Lens advice please for new convert coming from DSLR

swiftseven wrote:

After 18 years with first Minolta, then Sony, I am downsizing and have decided on the Fuji system. I ordered a used X-T1 with the 18-55/2.8-4 lens from B & H and it will arrive this week. I have been reading all I can about the different lenses and would love to get some feedback from other Fuji people based on the lens selection I am used to and the kind of things I shoot.

My current camera is the Sony A77 and the lens I use the most is the Tamron 17-50/2.8 EX version. I also have the Sigma 70-200/2.8, Sigma 105/2.8 macro, Minolta 100-300/4.5-5.6, Minolta 50/1.4.

I have others but these are my most used lenses. I love the large apertures of most of these and know I will be giving some of that up, at least temporarily, because of the cost of the new system. I can not afford to replicate all the focal lengths and the fast apertures right off the bat with Fuji.

Since my Sony has in-camera stabilization I never needed to consider whether the lens did. But I think that will be important for me. I shoot mostly outdoors, scenics, close-ups, patterns in nature and also birds (stationary and in flight). I have 2 grandkids and shoot some people but not that much.

So here is what I am thinking - The 18-55/2.8-4 will be the replacement for my Tamron 17-50. I like the OIS.

I am conflicted about whether to get the 55-200/3.5-4.8 OIS (I like the aperture range and only $100 more than this next one) or the 50-230/4.5-6.7 (lighter in weight is nice but not crucial).

And I am in a quandary whether I should be considering the 18-135/3.5-5.6. It is OIS, and WR which really appeals to me. I just do not like the sound of the smaller apertures. I would be choosing this instead of the 18-55 (for now at least). How would people who use both compare the IQ and focus speed of these two?

Long term I definitely want the 100-400/4.5-5.6. It is OIS and WR. I do shoot birds some and I know I am giving up that ability for now by switching because I currently use my Minolta 100-300 and my Sigma 70-200 for that.

And does anyone use the Rokinon 300/6.3 Reflex lens? I realize it is manual focus but at prices as low as $219 I am tempted to try it.

If I get one prime for now, which shall it be? I love my Minolta 50/1.4 especially for people.

I know I won't get much for some of my lenses, especially the Minolta ones. Should I spend the money for an adapter so I can use some of them even though they will be mannual focus?

One more item - I am going to Australia this fall and will need to consider weight and probably do not want to carry more than 2 lenses. So is that the 18-55 and one of these - 55-200 or 50-230? I do not travel a lot but I do hike and carry my camera.

Or is the 18-135 an excellent travel and combine it with one of the longer ones instead of the 18-55 and a longer one?

Thank you for any advice and real world experience with these questions. I am very excited for my X-T1 to arrive so I can get started learning all about it!

I had the 18-55 and the 50-230 but sold both in favor of the 18-135. The IQ and zoom range is good enough for me and like the fact that I can grab my camera with one lens and accomplish quite a bit. If I need a little wider or want a nice video companion, I'll take my Sony RX100 III and have it in my pocket.