What is the absolute best all-around lens for an X-T5 if I only want to carry one thing? Im honestly getting so frustrated reading conflicting reviews online and my trip to Japan is in like three weeks so I need to decide fast.
Im torn between these:
- the 18-55mm f2.8-4
- the 16-80mm f4
- the 16-55mm f2.8
The 16-55 is so heavy and expensive, but people say the others arent sharp enough for the new 40mp sensor. My budget is strictly $900 max and I mostly do street photography and some landscape. I really dont want to be swapping lenses in the rain. Which one actually holds up...
Just saw this thread today! Like someone mentioned, carrying a heavy lens in Japan is a recipe for sore shoulders. I honestly have to disagree with sticking strictly to zooms tho. If you really want to resolve that 40mp sensor properly, the Fujifilm XF 23mm f1.4 R LM WR is amazing! Its weather sealed, which is perfect for rainy street shots, and the optics are fantastic. If you must have a zoom, look at the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary for Fuji. It is basically half the weight of the Fuji 16-55 and way sharper than the 16-80 in my experience.
- Sigma: tiny, constant f2.8, budget friendly
- Fuji 23mm: professional optics, true WR, perfect for low light The 23mm is my favorite because it hits that $900 budget perfectly and the image quality will blow you away compared to a kit zoom. It makes the X-T5 feel like a proper street machine!
Saw this thread today and I gotta jump in. If youre worried about that 40mp sensor and the rain in Japan, the answer is easily the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR. I picked this up recently for a wet trek through Kyoto and honestly, the peace of mind was worth everything. Unlike the older zooms, this one uses an internal zoom mechanism. That basically means the lens barrel doesnt extend or retract when you change focal lengths. From a safety and reliability standpoint, its huge. No moving external parts means it wont suck in moisture or grit when youre out in a downpour. It is rock solid. I was super satisfied with how it resolved fine details on my X-T5. A lot of people forget that older glass struggles with the high pixel density, but this lens was literally designed for this sensor. The optical resolving power is way higher than the old kit lenses. Plus, its so light I didnt feel like I was dragging a boat anchor around Shinjuku all day. I mostly shoot street too, and the 16mm wide end is perfect for those tight alleyways. It fits your budget perfectly and gives you that weather sealing you need. No complaints from me... it just works well every single time.
Like someone mentioned, that 16-55 is a total brick and will kill your neck. I agree that weather sealing is non-negotiable, but unfortunately, I've been pretty disappointed with the sharpness of the 16-80mm on the 40mp sensor. It just doesnt resolve the detail you'd expect, especially at the long end... everything gets a bit mushy. Since you're on a budget, look at the Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 Di III-A VC RXD. It's got the weather sealing you need for the rain, plus it's way more consistent than the Fuji kit zooms. Another solid shout is the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary for weight, though it lacks the sealing. It sucks that the X-T5 is so picky, but these third-party options hold up better. TL;DR: Fuji kit zooms unfortunately struggle with the new sensor. The Tamron 17-70mm is the best all-rounder for under 900 bucks.
I would suggest you go with the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR. I once brought a non-WR lens to Tokyo and it was a total nightmare in the rain. Be careful with the 16-55, it's basically a lead weight after five miles of walking. Quick tip: stop down to f/5.6 for sharper landscapes on that 40MP sensor... it really makes a huge difference.
