What is the best all-around zoom lens for Fujifilm X-T5?

Question

so i just picked up an x-t5 and i am struggling to pick a daily zoom. i read that the old 18-55 kit is decent but maybe doesnt resolve that 40mp sensor correctly? then i look at the 16-80 f4 and half the reviews say its soft and the other half say its great for travel. im going to tokyo next month and really just want one lens so i dont have to swap in the crowds.

budget is around 800 bucks (used is fine)

needs to handle rain since its rainy season there

not too heavy cause i will be walking 20k steps a day

is there a better option i am missing or should i just suck it up and get the 16-55 red badge?

hphserseh · Accepted Answer

Re: "Just get any high-end zoom from Fujifilm! Their..." - i wish it were that simple but i found out the hard way that it isnt. i picked up the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR for a similar trip thinking it would be the perfect one-lens solution, but the image quality just didnt hold up on the 40mp sensor. it was super disappointing. the edges were mushy at 16mm and it felt like i was wasting the x-t5s potential. tbh i felt like i paid for convenience and got mediocre photos in return. The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is technically better but its basically a brick. after 10k steps my neck was killing me, so i cant imagine doing 20k in Tokyo crowds. plus its way over your budget brand new. i ended up selling mine because the weight just wasnt worth it for travel. If you really need the rain protection, you might look at the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD for Fujifilm X. i tried it recently and while its a bit chunky, the constant 2.8 is way more useful in the narrow alleys at night. you can find them used for under 600 bucks usually. i was kinda bummed it doesnt have an aperture ring tho... fuji really spoils us with those. just dont expect miracles from the old kit glass on that sensor, it really shows its age.

Janetnip · Answer

Just get any high-end zoom from Fujifilm! Their pro glass is absolutely amazing and handles rain like a boss! You honestly wont regret it!

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What is the best all-around zoom lens for Fujifilm X-T5?