What should be my first lens to buy for Fuji X T2

It's a no brainer...16-55 zoom.

16-55 f2.8 if you got the money and want constant aperture

18-55 f2.8-4 if you prefer compactness and OIS

Add a f2 prime down the line if you wish since they are tiny and got WR. This is X-T2 we are talking about, no need to go hipster right away.

This is like posting - what religion should I join? I'm assuming you don't have much photography experience, if you don't get one of the zooms suggested above. Use the zoom a lot, then see where you are taking most of your pics for the next lens.

Most of your pics probably will be either at the short end or the long end, this will help decide if you want to go shorter or longer on lens number two.

You can also go "faster" whit a wider aperture, depending on what photography you do requiring lens number two.

I agree with the post above from bs1946.

The 18-55 covers a lot of shooting needs. In FF terms 27mm to 83mm focal length.

Bought in the Kit form with the X-T2 that lens only cost $300. In my opinion is worth more than that.

The other suggestion of the 18-135 is a slower lens. What is meant by slower is you will need a slower shutter speed for the same shot in the same light because the native f stop of the lens is smaller at all focal lengths and lets in less light.

Then we have the suggestions for the 16-55 f/2.8. Sure a very good lens but can't be bought in Kit form with the X-T2 and costs $1200US. Would you notice the difference between the 18-55 and 16-55 I doubt it.

Best of luck to you.

18-55mm is a very good start, very versatile.

Just Shoot Me said:

Who are you replying to?

You made your reply to bs1946 but it sounds like you wanted to reply tom the Original Poster.

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In threaded view, which you are in, you see the "tree" of responses, I'm in flat view and hence no tree. So yes the reply is for the OP.

For the great all around lens I'd take either one of the two best zoom lenses from all brands, 18-55 or 18-135. If you wanna keep it as light as possible, then it's 18-55, no doubt. But if you gonna get the most versatile zoom with longer reach, excellent IQ, weather sealed but a bit more heavier and bulkier, then, it's 18-135. I have both and my preferable one is 18-135. When I travel in the cities I usually take 10-24 and 18-135 and it's the best combo I've ever had counting my previous brands, Nikon and Olympus. 10-24 and 18-55 is my next setup when I try to stay lighter.

90mm macro-jk

if you don’t mind size get any decent zoom. don’t worry much about which one, they are all good.

if you want less bulk, get primes. 23 and 35.

Thanks, and yes, I guess 16-55 is not an option for me, It's costing me dearly, I saw the couple recommendation above but frankly speaking I am not sure if I can afford that one as my first lens.

You are right on point I dont have much photography experience, I had Nikon D90 for a long time and I used the kit lens and one zoom lens, It worked out well for me.

Thank you , I get what most of you are saying as a starter kit is definitely an option and if I am to spend money then 16 55 or 18 135 both are the good option.

Some great thoughts here.

You are spot on with the 16-55 and its cost as it is a premium zoom lens with premium quality. They don’t slap that red badge on just any old zoom. I can’t say enough Great things about it though and my investment in it has been incredibly worth it!

That is a good lens choice for a first lens. Is is noted by many reviews as being a good lens - read and watch some of the dozens of reviews of it.

Start with the 23mm lens (35mm equiv FOV) as this provides a lens wide enough for landscape and general architecture, yet not so wide that you can't get in close for environmental portrait shots.

You'll get a faster lens than any of the zooms, so will be able to generate beautiful bokeh with shallow DOF as and when you need it.

Samples:





























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Your time is limited, so don't waste it arguing about camera features - go out and capture memories

Very nice images

Dave

I'm a travel photographer and always recommend to guys in your shoes to get the great Fuji zoom travel trio of 10-24, 18-55 ( or 16-55 if you can afford it early in your process) and the 55-200 (for reach). Then start cherry picking primes if you like them.

Greg Johnson, San Antonio, Texas

Chris Dodkin said:

Start with the 23mm lens (35mm equiv FOV) as this provides a lens wide enough for landscape and general architecture, yet not so wide that you can't get in close for environmental portrait shots.

You'll get a faster lens than any of the zooms, so will be able to generate beautiful bokeh with shallow DOF as and when you need it.

Samples:

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Your time is limited, so don't waste it arguing about camera features - go out and capture memories

Click to expand...

Yup, and your shots are almost guaranteed to look as good as Chris'. Umm... well, maybe not right away. So, I really hesitate to take difference with an established pro with Chris' experience and skills, but, hey, life's short and I never was the brightest light bulb in the fixture.

I think, instead, I'd recommend starting with a standard zoom, most likely the 18-55 and just start taking pictures like crazy. After a few sessions with different subjects and environments, sort through the ones you like and decide what focal lengths seem to be "sweet spots" for you. It might also help you decide whether you prefer staying with certain focal lengths or appreciate the flexibility of a zoom. Then you can use that information to decide which prime works the best for your needs. You might hold on to the zoom for those times when having some focal length flexibility is important (e.g. travel).

Different types of photography (portraits, groups, landscapes, astro, architecture, travel... etc.) demand different types of lenses and focal lengths. I think a zoom can help you find those sweet spots and narrow down your choices. I'm not sure how a prime would accomplish that. However, I'm admittedly a zoom guy, so take my advice with the usual grain of salt.

Oh, and Chris... your images just never cease to amaze.

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Jerry-Astro
Fujifilm X Forum Co-Mod