What wide-angle lens should I get for the X-S20 if I want to really step up my landscape game? I have been shooting with the kit lens for a couple years now, and honestly, it gets the job done, but I am finding the corners get pretty soft when I stop down for deep focus and the lack of sharpness is driving me crazy when I am printing large.
I am planning a trip to the Scottish Highlands in October, so I need something that can handle some miserable weather and constant rain. My budget is around 800 to 1000 bucks, so I dont think I can swing the 8-16mm f2.8 red badge beast, unfortunately. Im looking at the Samyang 12mm f2 but I am worried about it being manual focus since I am so used to the AF on my Fuji glass. Or maybe the 10-24mm OIS? I have heard mixed things about the sharpness on that one.
- Need weather sealing if possible
- Definitely want something that isnt too heavy since I am gonna be hiking all day
- Wide is the priority, obviously
Is the newer version of the 10-24 worth the extra cash or should I just look at a prime? Im really torn here...
Honestly, if you are heading to the Scottish Highlands, you really want to avoid manual focus lenses if you can. Changing glass in the rain is annoying enough without having to fiddle with focus rings while your hands are freezing. I used to use the Samyang, but for landscape work where speed matters, the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR is a total workhorse. It is weather sealed, light enough to hike with all day, and the OIS is a lifesaver if you dont want to lug a tripod everywhere. I wouldnt sweat the sharpness complaints youve read online. It is definitely sharper than the kit lens, especially in the corners when you stop down to f/8 or f/11. The WR version is the one you want since it handles the damp weather way better than the original model. If you really want to save some cash, look for a used copy of the WR version from a reputable shop. It keeps you right in that budget range while giving you the reach you need for those massive mountain vistas. Just a quick tip: use a solid circular polarizer to cut the glare on the wet rocks and greenery. It makes a bigger difference for landscape punch than the lens choice alone sometimes!
Been thinking about your setup for Scotland. Honestly, if you want something sharp that wont break your back on those hikes, look at the Fujifilm XF 14mm f2.8 R. It is super compact and the optics are legendary. Do you usually shoot panoramas, or do you prefer getting everything in a single wide frame? Knowing that might change whether I suggest a zoom like the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f4 R OIS WR instead.
Just saw this. The Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR is way better than the old one, honestly. Or try the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR for something super sharp and light.
To add to the point above: have you looked at the weather ratings on the main site? Honestly, just search for lens comparisons on YouTube, there are tons of great reviews.
