Honestly so annoyed right now because I just got back from a week hiking and half my shots from the X-T5 look like a mushy mess. Ive been using the old 18-55 kit lens since I upgraded and it just isnt cutting it anymore with that 40mp sensor. Everything looks soft when I crop even a little bit and its driving me crazy.
I need a zoom that actually stays sharp for landscapes and street stuff when Im in Seattle next month. I have about $1000 to spend and just want one lens that can stay on the camera 90% of the time. Should I go for the 16-55 or is the 16-80 actually any better for this sensor?
Im very happy with the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR for that sensor.
- 16-55: Pro resolving power
- Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR: Soft edges It works well.
The X-T5 is seriously amazing! Quick question tho, do you use a tripod on hikes or just shoot handheld? For total peace of mind, the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is fantastic since it is officially rated for that 40mp sensor. It is so reliable! If that is too big, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a sharp alternative that is much lighter imo.
> Everything looks soft when I crop even a little bit and its driving me crazy. Yeah that 40mp sensor is basically a microscope for lens flaws... the old kit lens just wasnt built for that kind of density. If you want to play it safe, stay away from the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR. Its a decent walkaround lens but the edges get pretty mushy on the X-T5, which sounds like exactly what you're trying to avoid. I'd personally recommend the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR for your Seattle trip. Its the most reliable option for sharpness across the frame. It is a bit heavy, but it definitely solves the cropping issue. If the weight scares you, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X is a solid runner up. Its way smaller and very sharp, plus it leaves you some extra cash for coffee while you're traveling.
Honestly its ridiculous how these camera companies push high megapixel sensors on us and then act like our perfectly fine older glass isnt gonna look like a total mushy mess. It feels like such a scam sometimes... you spend all that money on a new body and then realize youre basically forced to drop another grand just to see what the sensor can actually do. It drives me crazy how much extra weight and cash we have to carry now just to keep things sharp. A few things that really bug me:
- The constant need to pixel peep because the tech is too sensitive
- Prices for decent zooms getting way out of control
- Manufacturers ignoring the fact that we dont all want to carry a brick on a hike Tbh it is just exhausting keeping up with it all. I have been in that exact spot where I get home from a trip and just want to bin the whole kit because the files look so soft. Its frustrating when you just want one setup that works without a massive headache.
