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Does the XF 16-80 feel out of place on the X-E5?

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michaeladawson

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Loving my X-E5 so far. My only "real" issue so far is not the X-E5 itself but my lack of a lens like the XF 16-80 f/4. My most used lens on full frame Nikon is the Z 24-120 f/4. It is almost the only lens I use when I travel. I also take along the 14-30 for those ultra wide occasions, but the 24-120 is the workhorse.

I currently use the X-E5 with the Fuji f/2 prime lenses from 18mm to 50mm. I also use the older 18-55 f/2.8-4 zoom. But I really like the 16-80 range (24-120 FF equiv). The 18-55 would be a decent travel lens for many. But for me it is not wide enough, and definitely not long enough.

I'm seriously wanting to get the 16-80 f/4. It is very close to the size and weight of my Nikon 14-30 lens. It seems a bit large looking next to the X-E5, but obviously I can't mount it to see how it handles.

Who has tried or uses the 16-80 Fujifilm on the X-E5 (or I suppose X-E4 for that matter)? What are your opinions of the size of the lens. Is it unwieldy? A bit unwieldy, but nothing that should prevent me from getting it?

I know the 16-80 gets mixed reviews for IQ. Some hate it. Others say it's not so bad or even pretty good. I'm assuming it's at least as good as the 18-55. That is not the question here though. I'm interested solely in the size and weight when mounted on the X-E5.

I will say that I have gone out with the X-E5 and 55-200. The 55-200 isn't quite as fat as the 16-80. but it is longer and weighs more. I didn't find this combo to be uncomfortable. But I would use a 16-80 much more often than the 55-200.

Opinions to share?

--
Mike Dawson
 
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In my opinion, yes, it does unbalance the camera. I have used the 16-50 (the new one) and that's OK.

But honestly, I prefer using primes on my X-E5. I've got the 16, 23,27 F2.8 and the 35 F2 and they complement the X-E5 well.

Alan
 
Alan Sh said:
In my opinion, yes, it does unbalance the camera. I have used the 16-50 (the new one) and that's OK.

But honestly, I prefer using primes on my X-E5. I've got the 16, 23,27 F2.8 and the 35 F2 and they complement the X-E5 well.

Alan
Click to expand...
I totally agree with your view of the primes. That's what I normally use as well. The f/2 primes from 18 to 50mm and the 14mm f/2.8. But I'd rather not be changing lenses constantly when I'm out traveling with my wife. She would hate the constant disruption. Plus, I have nothing longer than the 50mm, except for the 55-200 zoom.

I'm sure the 16-80 unbalances the beautifully sized X-E5. I guess the question is more of whether it makes it TOO unbalanced. Totally subjective, I know.
 
I’ve used the larger/heavier 16-55 f/2.8 (mk1) on my X-T20 (w/grip) for years and it works great for me. I think what feels “out of place” is going to vary quite a bit from person to person. If I were you, I’d probably go with the excellent new 16-50 and crop those 40MP for some extra reach when needed.
 
michaeladawson said:
Loving my X-E5 so far. My only "real" issue so far is not the X-E5 itself but my lack of a lens like the XF 16-80 f/4. My most used lens on full frame Nikon is the Z 24-120 f/4. It is almost the only lens I use when I travel. I also take along the 14-30 for those ultra wide occasions, but the 24-120 is the workhorse.

I currently use the X-E5 with the Fuji f/2 prime lenses from 18mm to 50mm. I also use the older 18-55 f/2.8-4 zoom. But I really like the 16-80 range (24-120 FF equiv). The 18-55 would be a decent travel lens for many. But for me it is not wide enough, and definitely not long enough.

I'm seriously wanting to get the 16-80 f/4. It is very close to the size and weight of my Nikon 14-30 lens. It seems a bit large looking next to the X-E5, but obviously I can't mount it to see how it handles.

Who has tried or uses the 16-80 Fujifilm on the X-E5 (or I suppose X-E4 for that matter)? What are your opinions of the size of the lens. Is it unwieldy? A bit unwieldy, but nothing that should prevent me from getting it?

I know the 16-80 gets mixed reviews for IQ. Some hate it. Others say it's not so bad or even pretty good. I'm assuming it's at least as good as the 18-55. That is not the question here though. I'm interested solely in the size and weight when mounted on the X-E5.

I will say that I have gone out with the X-E5 and 55-200. The 55-200 isn't quite as fat as the 16-80. but it is longer and weighs more. I didn't find this combo to be uncomfortable. But I would use a 16-80 much more often than the 55-200.

Opinions to share?
Click to expand...
It’s fine. A bit awkward if you carry it around on a strap but that’s true for all but the smallest lenses.

When shooting two handed it balances well and maybe handles better than the 18-55.
 
Greybeard2023 said:
It’s fine. A bit awkward if you carry it around on a strap but that’s true for all but the smallest lenses.

