What is the actual best all-around lens for the X-T5 if I want to ditch the zoom life for a bit? Ive been shooting with Fuji since the X-T2 days and honestly I thought I had my kit dialed in, but lately Ive been feeling kinda burnt out carrying around the 16-55mm f2.8 everywhere. It is a fantastic lens, dont get me wrong, but that weight is starting to really get to me during my weekend hikes up in the PNW.
I want something that feels more balanced on the X-T5 body. I shoot a mix of street stuff, some landscapes, and the occasional portrait of my dog who refuses to sit still. Budget isnt super tight, maybe around 1k or 1.2k max, but I dont want to spend a fortune if I dont have to. Ive been eyeing the 23mm f1.4 WR because of that classic focal length, but then I keep hearing people swear by the 33mm f1.4 being the sharpest thing Fuji has ever made. Is the 33mm gonna be too tight for indoor stuff though? I feel like I might miss the wider view for those cramped city shots.
Ive got a trip coming up to Japan in about two months and I really want to nail down my setup before then because I dont want to be swapping glass constantly in the middle of a crowd. Should I just stick with the zoom and suck it up, or is there a prime that is actually versatile enough to keep on the camera 90 percent of the time? I know the 18mm is an option but I havent really warmed up to that look. Its just a weird transition period for me gear-wise, I guess. If I go prime, am I gonna regret losing that flexibility? What would you guys pick if you could only bring one lens to Tokyo for a week of wandering around?
To add to the point above: while the 23mm is classic, I would strongly suggest looking at the Fujifilm XF 16mm f1.4 R WR instead. Honestly, for a trip to Japan, you really want that extra width. Cramped izakayas or tight alleyways in Shinjuku are a nightmare with a 23mm or 33mm.
- The 16mm gives you a more immersive field of view for street photography.
- It has a super close minimum focusing distance, so it works great for food shots or your dog.
- You might find the 33mm too tight for general wandering, but 16mm lets you capture the whole scene. Just be careful with the distortion if you get too close to faces. It is a bit wider than the 23mm, but you can always crop in post if needed. You really dont want to be backed against a wall unable to get the shot in Tokyo.
Re: "Had some time to think about this while..." - honestly, dont ignore the Fujifilm XF 23mm f1.4 R LM WR. I used to carry the 16-55mm everywhere but the weight started killing my wrists during long trips. When I went to Japan, I brought the 23mm and never looked back. You have to be careful with the 33mm indoors; it feels way too tight in those tiny ramen shops where you can barely back up. The 23mm is basically a wide-angle normal lens that handles street scenes perfectly. Just make sure you practice your footwork since you lose the zoom. It feels so balanced on the X-T5 and you wont be constantly worried about lens swaps when youre in a massive crowd near Shibuya. Definitely grab this one before you head out.
Had some time to think about this while grabbing coffee. Moving away from the heavier zooms totally changes how much you enjoy the walk. Honestly, you should just look at some of the faster primes from Fuji. They feel so much better balanced on the body, especially when you are out for hours in a place like Tokyo. I tried swapping to a lighter kit a few years back and honestly, I havent looked back since.
- Save your money for the trip itself rather than stressing over the absolute sharpest glass.
- Smaller lenses mean you wont stand out as much when shooting street stuff.
- You will be much happier carrying less weight all day. Stick to a standard focal length and just enjoy the trip. You really cannot go wrong with the build quality of their prime lineup.
Honestly, ditching the zoom is the right move for Japan. You'll thank yourself when you're walking all day. I've been there and you really dont want that extra bulk weighing you down.
- The 23mm is way more versatile for tight city streets.
- You might regret the 33mm indoors. Stick to the 23mm range. It captures way more of the vibe without feeling like you're constantly fighting your gear.
Adding my two cents, honestly, leaving the zoom behind is a total game changer for travel. I did a similar swap before a long trip and the relief on my shoulders was worth every bit of lost flexibility. You just have to change how you approach your shots.
- Be careful with relying on one focal length; you will find yourself moving your feet a lot more.
- Make sure to practice with a fixed lens before you leave, otherwise you might feel frustrated when you cant just twist the barrel.
- I would suggest getting comfortable with cropping in post, since it becomes your new zoom. My own experience was a bit of a shock at first. I felt limited for maybe a day or two, but then I started seeing scenes differently. Just make sure to bring a decent bag that keeps the camera accessible so you actually want to take it out. If you trust your eye, the prime will force you to be more creative than any zoom ever could.