Travel Zoom - Do I need one?

Architash wrote:

I've just got myself a used X-E3 and 27mm pancake for wandering the streets and I now need a lightweight standard zoom lens for when I'm visiting unknown (usually European) cities whilst her indoors lies around by the pool/beach/bar.

It would be used for general daytime touristy stuff with a particular emphasis on streetlife and architecture.

I'm going round in circles considering the XC 16-50 v the XF 18-55, but I also own the little Lumix LX100 with its 24-75 (eq) zoom.

I'd rather travel light with just one camera and a couple of lenses, but could use the X-E3 / 27 together with the LX100 for zoom.

Does anyone have any experience of the image quality of the LX100 versus the two Fuji kit lenses?

The LX100 has a smaller m43 sensor, but considerably faster aperture (f1.7 - 2.7) than the Fuji kit lenses.

Any help/advice appreciated.

Ash

I had an original LX100 and was not happy with the image quality compared to my X-T10 and 18-55. I have since invested more into the Fuji X system, having an X-T3 and an X-E3 and several lenses...

Based on my experience, for travel, for you, I would highly recommend adding the little XC15-45. While the X-E3 / XC15-45 combo is a bit larger than the LX100, they are almost exactly the same weight, and neither is pocketable; unless a large jacket pocket, which both will fit. And, the 15-45 delivers amazing IQ!

There are some disadvantages of the XC15-45, mostly in its aperture range. However, higher ISO's are notably better on the Fuji 3rd gen sensors compared to the dated LX100 M43 sensor, so you can get better images at ISO 6400 than on the LX100 at 3200, likely even better than at 1600... so you can often gain back the lost stops of light from the lens with the better ISO performance (not always...).

BUT, you can also use your 27mm lens. And, you can add a lightweight and cheap Rokinon 12mm / F2 for interior shots. Or the underrated 60mm F2.4 for portraits and macro. Way more flexibility with the X-E3.

I am very happy with my X-E3 / XC15-45 as a lightweight travel combo. (Of course, I'm even more happy with my X-T3 / XF16-55 when IQ is most important... but obviously a big jump up in price and size).

To me, an easy answer, and I'm confident recommending the XC15-45, as that's exactly what I did.

Hope that answers your question!