When shooting two handed it balances well and maybe handles better than the 18-55.
Click to expand...
Thanks.

And I do shoot two handed all the time. My left hand is underneath the lens supporting all the weight and my right hand only steers the camera. That's one reason I've never missed having a big grip for my right hand. Soap bar shapes are fine with me. In fact, when using a small camera I often walk about with the camera held in my left hand where I normally grip it for shooting. I then just raise the camera to my eye and add my right hand for AF and shutter control.
 
Erik Baumgartner said:
I’ve used the larger/heavier 16-55 f/2.8 (mk1) on my X-T20 (w/grip) for years and it works great for me. I think what feels “out of place” is going to vary quite a bit from person to person.
Click to expand...
I certainly agree with you there. But I do hope to see if opinions tend to tilt one way or the other. Although I suspect I could be out of luck there.
Erik Baumgartner said:
If I were you, I’d probably go with the excellent new 16-50 and crop those 40MP for some extra reach when needed.
Click to expand...
It's an idea. In addition to losing reach I would also lose a half stop of light on the long end. I could crop as you say, but that defeats half the reason I bought the X-E5 in the first place. :) Plus, cropping adds to the perception of noise. Although noise reduction programs are stellar these days. So I think if I'm going to do that, I'll just go with the Nikon Z7 and 24-120 lens. Yes, it's larger and heavier. But I don't need to crop down simply because I don't have a long enough lens.
 
Yes!
 
Get a grip and it will handle just fine. SmallRig makes one. I’ve even traveled with the XF 18-135 and Tamron 18-300 on my XE4.

A grip makes it handle similar to the Sony 6000 or A7C series.
 
GreatOceanSoftware said:
Get a grip and it will handle just fine. SmallRig makes one. I’ve even traveled with the XF 18-135 and Tamron 18-300 on my XE4.

A grip makes it handle similar to the Sony 6000 or A7C series.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the response.

I'll take that opinion at just "it will handle fine." I don't use grips and never felt I needed larger grips, even with large lenses. So if you think it handles fine with a grip I'm fairly certain I'd feel it was fine even without a grip.
 
As you say yourself, it comes down to personal preference. And what you're used to. I got 'spoiled' by the grip on my XS20, to the point where anything bigger than the 16-50 zoom felt comically big and cumbersome on the XE5. I did at one point use the 70-300mm with it, and it worked ok I guess, but not something I'd want to rely on. I reckon the 16-80 would be workable, but not ideal (for me).
 
michaeladawson said:
Loving my X-E5 so far. My only "real" issue so far is not the X-E5 itself but my lack of a lens like the XF 16-80 f/4. My most used lens on full frame Nikon is the Z 24-120 f/4. It is almost the only lens I use when I travel. I also take along the 14-30 for those ultra wide occasions, but the 24-120 is the workhorse.

I currently use the X-E5 with the Fuji f/2 prime lenses from 18mm to 50mm. I also use the older 18-55 f/2.8-4 zoom. But I really like the 16-80 range (24-120 FF equiv). The 18-55 would be a decent travel lens for many. But for me it is not wide enough, and definitely not long enough.

I'm seriously wanting to get the 16-80 f/4. It is very close to the size and weight of my Nikon 14-30 lens. It seems a bit large looking next to the X-E5, but obviously I can't mount it to see how it handles.

Who has tried or uses the 16-80 Fujifilm on the X-E5 (or I suppose X-E4 for that matter)? What are your opinions of the size of the lens. Is it unwieldy? A bit unwieldy, but nothing that should prevent me from getting it?

I know the 16-80 gets mixed reviews for IQ. Some hate it. Others say it's not so bad or even pretty good. I'm assuming it's at least as good as the 18-55. That is not the question here though. I'm interested solely in the size and weight when mounted on the X-E5.

I will say that I have gone out with the X-E5 and 55-200. The 55-200 isn't quite as fat as the 16-80. but it is longer and weighs more. I didn't find this combo to be uncomfortable. But I would use a 16-80 much more often than the 55-200.

Opinions to share?
Click to expand...
I had 16-80 in the past soft after 70 IMO ...My Z 24-120 F4 so much superior than the fuji xf16-80 will ever be. The XF 16-55 F2.8 MK ii I had is Superb lens. almost prime quality thru out. Sold my T5 and 16-55 f2.8 for Nikon Z ...keeping the X-E5 for street
 
Ed USA said:
I had 16-80 in the past soft after 70 IMO ...My Z 24-120 F4 so much superior than the fuji xf16-80 will ever be. The XF 16-55 F2.8 MK ii I had is Superb lens. almost prime quality thru out. Sold my T5 and 16-55 f2.8 for Nikon Z ...keeping the X-E5 for street
Click to expand...
Thank you. I was more interested in the size and weight opinions. But I like your comparing it to the Z 24-120 lens since that is what I am most used to traveling with.

