I just scored a silver X-T30 II for my Japan trip next month and I'm so hyped to start shooting! I'm stuck between getting the tiny XC 15-45mm or a used XF 18-55mm since my budget is strictly under $300. Is the 18-55 really worth the extra weight for travel?
Coming back to this... if youre hunting for the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS, be careful with bargain listings under $300. I would suggest checking the glass for haze or fungus before you commit. One tech tip: that 3mm difference on the wide end of the Fujifilm XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ is actually huge for architecture, but the variable aperture is a total pain in low light. Honestly, if you can find a clean 18-55, jump on it. Just make sure to look for any loose rubber rings or zoom stiffness. Those older kits sometimes have QC issues after a few years of use. If you end up with the XC, just be gentle tho... that plastic mount wont handle a drop as well as the metal one on the XF.
@Reply #3 - good point! Tbh I learned the hard way with a cheap lens that had issues right before a trip... it was kinda a nightmare. If you want to stay under budget and play it safe, try this:
- Buy from a shop with a return policy
- Consider a used Fujifilm XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS II
- Save the extra cash for Japan The 16-50 is a decent option if the 18-55 is stretching things.
Congrats on the new body, but honestly, I gotta be the bearer of bad news about that tiny power zoom lens. I had issues with it from day one. It felt so cheap and plastic-y, plus the motor was basically annoying to use for travel shots... not as good as expected at all. It kind of ruined the vibe for me when I was out shooting. If you are trying to keep it under 300, my advice is to just go with Fuji glass. You really cant go wrong with any of their metal-mount zooms. Even the older ones are gonna be better than the plastic stuff. Or maybe just look at any of those third party options from brands like Sigma. Just get something that feels a bit more substantial so you dont regret it halfway through your trip. Japan is too pretty for gear that feels like a toy... tho thats just my two cents.
Just catching up here, the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS is definitely worth the extra weight.
- faster glass
- manual controls Used copies usually stay around $280.
