There is no single lens that can do it all. Different types of photography call for different tools to create the images you want. For Fuji shooters, the best Fuji lens for travel photography depends on what you’re taking pictures of. Travel destinations have a mixture of photography subjects. A lens that works well for landscapes might not be great for street photos or intimate portraits. So which lens is the best one to use when on the road? Let’s look at the top contenders and pick a winner.
What You Need To Consider When Travelling
Taking a digital camera on your trip gives you high-quality souvenirs, but there are things you should take into consideration to make traveling with it easier.
Size
The size of the camera, as well as its lens, are important. A travel camera shouldn’t be too bulky, and it should be comfortable in the hand. Full-frame cameras are notorious for their large size which makes them cumbersome for travel photography. Mirrorless cameras are smaller, which makes them ideal. They’re comfortable to hold and carry and help you be inconspicuous. If you want, you can go down a step to a high-end point-and-shoot camera like Fuji’s X100 model. This small camera has a fixed lens, but it’s also known as one of the top travel cameras available today.
Weight
The bigger the camera, the more it weighs. Lenses vary in size and will add a little, or a lot of weight. When out and about, you’ll either be storing the camera in a backpack, holding it, or strapping it around your neck. Either way, the heavier the camera, the more it’s going to weigh you down. Bigger cameras also add weight to your luggage. If you’re backpacking, you’ll want to keep your backpack as light as possible so it’s easier to carry.
Storage
A smaller camera is easier to travel with as it takes up less space. You’ll be able to toss it in your backpack/luggage without having to worry if it will fit. When you get to your accommodation, there’s usually a small safe or locker where you can store valuables. Small cameras can fit them easily, but storing large cameras (even when disassembled) can be hit or miss.
Weather Resistance
Weather can be unpredictable. In some areas of the world, the climate can be downright miserable. Certain Fuji lenses and camera bodies are designed to be weather resistant, withstanding rain/moisture, dust, and extremely cold temperatures. If you plan on shooting in these types of environments, it may be worth investing in weather-resistant gear.
Fuji Lenses vs. Third Party
Fuji X-mount cameras are designed to work with Fuji X lenses. It’s a way for the company to control product quality while simultaneously adding to its bottom line. However, there are third-party companies that produce lenses compatible with Fuji cameras. These lenses are more affordable but there’s also a pretty substantial drop where image quality is concerned. Autofocus and weather sealing are usually non-existent on them as well. But if you’re looking to save money and experiment with different focal lengths without breaking the bank, their affordability makes them an attractive option.
Fuji Lenses For Travel
I’m a big proponent of less is more when it comes to photography. Limiting focal length options forces you to master the lens, and also provides uniformity in your work. Here are my top Fuji lenses for travel.
Ultra Wide Angle
XF 14mm f2.8
35mm Equivalent: 21mm
Dimensions: 65 mm ø x 58 mm L (2.6” x 2.3”)
Weight: 235 g (8.3 oz)
Cost: $899 USD
The XF 14mm f2.8 is one of the best all-around lenses you can invest in as it can be used for all types of travel shots. Its ultra-wide focal length makes it an ideal lens for landscape photography, but it also performs well for street photos, cityscapes, and tight indoor spaces. At f2.8 it lets in plenty of light while rendering beautiful bokeh when shooting wide open. Its image quality is crystal clear through and through, and it’s not overly large or top-heavy when used on a mirrorless camera.
Wide Angle
XF 16mm f1.4
35mm Equivalent: 24mm
Dimensions: 73.4 mm ø x 73 mm L (2.89” x 2.87”)
Weight: 375 g (13.23 oz)
Cost: $999 USD
*Weather sealed
XF 16mm f2.8
35mm Equivalent: 24mm
Dimensions: 60 mm ø x 45 mm L (2.36” x 1.77”)
Weight: 155 g (5.5 oz)
Cost: $399 USD
These two lenses are the same focal length (although the f2.8 version tests slightly wider), but they do have some major differences. The first is the price. The f1.4 is more than double the price of the f2.8. This premium is due to the former having two additional full stops, as well as a weather-sealed construction. With a wider aperture, it performs better in low light conditions and provides superior subject isolation/bokeh.
