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

Hello

Apologies for the long post.

I am aware that similar questions have been asked here in the past, I have Googled, but things have changed and there are now more lens options for the Fujifilm X mount cameras (not that I own any of these newest options ).

Having viewed/read countless reviews and recommendations, I get that it's my problem as all of us have a unique way of seeing things, but I figured community comments might help.

So, I am on a strict budget, and I guess I also need to think about weight/kit size as we are travelling to Japan in Spring with our two kids (3 and 8).

My first camera was an X-T10 with the 18-55 lens bundle and it has served me well since 2015ish. I paired it up with the 55-200 for our 2x overseas trips to Europe and so far we have had some stellar photos from the system.

Later editions include the Samyang 12mm F2, which apart from a few astro shots, and wide-angle scenes is gathering dust, as well as the XF35 F2 Fujicron, which I have to be honest also gathered a lot of dust compared to the zooms.

In Europe, I was happy to swap lenses, but 90% of the time the 18-55 lived on the camera.

Coming back from Europe, we stopped in Tokyo for 5 days (Summer), and the 18-55 never left the camera. The usage for just Japan shows about 50% of shots taken at 18mm, 35% at 55mm and the rest in between peaking around the 35mm mark.
That week was a rush, and we only had one 3 yr old to deal with.

Looking at all my holiday photos, as expected, the ends of the zooms definitely received a lot more use than the mid-ranges.

All of that was 4+ years ago (pre-lockdowns), and since that time, I grew to somewhat love the primes (at least when I wasn't just mushing the shutter down at every opportunity, but wanting to create something special).

This got me thinking: Can I get away with the Japan holiday focusing only on prime lenses?

The X-T10 was sold recently, and we upgraded to the X-S10.
Love the IBIS and the extra grip, but the camera doesn't seem as special to use, the C1-C4 modes are faster than buttons/dials for those minor adjustments. I missed the X-T10 so now have an X-T20 as a secondary body.

FYI: I shoot JPEG 90% of the time, RAW here and there for those very special moments but I tend to avoid it. Just lack time to post-process images. So in-body correction and the Fuji image profiles mean a lot!

Current lenses in my possession:

• XF16 F1.4
  Love this lens, for the longest time, was thinking of getting a XF24 as I find the XF35 a bit hard to work with at times, but this one came up at a great price and just love the versatility.
  Even use the manual focus sometimes cause it's so easy to switch using the clutch.
• XF35 F2
  Purchased to be a fast AF prime for the X-T10, hasn't seen much use, but when I put in the effort I get some awesome images out of this lens.
  Love how small it is, it is definitely coming to Japan, regardless of what else I bring along, just cause it is so compact.
• XF90 F2
  Saw a used one for a great price and picked it up.
  Figured it may be a great fast lens for Karate, so if it doesn't work out, I can always re-sell it (renting lenses is hard where I live, but I purchased it almost like a rental type deal).
  It's funny cause it hasn't really left the camera since.
  Dog photos, portraits, headshots, family portraits on a tripod, it's done it all and the results are awesome. Combined with IBIS of the X-S10 and I have taken some awesome low-light photos at night as well.
  Out of the lenses I currently own, it is the bokeh king.
  I think I can almost live without the XF56 F1.2 (a lens I really want to try) in my future lineup if I keep the 90mm.
• XF18-55
  Trusty zoom. Has seen its fair share of use (100K plus photos ).
  It does the job, and is light enough, but just lacks some of that magic that the primes have provided.
  We definitely have some awesome keepers with this lens, but when looking thru the EVF to take a photo, very few photos feel magical in the viewfinder.
  It's almost boring?
  Also, have the CIR-P and ND filters for this thread size.
• XF55-200
  I have used this lens for portraits, action/sports and Zoo visits. Oh and headshots, lots and lots of headshots.
  If it wasn't for the size and the fact the zoom extends on its own when walking around, it would definitely be one of my favourites.
  Even when looking thru the EVF to take a photo, there's just something there that makes me enjoy this lens over the 18-55.
• XC15-45
  Came with the X-S10.
  I mean it's small, and it focuses realllllllly close, but using it feels weird. I am not a fan of the power zoom either, I do not want to wait for those few extra milliseconds when I turn the camera on for the zoom too be ready (+ drains the battery just that bit quicker).
  It's on the to-sell list, but may keep it as a starter lens for my daughter.
• Samyang 12mm F2
  Used for a few wide-angle landscape shots, and some astrophotography and then left to gather dust.
  I feel like the lack of comms to the camera hurts my style more than the manual focus does. I want those in-body corrections and to have info about the aperture used in the EXIF data.
  It's pretty much on the to-sell list.

