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XF16-80mm vs. XF18-135mm for travel/landscape/architecture photography

Started Mar 3, 2022 | Discussions thread
kwa_photo
kwa_photo Veteran Member • Posts: 3,649
Re: XF16-80mm vs. XF18-135mm for travel/landscape/architecture photography
2

I currently own the 16-80 f/4 and use it with the X-T3.  I also used to own the 18-135 f/3.5-5.6 years ago with the X-T1.  Between the two, the fact that I now have the 16-80 tells you my story in a nutshell.  Why?

  1. The 16-80 f/4 is more compact but still has a great 24-120mm FOV
  2. I felt the 16-80 is better corrected in all aspects than the 18-135.
  3. I prefer the constant f/4 over a variable aperture.  That f/3.5 disappears very fast, so that tiny extra light doesn't make a difference.  The difference of the f/4 vs. f/5.6 does make a difference for me indoor and lower outdoor light. 
  4. The 24-120mm is near perfect for travel outside of specific travel that requires a longer focal length.  In which case, if I'm going with a slower lens, I'd go out to at least 300mm FOV if I needed it in a 2nd lens. (Think safari, wildlife, sports, etc.).   
  5. When traveling, I want the smallest package possible in regards to lenses and bodies that meet my needs. For me, that means WR all-around, both lenses do that well. 

With all that said, I did really like the 18-135, it performed very well and my copy was exceptionally sharp in all but the corners throughout the range. However, the 16-80 feels right to me.  Either way, they are both good lenses, so don't stress too much about it and enjoy!

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Ken
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 kwa_photo's gear list:kwa_photo's gear list
Fujifilm X100V Fujifilm X-T3 Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Fujifilm XF 50-140mm F2.8 Fujifilm XF 16-80mm F4 +3 more
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