Which WR Zoom Lens should I get?

I'm heading to London in March with my wife/kids, and I'm guessing it will be raining for some of the time I'm there.  So I'd like to get an all-around WR zoom lens I can keep on my camera as we go about the city, check out sites, churches, and museums.  I've got the 18-55, which is great, but not weather sealed.  What would you recommend as something I could keep in my camera for a large part of the day?  I'll be using this with the X-T3 body.  Thoughts?

eRaCer001 wrote:

I'm heading to London in March with my wife/kids, and I'm guessing it will be raining for some of the time I'm there. So I'd like to get an all-around WR zoom lens I can keep on my camera as we go about the city, check out sites, churches, and museums. I've got the 18-55, which is great, but not weather sealed. What would you recommend as something I could keep in my camera for a large part of the day? I'll be using this with the X-T3 body. Thoughts?

X-T3 + 16-55 is a fantastic combo, but it is worth noting that if you rely on OIS on your 18-55, there may be some adjustment needed. Beyond that, the red badge is easily one of the best in their lineup.

16 and 18 very often are not wide enough. I'd opt for the 10-24, it's a stellar lens but not WR. Or better yet, both that and the 50-140. Each are red badge and the 50 - 140 is WR. And still better, two bodies so there's no lens changes needed.

Craig268 wrote:

16 and 18 very often are not wide enough. I'd opt for the 10-24, it's a stellar lens but not WR. Or better yet, both that and the 50-140. Each are red badge and the 50 - 140 is WR. And still better, two bodies so there's no lens changes needed.

Thanks!  I have the 10-24mm and will be bringing it, but need something WR for all-around shooting.

Hi, I have just been through the same decision process. I have a XT3 and 18-55 and wanted WR for hiking. Initially ordered a 16-80 and although it ticked all the features boxes for me, the somewhat disturbing reports of shutter shock, even after the recent FW update, made me shy away from it.

Two days ago I brought a 16-55, party due to the dealer offering a great price and there is a Fuji cash back in the UK.

Gave it a first run out yesterday. Very pleased with the lens. I have a Fuji leather half case, not a grip, and am happy with the way it feels in the hand. It was overcast in London yesterday and I didn’t miss OIS.

The only downside is the appalling hood, which could not be removed from the lens. Eventually I did get it off, but I have ordered a third party one.

Good luck with your choice. Of course you do know that by ordering a WR lens for this trip you will experience sunshine and blue skies for your entire stay in London and thus we Londoners will thank you!

eRaCer001 wrote:

I'm heading to London in March with my wife/kids, and I'm guessing it will be raining for some of the time I'm there. So I'd like to get an all-around WR zoom lens I can keep on my camera as we go about the city, check out sites, churches, and museums. I've got the 18-55, which is great, but not weather sealed. What would you recommend as something I could keep in my camera for a large part of the day? I'll be using this with the X-T3 body. Thoughts?

My favourite lenses for walkarounds in London have been the Olympus. 12-400mm f2.8 and 75mm f/1.8, so I would suggest a similar setup. Depending on the place, the 7-14mm also got me a few shots. However, I wouldn't consider its focal range a must. Especially, as it is hard to find a dry place to switch back and forth lenses when in the streets.

The 16-55mm is the best bet. The little time I have it, I felt in love with its rendering. I would, however, suggest a tele prime too. If you really want an UWA look into a cheap prime like the Loawa 9mm or the Samyang 12mm f2. They are easy to carry around and their fast apertures are a must inside.

afm wrote:

My personal view about WR is that it is overrated.

At last, a sensible opinion.

I have travelled far and wide with the 18-55, even in China where it never seems to stop raining, and have not had a problem. In severe weather, I use a rain-sleeve or stay out of the rain. Other times it is a case of being reasonable. I guess you could spend a lot of money on the 16-65, lug it around all day and stand out in the rain to take photos, but bear in mind that it does not always rain in London contrary to what you may have been told.

True. I'm a Londoner born & bred and I know quite a few places with heavier and more persistent rain. I worked as pro for London Transport (as was) for ten years which meant I often had to work in the open in all weathers. As a general rule, by the time you need any real level of weather sealing the conditions are too bad to get attractive shots and you'll be feeling the discomfort more than your gear will.

I would stick with your current kit and spend a bit more when you get there. Just my opinion of course.

Yup! I did choose the 18-135 option in the poll because it does at least offer a significant increase in zoom range which could be useful in the future, but I would not buy a WR lens specifically for a short holiday.

Enjoy your trip.

On the only occasion when a WR lens might have been an option I decided to keep my X-T1 and the 18-135 zoom at home in favour of a compact in a dive case. That was in Bangkok for their big water festival.

X-T3 + good copy 16-80mm is a fantastic combo.

Thanks for the responses, everyone! I'm leaning towards the 16-55mm F2.8, mostly because it seems to highly regarded with respect to picture quality, rendering, and sharpness. But the 6 stops of OIS makes the 16-80mm a real contender. But then again, I'm not concerned about video. At the end of the day, I'm thinking F2.8 probably wins over OIS at F4... Hmmm.... Decisions, decisions...

AlbertTheLazy wrote:

afm wrote:

My personal view about WR is that it is overrated.

At last, a sensible opinion.

I have travelled far and wide with the 18-55, even in China where it never seems to stop raining, and have not had a problem. In severe weather, I use a rain-sleeve or stay out of the rain. Other times it is a case of being reasonable. I guess you could spend a lot of money on the 16-65, lug it around all day and stand out in the rain to take photos, but bear in mind that it does not always rain in London contrary to what you may have been told.

True. I'm a Londoner born & bred and I know quite a few places with heavier and more persistent rain. I worked as pro for London Transport (as was) for ten years which meant I often had to work in the open in all weathers. As a general rule, by the time you need any real level of weather sealing the conditions are too bad to get attractive shots and you'll be feeling the discomfort more than your gear will.

I would stick with your current kit and spend a bit more when you get there. Just my opinion of course.

Yup! I did choose the 18-135 option in the poll because it does at least offer a significant increase in zoom range which could be useful in the future, but I would not buy a WR lens specifically for a short holiday.

Enjoy your trip.

On the only occasion when a WR lens might have been an option I decided to keep my X-T1 and the 18-135 zoom at home in favour of a compact in a dive case. That was in Bangkok for their big water festival.

Albert is right about WR, but I would put it even more bluntly. I think WR is a bit helpful for me in the southwest US due to issues related to dry dust storms, but London most days isn't an issue. Dust is way more of a problem than the light rain common in London. If the rain is heavy, well - a good image will be rarely captured.

Frankly, Fuji WR is a bit of joke... much like Nikon. I came from Pentax where they use much more serious sealing... and still, it is mostly a marketing deal (no warranty for stupidity). Especially so with zooms that will just bring moisture into the internals if the barrel gets wet. Simply cover the lens and mount areas and you'll be fine.

You want to do cathedrals and other interiors? Well, you'll be best off with fast primes or carry a tripod for your zoom (not likely). Get a cheap Rokinon 12 f/2 and be done with it... Otherwise, if you must have a zoom... the XF 10-24 is great, but the two stops difference is a killer. And I wouldn't be taking that expensive lens out there in the rain.