So what I was thinking is:
One body with a neck strap (this is what I am used to so far).
Second body with a Peak Design Capture clip on the backpack.

My initial idea for a kit was 16mm primary/all-purpose, 35mm secondary/portrait, and 90mm for when the opportunity presents itself for those special moments.
[Hmm, maybe the 35mm just comes out for those lightweight days, and the 90mm is mounted permanently on the X-S10?]
But I keep wanting to bring the 18-55 zoom in my bag as well, just cause I am afraid of not having it with me, and failing with the primes.

2x bodies = 0.9kg approx

3 primes = 1.1kg approx or 2kg all up with the bodies
Adding the zoom is 1.4kg approx or 2.3kg all up with the bodies

But ughh that 90mm in Japan, it could be hard to find space to use it? Then again it can focus fairly close.

While I do like the 55-200, I always find the extension of the zoom annoying for travel/in a rush, so I do want to avoid it.

Wildlife/animal photos are low on the priority list. While I have taken lots in the past, I want this trip to create family memories, and capture those special moments/locations. Close-up animal photos using telephoto lenses can be Googled online if we really need them for our memories of the trip

Both the 55-200 and the 90 would account for 1/4 of the total weight! Eeek!

Enter the more recent lenses to make the decision harder.....
XF16-80 &Tamron 17-70
With either of the above, I feel like the 18-55 and the 90mm could stay at home.

I would possibly bring the 16mm and the 35mm primes when the sun goes down, but essentially with one of the all-in-one zooms fitted, I don't think I would ever need to swap lenses on the primary camera.

The Tamron, I feel like is the only lens I would truly need on the trip, but that lack of an aperture ring kind of bugs me (not so much on the X-S10 as the X-T20 ) and I feel like this and size will make it a "boring" lens to use.

The 16-80 on the other hand, I don't know, it doesn't feel special enough in the reviews.

I even thought about the XF16-55 (possibly still a YES) and the Sigma 18-50mm (Decided it's a NO).

The 90mm (or 55-200mm) main use is portraits on the trip and the occasional landscape shot, so a F2.8 50 or 55mm would probably suffice. I really don't have any other reason for a telephoto focal length, and I feel like the 55-200 wouldn't see as much use at 100mm +.

Feel like the XF50F2 would almost be perfect, but then, the zooms just feel more versatile than adding a 4th prime (or missing out on that 70, 80, 90mm top-end reach).
And swapping the 90 for the 50 also feels like a downgrade?

Here's where the budget comes in as well... I would need to sell the 90mm to afford any other lens purchase, so have to be smart.
The 90mm will be tested over the next month or so at a few Karate competitions, but I have grown attached to it somewhat.

As for weight, the Tamron is pretty much the same weight as the 90, so total weight saving is just the 300grams from the 18-55 for a 2kg total. With the XF 18-80, it drops to around 1.9kg.
That is assuming I still bring the 16F1.4 and the 35F2.
So weight-wise I still have to lug the same amount of weight onto the plane, but with the zooms above, it could mean more gear stays in the hotel rooms (for instance the second camera body could stay as a backup in the hotel room).

Why am I tempted by the all-in-one zooms?
Kids....
Changing lenses with kids can be annoying, they also move erratically and don't stand still, so a zoom does offer more versatility.
But I have used all the primes successfully at playgrounds for some awesome photos, just requires a bit more thinking and running around.

The other reason: Crowds.
The primes work great where we live as it's normally quite quiet. You have the space to move around. I am worried about that in Japan during the busy Spring season. I don't want to be a rude tourist and block the sidewalk etc..

Other notes
The flash is staying at home, both cameras have a pop-up flash if I get desperate, but I want to avoid flash photography (especially in Japan).

