What wide-angle lens should I grab for my new Fujifilm X-S20? Im so pumped because I finally saved up and Im heading to Iceland next month for a dream trip!! I spent all night looking at reviews and now Im just stuck.
I saw people recommending the Fuji 10-24mm f4 because its versatile but then others say the Viltrox 13mm f1.4 is way better for northern lights since its faster. My budget is capped at $800 so I cant get both. Will I regret not having the zoom range while hiking or is that 13mm wide enough? I really want those crisp night shots...
Like someone mentioned, that 13mm is fast, but f/2.8 is usually the sweet spot for a lot of people. Iceland is incredibly windy and wet, so weather sealing is kind of a big deal if you are hiking all day. The Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR has that protection, but f/4 is honestly a struggle for aurora shots without a massive tripod and long exposures. A solid alternative that fits your budget is the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD Fuji X. It gives you the zoom range for landscapes and is fast enough at f/2.8 for the northern lights. It weighs less than the Fuji too, which helps on long hikes. Just something to consider if you want a balance between the speed of a prime and the flexibility of a zoom.
- Grab the Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF because f/1.4 is essential for cleaner aurora exposures.
- Its way cheaper than the zoom, leaving money for a high-quality tripod.
I have been obsessing over this exact same thing for weeks because I am also taking my X-S20 to Iceland soon! It is such a stressful decision because every brand has a catch and I am terrified of making the wrong choice for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I have been doing a deep dive into the brand differences and there are a few things you might want to consider that I found in my research:
- Third-party lenses like the Tokina atx-m 11-18mm f2.8 X give you that great aperture, but I have heard the flare control might not be as refined as the native Fuji coatings when you are shooting into the sun.
- You have to be careful with things like the Laowa 9mm f2.8 Zero-D because while it is super wide, the lack of electronic contacts means no EXIF data and no automatic in-camera lens corrections, which might be a pain for your workflow.
- Even if a lens says it is weather resistant, third-party seals sometimes aren't as robust as the native Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f4 R OIS WR, and Iceland's horizontal rain is no joke. I am honestly leaning one way and then immediately changing my mind an hour later. It is a huge investment and I really do not want to be stuck in a storm with gear I do not trust. I feel your pain so much on this one... let me know if you find any more info that helps clear the air!
@Reply #2 - good point! Iceland weather is brutal. I would suggest the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X instead. Its about $600, which is kinda perfect for your budget.
- Be careful with f/4 glass; you might need to push ISO way up for clean auroras.
- This lens hits that f/2.8 sweet spot for low light while keeping the zoom.
- Make sure to grab a rain cover since this isnt fully sealed tho.
Late to the party but I gotta chime in! I actually disagree with going for the Viltrox or the Sigma here. Iceland is basically a giant pressure washer, and since your X-S20 body itself isnt fully weather-sealed, you really need to prioritize your gears reliability! I would look at the Samyang AF 12mm f2.0 X instead. Its got actual weather sealing gaskets that the Viltrox lacks, and its a total beast for the aurora. The coma control is fantastic, which is technically what you want for those crisp, pin-point stars without any nasty smearing in the corners! Quick tip: Since that camera body isnt sealed, grab a Peak Design Shell Camera Cover Small to keep the North Atlantic spray off your electronics. Its a total lifesaver when the wind starts blowing mist sideways at the waterfalls! Youre gonna have an amazing trip!!
