To add to the point above: > I want just one lens that can do everything like buildings and food and photos of my wife without being too heavy Since youre using an X-T5, that 40MP sensor is quite demanding on optical quality. For a beginner, a zoom lens is significantly more practical than a prime lens for travel. You will want the flexibility to frame architecture without having to physically move back into traffic or narrow alleys. The Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR is a standard recommendation for this body. It retails for around $800 and offers great versatility. Alternatively, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X is much lighter and costs about $500. The Sigma lacks the long reach of the Fuji but the f/2.8 aperture is better for low light and creates a more pleasing blur for portraits. Both options are well within your budget and much easier to manage than carrying multiple lenses... definitely stick to a zoom for Italy.

Late to the party but I wanted to throw in two awesome third-party options that work incredibly well on the X-T5. First is the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X. I have been so satisfied with this tiny lens. Its super light, which is perfect for walking around Italy all day, and the image quality is stellar. My only safety concern is it lacks weather sealing, so you gotta be careful if it starts pouring. If you want something more rugged, look at the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD for Fujifilm X. It has full weather sealing and built-in stabilization, which gives me peace of mind against blurry shots. The downside is its quite a bit heavier and bulkier. Both fit right in your budget. Let me know if you need more help deciding!

Wait really?? Thats actually super helpful. I always thought it was the other way around.

Unfortunately, I've seen too many people kind of ruin their first big trip by bringing a lens that was way too heavy or just not as sharp as they hoped. I had issues with a cheap all-in-one zoom a few years back and the photos were honestly not as good as expected... blurry and just lacked that pop. For Italy, you definitely want a zoom thing so you can frame those narrow streets easily without having to run around constantly. One major warning though: avoid those massive professional lenses that weigh a ton. They might look cool but they will kill your neck by noon if you're walking five miles a day. Stick to a versatile, mid-range zoom that stays light. You're gonna have an amazing time, just keep snapping pictures of everything!