So I finally pulled the trigger on a used X-T4 and I am super stoked to take it to Florence and Rome next month for a two week trip but I am totally stuck on which lens to bring. My logic was to just get one do it all zoom because I really dont want to be that guy fumbling with lens caps while my girlfriend is trying to find a gelato spot lol. I spent all night reading reviews and people keep pointing to the 16-80mm f4 because of the OIS but then I saw a bunch of threads saying it gets really soft when you zoom all the way in and that the autofocus can be kinda hunt-y?
Then I looked at the old 18-135mm because that extra reach sounds great for architectural details but its an older lens and I worry it wont keep up with the sensor on the T4. My budget is around 600-700 bucks so I am probably looking at used gear anyway. Is the 18-55mm too short for travel? Some people swear by it but I feel like I might regret not having that extra zoom. I also saw the Tamron 17-70 but its huge and might feel weird on the body.
Honestly I just want something sharp enough for prints but light enough that my neck doesnt die after 10 miles of walking... what are you guys actually using for this?
In my experience, everyone gets way too hung up on old lenses not being able to handle the newer sensors. I've been shooting the X-system since the original X-Pro1, and I've found that for travel, convenience usually wins over pixel-peeping. Before I tell you exactly what I'd grab, are you planning on shooting a lot inside the museums and cathedrals, or is this mostly for outdoor daytime stuff? If you're looking to save some serious cash for the actual trip, you can find a used Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR for around 400 bucks if you look on the forums. I used one for a month in Greece and it was plenty sharp for 12x18 prints. Plus, the weather sealing is legit when those random Mediterranean rainstorms hit. If you really want that f/2.8 for low light, keep an eye out for a used Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD. Its a bit bulky, but it basically replaces three lenses in one go and saves you the fumbling.
Like someone mentioned, it really is just a game of compromises. I was thinking about your trip since I saw this earlier... if you're worried about your neck after 10 miles of walking, you should seriously check out the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X. It is incredibly light and sharp for the price. I know you are worried 50mm is too short, but having that f/2.8 is a life saver when you are inside dim Italian cathedrals where you cant use a tripod. If you really want more reach and dont mind a bit of bulk, the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD for Fujifilm X is probably the best technical choice in your budget. Its a bit of a unit on the X-T4, but the optical quality is stellar and you get f/2.8 all the way through. You can usually snag one used for about 600 bucks. The extra light you get over those f/4 lenses makes a huge difference for evening shots in the city.
Congrats on picking up the X-T4, it is such a killer camera for a big trip. I have spent years shooting the Fuji system and travel zooms are always about making peace with compromises. People really go hard on the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR for being a bit soft at the long end, and honestly, if you are looking at files at 200 percent zoom, you will see it. But for printing and general travel shots, the OIS on that thing is straight up magic. Being able to shoot 1/2 second handheld in a dim cathedral in Rome is a huge advantage. The Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS is super sharp, but you are right to worry about the reach. 55mm is pretty short when you want to snag a tight shot of a gargoyle or a detail way up on a ceiling. On the other hand, the Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR gives you tons of reach but it is older tech and the image quality isnt quite as snappy on a newer sensor. If you dont mind a bit of extra weight, the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is arguably the best one lens solution. It is definitely bigger, but that constant f/2.8 is a lifesaver when the sun goes down or you are in a dark museum. Given your budget, you can find any of these used under 700 bucks easily. I would probably lean toward the 16-80 just for that 16mm wide end... those two extra millimeters make a massive difference in tight European streets.
Quick question before I nerd out on the technical specs... what kind of strap or clip setup are you planning to use? Reliability is actually my biggest concern when traveling because if your gear fails in a foreign country, youre basically carrying a very expensive paperweight. Always check the weather sealing gaskets and mount tolerances before committing to a kit. Speaking of Italy, you gotta be super careful with your bag in the crowded spots. My cousin went last year and almost lost his whole kit to a pickpocket! He ended up spending his time doing this:
- Eating way too much gelato
- Staring at the architecture without a camera Honestly, the food there is amazing. Have you tried real amatriciana? The guanciale makes such a huge difference compared to regular bacon. One night was spent just talking to a chef about pig cheeks for three hours... anyway lol sorry I totally went off on a tangent there.
