Im getting so frustrated trying to pick a new wide angle for my X-T4. I keep reading reviews and watching these endless youtube videos but honestly every single one just leaves me more confused than when I started. I have a trip to Iceland coming up in less than three weeks and I really dont want to be stuck with just my kit lens when I get there because I know Im gonna regret not having something wider for those massive landscapes. My budget is capped at like 800 bucks which makes this even more annoying since I dont want to buy total junk but I also cant afford the crazy expensive red badge glass.
Right now Im pretty torn between the Viltrox 13mm f1.4 and the Fujifilm 16mm f2.8. The Viltrox seems like a beast for low light which would be sick for night shots but its so much heavier and I know my back is gonna hate me after hiking all day. Then there is the Fuji 16mm which is tiny and weather sealed which is a huge plus for the Icelandic rain but maybe its not wide enough to actually get the shots I want? I was even looking at the Samyang 12mm manual focus but I think my eyes are too bad to trust myself with manual focus in the field especially when Im rushed. Its just so frustrating because I feel like Im compromising on something no matter what I choose. Why is it so hard to find a lens that is wide enough but also light and not a total bank breaker? Has anyone actually used these in real world conditions or am I overthinking the size difference and should just pull the trigger on the Viltrox anyway?
Like someone mentioned, you really need that extra width for Iceland, but I gotta be honest, the Viltrox can be a bit chunky for a long day of trekking. If you want something that hits that sweet spot of size, performance, and price, you should seriously check out the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 X. I know you mentioned being wary of manual focus lenses, but this is the autofocus version and it is a total game changer for the price. I have used this lens for years and the weight is basically nothing compared to the Viltrox, which makes a huge difference when you are hiking in the wind and rain. The weather sealing is solid too. Honestly, 12mm is a lot wider than 16mm and you will notice it immediately when you are trying to frame up those massive waterfalls or cliff sides. You dont have to break the bank either, especially if you look for a used copy on MPB or KEH. You can easily find one well under your 800 budget, leaving you extra cash for extra batteries or a decent travel tripod. Dont stress too much about the aperture difference either; modern sensors on the X-T4 are so good at handling high ISO that you wont really miss that extra half-stop of light unless you are doing deep astro work. Grab this, save your back, and thank me when you are out there in the elements.
Honestly, skip the 16mm if you are heading to Iceland because you will definitely miss that extra width for the sweeping dramatic landscapes! I have been using the Viltrox 13mm f1.4 XF for a while now and the optical performance is just insane for the price. Sure, it is a bit heavier than the fuji glass, but the f/1.4 aperture is a total game changer for those dark Icelandic nights or even just shooting handheld in moody weather. The sharpness across the frame is fantastic! If you are worried about the weight, just grab a solid strap and honestly the image quality upgrade is worth every single gram. You really dont want to compromise on focal length when you are staring at a massive waterfall. Go for the Viltrox, you wont regret it!
To add to the point above: if weight is killing you, check out the Fujifilm XF 14mm f2.8 R. It is sharp, super compact, and perfect for those epic Icelandic mountain vistas.
@Reply #3 - good point! The 14mm is a classic for a reason. Since you are worried about the weight vs width trade-off for Iceland, I've been thinking about your setup. Have you considered whether you prefer a prime for the weight savings or if a zoom would actually serve your hiking needs better? Also, how much do you prioritize weather resistance over raw aperture speed when shooting in those conditions?
