XF16-55 or prime set-up?

I also own the XF 16-55, and it has never disappointed me. Joachim Gerstl made my mouth watering: 16-55 vs 18-55 reality check. AF is super fast and silent. IQ is great, may need a tad of extra sharpening at the long end. Yes it is large but I accept that for IQ. It is my standard lens for all situations when I cannot switch lenses. Since I have it, I have almost stopped using the XF 18-55.

Otherwise I love primes for their small size, decomplexation (one parameter less), fast apertures, and - yes - IQ. Although I think I really cannot spot any difference in IQ between my XF 23/2 (so tiny...) and the XF 16-55. What is an exceptionally sharp lens, the XF 50/2 (just wow). What I recently bought for smooth portraits, the "old" XF 56/1.2 R (got a huge rebate). What I just love, the "old" 35/1.4 (rendering, weight, size). What is absolutely stunning, the Viltrox 13/1.4.

No simple answer

Martin

The 16-55 is a fantastic lens. I sold mine for primes - 16/1.4, 23/2, 35/2, 50/2. I love them.

I also miss the 16-55. So I’ll buy another at the first opportunity. They both have their place.

I am actually thinking of moving to the 16-55 in the near future and awaay from my 3 primes (Viltrox 13, Fuji 27, Viltrox 56)

I've been traveling a lot lately in the US parks system and finding that it would have been nice to not change lenses all the time.

I've now basically replaced my 27mm with my new pixel and traveled last time with the 13mm and 56 mm only. I still managed to get dirt etc on the lenses/sensor from changing lenses (something I didn't see until I got home and on LR).

I would probably sell the 27mm and might part with the 56 after getting the 16-55. the VIltrox 13 is a keeper though.

Cheers!

gdanmitchell wrote:

coldwell wrote:

I am actually thinking of moving to the 16-55 in the near future and awaay from my 3 primes (Viltrox 13, Fuji 27, Viltrox 56)

I've been traveling a lot lately in the US parks system and finding that it would have been nice to not change lenses all the time. ...

Sounds like you may mostly be photographing landscapes. For that I certainly feel that zooms are preferable. (I used primes for that for years, but no more. I still prefer primes for street photography, but I much prefer zooms for landscape.)

Yes all correct! keeping the 13 then 16-55 hopefully and perhaps one longer telephoto at some point.