What is the best budget wide-angle lens for the Fujifilm X-S20? I just picked up the body last week and I am super stoked but I realized my 18-55mm kit lens just isnt gonna cut it for the trip I have planned to Zion next month. I really need something wider for those massive canyon views but my bank account is hurting after buying the camera so I am looking to stay under $350 or $400 max.
Ive been looking online and keep seeing the Samyang 12mm f2 pop up as the go-to cheap option but I am confused because some people say the manual focus one is fine and others say the newer AF version is a must-have for the X-S20 specifically. Then I saw the TTArtisan 10mm or the 13mm Viltrox but the Viltrox looks huge and I dont want to be lugging a heavy setup while hiking all day.
- samyang 12mm (is the AF worth the extra cash?)
- ttartisan 10mm (is it too soft?)
- maybe a used fuji 10-24?
I just want something sharp enough that wont break the first time it gets a little dust on it. Is the autofocus actually important for landscapes or am I overthinking this? I keep going back and forth on whether to go super cheap or wait...
Zion is absolutely epic but yeah, that 18mm end of your kit lens is gonna feel really cramped when youre standing at the bottom of the canyon looking up. Unfortunately, I tried to go the ultra-budget route with the TTArtisan 10mm f2.0 ASPH Fujifilm X Mount and it was pretty disappointing. The image quality just wasnt as good as I expected, especially the corners which stayed soft no matter what I did. Plus, the flare control was kinda messy when the sun was high up, which happens a lot in those red rocks. You asked about the autofocus and honestly... for landscapes, its not strictly necessary since youre usually focused at infinity anyway. But theres a catch. I had some issues with the older Samyang 12mm f2.0 NCS CS Manual Focus where the build quality felt a bit flimsy and it sucked in dust like a vacuum. The newer Samyang AF 12mm f2.0 X Mount isnt just about the autofocus; it has actual weather sealing. Since youre going to a desert park, that seal is huge. Zion is super sandy and that grit gets everywhere. The Viltrox AF 13mm f1.4 XF is legendary for sharpness but its a total brick. Lugging that thing up the West Rim Trail sounds like a nightmare for your neck. Tbh, if you can find a used Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f4 R OIS WR within your budget, thats the gold standard, but they usually go for $450+. Just grab the AF Samyang and dont look back.
