I finally pulled the trigger on a Fujifilm X-S20 after saving up for months and im so hyped to take it on my trip to Japan in like three weeks but i realized the body didnt come with a lens so now im scrambling lol. I really want something thats light because we are gonna be walking all over Tokyo and Osaka and I dont want my neck to die. My budget is pretty tight though, trying to stay under $400 or $500 max because Japan is expensive enough as it is.
Right now im stuck between a few different options:
- Sigma 18-50mm f2.8
- Fuji XC 15-45mm kit lens
- TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 pancake
The Sigma seems like the best quality but it might be pushing my budget if i buy it new and I dont know if i have time to find a used one before I fly out. Then there is the 15-45 which is super cheap and lightweight but i feel like the power zoom might get on my nerves. I also looked at the TTArtisan because its tiny and would basically make the camera pocketable but im worried about only having one focal length for a whole vacation. Is the Sigma worth the extra cash for the f2.8 or should I just get the tiny prime and call it a day?
Congrats on the X-S20! honestly that camera is such a beast for travel. Since you are doing Japan, you definitely want to be careful about your neck... those 20k step days in Tokyo are no joke. I would suggest trying your hardest to find a deal on the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary. It is legit the perfect travel lens because it weighs like nothing but gives you that pro look. If thats too pricey, maybe look for a used Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f2.8-4 R LM OIS. People sell them cheap since they were kit lenses for years, and the build quality is way better than the plastic XC version. Ngl the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 AF is fun but i would be worried about using it as your only lens. Japan has so many tight alleys and then huge shrines... you are gonna want the flexibility of a zoom. Also, the autofocus on the TTArtisan can be a bit hunt-y compared to the native Fuji or Sigma glass, so just keep that in mind if you are trying to snap quick street shots. TL;DR: The Sigma is the goat if you can find it under $500, but a used Fuji 18-55mm f2.8-4 is the smartest budget move. Avoid the power zoom on the Fujifilm XC 15-45mm f3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, it really slows you down.
