photogead

So I’ve decided on purchasing a Fuji XT-5. My question is related to the kit lenses being packaged with the XT-5 the 16-80 & 18-55. The 16-80 just about covers the range I would like so I’m leading that direction. I would like to know from users who have this combination what they think ..,,, image quality, sharpness etc or if you had to purchase the Fuji XT-5 again would you pass on the kit lens and go with a different Fuji lens or lenses?

auto Loc: Fredericksburg Va.

Just bought a xt5 and so far not happy with it, with a 50-230 mm lens not very sharp at 230mm Also have a 18-35 and for the most part sharp unless cropping a long distance subject. My xt-100 is very sharp with same lens most of the time.. I am in touch with seller re: this issue.

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

I read awhile ago that the 16-80mm lens at certain focal lengths wasn’t that sharp. The 18-55mm lens gets good reviews for a kit lens.. I would look for the lens I really want and buy that and forget the kit lens.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

My take on this is that the world's best camera will always be reduced to the quality of the lens attached to it. The camera sensor is only capable of producing what it sees. My advice (and I have Fujifilm) is to buy the body without the kit lenses and apply those savings toward the lens of your choice.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I’m using the 16-80 on an X-T2 which is only 24MP, so not sure if my experience is directly comparable, but I find it’s a good lens, and plenty sharp for a zoom. After purchasing it, I did a comparison using a resolution target and a tripod between it (at 80mm) and 3 other Fuji lenses covering that range: the 16-80 @ 80mm, a 15-140 f2.8 @80mm, a 70-300 @80mm and a 90mm f2. I tested each lens wide open. The 16-80 and the 50-140 (which is a more expensive “red label” zoom) both produced very similar results, so I feel good about the 16-80’s sharpness and contrast, at least at 80mm (didn’t test it at other FLs, but I will in the future). The two outliers were the 90 f2 and the new (in relatively high demand) 70-300. The 90 f2 prime, wide open, was head and shoulders better than any of the zooms in both contract and sharpness, and the 70-300 wide open (f 4.5) at 80mm was unacceptable to me. Interestingly, it was fine at 300 mm f5.6, and stopping it down to f5.6 @80mm made all the difference, so I just leave the lens on manual at f5.6 now.

My take away from the test was that the 16-80 provided acceptable results, at least at 80mm, comparable to the more expensive red label zoom on a 24MP body. But the other thing it reinforced for me is how much better the primes are than even their best zooms. The 16-80 is a fine “walk around” and travel lens where you only take one lens. But I have 23, 50 and 90 f2 primes, and honestly, they stay on the camera more than the zooms. Except for the 90, the other f2 zooms are not expensive and are tack sharp and water resistant, and I wouldn’t be without them.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

I have both lenses. I use the 16–80 all the time and find it very sharp. Apparently, there is some variation between copies of this lens. Perhaps I simply got a good one. But I’m shooting on a 26 megapixel sensor, so the 40 megapixels of the XT –5 might make a difference.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

I just shot a low-light concert and two weddings with an XT4 and an 16-80, 23 and 56 Fuji lenses. The low light concert was a challenge for the 16-80 at a mandatory F4, while the other two were brilliant at F2 and F1.2. The 16-80 produced excellent indoor concert shots at an ISO of between 1000 and 3600. The other two lenses clearly out shone the zoom. however. The weddings were a different animal. The zoom lens worked beautifully with the better lighting. It has limitations, however, as do all lenses. Low light is its worst enemy however. The corners can get a bit muddy at times, however, that is so easily removed with a small crop or totally unnoticeable because people don't usually focus on the very far corner of most photographs. Remember, this is an all around travel type lens.

The obvious alternative might be the mighty 16-55 F2.8 zoom. It is a better lens with better control of light and sharper, however, it is expensive, heavy and long which weighs you down with such a small XT form-factor. My recommendation would be to get the 16-80 "kit" lens with the body as it is quite well priced when bought together. It is a great "all-arounder" that is light, smallish and perfect for travel at a good price. Once you get the hang of the XT4, explore other more specialized lenses perhaps? Merry Christmas!!!

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

Hmmmmm....the challenge of high resolution bodies always is directly tied to the quality of lens and the ability of the user. Perhaps using a better/faster/sharper lens, such as the 16-55 F2.8, 56 F1.2, 90 F2, 23 F2, etc. will be a much better match for the 40MP Fuji XT5? Methinks the red badged lenses will "sing" and cost a whole bunch more when mounted to the new camera body. All persuasive reasons for not "upgrading" from the XT4 to the 5. Merry Christmas!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

The 50-230 is an XC series lens and wouldn’t be my first choice for 40MP camera. I’d suggest looking at the XF 55-200 or 70-300 (see my remarks above) instead for those FLs.

photogead

Thanks for the reply, I would be interested to hear what is causing the issue you’re having.

photogead

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to hear better reviews of the 16-80 as its range and weight are close to what I would like.

photogead

Thanks for the reply. I may take your advice.

photogead

Thanks for the reply.

magpix Loc: St. Michaels, MD

Unfortunately the 16-80mm Fuji lens is not on Fuji’s list of lenses that will benefit from the XT-5’s 40mp sensor. Google for that list. It’s a bit disappointing that they offer it as a kit lens. I use that lens on my XT-3 and XT-4 and it’s quite sharp, although not as sharp as the 16-55 and 50-140mm, both of which are on Fuji’s list of recommended lenses for the XT-5. Check out that list if you want to benefit from the XT-5’s higher resolution.

photogead

Thanks for the reply. It seems a kit lens that matches better with other Fuji camera bodies than the one it’s being paired with doesn’t make to much logical sense.