Just picked up an X-T5 and I am totally overwhelmed by the glass options. Ive been scouring reviews for weeks and honestly it feels like a rabbit hole. People keep screaming about the 16-55mm f2.8 being the gold standard but it looks like a total brick and I want to keep my setup relatively portable for when I travel to Japan next spring. I also looked at the 18-55mm kit lens because its tiny but some reviews say it feels a bit dated now that the sensor is 40mp. Im mostly doing street photography and some occasional portraits of my cat so I need something versatile.
Here is what I need:
- Needs to be somewhat compact, I dont want a giant front-heavy lens
- Budget is around 1k max, maybe a bit more if its a really stellar prime or zoom
- Autofocus has to be snappy for street stuff
- Weather sealing would be a huge plus since I live in a pretty rainy area
Is the 16-55 really worth the weight? Or should I just grab a prime like the 23mm or 33mm and call it a day? Im just worried I will miss the zoom range when I am actually out walking around. Has anyone else made this switch recently?
> Is the 16-55 really worth the weight? Or should I just grab a prime like the 23mm or 33mm and call it a day? Just catching up on this thread. I used to be obsessed with the heavy zooms, but honestly, lugging that brick around killed the fun for me. I eventually traded my big zoom for the Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR. It is super sharp, and since it is weather-sealed, I dont worry about taking it out when it starts drizzling. My cat photos have never looked better, and it feels perfectly balanced on the body. I worried about losing the zoom too, but honestly, having to move my feet instead of twisting a ring actually made me a better photographer. If you want something tiny for Japan, this prime is hard to beat.
Honestly, just take a breath before you drop a grand on glass. Everyone hypes that 16-55mm, but be super careful about the size. It is a massive piece of gear to lug around all day in Japan. You might end up leaving your camera at the hotel because the weight gets annoying fast. That 40mp sensor is no joke though; it is pretty unforgiving if your technique is sloppy or if the lens isnt sharp enough to handle the resolution. I would suggest starting smaller. Maybe grab a weather-sealed prime first. If you really need the zoom, be careful buying used gear unless you can test it in person. Dust inside the barrels or worn focus rings can be a nightmare to fix. Just make sure to check the seals before you go walking in the rain.
> You might end up leaving your camera at the hotel because the weight gets annoying fast. That 40mp sensor is no joke though @Gloriaanopy makes a solid point about the sensor. The 40mp X-Trans 5 sensor in the X-T5 really demands high resolving power from your glass, which is why people usually steer you toward the heavier f/1.4 primes or the pro-level zooms. Before you commit to anything, have you considered how often you actually find yourself needing to reach for a zoom versus being able to just step forward or back? Also, are you strictly looking for a weather-sealed setup, or is that more of a nice-to-have for your rainy local climate? I have a few ideas on how to optimize your kit, but knowing your comfort level with carrying a bag versus just having the camera around your neck makes a huge difference.
