What is the best all-around lens for the Fujifilm X-T5 if I am mostly doing travel photography? I finally picked up the body last week for my trip to Japan in October and I am struggling to pick a single lens to bring.
I saw people recommending the 18-55mm kit because it is cheap and light but then others say the 16-80mm is better for the reach. I am worried because the X-T5 has that high resolution sensor and I dont want to buy something that looks soft or cant keep up with the 40mp. My budget is around $800 and I just want one lens that stays on the camera 90% of the time. Is the 16-55mm f2.8 actually worth the extra weight or is there a better option?
I'd suggest these: 1. Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR handled my Tokyo shots with high resolving power. 2. Be careful, the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR looks soft.
Just saw this thread. @Reply #1 - good point! The 16-55 is optically great but honestly... its a massive heavy brick for a travel lens. I carried it around Kyoto for a week and my neck was literally killing me by day three. Not fun when you're walking 20k steps a day. Unfortunately, i have had issues with the older kit lenses on the 40mp sensor too. I tried sticking with my trusty Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS but it just wasnt as good as expected once I started cropping into my shots. The high resolution really exposes the glass. I also picked up a used Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR thinking it would be the perfect one-lens solution, but the corners were so soft it drove me nuts. Felt like a bit of a waste of that expensive sensor tbh. If you want to stay under that $800 mark and get something that actually keeps up with the X-T5, you should check out the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X. Its tiny, way cheaper than the Fuji red-badge, and surprisingly sharp. It doesnt have an aperture ring which kinda sucks if you're used to the Fuji style, but for travel? Its a lifesaver. Another solid shout is the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD for Fujifilm X. It gives you that extra reach you wanted and has stabilization, which is nice if you're doing handheld video in the neon streets at night. Glad to help if you have more questions about the used market too...
^ This. Also, in my experience shooting in damp conditions, reliability is everything. Over the years I've seen lenses fail from basic environmental exposure. For your X-T5, the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is the safest bet. It was built specifically to resolve that 40mp sensor.
- Weather sealing (WR) gives you peace of mind in the rain.
- Internal zooming means fewer moving parts to break or snag.
- Sharp enough for high-res without the 16-55 weight.
> I dont want to buy something that looks soft or cant keep up with the 40mp. Adding my two cents... you really gotta watch out for lens weight when doing 15k steps a day. I would suggest looking at the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary for your X-T5. It is tiny but sharp enough for that high res sensor. Just be careful though because it isnt weather sealed like the native fuji glass... thats the only real risk.
