X-T3 arrived - New lens for everyday use?

sheepless wrote:

Robmas4229 wrote:

sheepless wrote:

With the generous help of the members of this forum - I'm happy to announce that my gently used / X-T3 has arrived and seems to be in mint condition (only 167 shutter count / and extra battery included).

It came with a 16-80 mm lens which I find a bit heavy for everyday use and I'm wondering if there is something a bit lighter? I'm going whale / iceburg watching this summer on a trip and would like to travel light (if that factors into the equation).

(I have ordered a hand grip for improved ergonomics).

FWIW I don't find the 16-80 to be heavy on my XT3. Since purchasing the 70-300 I found the MHG-XT3 (JJC equivalent) really helpful and thus leave it attached when using the 16-80 as well. The extra grip and arch swiss base doesn't hurt for quick tripod mount either.

I still have my 18-55 (awesome copy BTW) for when I want something just a bit smaller/lighter although it's usually in my XT30-II bag with one or two primes.

If you find the hand grip doesn't set things right for you, then I'd consider the 18-55 as it has OIS and an aperture ring (although unmarked), neither of which the Sigma has. Our XT3's don't have IBIS so having it in the lens is often helpful.

Edit: Congratulations on your New2U XT3. Awesome camera!

Thank you for your lens recommendations - I have ordered a hand grip as I got quite spoiled with the hefty grip of my Panasonic Bridge Camera.

I think you'll find the handgrip helpful but it won't reduce the size of the 16-80 (which I think is perfectly fine on the XT3). I've evenly just recently discovered that it's perfectly okay on my XT30-II, with a handgrip added.

What primes do you carry?

It really depends on whether I'm carrying only primes or mixing with zooms.

Typically, for trip where I'm taking the 16-80 and 70-300 I'll consider:

23mm f2 if I suspect I'll be using the prime mostly indoors or tight landscapes

35mm f2 if I think I'll be low-lighting more outdoors or portraits (rarely)

Possibly the 27mm if I want small & compact or can't decide between the 2 above.

Primes only? 16/2.8, 23/2, 50/2