X mount lenses for travel to Japan (with kids)?

I went on a three-week trip to Japan back in 2018. Was with friends who have never been to Japan before and so was running around, seeing all of the sites. Didn't have time to slow down and enjoy using the primes I brought.

My most used lens was my 16-55/2.8.

Used the 55-200 only for parades in Disneyland, where a friend's relative was working in so I knew I wanted close-ups. Otherwise, I wouldn't have brought it.

2nd most used lens mounted on an X-T20 was my 10-24. That was because I needed to take quick wide-angle establishing shots. I had the X-T20 clipped to the side of my Peak Design bag so I could quickly grab it.  My main camera was a X-H1 I brought for its IBIS.

Lens I brought; but didn't use that much included: 16/1.4, 56/1.2, 35/2.

The most used prime for me was my 23/2.

Lazyluka wrote:

So based on all the replies so far, I think I am leaning towards the less is better + using a prime.

Yes, a travel zoom is great, and even the kit lens, but I think that having a zoom, will cause me to take more unnecessary/uneventful photos, just because I can.

If you are running around with kids and photography is not your priority, I would disagree and say bringing a zoom makes the most sense because it saves the most time for framing and grabbing that shot in very crowded conditions.

When you go on vacation with kids to crowded places like Disneyworld, are you happy with using a single prime? I would find it hard if I was trying to take pictures of family with large stuff in the background or trying to isolate family from distracting elements like other people in a very short amount of time.

The 16mm F1.4 was purchased in mind for this trip alone, as I have read many a forum review (including here) that it can do a lot, especially in Japanese cities.

Combining it with the X-S10 with IBIS should provide a very useful package for most situations, and it can even do family selfies.

Will probably throw in the X-T20 and the XF35 in the bag even if it is to leave at the hotel. It is a great backup body, plus an even smaller package all up if I find the first combo too much.

I would bring your 18-55 just in case. It can stay in the hotel room if you don't use it.

OR go visit a Yodobashi's Camera store and try out new Fujifilm lens --- I love how all of the lens are out for you to try without having to ask a salesperson to bring one out. You can always buy a new lens if you find your setup is lacking.