Just picked up an X-S20 and Im seriously loving the form factor, its perfect for the trip to Japan I have coming up in October. I really want to keep my bag light so I am definitely looking for that one do-it-all zoom lens that I can keep glued to the camera for 90 percent of my shots. I hate changing lenses on the go because of the dust here in the city, plus I just want to enjoy the travel without fiddling with gear too much.
So I was looking at the XF 18-55mm kit lens since I could probably grab it cheap used, but then I started looking at the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 because its so tiny and I really like that constant aperture. But then again the 16-80mm f4 has that extra reach which would be super nice for street photography and random details... my logic was that the extra focal length matters more than the wider aperture for travel, but I honestly dont know if the f4 is gonna be too slow in the evenings.
My budget is around 700 bucks give or take, and since Im flying out in a few months I need to make a move soon. The Sigma is tempting because of how compact it is, but is it worth losing the extra reach? Im driving myself crazy overthinking this. Is the 16-80mm sharper than I think, or should I just stick to the constant aperture and crop in if I have to? What would you guys pick if you were wandering around Tokyo for two weeks?
Honestly, if you want that extra reach for Japan, forget the kit lens. I lived in Tokyo for a bit and having that 16mm wide angle is an absolute game changer for those cramped temples and shrines! The Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR is honestly a fantastic workhorse for travel. Sure, f/4 sounds slow, but the stabilization on that lens is magic and your X-S20 has ibis too, so you'll be fine in the evenings! If you really crave that constant aperture but need more reach than the Sigma, maybe track down a used Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR. It is a bit bigger, but it covers everything. Just grab that 16-80mm and dont look back! You will love how much detail you can capture.
Been thinking about your setup. Honestly, save some cash for food in Tokyo. You might want to consider the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD if you really dont want to swap lenses at all. Its huge, but super versatile for quick travel shots. Be careful though, it gets kinda soft at the long end. Just make sure to bring a decent Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap so your neck stays comfortable.
Congrats on the X-S20, such a beast of a camera for travel. Honestly, I get the overthinking, I spent weeks doing the exact same thing before my first big trip. If you are gonna be in Japan, you really want that wider end for the tight alleyways in Tokyo and Kyoto, so keep that in mind.
- The reach on the longer zooms is great for details, but f4 can get pretty grainy once the sun dips below the horizon.
- Constant aperture lenses are usually my go-to because it keeps things consistent when you are moving from shadows to light.
- Carrying less gear is always better. You really dont want to be swapping glass while dodging crowds at Shibuya Crossing. I think the smaller constant aperture lens is probably your best bet if you want to keep the kit light. Not sure if it makes a massive difference compared to the others, but IIRC the size advantage alone is worth it for walking around all day. I have been pretty satisfied with keeping a smaller setup on my body because it just feels more natural for street photography. If you are worried about reach, just remember you can always take a few steps forward or crop a bit later. Enjoy the trip, you are gonna have a blast with that setup.
Adding my two cents here, travel gear is such a headache to figure out. I totally get the desire for one lens to rule them all. If you are worried about the aperture vs. reach trade-off, have you considered how much low-light shooting you actually plan on doing? Or are you mostly gonna be out and about during the day?
- How often do you find yourself wanting to isolate a subject with background blur versus needing that extra zoom for architecture?
- Do you already have a tiny prime lens in your bag for those late-night ramen shop shots, or is the zoom gonna be your only option 24/7? Choosing between reach and speed is the classic struggle. Honestly, if you aren't sure, maybe rent one for a weekend and see how the focal length feels in your local neighborhood first.
Solid advice 👍