This time, for a trip to Nepal, I wanted to try something different. Instead of packing my usual setup—a Fujifilm mirrorless camera, a few lenses, and a tripod—I set out to see whether a modern mobile phone could be enough. The Google Pixel 9 Pro was my only camera for the entire journey. No backups, no “just in case” gear. Just the phone. Why? My wife and I were planning a lot of trekking, and we wanted to travel light,…
Here at Ultralight Photography, I’m all about finding the sweet spot between minimal weight and maximum image quality. Most of the time, that means shedding grams, ditching bulk, and climbing light. But there are moments when the best tool for the shot happens to be a bit of a beast. Enter the Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR—a pro-grade telephoto zoom that’s built like a tank but delivers exceptional results when weight isn’t the top priority. I’ve owned…
If you’re planning a trek in Nepal, you’ve probably encountered conflicting information about whether hiring a guide is mandatory. Ever since a major change in trekking regulations in 2023, this question has become a common point of confusion among travelers. What Changed in 2023? In early 2023, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) announced a major policy shift: all trekkers in national parks and conservation areas would be required to hire a licensed guide. The new rule came into effect on…