So I finally picked up a used X100V about two months ago and honestly I love the thing to death, its perfect for carrying around London when I just want to capture candid moments without looking like a pro photographer. But here is the issue, I keep finding myself wanting just a bit more reach or a different look than the fixed 23mm f/2 lens provides. I know, I know, the whole point of the camera is the fixed lens, but Ive been looking into the teleconverter lenses because I dont want to buy a whole new body just yet.
I read a bunch of threads on some other forums saying the TCL-X100 II is the way to go for that 50mm equivalent look, which is my favorite focal length, but then I see people complaining about how it ruins the compact nature of the camera and makes the balance all weird. Some reviewers online swear by the WCL-X100 II instead because it feels more natural for street stuff, but I already feel like 23mm is too wide for how I compose my shots. Im honestly just so conflicted because the conversion lenses are pretty pricey and I dont want to drop 300 quid only to find out it makes the camera too bulky to fit in my jacket pocket.
Here is what I am trying to figure out:
- Budget: ideally under 350 pounds since I just spent a lot on the camera itself.
- Use case: purely street photography, mostly fast-moving people and architecture stuff.
- Constraints: need it to be somewhat portable so I can still sling it over my shoulder all day.
- Preferences: I really prefer a 50mm look but I am open to being convinced otherwise if the wide angle is actually better for street.
Is it actually worth getting the teleconverter or should I just try and get better at cropping in post? I feel like I'm overthinking this way too much but I have a trip to Berlin coming up next month and I want to get my gear sorted before then...
Agree with the others, just get the Fujifilm TCL-X100 II Teleconverter. It makes the 50mm look super sharp. Forget cropping, you'll be much happier with the real glass in Berlin.
Honestly, just grab the Fujifilm TCL-X100 II Teleconverter. In my experience, it handles the 50mm look way better than cropping. Yeah, it adds bulk, but for the quality, its worth it.
- Sharpness is super crisp compared to digital crop
- Balances okay once you get used to it
- Way cheaper than a new body If you really want 50mm for Berlin, dont bother with the wide converters. Just commit to the glass.
Re: Honestly, just grab the Fujifilm TCL-X100 II Teleconverter. I totally agree with that. Had a moment to think about it and honestly, cropping just kills the resolution too much for my liking. If you want that 50mm look, just stick to the official glass. It works well and I've been happy enough with the balance. Keep it simple and just use what the manufacturer makes for the system. You really wont regret the extra reach in Berlin.
Like someone mentioned, you really need to be careful with the bulk. When I took my kit to Berlin, the added size made it way harder to tuck away when I was in crowded U-Bahn stations. Are you planning on carrying a bag all day, or do you need it to slip into a coat pocket? Also, have you ever tried using the digital teleconverter function to see if that focal length actually feels right for your style?
