Should I go for the XF 10-24mm f4 R OIS WR or just stick with a prime like the 14mm f2.8 for my X-S20 landscape setup? Ive been shooting Fuji for years mostly doing street and portraits but Im heading to the Dolomites next month and realized my current kit is way too tight for those massive mountain vistas. I really love the IBIS on the X-S20 but Im worried about edge sharpness and weird flare when shooting directly into the sun.
My budget is around $800-900 max. I looked at the Viltrox 13mm too since the reviews are crazy good but idk if I want that much weight in my pack for 10-mile hikes. Is the zoom versatility actually worth the trade off in wide open sharpness?...
Ive shot with almost every Fuji wide angle and unfortunately the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f4 R OIS WR really let me down for landscape work. Edge mushiness basically ruined my shots when stopped down. It just wasnt as good as expected for those high-res sensors. For those 10-mile Dolomites hikes, you'll regret carrying a heavy zoom. Here is my take:
- The Fujifilm XF 14mm f2.8 R is your best bet. It is light, has zero distortion, and handles sun stars way better than the zoom.
- If you want to save money, the Samyang AF 12mm f2 X is a tiny powerhouse.
- Skip the Viltrox 13mm f1.4 XF tho... it is a fantastic lens but it feels like a brick in your pack after 5 miles. Primes are definitely the way to go for the mountains. You will really appreciate the weight savings and the extra sharpness once you are up there!
