So I finally pulled the trigger on the X-T5 and Im taking it to Japan next month for a two week trip across Tokyo and Kyoto. Im super excited but honestly stressing about what lens to bring because I really dont want to be that person constantly stopping to swap glass while my wife waits for me. I need one lens that can do it all basically.
Im currently torn between these three options:
- Fujifilm 18-55mm f2.8-4 (its tiny and wont kill my neck but is it too old for the 40mp sensor?)
- Fujifilm 16-80mm f4 (perfect range and weather sealing but Ive heard mixed things on the sharpness)
- Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 (great for low light in the night markets but man it looks massive)
I really want to stay under an $800 budget and since I'm gonna be walking like 10 miles a day I need to be careful with weight. The 16-55mm f2.8 red badge is just too heavy and expensive for what I need right now. I want to be able to capture everything from tight street scenes to temples without carrying a bag full of primes or constantly fumbling in my backpack. Which one of those three is actually the best all-arounder for the T5 sensor specifically?
Seriously, grab the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary. I saved hundreds buying it and it resolved that 40mp sensor perfectly during my rainy Kyoto street sessions. Its tiny and sharp!
Honestly I went through the exact same struggle when I first got my T5. I ended up taking the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f4 R OIS WR on a trip to London and unfortunately it just didnt live up to the hype on that 40mp sensor. I had issues with the corners being noticeably soft and the autofocus felt kinda sluggish when I was trying to snap quick street scenes. It was really disappointing because the range is perfect but my photos just lacked that bite you expect from a high-res camera. I also tried out the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f2.8-4 R LM OIS since everyone raves about it but it just shows its age too much now... basically it wont resolve the detail that the T5 sensor is capable of capturing. If youre walking 10 miles a day you definitely want to avoid the Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 Di III-A VC RXD. I tried it at a camera shop and it felt like a brick, totally ruins the balance of the camera imo. If I were you I would actually look at the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary. I know its not one of your three but I switched to it after being frustrated with the others and it was such a relief. Its way smaller than the Tamron and way sharper than the 16-80. Its not weather sealed though which is a risk in Japan, but the image quality is so much better than those older zooms. Just my two cents based on my own failed attempts at finding a good travel lens.
To add to the point above: Sigma lacks sealing. In my experience, Japans rain is risky tho.
- Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f4 R OIS WR: Reliable sealing.
- Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 Di III-A VC RXD: Sharper glass.
Saw this earlier but just now responding... you are gonna have a blast in Japan! I took my T5 to Tokyo last year and honestly the 40mp sensor is incredible but it definitely demands good glass. Since youre walking 10 miles a day, you really have to be careful not to overpack or your neck will be killing you by day three. I have tested all of these on the high res sensor and here is how they stack up for a trip like yours:
- Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 Di III-A VC RXD: This is easily the sharpest zoom you can get for the money. It handles the high resolution sensor like a pro and that f2.8 is a lifesaver for night street shots in Shinjuku. The downside? Its a total brick. It feels massive on the T5 body and gets heavy fast.
- Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f2.8-4 R LM OIS: I love how small this is, but honestly it just doesnt resolve well enough for the T5 sensor. You will notice the corners getting pretty muddy if you do any cropping at all.
- Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary: This is the dark horse you should actually buy. Its tiny like the Fuji but has a constant f2.8 like the Tamron. It is super sharp and hits your budget perfectly. The only real con is it lacks an aperture ring which kinda sucks on a Fuji, but the size savings make it worth it. Personally I would grab that Sigma. It is basically the perfect middle ground for a trip where you want the quality without the back pain. Have a fantastic time in Kyoto, it is absolutely magical!
I've been thinking about your setup and honestly, I've got one quick question first... how much night photography are you actually planning on doing in the Tokyo alleys? If you're mostly shooting during the day, your options open up a lot. Since you're worried about weight and your budget, you might want to consider these:
- Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR: It's a total workhorse for Japan. Be careful tho, it's not the fastest glass, but the weather sealing is a lifesaver if you get caught in a Kyoto downpour.
- Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary: I'd suggest this for the weight alone, but make sure to note it doesn't have weather sealing. If it rains, you're gonna have to hide it away, which is annoying on a trip.
- Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS: Still a decent choice for travel, but honestly, it might feel a bit soft on that new 40mp sensor if you're trying to capture all the fine details of the temples. Just some things to think about before you pull the trigger. Japan is amazing, but that 10 miles of walking a day is no joke.
Finally someone says it. Ive been thinking this for a while but wasnt sure.