The f1.4 is also a larger lens; it’s more than double the size and considerably heavier due to the extra glass those 2 stops require. The downside to this lens (or any wide lens) is barrel distortion. This can be a nuisance if you’re planning on using it for photos of architecture or people. Most times, editing with software like Lightroom or Capture One can help correct the distortion issue.
Slightly Wide
XF 23mm f1.4
35mm Equivalent: 35mm
Dimensions: 72 mm ø x 63 mm L (2.83” x 2.48”)
Weight: 300 g (10.58 oz)
Cost: $899 USD
XF 23mm f2
35mm Equivalent: 35mm
Dimensions: 60 mm ø x 51.9 mm L (2.36” x 2.04”)
Weight: 180 g (6.35 oz)
Cost: $449 USD
*Weather sealed
The 23mm focal length is an extremely versatile one that some argue is the perfect choice for travel shots. It’s wider than a standard lens, but still close enough to capture people with minimal distortion. This makes it an excellent choice for almost every shooting style while on the road. Many photographers love this focal length because it allows for a perfect balance of subject and background in the same shot.
Both versions of the 23mm lens have excellent image quality, and once again the differences are mainly in the extra f-stop and bokeh. However, the f2 version is weather-sealed while also having a closer minimum focus distance of 8.66″ (22 cm) compared to 11.02″ (28 cm) with the f1.4.
Standard
XF 35mm f1.4
35mm Equivalent: 50mm
Dimensions: 60 mm ø x 45 mm L (2.36” x 1.77”)
Weight: 155 g (5.47 oz)
Cost: $599 USD
XF 35mm f2
35mm Equivalent: 50mm
Dimensions: 60 mm ø x 45.9 mm L (2.36” x 1.81”)
Weight: 170 g (6 oz)
Cost: $399 USD
*Weather sealed
Fuji’s 35mm lens is a 50mm full-frame equivalent, making it a traditional focal length. It’s known as the lens that closely replicates what the human eye sees. For this reason, it’s a popular, all-purpose lens with minimal distortion. Image sharpness is near identical, but the f1.4 has an extra stop of light/bokeh to warrant the extra $200.
The f2 is the better constructed of the two (it’s a single-barrel vs. the double-barrel f1.4) and it’s also weather-sealed. Additionally, the autofocus is faster and quieter than on the f1.4. A 35mm focal length lends itself well to portrait photography, but it can be used as a travel lens just the same. Generally speaking, the f2 is great for taking on the road, whereas the f1.4 is the better choice for studio work.
Why No Zooms or Telephoto Lenses?
If you haven’t noticed yet, all the aforementioned lenses are prime lenses. You might be wondering why I haven’t included any zoom/telephoto lenses. The main reason is that they’re big, bulky, and heavy. The last thing you want is your gear to be an inconvenience when you’re traveling.
Having said that, if I did have to recommend one, it would be the XF 16-55mm f2.8.
XF 16-55mm f2.8
35mm Equivalent: 24 – 84mm
Dimensions: 83.3 mm ø x 106 mm L (3.28” x 4.17”)
Weight: 655 g (1.44 lbs.)
Cost: $1199 USD
*Weather sealed
The 16-55mm f2.8 is Fuji’s flagship standard zoom lens. This glass consistently gets rave reviews due to its excellent image quality, sturdy build, and weather sealing. At almost 1.5 lbs., it’s a very heavy lens, and larger than any of the previous primes mentioned in this article. The weight certainly makes the camera nose-heavy, and this is even more evident when it’s on a Fuji rangefinder body like the X-E or X-A series. This is the trade-off when using zooms over primes. Instead of traveling with multiple lenses, you can use a single one that includes popular focal lengths for travel photography: 16mm, 23mm, 35mm, and 55mm.
The Verdict?
The best Fuji lens for travel is the one you’ll get the most use from. The best advice I can give you is to focus on keeping a small travel kit that uses a minimal amount of lenses. For my money, I’d go with 2 lenses – a wide-angle coupled with either the 23mm or 35mm. This will give you a balanced attack that can cover the range of photography subjects you’ll find while on the road.
About Post Author
