I finally bit the bullet and upgraded to the X-T5 after years with the X-T2 and I'm honestly a bit overwhelmed by the sensor resolution. My old 18-55mm has been my workhorse forever but I'm starting to notice it just doesnt quite keep up with the 40 megapixels especially at the edges. So I was thinking about the 16-55mm f2.8 because obviously the optics are top tier but man that thing is a brick. My logic was that I want one lens for my trip to Tuscany in three weeks because I hate switching glass in dusty streets but then I look at the 16-80mm f4 and the reviews are so polarizing.
Some people say the 16-80 is fine for the X-T5 if you stop it down but others say it's soft as mush compared to the newer primes. Im kinda stuck between wanting that extra reach and wanting to actually utilize the sensor I paid for. I even looked at the Sigma 18-50 because it's so tiny but then I lose the aperture ring which feels wrong on a Fuji body. Budget is around 1100 bucks so the 16-55 is doable if I find a good used copy but is the lack of OIS gonna be a dealbreaker even with the IBIS in the T5? Just trying to find that sweet spot for:
- sharpness across the frame
- portability for 10-mile walking days
- weather sealing since it rains a lot where I live
What are you guys actually keeping on your T5 most of the time? I feel like I'm going in circles...
The Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary is tiny for hiking, but get the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR used if you want legendary sharpness. IBIS handles everything!
Tbh you might want to look at the Fujifilm XF 18-120mm f4 PZ WR. Its actually a very reliable choice for travel because of the internal zoom mechanism, so no dust gets sucked into the barrel while you're in Tuscany.
- constant f4 is decent for daylight
- weather sealing is top notch for rain
- weight is easy enough for hiking Its a safe, all-weather option for that 40mp sensor.
Man i totally get the 40mp struggle! I went through the exact same thing when i upgraded. Honestly, if you want to see those megapixels shine in Tuscany, you gotta go with the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR. It is a beast, yeah, but the images are just incredible! Heres how I see your options:
- Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR: My daily driver. Sharpness is insane. Dont worry about OIS, the X-T5 IBIS is fantastic and handles it no problem!
- Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f4 R OIS WR: Great range, but it feels a bit mushy on the new sensor... kinda disappointing for the price.
- Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary: Tiny and fast, but losing that aperture ring is a total buzzkill on a Fuji body. Get a good strap and bring the 16-55, you wont regret it when you see those Italian landscapes! Its seriously amazing glass.
Late to the party but you should be careful with the 16-80mm on that 40mp sensor. Like someone mentioned, it gets pretty mushy at the edges. Since you're walking 10 miles a day in Italy, you might want to consider the Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 Di III-A VC RXD as a middle ground. Keep these technical bits in mind:
- It has a constant f2.8 and is weather sealed for those rainy days.
- The optics actually resolve much better than the 16-80mm in my experience.
- Be warned it lacks that physical aperture ring you like. If the ring is a dealbreaker, I would suggest just getting a used Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR. The T5 IBIS is solid enough that you wont miss the OIS. Just grab a good strap for the weight... you wont regret the sharpness when you see those landscape shots later.
