Just picked up an X-T5 and Im honestly so pumped, this thing is a beast compared to my old gear. Im mostly shooting street stuff and some travel bits for an upcoming trip to Japan in November, but I want one lens that can live on the body without me needing to swap glass constantly.
I keep falling down rabbit holes online. Everyone says the 18-55mm kit lens is fine but I kinda want something sharper to really take advantage of the 40mp sensor. Then I looked at the 16-55mm f2.8, which seems amazing, but man it looks huge and heavy and might make the X-T5 feel super front-heavy, right? My logic was maybe the 16-80mm would be a good middle ground for travel versatility, but then I read a few threads saying the corners are soft at the wide end... which is annoying.
Budget is roughly 800-1000 bucks, give or take. Should I just save up for the 16-55 or is there a sleeper prime I should be looking at instead? I just dont want to regret the purchase a week into my vacation...
To add to the point above: the 40mp sensor is super demanding, so maybe ditch the idea of a massive zoom. If you want something that lives on the camera, have you considered just sticking to a prime? It changes the way you shoot street stuff entirely.
- Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR: Sharp as a tack, perfect for street, and way lighter than those zooms. It really lets the sensor shine.
- Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR: A bit tighter, but the rendering is gorgeous. Before you commit, are you actually okay with missing the zoom range? Most people traveling to Japan find they miss the reach when they just pack a prime, but the weight savings are huge. If you really need a zoom, have you looked at the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD? It is technically a third-party option but gives you more range than the Fuji glass for less money.
To add to the point above: ignore the zooms. Just grab the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R. It is tiny, sharp enough for travel, and wont ruin your back.
Congrats on the X-T5! That 40mp sensor is a beast, but it really exposes soft glass. Before you drop a grand, do you prioritize low light performance or that extra reach for street portraits?
- The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is optically incredible but definitely heavy.
- Consider the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR sibling, the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS. Are you okay with carrying a slightly larger body for that sharpness?
Honestly, grab the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR. It handles travel perfectly and the range is a lifesaver. Sharp enough for most things, despite what the pixel peepers say.
