I’m looking for the best all-around zoom lens to take on my trip to Japan next month with my new X-S20 and I’m honestly stuck. I’ve been looking at the classic 18-55mm f2.8-4 because everyone says it is the gold standard for size and weight which is huge for me since we will be doing a ton of walking but then I see people talking about the 16-80mm f4 being the ultimate travel lens because of that extra reach on both ends.
I found a used 16-80 for about $500 which fits my $800 budget perfectly but then I read some reviews saying the edges are really soft at 16mm and it makes me nervous about taking landscape shots of the temples in Kyoto. I also looked at the 18-135mm but it seems kinda old and bulky? I really want something that balances well on the X-S20 body since it isnt a massive camera and I dont want to be constantly swapping lenses while my girlfriend waits for me to catch up. Should I just stick with the kit lens or is the extra range worth the extra weight and potential softness issues? Its just so hard to decide when every YouTube video says something different...
I've been very satisfied with the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR for exactly what you're doing. The softness at 16mm is mostly a technicality that shows up in lab tests, but for actual landscapes, it performs just fine when stopped down. That 6.0 stops of OIS is the real reason to buy it... you can handhold sharp shots in dark shrines without a sweat. The Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS is a classic, but the shorter reach is kinda limiting for travel. Forget the Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR tho, its way too bulky for the X-S20. If you want something sharper and lighter, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a technical marvel at only 290g. Honestly, that 16-80 you found for $500 is the best value choice for Japan. No complaints here.
@Reply #1 - good point! Ive tried many, but the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is king. Found mine used for $680. Shot Kyoto handheld at 1/10s using that VC system.
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Building on the earlier suggestion, I've tried many travel setups over the years and honestly, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a total game changer for the X-S20. Its way smaller than those Fuji zooms. In my experience, having that constant f2.8 for low light is better than extra reach. Quick tip: just use the in-camera crop if you need to get closer... your back will thank you after walking 20k steps.
