What is actually the best all-around lens for the Fujifilm X-T5? I am honestly so fed up with carrying around a massive bag of primes that I never end up changing on the street, and my current 18-55 kit lens is just not cutting it anymore with the new sensor. I feel like the images are constantly soft or just lacking that pop I expect from this camera.
Im planning a trip to Japan in about two months and I really dont want to be swapping glass in the middle of a crowded train station. I need something versatile that can handle street photography but also maybe some landscape shots. Budget is around 1k-1.5k USD, maybe a bit more if its truly worth it. Ive been looking at the 16-55mm f/2.8 but that thing is a total brick, and the weight is really making me hesitate. Is there a middle ground? Or should I just suck it up and get the heavy zoom? Everything just feels like a compromise and im at my wits end trying to decide what to pack for this trip...
Just catching up on this thread. If you want something sharper than the kit lens but hate the size of the 16-55, look at the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR. It gives you way more reach for street stuff in Japan. Yeah, it is f/4, but the stabilization is solid. Honestly, it balances way better on the X-T5 than those heavy f/2.8 zooms ever will. It makes for a much easier day of walking.
Honestly, I totally get where you're coming from. I spent years dragging a full bag of glass around until I realized I was missing the actual moment because I was too busy fiddling with lens caps. For a trip to Japan, you definitely dont want to be doing that. In my experience, the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is a masterpiece, but its a total brick. I used it for a year and while the sharpness is unreal, my wrist was killing me by sunset. If you want that quality without the bulk, here is what I would do:
- Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR is surprisingly versatile. You get that extra reach for street scenes and the stabilization is a lifesaver when you're shooting handheld in dim train stations. It might not be as fast as the 2.8, but it is way lighter.
- Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is the real game changer. Its tiny, sharp as a tack, and keeps that f/2.8 aperture for when the sun goes down. Seriously, it barely feels like there is a lens on the camera at all. I swapped to the Sigma for my last trip and never looked back. You lose a little bit of the weather sealing and the physical aperture ring feel, but for traveling, the weight savings are 100% worth it imo. Trust me, you'll be glad you traveled light when you're walking all day.
Honestly, the Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is a safer bet for travel. It is sharp enough and the stabilization is critical, unfortunately the build feels a bit plasticky.
> I feel like the images are constantly soft or just lacking that pop I expect from this camera. Been thinking about your dilemma all afternoon. If you go for those heavy lenses, watch out for neck strain after walking Tokyo for ten hours. I made that mistake last year and ended up keeping my camera in the bag half the time. Honestly, prioritize comfort over perfection, or you will regret it halfway through your trip.