XC 15-45 or XC 16-50 OR XF 18-55 on X-T20 for beginner ?

shekhar92 wrote:

I have purchased X-T20with XC 15-45 two months ago. It's my first camera. I am in learning process. The XC 15-45 images are looking good.

I recently came across that IQ is better on XC 16-55 and XF 18-55 than XC 15-45. Is it good decision to sell the XC 15-45(for 190$) and buying( XF 18-55 for 380$ and XC 16-50 for 250$) any one of the two? Is any other better option?. I'm on budget.

I'm intended use this for family and travel photography.

Thank you for your time.

Hi, you are going to get lots of suggestions based on personal preferences and user experience. You will have to judge them against your needs and desires. So, here is my take. When I had a XT20, which is a fine camera, I used a 18-55. It is, in my opinion, a great do-it-all combination.  That would be my choice.

Looking at the alternatives. I had, but sold a 15-45, which I bought with a XE3. I bought it for a trip to Paris, where photography was a second priority (to a charity event). I was very happy with the IQ, but not with the power zoom. I found it slow, imprecise and frustrating. Upon return, I sold it and bought a XC16-50/f5.6, which gave me the same IQ, I am unable to see any discernible difference between it and the 15-45, but with a manual zoom and far better experience. I still have it and use it a lot when I want to go light.  Again, between it and the 18-55, I can see virtually no IQ difference on screen viewing. The 16-50 is a little wider, which helps in an urban setting, and it is a little lighter, whereas the 18-55 has a better quality feel to it and I enjoy using it more.  They are close, but if I were forced to have only one, without doubt I would go for the 18-55.

Note that in your title, you state 16-50, which I assume you mean the XC 16-50/f5.6, but in the text you state the 16-55.  This is the red badge XF 16-55/f2.8. I have this lens too and it is in a difference league to the others mentioned in terms of IQ, being superior and having f2.8 throughout the zoom range. But note, it is larger, heavier and more expensive and has no image stabilisation (nor does the XT20).

In sum, what is best for me might not be so for you, but of the choices you outline, I would opt for the 18-55. Hope that helps.