What is the absolute best leave it on the camera forever lens for the new X-T5 because I am so overwhelmed with options right now lol. I finally bit the bullet and bought the body after saving up for ages and I'm beyond excited to start shooting with it but the lens choice is killing me. I've spent like three days straight on YouTube and Reddit reading about the 18-55mm kit lens versus the 16-80mm f4. I read that the old 18-55 is a classic but then some people say the 40 megapixel sensor on the T5 is way too sharp for it and it wont hold up? But then others say the 16-80 is kinda soft at the edges which scares me because I want to print some of these shots. I'm taking a trip to Kyoto next month so I really need something versatile for street scenes and some temple landscapes. My budget is probably around 800 or 900 bucks maybe a bit more if it's really worth it but I dont want to carry a bag full of primes. Is the 16-55mm f2.8 too heavy for travel or should I look at something else entirely like the Tamron 17-70? Just want one lens that can do it all while I'm walking around all day...
You 100% need to grab the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR if you want to actually utilize that high-res 40MP sensor! Most of the older glass just cant resolve enough detail to make the X-T5 worth it, honestly. I have pushed this lens to the limit and it is basically a bag of primes in one barrel. The linear motor focus is lightning fast which is amazing for fast street scenes in Kyoto... it catches everything instantly. It is heavy, sure, but the optics are incredible. Its tack sharp corner to corner even at f/2.8. Since you have IBIS in the body, the lack of lens stabilization doesnt even matter anymore. If the weight is truly a dealbreaker, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a fantastic lightweight alternative, but the Fuji red badge is the technical king for that body. Go for the 16-55!
