What is the absolute best zoom lens to pair with the Fujifilm X-S20 for a three-week trip to Japan next month?
I'm leaving in like three weeks and I am stressing out so hard about my gear setup. My budget is around $800 max for the lens, and I really want to keep things light because we'll be walking like 20k steps a day in Tokyo and Kyoto.
I spent the last three days reading reviews and everyone keeps recommending either the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 or the Fuji 18-55mm kit lens. But then I saw people saying the Sigma lacks stabilization, and even though the X-S20 has IBIS, I'm super worried my video footage is gonna be shaky when walking. On the other hand, people say the Fuji 18-55 is getting a bit old, or that I should look at the new 16-50mm but that one seems slower at the telephoto end.
I mostly shoot street photos at night and do some casual vlogging, so low light performance and stabilization are keeping me up at night. I really don't want to buy the wrong thing and regret it the whole trip.
Is the Sigma's constant f2.8 worth losing the lens stabilization, or should I stick to a native Fuji zoom for the best compatibility?
Oh I was in your exact shoes before my trip last year! I get so anxious about gear failing or getting blurry shots! For Japan, you absolutely need something reliable. I ended up testing both of these on my X-S20 and here is my honest take to help you feel safe and confident.
- Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f2.8-4 R LM OIS: This is the safest bet for vlogging! Having both the lens stabilization and the camera IBIS working together makes the video footage incredibly smooth! It feels like a safety net. The only downside is it gets a bit darker at 55mm, but for daytime and casual night shots it is fantastic!
- Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary: I love this one because it is so incredibly tiny and light! The constant f2.8 is amazing for night street photography in Kyoto. But honestly, walking and vlogging without lens stabilization made me nervous, even with the X-S20 IBIS. Personally, I would go with the Fuji 18-55mm! It just gives me peace of mind knowing the stabilization is top-notch. You will have an amazing time in Japan! Let me know if you need any other tips for packing light, I can totally share my list!
If you want to play it safe for video and night shots on a budget, get a used Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f2.8-4 R LM OIS. The OIS combined with the X-S20 IBIS is much more reliable for walking footage. With the money saved, you can grab a cheap, fast prime for night street photos:
- Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 R WR for a tiny setup.
- Fujifilm XF 35mm f2 R WR for low-light. This combo easily fits under your $800 budget.
Regarding what #1 said, I went through this exact dilemma last year. I chose the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary Fuji X and have no complaints. The X-S20 IBIS works so well that I didnt miss lens stabilization at all, even for casual walk-and-talk videos. Having that constant f2.8 for night street photography in Tokyo is a game changer. Super happy with how light it is too. Hit me up if you need any settings tips!
Just to narrow this down a bit:
- Do you prefer wider shots for vlogging, or tighter framing for street details?
- How much night shooting do you actually plan to do?
