I really messed up. I finally saved up enough money to buy the Fujifilm X-T4 because everyone says it is like the gold standard for travel photography but when the box arrived today it was just the camera body and I realized I literally cannot take any pictures because there is no lens. I feel so stupid and I'm kinda panicking because I am leaving for my dream trip to Japan in exactly twelve days and I have zero clue what glass I am supposed to buy. I tried looking on the website but there are like fifty different options and the numbers like 16-55mm and 18mm and f/2.8 just make my head spin and I dont understand what any of it means for my actual photos.
I just want one lens that stays on the camera the whole time because I am definitely gonna lose stuff if I have to swap things out while walking around Tokyo or Kyoto. I want to take pictures of basically everything:
- the neon lights and signs at night
- all the ramen and sushi we are gonna eat
- some of the big temples and mountains
- my girlfriend standing in front of stuff
My total budget left for this is maybe $800 max because I spent so much on the actual camera and the plane tickets already. Someone told me to get a prime lens but then someone else said that doesnt zoom? How do you take photos of things far away if you cant zoom? I am so lost. Is there like one do it all lens that isnt too heavy? I dont want to be carrying a huge brick around my neck all day while we are walking ten miles a day. I saw something about an 18-55mm one that people say is a kit lens but is that good enough for a trip like this or is it just for beginners who dont know better? I really need to order something by tomorrow so it gets here before my flight and I have a chance to practice. What is the one lens I should get if I can only afford one and I have no idea how any of this works...
Just caught this thread and gotta chime in before you hit buy. Regarding what #1 said about "Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS: Fantastic,..."
- I totally get why people love it, but honestly? In my experience shooting in Japan, that 55mm end is gonna feel real short when you're trying to grab a shot of a distant temple or a mountain peak. You really should look at the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR. It stays right in your $800 budget and is basically the ultimate one and done lens for travel. The 16mm side is way better for those tight Tokyo streets, and 80mm gives you way more zoom for your girlfriend's portraits with nice blurry backgrounds. It's weather-sealed too, which is huge since Japan gets some crazy sudden rain. It’s a bit bigger than the kit lens but way lighter than carrying a bag of gear... definitely wont feel like a brick around your neck.
Re: "Just caught this thread and gotta chime in..."
- Totally agree, that extra reach is huge. In my experience, the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is the best bet for staying on the camera 24/7. Tips for safety:
- Get a Hoya 67mm NXT Plus UV Filter to protect the glass
- Use a Peak Design Slide Lite strap so it doesnt slip Tbh, that setup is bulletproof... youll have an amazing time.
👆 this
I've spent years hauling gear across different continents and honestly... I'm gonna disagree with the 18-55mm suggestions here. It's a nice lens, but in my experience, you're gonna feel really limited once you get to those massive temples in Kyoto or the tight streets in Shinjuku. You need more range and a wider angle than that kit lens offers. I'd grab the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR instead. It fits your $800 budget and it's weather-sealed. Japan can be super rainy and since your X-T4 is weather-sealed too, you wont have to hide the camera every time it sprinkles. The 80mm end gives you that zoom you're looking for to capture things further away, while the 16mm end is perfect for those neon street shots. The constant f/4 is plenty for night scenes because the X-T4 has such good internal stabilization. Since you're worried about losing stuff, pick up a SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I card so you don't have to swap cards mid-trip. Also, grab a Giottos Rocket Air Blower Small to blow off dust or rain drops. It's way safer than using your shirt. Have a killer time in Tokyo!
- Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS: Fantastic, stabilized, versatile.
- Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary: Amazing, fast f/2.8, sharp. Love the Sigma for Japan tho!
Been thinking about your question... I'm super happy with the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD for travel.
- Constant f/2.8 is killer for night shots.
- Zoom range covers everything.
Noted!
> I saw something about an 18-55mm one that people say is a kit lens but is that good enough for a trip like this or is it just for beginners who dont know better? Dont let the kit lens label scare you off. I have owned the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS for years and I am still incredibly happy with it. It is basically the gold standard for a reason. When I did my first big solo trip to Osaka, I was worried about the same stuff, but this lens handled everything from dimly lit ramen shops to wide mountain views without a single complaint. Its small, mostly metal, and way better than the plastic kit lenses other brands make. Since you are on a budget, you can grab one used for like half your budget. Use the leftover cash to get a SmallRig Camera Neck Strap and maybe an extra Fujifilm NP-W235 Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery because shooting video and photos all day in Tokyo will eat your power. Honestly, I have never felt like I was settling with this lens... it just works well. Its light enough that you wont even notice it while you are hunting for the best views in Shibuya or walking those ten miles a day.
