So I finally upgraded to the X-S20 after years with my old X-T30 and I love the sensor and the battery life but I am lowkey panicking because I have a safari trip to Kruger in South Africa booked for mid-October and I have zero long glass in my kit. I usually just stick to my 23mm or 35mm primes for street stuff here in Chicago but obviously thats not gonna work for lions and stuff. I am really worried about the balance on this specific body since its so compact and I dont want to carry a tripod everywhere. I was looking at the XF 100-400mm but I feel like itll just be impossible to hold comfortably for more than five minutes or it might even damage the mount if I am not careful. I know the X-S20 has great IBIS but does it play nice with the OIS in the older lenses like the 55-200? Or should I just bite the bullet and get the 70-300 even though I heard the build quality is kinda plasticky compared to the older red badge stuff. My budget is capped at like $900 tops since I spent so much on the flights already. I need something that wont weigh me down while hiking but still gives me enough reach for wildlife... what do you guys think is the best telephoto zoom for this specific setup?
Yo, congrats on the X-S20! That is a sweet upgrade from the T30. I totally get the panic about a safari though, Kruger is a whole different beast compared to Chicago street photography. Honestly, you should just grab the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR and call it a day. I have been so happy with mine and it really is the sweet spot for Fuji wildlife setups right now without breaking the bank. Dont worry too much about the build quality talk you might have seen online. Sure, it is not a heavy metal brick like the older red badge lenses, but it feels plenty sturdy for a trip like this and is weather sealed too. The main thing is the weight... it is incredibly light for the reach you get. It balances way better on the X-S20 than the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR which, tbh, is just way too big for that body and would feel super front-heavy. As for the stabilization, the X-S20's IBIS works amazingly well with the OIS in the 70-300mm. I have taken handheld shots at the long end that came out crisp, no tripod needed. The 55-200 is a classic but you really want that extra 100mm reach when you're trying to get a clear shot of a leopard in a tree. It fits your $900 budget perfectly too. You wont regret it, it is basically the perfect travel telephoto for that specific body.
I get why people suggest the 70-300, but honestly, I found the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS way more satisfying to shoot with. The metal build just feels more premium than that newer plastic. I used mine for a week in the Tetons and the IBIS sync was rock solid. It balances perfectly on smaller bodies and leaves you with extra cash.
Adding my thoughts here. @Reply #7 - good point! Im usually pretty cautious about mounting heavy glass on these smaller bodies too. Before you commit to a purchase though, will you be in a closed vehicle or doing walking safaris? It changes how much you need to worry about weight and gear safety.
- The Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR offers the best modern performance. Its lighter than the metal builds but the AF is way faster for wildlife.
- For budget reasons, buying used is smart. A used Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is very reliable and stays well under your $900 cap.
- If you need versatility, the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Fujifilm X is a solid all-in-one choice that fits the budget. The balance on the X-S20 should be fine if you use proper handling techniques. Just dont let the weight sit entirely on the mount when youre moving around... it kind of depends on how you hold it.
Wait really?? Thats actually super helpful. I always thought it was the other way around.
100% agree
Same boat, watching this
Can confirm
Tbh I am dealing with the exact same thing right now. Just grabbed an Fujifilm X-S20 and I am looking at a trip to Alaska in a few weeks with no long lens. I am stuck between the same options you mentioned and it is a tough spot to be in with such a small body... A few things that work for the balance:
- The SmallRig L-Shape Grip for Fujifilm X-S20 is a decent option. It gives you a better handle without adding much bulk.
- A Peak Design Slide Lite attached to the lens foot helps keep the weight off the mount. Still havent decided on the actual glass yet though. The struggle is real.
