Ugh, Im losing my mind trying to pick a lens for my Fuji XT4. Ive got a big trip to Iceland coming up in three weeks and my 18-55mm kit lens just isnt cutting it for these massive landscape shots. I really need something wider but Im stuck in a loop.
I looked at the Fuji 10-24mm f/4 because everyone says its the standard, but then I read a bunch of reviews saying the corners are soft and it feels kinda cheap for the price. Then I considered the Samyang 12mm f/2 since its way cheaper and manual focus is fine for landscapes, but some people say the quality control is hit or miss and I dont have time to return a dud before I fly out.
My budget is around 800 bucks, give or take, and I just cant decide if I should bite the bullet on the Fuji or gamble on the cheaper primes. Im worried about the weight too since I have to hike a lot. Should I just save up for the 8-16mm or is that overkill for a hobbyist who just wants decent wall prints? Im totally overthinking this, what do you guys think?
@Reply #2 - good point! Honestly, before you drop 800 bucks, are you planning on using filters for those Iceland waterfalls? That really changes which lens barrel works best.
- The Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR is massive, definitely overkill for a hike.
- The Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 XF is stellar for sharpness, but keep an eye on weight. Be careful with the heavy gear; you dont want to be exhausted halfway through your trek.
> The Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 XF is stellar for... Like someone mentioned, stick to reliable glass for a trip like Iceland. Tbh I wouldnt risk a cheap lens with QC issues right before flying. I picked up the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/2.8 R WR for my own trips and it is tiny and weather-sealed. Sharpness is solid and it survives rain, which you will definitely get in Iceland. Dont overthink the zoom, just get something that wont break on you.
If you want the best balance of weight and performance for Iceland, honestly stop stressing about the zooms. The Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR is okay, but it is just way too bulky and expensive for what you are getting. I have been using the Samyang 12mm f/2.0 NCS CS for about two years now and I have absolutely no complaints. Here is why it works for me:
- Sharpness: It is surprisingly sharp across the frame once you stop it down to f/5.6 or f/8. For landscapes, you are basically never shooting wide open anyway, so it holds up beautifully for big wall prints.
- Size: It is tiny. When you are hiking in Iceland, the weight savings are huge. You will definitely appreciate the extra space in your bag.
- Manual Focus: Honestly, for landscapes, you just set it to infinity or use focus peaking on your XT4. It is not even a hurdle, it is actually faster once you get the hang of it. Regarding the quality control worries, I would just buy from a major retailer with a solid return policy just in case. If you get a good copy, you are set for life. Save that extra money for a flight or a nice dinner in Reykjavik. It is a solid, no-nonsense piece of glass that punches way above its weight class.
Honestly, skip the expensive stuff for now. I use the Fujifilm XF 14mm f/2.8 R for my trips and it works perfectly for landscape prints. It is sharp, super lightweight for hiking, and reliable. You wont have to worry about quality control issues or corners being soft. Just grab a used copy if you want to save some cash before Iceland. It is a solid choice that wont let you down.
