So I finally bit the bullet and grabbed the X-T5 after rocking the X-T2 for literally ages and honestly the jump in resolution is kind of messing with my head. I used to swear by the old 18mm f2 because it was so tiny and had that weird soul to it but man it looks pretty mushy on this new 40mp sensor when I zoom in even a little bit. Like the autofocus is hunting way more than I expected in lower light when I was out in the subway last night which was super frustrating. I need something that can actually keep up with the sensor but still keep the setup low profile because I dont want to look like a pro with a giant rig when I am just trying to blend in on the sidewalk. I was looking at the 23mm f2 but people keep saying the f1.4 WR is the only way to go for the T5 sensor even though it looks huge in the product photos. Budget is around 800 bucks and I am heading to Chicago for a street photography workshop in three weeks so I need to make a move fast. Is the newer 18mm 1.4 way too bulky for a daily carry or should I just stick to the f2 primes and accept that they might not be tack sharp? Or maybe the 33mm? I just cant decide if the size trade off is worth the extra detail...
Re: "Saw this earlier but just getting a chance..." - honestly, if youre heading to a workshop in Chicago, you want something that just works without being a burden. The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR is the most reliable middle ground imo. It is weather sealed, small enough to blend in, and the autofocus is snappy. The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR is technically superior for that 40mp sensor, but it is definitely bulkier. If youre walking for hours, that extra weight matters. Ive found that even if the f2 primes arent perfect at 40mp, they are still plenty sharp for street work. Ngl, the 18mm f2 you were using is just old tech at this point. Moving to the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR is another option if you want insane detail, but it is a tighter crop. Stick to the 23mm f2 for safety and portability... it gets the job done tho.
> I was looking at the 23mm f2 but people keep saying the f1.4 WR is the only way to go for the T5 sensor even though it looks huge in the product photos. Dude, I totally get the struggle! I made the same jump from the X-T2 to the T5 last year and it was a total wake-up call for my older glass. I actually took the Fujifilm XF 23mm f1.4 R LM WR on a trip to Tokyo recently and honestly, it is an absolute beast on that 40mp sensor! I used to carry the little f2 version because it was so light, but once I saw the clinical sharpness and that insane autofocus speed... man, there is just no going back. The 18mm f2 has that classic soul for sure, but that old motor just screams when it tries to keep up with the T5. If you're heading to Chicago for a workshop, you really want the Fujifilm XF 18mm f1.4 R LM WR or the 23mm 1.4. I know they look chunky in stock photos but on the X-T5 body they balance surprisingly well! It doesnt feel like a giant pro rig at all when you're actually out there hitting the pavement. I spent a whole week walking around and my wrist felt fine. The linear motors are basically silent which is huge for street work. Seriously, the extra detail you get when cropping into those huge files is mind-blowing! Go for the 1.4 glass, you wont regret it... it makes that sensor actually sing.
Saw this earlier but just getting a chance to reply. ^ This. Also, I totally agree that the old glass just doesnt cut it anymore on that 40mp body. If you want to actually see what that sensor can do, you really need to look at the newer Fujifilm WR primes with the linear motors. A few points from my experience:
- The newer Fujifilm optics are specifically designed to resolve that extra detail without getting mushy.
- Speed is a huge factor too since the older lenses use a different motor system that just feels sluggish compared to the newer tech.
- Honestly, just go with the newer Fujifilm high-end glass. They might be a bit bigger but the autofocus reliability in a dark subway is worth the extra weight. The trade-off in size is real but you wont regret it once you see the files on a big monitor... let me know if you need more info on the AF settings tho!
