I finally pulled the trigger on the X-S20 because I wanted that better battery life and the IBIS for handheld video but now Im in a total panic. I leave for a two week trip to Japan in literally six days and I just realized my current kit is all big heavy primes which is gonna be a nightmare for walking 20k steps a day in Tokyo. Ive been a Fuji shooter for like five years but I always stayed away from the zooms because I was a bit of a prime snob honestly but now I actually need the versatility.
I was looking at the 18-55 kit lens since its small but people keep mentioning the 18-120 or maybe the Tamron 17-70? But that Tamron looks massive and I dont want to ruin the balance of the smaller X-S20 body. I need something that can handle street photography at night but also get some reach for the temples in Kyoto. My budget is capped at about 900 bucks cause the camera body already set me back a ton. Should I go with the old reliable 18-55 or is there something better for travel that covers more range without being a brick?
> Should I go with the old reliable 18-55 or is there something better for travel that covers more range without being a brick? I went through this exact worry recently. I compared the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS and the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR before my trip. I picked the 16-80 because the weather sealing felt like a safer bet for Kyoto rain. Be careful with the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD tho... it is pretty massive. I would suggest sticking to Fuji glass so your kit stays balanced and reliable.
^ This. Also, I totally get the prime snob struggle because that was literally me for years! I went to Osaka back in 2019 with a bag full of heavy glass and by day four my shoulder was absolutely screaming. I ended up missing so many amazing candid shots because I was fumbling with lens caps while my group walked off. It was a mess lol. For your X-S20, you really gotta check out the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X. It is shockingly small—like, it feels like a toy but the photos are just fantastic. It doesnt have the crazy reach of a superzoom, but that constant f/2.8 is a total lifesaver when youre wandering through those neon alleys in Shinjuku at night. Plus it fits your budget perfectly and leaves you cash for some good sushi! If you absolutely need more reach for the temples, I sometimes carry a used Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR. It is such a versatile beast and the weather sealing is solid for those random Kyoto drizzles. Honestly, switching to a light zoom for travel was the best decision I ever made... you finally just focus on the trip instead of the bag!
My buddy told me the exact same thing last week. Guess he was right lol.
Seconded!
