Im pulling my hair out trying to pick a lens for my new X-T5. I really want one solid do-it-all piece of glass because I have a trip to Japan coming up in like three weeks and I dont want to be swapping lenses on the street while trying to keep up with my friends. I looked at the 16-80mm f/4 because the range is perfect but then I read a ton of reviews saying the corners are soft and it isnt sharp enough for the 40mp sensor, which is super annoying. Then I checked the 18-55mm kit lens, and while everyone says its a classic, I feel like Im paying for performance that might already be dated? My budget is around 800 to 1000 bucks tops because I already spent so much on the body. Im just stuck in this loop of watching endless YouTube comparisons and honestly every reviewer contradicts the last one. Is the 16-80mm actually fine for travel or am I gonna regret not getting a prime like the 23mm or 35mm f/1.4? I just need someone to tell me what they actually use for general street and travel stuff without me having to carry a whole bag of gear...
Honestly, skip the kit lenses. I took the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR to Tokyo years ago and it never left my camera. It is a beast, sure, but that weather sealing saved me during a sudden downpour in Kyoto. The sharpness holds up perfectly on that high-res sensor. Just keep it simple and focus on the shots, dont worry about swapping glass.
Building on the earlier suggestion, be careful with the older glass on that 40mp sensor. You might want to consider the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR. It is super convenient for Japan travel, but yes, the edges can be soft.
- The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is way sharper and lighter, though it lacks aperture rings.
- Make sure to check if you need weather sealing, which that Sigma misses.
This thread is gold. Bookmarking for future reference 🔖
Honestly, if you are heading to Japan soon, stop stressing about the 40mp sensor specs. I have been shooting Fuji for years and the Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is honestly a sleeper hit for travel. Yeah, its a bit bigger, but the reach is incredible for temples and street shots where you just cant get close enough. I have used it on tons of trips and the stabilization is legit magic for handheld night shots. You dont want to be swapping glass while your friends are moving fast. Just slap that on and dont look back. If you really want something sharper, get a tiny Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR to throw in your pocket for when you need a smaller setup at night. Youll have way more fun not worrying about gear.
