honestly so sick of swapping lenses during my street walks in Seattle. I keep missing shots because I'm fumbling with my 35mm and 18mm primes and it's just driving me crazy. I spent 1700 on the body and just want one lens that stays on the camera forever.
What is the best all-around lens for the Fujifilm X-T5?
I'd suggest the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR as its the safest choice for Seattle. It works.
- Weather resistant
- Kinda heavy Its a decent, reliable option.
unfortunately I hated the 16-80, it was so blurry in Seattle.
- heavy
- soft Grab the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS instead, it is better value.
Seriously, grab the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR! Constant f/2.8 is fantastic and it'll handle the high resolving power of the 40MP sensor easily. Pricey but totally worth it!
Building on the earlier suggestion about the pro zooms, I totally agree that swapping glass in the Seattle mist is just asking for a dirty sensor. In my experience shooting over the years, you really need proper sealing if youre gonna keep one lens on the body at all times. While everyone loves the Fuji red badges, you should seriously compare them to the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD. Tbh its become my go-to for the X-T5. It covers more range than the 16-55 and the constant f2.8 is sharp enough for that 40MP sensor. If you want something smaller, there is the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary but its not as robustly sealed as the Tamron or the Fuji WR glass. For a forever lens that handles the PNW humidity, the Tamron is just more practical... plus the extra reach to 70mm is huge for street stuff when you cant get close. Its usually around 700 bucks which is a steal compared to the Fuji pro zooms.
To add to the point above: I am literally going through this exact same thing right now and it is driving me insane. I bought my X-T5 months ago and I still havent settled on a single lens because I am honestly terrified of ruining the internals.
- My biggest worry is the 160-lp/mm resolving power needed for that 40MP sensor.
- Swapping glass in the Pacific Northwest humidity is basically an invitation for sensor dust or moisture issues.
- I spend more time looking at technical MTF charts than actually taking photos lately. Its funny tho because I spent like three hours yesterday just researching waterproof zippers for my camera bag. I found this one brand that uses marine-grade seals but the bag itself is ugly as sin and weighs a ton. I just want something that keeps my gear dry without looking like I am going on a week-long trek through the mountains. Anyway, I still dont have an answer for you either, but yeah.