Tripod is also likely to stay at home, maybe I will bring a mini pocket one for those just-in-case moments, but the big one isn't worth it this time around.

I have 5 batteries for the two cameras, so that shouldn't be an issue

Still deciding if I need a laptop, if I just connect my phone to backup photos to the cloud, or just stock up on SD cards. Something for another discussion.

Itinerary:
Tokyo (3 weeks) inc a day trip to Hakone.
1 week total for Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya (JR rail pass)
Visits to Disneyland/DisneySea/Universal/Legoland.

I feel like I have almost answered my own question when writing this up, but either way, thank you for hearing me out and reading thru this post.

I guess it all comes down to:
Would you keep the 90mm or sell it for the Tamron 17-70 or the XF16-80?

Curious as to what your opinions/comments will be.

Thanks

I would go with the XF16/1.4 -> close-ups, low light, indoor, night, landscape
and the XF18-55 -> all other stuff in daylight, people, street, whatever.

In the crowded cities it might be difficult to use tele lenses except you are on a dedicated walk for those images. Just a gut feeling of mine. I have not been there yet.
So I would skip the long lenses.

KISS. That is one body one lens and for me the one lens would be the 17-70. This way you can maintain a good relationship with your wife and kids.

Hi,

I have been there many times and I prefer to keep it compact and simple: X-Pro3, 14/2.8, 23/2 and 35/1.4. I just love to have a small camera around my neck and I prefer to have the wide view of the 14mm.

But in your case I would get the 16-55/2.8. Optically excellent and reasonable fast. The perfect lens if you don't want to change lenses.

This sounds like a big and expensive trip, so I would want to make sure I had exactly what I wanted for it.

One body with the 18-55 zoom and one body with a wide prime. Personally I'd go with the new 23mm 1.4 LM WR, but out of you lens choices the 16mm would do.

I would vote for the 18-55mm. I like zooms for travel- situations can change quickly and you don't have to fuss with changing lenses.  Maybe the 16mm f.1.4 for wider and low light situations.  You said budget is limited but the 16-55mm f/2.8 would get you that zoom with a more "prime- like" image quality. Have a great time! Visited Japan before the pandemic hit.

I assume you'll be capturing memories on the trip and so ultimate image quality would come second to that? Also I assume, with kids, you won't want (or have time) to stop and change lens while moving or when a photo opportunity presents itself?

If that's the case, then I'd aim to take one zoom and one prime. I've enjoyed traveling with the 16-80mm and 33mm f1.4. You could get away with the 18-55mm and 35mm f2. The Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 or 16-80mm would give you a bit more flexibility but there's not a huge difference between 55mm and70/80mm so think you'd be unlikely to miss a shot because of it (you can always crop a little). There might be a bigger difference on the wider end between 16mm, 17mm and 18mm, depending how you like to shoot.

If you just went the simple route of the 18-55 and 35mm f2 the only thing you might miss is something for low light, though cities in Japan are very well lit. You could just add the 16mm f1.4 for low light, if you enjoy that focal length. Otherwise it might be worth adding another fast prime like the 23mm f1.4, 33mm f1.4 (which could take the place of the 35mm f2) or 56mm f1.2.

You do not need more lenses. what you need to do is to choose from the lenses you already have, based on what you intend to photograph. Since you will be travelling, a travel zoom makes sense. Complemented with a fast f/1.4 prime for when the light level goes down.

Hello,

I've been to Japan during spring 2019, with my wife and 2 young children (1,5 & 5). Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-Nara-Hiroshima & the southwest Islands of Ishigaki.

Don't underestimate the annoyance of kids :-). My piece of advice: keep it light and simple. I had to carry plenty of kids stuff all day (food, diaper, drink, clothes...) and having 2 or 3 kg for gear would have been a huge pain. + I've always disliked changing the optic in the middle of touristy places, whatever the country.

At that time, I went there with the X-T10 & XF23mm F1.4 - although I had also the XF55-200mm & XF56mm F1.2 at home. I really don't regret my choice, its nice aperture allows you to take pictures day & night and the focal length is perfect 90% of the time.

