Finally pulled the trigger on the X-H2S for my big Tokyo trip in three weeks and honestly I am so hyped to see what this thing can do with the autofocus! I spent all night looking at lenses and I am torn between the classic 18-55 and the 16-80 f4. People online say the 18-55 is way sharper but then others say the 16-80 is the king of travel because of the range... but it looks kinda chunky for all day walking? My budget is around $800 since I spent so much on the body lol. Should I just get a prime instead or is one of these zooms actually the way to go for street stuff and food shots? I really dont want to be swapping lenses in the rain...
To add to the point above: are you doing any video or just stills? I ask because that stacked sensor really shines with newer linear motors. Personally, I've seen too many zooms fail after a few rainy days in Shinjuku. For total reliability, look at the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR.
- it's fully weather-sealed
- focuses way faster than older zooms
- super light for all-day walking Fixed lenses are usually safer for the internals than telescoping zooms anyway tho.
^ This. Also, you might want to consider the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD before you commit to those Fuji zooms. I'd suggest being careful with f/4 lenses like the 16-80mm for a trip like Tokyo. Once you're ducking into a basement ramen shop or shooting those neon streets at night, you'll really wish you had that f/2.8 constant aperture. It fits perfectly in your budget, but just a heads up... it is a bit beefy. It might feel a little front-heavy on the X-H2S after walking ten miles. But honestly, having the weather sealing for the rain and that extra light is worth the trade-off. You've got such a high-end body now, just make sure you dont limit it with slower glass. It's gonna be an epic trip tho, that AF is seriously sticky!
@Reply #1 - good point! Unfortunately, i had issues with the resolving power on those older zooms. Not sure if it was just my copy but the corner fall-off was pretty bad on a stacked sensor like yours. I think some newer third party f2.8 options might actually track better with your AF? iirc those linear motors are way snappier... tho carrying a heavy kit through Shinjuku sounds like its gonna be exhausting tbh.
In my experience, you should definitely grab the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR. I've shot with it for years and that extra width at 16mm is huge for Tokyo's narrow alleys.
- Weather sealing is key since you mentioned the rain.
- The Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS isn't weather resistant.
- Constant f4 is fine for food and street stuff. Trust me, the range is worth the size.
