Im picking up my new X-T5 in like two days for a trip to Japan and I am totally freaking out because I still havent settled on a lens. I need something that can handle street photography but also some decent landscape shots while I'm hiking around Kyoto. I looked into the 16-80mm f/4 because everyone says it is a solid travel zoom but then I read a bunch of forum posts saying it is soft on the edges or the aperture is too slow for low light so now Im back to square one.
Then I saw people swearing by the 18-55mm kit lens since its super compact but Im worried about missing out on better sharpness if I just stick with that one. My budget is around 800-900 bucks tops because the body already wiped out my savings account. I just want one lens that doesnt feel like a brick around my neck but gives me that sharp look people expect from this sensor. Is the 16-80mm actually okay or should I just hunt for a used 16-55mm or maybe a prime? Im so stressed about making the wrong choice before I leave...
Re: Honestly, skip the kit lenses if you want... I hear you, but the weight of that 16-55mm gets real tiring on long hikes. I grabbed a used Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR for my own Japan trip and honestly, it works great for daytime street stuff. If you save money there, you can pick up a sharp Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R later for low light. Super happy with that combo and it leaves cash for snacks.
Honestly, skip the kit lenses if you want to push that high-res sensor. I would suggest picking up a used Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR instead. It is heavy, sure, but the sharpness is leagues ahead of the 16-80mm. Be careful about the weight for long hikes, but the weather sealing is a lifesaver in Japan. It handles street and landscapes perfectly without needing to swap glass constantly.
To add to the point above: be careful about committing to a heavy setup if you have never hauled gear around all day. I once took a massive lens on a week-long trip and ended up leaving the camera in the hotel half the time because my neck was killing me. It really ruins the experience when you are physically exhausted. Before you pull the trigger, just consider these things:
- How much weight are you actually comfortable carrying for 8+ hours of walking through temples?
- Does weather sealing actually matter to you, or are you mostly shooting in dry conditions? I would suggest testing how much weight you can handle before buying. Just try walking around your block with a heavy water bottle in your bag for a few hours. If that feels like a chore, you might want to consider something smaller regardless of the sharpness trade-off.
Yep, this is the way
Forget the heavy stuff! Just grab a used Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS. It is super sharp and cheap. I actually found mine in a bargain bin in Osaka once, anyway.
Big if true