In Hakone, I missed a telephoto because the Mount Fuji is really very far away. Again, no regret because having this extra weight just for a few pictures for the 3 weeks is non-sense in my humble opinion. Off-topic, but my day-trip to Hakone was pretty worthless: a very tiring day filled with transports to go there and around the place, for not much to see. The four of us fell asleep in the train back to Tokyo. Too bad no one took a picture of us :-).

Now I've changed material but if I went there again, I'd pick my X-S10 + XF16mm F1.4, or the X100V. Same philosophy: keep it light and simple. I think the 23mm focal length isn't wide enough in some cases in Japan, around temples you need mobility and it's not always easy with the crowds. But again, it's cherry picking, 90% of the time the 23mm was more than good enough. With XF16mm 1.4, I believe you'll be happy in 98% of the time.

If you don't feel at ease with only one lens, take also the 18-55mm with you, which you mention is a trusty friend. Stay within your zone of comfort.

16-80 F4: I find it pretty big/heavy and its lack of aperture is for me an absolute no-go for Japan; especially because the evenings in the cities are great of photography.

I took my laptop with me, not much for my photography but to check my organization with subways every evening - and occasionally allow my daughter to watch Frozen :-).

90mm f2: I don't have it, because I think it would be difficult for me to use within family meetings. The 56mm F1.2 (the old one) is optically marvellous, successful pictures are fantastic, but it's a nightmare to use with an awfully slow autofocus - impossible to use with moving targets, even slow. I have a love/hate relationship with this one. For Japan, I never considered a portrait or telephoto lens. Maybe with another brand with a decent autofocus.

Enjoy your trip!

The latest Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 sounds like a good bet, compact and great image quality. I would complement it with my Viltrox 13mm f1.4 prime for those wide shots and Fujifilm 50-230 OIS II (light, cheap and good iq) if more range is necessary.

The Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 is another good option offering more reach and slightly wider and it also offers OIS.

Will, if it were me, I’d take the 16/1.4 and the 35/2 and that would do me fine. But then I don’t like zooms unless I’m hiking and I rarely shoot longer than 50mm, in fact rarely longer than 35. Everyone’s different, you just need to know your own preferences—which usually means knowing what you’re better off without.

(As an aside I don’t fully comprehend your reservations about the Samyang 12mm, which I also own. To my eye it’s good enough optically that there’s no need for corrections, and the lack of EXIF data makes absolutely zero difference when you’re taking a shot. But maybe I’m missing something.)

I also vote for keeping it light/simple, especially with children in tow.

On a 6 week trip to Japan back in 2014 I used one camera, the X100S. When I visited Yaeyama islands a few years back it was just the X-T20 + XF35/f2 (got rid of this lens soon after, though). Next time I'm not sure which camera and lens but probably an XP4 + XF30/f2.8.

Btw, I recommend Kuro, Iriomote and Yonaguni islands if you are going that way again in the future. Ishigaki is too big and too touristy (but still not as touristy as Okinawa).

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.

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.

Last summer i went to Lisbon with the Viltrox 13mm 1.4 for a City trip. I owned the 16 1.4 also and had the XF 35 1.4. i was afraid the lens was too wide but decided to take the risk. I was not disappointed, in fact it worked better than I thought. I ended up trading the 16 1.4 and 35 1.4 for the new 23 1.4 WR

Every time I mounted the 16 I got annoyed that I didn't have enough width and put the 13 back on. This can of course be something personal. I think you'll be fine with the 16 anyway.

With kids, I like the 16-80 very much, and prefer it over the 18-55 and 16-55.

I find that Fuji's older lenses, such as the 16-55 and 18-55, tend to have a somewhat busy bokeh, while the 16-80 is surprisingly smooth. For this reason alone I prefer it for people pictures.

Additionally, it offers a significantly improved focal range over the 18-55, while remaining much lighter than the 16-55, and offering far better stabilization than either.

I usually travel with one body on a strap, and a (18mm) Ricoh GR in my pocket. That one body either holds the 16-80, or the 35mm f/1.4. I've tried the 16-55 for this application, but it made my right hand hurt when one-handing too much.

18+35 is obviously not quite as versatile as 16-80, but it usually gets the job done, and requires less camera fiddling. I often find this preferable in social contexts.