So I finally pulled the trigger on the X-T5 after saving for literal months and honestly I'm more stressed now than before I bought the damn thing. This 40 megapixel sensor is a beast but everyone online keeps saying oh you need the newest glass to actually use all that resolution and its driving me crazy because I'm not made of money. I just spent a fortune on the body and now I'm staring at these lens prices in total disbelief.
I'm basically torn between the XF 33mm f1.4 R LM WR and the XF 23mm f1.4 R LM WR. I do a lot of street stuff and some portraits when I'm out with friends around London but I cant decide which focal length is gonna be more of a do everything lens for me. The 33mm seems like the perfect normal lens but then I worry it's gonna be way too tight for narrow streets or indoors. Then there's the 23mm which is a total classic but is it gonna look weird for a nice headshot? I've also been looking at the older f2 versions because they're way cheaper and smaller which I love for travel but will they just look soft and crappy on this specific 40MP sensor?
I've got maybe 800 or 900 bucks left in my gear fund which is really pushing it for the new f1.4 stuff if I buy brand new but I need to make a move fast because I'm heading up to Edinburgh for a trip in three weeks and I really dont want to be stuck with just the kit lens the whole time. It's just so much pressure to get it right the first time and I don't want to end up having to sell it at a loss in two months. My brain is actually melting from watching too many YouTube reviews where every single person says something different. One guy says the 33mm is the sharpest thing Fuji has ever made and another says the 23mm is the only lens you'll ever need. If I go for the 33mm am I gonna regret not having that wider view? Or if I go 23mm am I gonna hate the distortion on faces?
Just tell me which one actually feels better on the T5 body in real life use because I'm honestly losing it...
Re: "Ive tried many setups over the years, but..." - unfortunately, I had a pretty rough time with the Fujifilm XF 23mm f1.4 R LM WR. My copy had some really annoying autofocus hunting issues and the extra weight made the T5 feel clunky. I ended up sticking with my Fujifilm XF 23mm f2 R WR. It isnt as sharp on the 40MP sensor, but the reliability and small size made it much better for travel.
Ive tried many setups over the years, but the Fujifilm XF 23mm f1.4 R LM WR is my reliable go-to for cramped streets. Quick question tho, do you prefer environmental or tight portraits?
Solid advice 👍
Honestly dont stress too much about the 40MP sensor, people online make it sound way scarier than it actually is. I've been using the Fujifilm XF 33mm f1.4 R LM WR on my T5 and I'm super satisfied with the results. The sharpness is just next level. For portraits of your friends, it looks way more natural than the 23mm which can stretch faces if you're close. Since you're heading to Edinburgh, those streets are tight. If you're really worried about space, the Fujifilm XF 23mm f1.4 R LM WR is the classic choice, but the 33mm feels better balanced on the T5 to me. I'd skip the older Fujifilm XF 23mm f2 R WR if you have the budget, the new glass is worth it for that sensor. Just grab the 33mm and dont look back, you'll love it.
