Ive been shooting with Fuji for a decade, mostly sticking to primes, but I just grabbed an X-T5 for a trip to Japan next month and Im honestly getting frustrated trying to decide on a single zoom. I dont want to be swapping glass while walking around Tokyo and Osaka, but everything I pick up feels either too bulky or just soft in the corners. I have about 1500 bucks to spend and really need something that covers street and a bit of architecture. Is the 16-55mm f2.8 still the go-to workhorse or is the newer 16-80mm worth the compromise in aperture for the range?
> I dont want to be swapping glass while walking around Tokyo and Osaka, but everything I pick up feels either too bulky or just soft in the corners. Honestly, I tried the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR and it was just a brick. It felt way too heavy on the X-T5 for a full day of walking, and honestly, I was disappointed by the balance. Then I grabbed the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR. Unfortunately, that one was not as sharp as I expected at the long end. I had issues with corner softness that really bothered me. If I could do it over, I would skip both and just pack the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS. It is way smaller and honestly keeps the camera feeling like a travel companion rather than a chore. Just watch your shutter speed, tho.
Honestly, jumping in here because I've had issues with the weight of the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR on the X-T5 body, it really kills the balance. The Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR is lighter, but unfortunately, the corner softness at 16mm is just not as good as expected. Are you planning on doing any low-light night photography in Shinjuku? That might change which compromise you can actually live with.
@Reply #2 - good point! honestly, the reach is super handy when you're navigating tight streets. look, after years of hauling gear around, my advice is to skip the brick if you want to actually enjoy your trip. the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is technically sharp, but it ruins the balance of the body for all-day walking. if you want to save some cash and keep your back happy, i really think you should look at the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS. you can find them used for dirt cheap because everyone sells them after the kit. yeah, it loses a little on the wide end compared to the 16mm, but it is so compact. if you need that architectural reach, combine it with the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR. together, you'll still be well under your 1500 limit and have way more versatility than a single heavy lens. i usually check out the reviews on lenstip or fujilove before pulling the trigger on new glass to see the real-world corner sharpness. tbh, for travel, the weight savings matter more than that extra stop of light. you're gonna be shooting during the day mostly, so the f/4 zoom is perfectly fine. dont overthink it, grab the smaller lens and spend the leftover money on some good ramen.
Adding my two cents, just grab a decent mid-range zoom from Fujifilm. Honestly, for Japan, the extra reach is usually worth losing a bit of light. Just travel light!