Old Coot

The 50-230 is a "C" class lens designed to be much less expensive than other lenses in the Fuji line and is made with a plastic body and obviously will not have the IQ of the more expensive ones

stevefrankel

I owned all 3 "kit" lenses taking several hundred shots with each. I found the 16-80 fat and awkward, with no particular character to the images; OK, but no cigar. I loved the imaging and versatility of the 15-45, but it needed to be longer on the top end -- and I had problems thinking about a plastic mount. The 18-55 was my Goldilocks story: it was light and fast enough to suit my needs, especially if augmented by some other lens. Its one weakness is no weather resistance (WR) on the lens. I'm shooting outside most of the time, and the WR on the body was problematic without a WR lens.

I bought the 35mm f2 because it was tiny, light, and WR. It's also amazingly short and fast. Mounted on X-T5, it's the size and weight of the Leica Q2 (See my article in the latest Macfolio on why it's probably better than the Q2 at triple the price).

Then bought the Fujinon 10-24mm F4 WR, OIS. This is an actual "cult" lens for those who have used it. For architectural shots, landscapes, street shooting in crowded areas, and family holidays -- it may be one of the best lenses of all time.

Finally, I got the Fujinon 90mm F2 WR. It is the best telephoto I've ever used, weighing just over a pound. It is so sharp, and the T5's 40MG sensor is so good. When I crop the image to about 10% full-size, I can get 20x30"s that are as good as those shot taken with a topnotch 400mm lens.

The T5 body and the four lenses cost much less than a bare $5600 Leica Q2. Everything costs about $4000 -- either new or in EX condition on eBay. Fitted into my ancient Lowepro Nova 180 camera bag, the kit weighs under 7 pounds. I'll be shooting in Australia, Indonesia, and either Spain or Japan this year, and I can't think of any shots for which the outfit is lacking.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Please use the “quote reply” tab under the post you’re replying to rather than “quick reply” so we’ll know who your comment is directed to.

photogead

Thanks for the info. The 10-24mm F4 WR, OIS might be my choice instead of the kit lens for now.

stevefrankel

Pair the Fujinon 10-24mm with either the 35mm or 50mm F2, and you'll have a combo that can't be beat. If you also get the 90mm F2, you'll have the best that Fujifilm offers.