I do think the Z 24-120 is an amazing lens. Maybe I should just stick with the Nikon Z7 kit for my vacation travels. Leave the X-E5 for local use with the small f/2 primes.
 
Battery_Kinzie said:
As you say yourself, it comes down to personal preference. And what you're used to. I got 'spoiled' by the grip on my XS20, to the point where anything bigger than the 16-50 zoom felt comically big and cumbersome on the XE5. I did at one point use the 70-300mm with it, and it worked ok I guess, but not something I'd want to rely on. I reckon the 16-80 would be workable, but not ideal (for me).
Click to expand...
Your response seems somewhat in line with my expectations. This is going to be a tough call when I factor in IQ against my Nikon kit.
 
michaeladawson said:
GreatOceanSoftware said:
Get a grip and it will handle just fine. SmallRig makes one. I’ve even traveled with the XF 18-135 and Tamron 18-300 on my XE4.

A grip makes it handle similar to the Sony 6000 or A7C series.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the response.

I'll take that opinion at just "it will handle fine." I don't use grips and never felt I needed larger grips, even with large lenses. So if you think it handles fine with a grip I'm fairly certain I'd feel it was fine even without a grip.
Click to expand...
Yeah for me it’s not so much about balance or hand feel as it is about getting a firm grip when extracting it from the camera bag with larger lenses. While shooting I usually depend on a wrist strap to avoid the unanticipated drop.

--
Randy
 
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michaeladawson said:
GreatOceanSoftware said:
Get a grip and it will handle just fine. SmallRig makes one. I’ve even traveled with the XF 18-135 and Tamron 18-300 on my XE4.

A grip makes it handle similar to the Sony 6000 or A7C series.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the response.

I'll take that opinion at just "it will handle fine." I don't use grips and never felt I needed larger grips, even with large lenses. So if you think it handles fine with a grip I'm fairly certain I'd feel it was fine even without a grip.
Click to expand...
How do you carry your camera around? Neck strap or otherwise?
 
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Don't be a sissy Michael. For the last 7 years my go to lens was the 16-80 on the XE3 and before that for several years I used the wonderful 16-80 Nikon lens, with Nikon cam, as my favorite. I think the Nikon was better but I went all over the world with the 16-80 on the XE3 and it is not a problem to use. Any lens on an XE works for me, as it is my only camera, basically.

On the other hand, since I bought the XE5 I sold the 16-80 and bought the 16-50 which I intend to use on vacations from now on. My reasoning is that the newer lens is smaller, sharper and I can use the teleconverter for very usable 70mm (20MP) range if needed.

Honestly, if Fuji upgraded the 16-80 as a more compact model I would love to have it, but I'm pleased so far with the 16-50. I also love the new 23 and I carry a 12mm as well.
 
Erik Baumgartner said:
michaeladawson said:
GreatOceanSoftware said:
Get a grip and it will handle just fine. SmallRig makes one. I’ve even traveled with the XF 18-135 and Tamron 18-300 on my XE4.

A grip makes it handle similar to the Sony 6000 or A7C series.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the response.

I'll take that opinion at just "it will handle fine." I don't use grips and never felt I needed larger grips, even with large lenses. So if you think it handles fine with a grip I'm fairly certain I'd feel it was fine even without a grip.
Click to expand...
How do you carry your camera around? Neck strap or otherwise?
Click to expand...
With my Nikons I use a Black Rapid strap, cross chest riding on my hip. My Fujis I use a neck strap but I hang it off my shoulder or wear it cross chest. A good portion of the time I have it in my left hand.
 
Gaber said:
Don't be a sissy Michael. For the last 7 years my go to lens was the 16-80 on the XE3 and before that for several years I used the wonderful 16-80 Nikon lens, with Nikon cam, as my favorite. I think the Nikon was better but I went all over the world with the 16-80 on the XE3 and it is not a problem to use. Any lens on an XE works for me, as it is my only camera, basically.

On the other hand, since I bought the XE5 I sold the 16-80 and bought the 16-50 which I intend to use on vacations from now on. My reasoning is that the newer lens is smaller, sharper and I can use the teleconverter for very usable 70mm (20MP) range if needed.

Honestly, if Fuji upgraded the 16-80 as a more compact model I would love to have it, but I'm pleased so far with the 16-50. I also love the new 23 and I carry a 12mm as well.
Click to expand...
:-) Not being a sissy. I’m perfectly happy carrying my larger and heavier Nikon Z7 with 24-120. I just have this nice X-E5 that I like using, whose aesthetics and ergos I hate to ruin with an overly large lens.

I think my decision is going to come down lens IQ. And in that case the Fuji 16-80 is likely to lose out to the Nikon 24-120.
 
It works fine. You just have to get used to it.
 
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