Ive been shooting with the Fuji X-system since the X-T2 days, and honestly, the jump to the X-T5 has been awesome. The 40mp sensor is no joke though, it really exposes glass that cant keep up. I usually spend my weekends roaming around Chicago doing street photography and the occasional portrait session for friends, so I need something that handles that mix well without me having to carry a bag full of primes everywhere.
I used to live by the 23mm f/2 but I feel like I want something with a bit more reach lately. I considered the 16-55mm f/2.8 because everyone says its the gold standard, but man, that thing is heavy and huge. It kinda defeats the purpose of why I switched to Fuji in the first place, right? I dont want to feel like Im carrying a brick around all day. I have about 1200 bucks set aside for this, maybe a bit more if I can sell off my old 18-55 kit lens.
Ive looked at the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 because its tiny, but I worry about the edge sharpness on that 40mp sensor compared to the native Fuji glass. Does the lack of aperture ring drive anyone else crazy on third-party lenses? I really dont want to sacrifice the tactile experience that makes the X-T5 fun to use. Also, is the 16-80mm worth it for the OIS and range, or is the aperture just too slow for indoor stuff? I need this sorted before my trip to the Pacific Northwest in August because I dont want to be swapping lenses in the rain.
What is the best all-around lens that actually makes sense for the X-T5 without making it feel like a DSLR?
To add to the point above: honestly, if you want that tactile Fuji feel without the massive weight of the 16-55mm, you really need to look at the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR alternatives. I get that the weight is a dealbreaker, but have you considered the Fujifilm XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR? It is super sharp for the 40mp sensor and the power zoom is actually pretty sick for video too.
- The Fujifilm XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR gives you way more reach than your old lens.
- Weather sealing is non-negotiable for the PNW, and this one handles it like a champ. I wouldnt bother with the Sigma since missing the aperture ring honestly ruins the flow on the X-T5. Just grab the 18-120mm and keep your gear light, trust me.
TL;DR: Check out the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR if you want the best image quality, but honestly, look at the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR for travel. The 16-80mm is way lighter for long days, and the OIS is killer in the PNW. Yeah, f/4 is slower indoors, but the X-T5 handles high ISOs fine. It balances better on the body than the heavy glass.
Saw this earlier but keep getting stuck on the 40mp sensor. Do you need weather sealing for the PNW? You should definitely look at the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR.
Regarding what #2 said about the 40mp sensor, be careful. That high resolution really demands top-tier glass. I use the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR but honestly, it is heavy for a full day of walking.
- Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS is decent but might struggle with that sensor
- Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR is great for travel reach, just watch your shutter speed indoors. Keep that budget in mind, it really helps to have extra cash for accessories.