so i just bought an xt5 because it looked pretty but honestly i have no idea what the numbers on these lenses even mean. i'm going to italy in two weeks and only have about 800 bucks left for a lens that works for everything. sorry if this is dumb but what should i get?...
That numbers struggle is real... it felt like math class lol. Ive been using the Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR for my trips and it works so well. No complaints. The Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR is another solid pick. Quick tip: lower f/ numbers mean better shots in the dark. Definitely look for WR for weather sealing too!
To add to the point above: I’ve learned the hard way that reliability is king when you are traveling. In my experience over the years, I've tried many budget options that ended up having connection glitches right when I needed them most. When you're in Italy, you really don't want to be troubleshooting gear while looking at the Colosseum. I'd honestly go with the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS. People call it a kit lens, but it's actually solid metal and glass. It is much more dependable than some of the newer plastic alternatives.
- Buy it used from a reputable dealer to save about 400 bucks.
- Use that extra cash for a fast SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB UHS-I SDXC card.
- Get a high-quality Peak Design Slide Lite strap so your camera stays safe on your shoulder. I've carried this specific lens through all kinds of weather and it never let me down. Stick to the classics and you'll have a blast.
Honestly, just grab the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X! I took mine to Rome last summer and it was fantastic for those narrow alleys. Its super tiny. Way cheaper than the Fuji brand stuff too.
- constant f/2.8 aperture
- weighs basically nothing
- saves you 300 bucks Seriously, go buy pasta!
Late to the thread but you should look at the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD. I've tried many different setups over the years and this thing is basically a cheat code for travel. It covers everything from wide landscapes to portraits, and unlike the standard Fuji kit lenses, it stays at f/2.8 the whole time. That means better shots when youre in a dim restaurant or a church in Italy. Its a bit bigger than the Sigma, but the extra reach and stabilization make it way more versatile. For under 800 bucks, its easily the best value for that X-T5 sensor right now. Honestly, dont overthink the numbers too much, just know that f/2.8 is gonna help you out a lot in low light when the sun goes down. TL;DR: Grab the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD. Its the ultimate one-and-done travel lens for Fuji right now.
Jumping in here because the X-T5 is seriously amazing!! For Italy, honestly just check out the Tamron lenses for Fuji. They're fantastic all-arounders and way cheaper than the name brand stuff. You'll save a ton of money for pizza and wine while getting pro-level photos tho... TL;DR: Stick with Tamron for high quality on a budget!
Been using this for years, no complaints
