photographer, and this 35mm equivalent focal length is very welcoming to new shooters. This lens packs plenty of value, has excellent autofocus, and is weather-sealing to keep you shooting in any situation. It’s the first lens I ever got for Fujifilm and one I may never get rid of.
XF 23mm F2 R WR Lens - Black / Lens Only
$449.95
Designed as a compact, walk-around prime, the black XF 23mm f/2 R WR from FUJIFILM is a versatile 35mm-equivalent lens characterized by its f/2 maximum aperture that strikes and ideal balance between portability and speed. The optical design features two aspherical elements to reduce distortion and spherical aberrations in order to produce greater sharpness and accurate rendering. A Super EBC coating is also used to control flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color fidelity when working in bright and backlit conditions. Complementing the optics is a stepping motor, along with an internal focusing design, which provides quick and especially quiet focusing performance. Additionally, the lens is weather-sealed to suit working in inclement conditions.
8. ONA Sevilla Strap OR Peak Design x FujiFilm Cuff Wrist Strap
Whether it’s the ONA Sevilla Strap OR Peak Design x Fujifilm Cuff Wrist Strap, a good strap (how many times can I stay strapped in a sentence?) makes all the difference in the field. I love the Sevilla because it’s thin, durable, and easy to manipulate. The Cuff is also fantastic if you want something more discreet and has some custom branding to complete the look. I can’t tell you which one is right for you, but I will say that both are fantastic products.
Cuff Camera Wrist Strap - Black
$34.95
Peak Design says the Cuff Strap is engineered to hold 200 pounds along with the brand’s latest V4 Anchor system. None of our wrists are that strong and none of our cameras weigh that much, so we’re taking their word for it. Easily switch between the Cuff Strap and other Peak Design V4 Anchor-equipped camera straps for the ultimate in camera carry versatility. And it’s not just for cameras, you can connect the Cuff to binoculars, GoPros, rangefinders, tools, and more.
9. Rode Wireless GO II
More and more photographers are creating content beyond images. Maybe it's for a quick video on social media or a full-on YouTube video, and regardless of where you might be on that spectrum, good audio makes all the difference!@#$-ing. The Rode Wireless GO II is a kit that I didn’t open for a few months, but when I started using it, well… there was no going back. They’re easy to set up, provide good audio, and even have integrated recording if your camera screws up. It’s the Rode Wireless GO II and is my default audio solution for most of the content I produce.
10. FujiFilm Instax Wide Printer
Last on my list is the new Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Smartphone Printer. This might seem like a gimmick for some creators, but I’ve gotten so much value out of Instax — and even some clients — over the years that I must include this on any list. Look, there’s no sugar-coating it… print your !@#$-ing photos people. Don’t let them die on a hard drive. This new Instax provides an easy way to share your work, leave it as a souvenir, or even flex it as a business card. I love my Instax solutions, and I think the creative in you will, too.
Gajan Balan shooting.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to hit me up on Twitter or Instagram (@GajanBalan) and we’ll continue the conversation there.