- Advanced Image Sensor Technology: The 26.1MP BSI APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 image sensor and X-Processor 4 quad-core CPU combination provide accurate AF and Face Detection for moving subjects when capturing...
- Accurate Auto-Focus Tracking and Face Detection: he new X-Processor 4 Quad Core-CPU offers fast and accurate face-detection for moving people. Additionally, eye-detection AF now works in AF-C mode,...
- Superior video and image effects: The ex-t30 offers the ability to record 4K video at 30 frames per second or capture of 120 frames per second at 1080P to create super slow motion effects. Filmmakers...
What is the best travel lens for Fuji X-T30?
So you’re planning on travelling and wondering which lens is best for travel photography with your Fuji X-T30?
These days, most travelers use their smartphones to take pictures and post them on Facebook or Instagram. Don’t get me wrong, you can make impressive pictures with recent smartphones and they are very useful to document little details of your trip, but they are limited to one perspective.
So you’ll probably need a lense with a focal range that will allow you to get shots that are impossible to get with your cell phone (zoom or wide angle).
What makes a good travel lens?
Well, this is extremely subjective and depends on the type of photo you will make when you will be on the road. It also depends on how often you’re going to use it. Any lens can be good for travel, but having to commute by train, bus, plane, and moving around all the time makes it hard to carry a huge bag dedicated to your favourite lenses. There are always the risks to pay extra fees for them, to break them during the trip or to get your bag stolen.
Hence, most photographers like to travel light, with the lightest and most versatile setup possible. Getting the most out of one or two lenses is probably the way to go, with a range .
You may not know for sure what kind of shot you are about to make during your trip. If you plan on taking portraits, wildlife, street scenes but also landscapes, a zoom lens will be perfect since they offers the advantage of allowing close-ups and scenery shots, to some extent. For a more versatile use, this kind of lens will be the perfect fit.
Travels are full of surprises, and you may want to grab your Fuji X-T30 and shoot as quickly as possible. For this situation, the best lens will be a bright wide angle lens since they are usually a good choice for street photography. They allow for close-ups and large scenes, and are generally pretty small and convenient to carry. If you are planning a city trip, this kind of lens should be attached in permanence to the body of your Fuji X-T30.
Every photographer has its own favourite setup for snapping on the go. But if you are not sure on what travel lens to choose for your Fuji X-T30, this small selection is suitable for most photographic opportunities while traveling.
Note: the product links in this article lead to Amazon.com
Summary
- Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR (All around travel lens)
- Fujifilm Fujinon XF 10-24 mm f/4 R OIS (Wide angle)
- Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS (Zoom lens)
- Useful accessories
- Conclusion
Here’s the Top 3 travel lenses you should consider for your Fujifilm X-T30:
Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR (All around travel lens)
Weight: 655 g
Filter size: 77 mm
This 16-55mm was awarded the EISA 2015-2016 prize in the European Compact System Zoom Lens category. It will be of interest mainly to those who do not want to take several objectives with them on their travels. It gives the equivalent in full size of a 24-86mm, with a constant aperture of f/2.8.
Its positive points: images are obtained with an impressive sharpness and colour rendering, and it is resistant to dust and water (indicated by the acronym WR). Its finish is all metal. It also has a mechanical diaphragm adjustment ring, and its autofocus is precise and silent.
On the negative side, it is rather expensive and impressive when compared to other objectives of this selection. Filters with a fairly large diameter of 77mm should be used to protect the optics. It is not stabilized either.
However, it offers some pretty amazing results and if you’re looking for an all-in-one zoom with a reactive autofocus, even if it means it’s a bit bulky, it’s a very good lens choice for the Fuji X-T3.
- Optically designed to draw out the maximum image quality of a flagship standard zoom lens Angle of view 83 2°- 29°
- Focal length(35mm format equivalent) f=16-55mm (24-84mm) Focus range Normal - 0 6m - ∞(whole zoom position) Macro - 30cm - 10m (Wide) 40cm - 10m (Telephoto)
- High-speed, quiet auto focus thanks to the Linear Motor Weight, excluding caps and hoods 1 44 pounds (655g)
_
Fujifilm Fujinon XF 10-24 mm f/4 R OIS (Wide angle)
Weight: 410 g
Filter size: 72 mm
An ultra wide angle zoom that offers a field equivalent to 15-36mm in 24×36 format, ideal for architectural or landscape photography. The constant aperture of f/4 provides good brightness. It is stabilized, which is very convenient for taking pictures by hand. The OIS focusing system is fast and silent. Given its high price, it is regrettable that it is not protected against bad weather or dust, even if the metal construction remains top of the range (it is XF). This is its main flaw, especially if you plan to take it with you on a trip.
In terms of image quality, it is enough to see some examples of photos obtained with this 10-24 to see that it allows quite fabulous results if you are an amateur of this type of focal length.
In short, if you are looking for the best wide-angle zoom lens for the Fuji X-T3, it is a very good choice unless you are looking for a wide-angle fixed focal length.
- Equivalent to 15-36 mm (35mm format) - angle of view: 110° - 61.2°
- Minimum working distance of 0.24 m, Focal Length : 10-24 mm
- Constant f:4 aperture throughout entire zoom range, OIS (built-in Optical Image Stabilisation)
_
Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS (Zoom lens)
Weight: 580 g
Filter size: 62 mm
Very good zoom that can complete the 18-55 or 16-55mm, equivalent to an 85-300mm on a full format. The construction is meticulous and the stitching is excellent over the entire focal range. It is not tropicalized but has a very pleasant finish.
Optical stabilization is very effective, even at 200mm. Without being a lightweight, it remains easily transportable. Auto focus can sometimes be difficult but it does the job (this will cause problems in sports photography perhaps).
Overall it does the job perfectly and offers excellent image performance despite its limited openness, for a reasonable footprint. If you have the money and don’t mind the wieght, chek the Fujifilm XF 50-140 mm f/2.8R-OIS WR. Its constant aperture of f/2.8 is a big plus to shoot in low light and have a nice bokeh.
- 55 200mm focal length, Minimum focus distance 1.10m/43.41 inch
- 83 300mm equivalent focal length on APS C cameras
- F3.5 4.8 maximum aperture; F22 minimum, Stepper type AF motor
_
☛ ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
- For more travel lenses options, check this out: The best lenses for Fuji X-T30
_
Useful accessories for travel photography
Travels can be hectic, so you want to make sure that your lenses are safe and sound all along the trip. A good quality carry bag is mandatory to protect them from the weather and bumps. A UV filter will also help protect your lens by adding a layer of glass that can be scratched or dripping with water with no harm to the lens. Finally, a polarizing filter is always useful to get a glare-free result in any shooting scenario you might face.
Here is a small selection of useful accessories to complement your lenses and your Fuji X-T30:
Conclusion
If you want to go on a trip soon and are wondering what is the best travel lens for the Fuji X-T30, think in advance about the types of photos you plan to take mainly: landscapes, portraits, night shots… Think about the focal lengths you need for that.
You can also go on Google, type in the name of the country or the tourist sites you want to visit and you will see which focal lengths are mainly used. This will give you an idea of what equipment you will need to bring but remember that taking a single lens with you might be too limiting. The flexibility of an all-around lens is very useful but generally they offer a lower image quality than a fixed focal length.
Another thing, if you plan to do a lot of walking or hiking, take into account the total weight with the camera body and the lens. If the whole thing is too heavy or bulky and lacks discretion, you won’t want to bother with it and would rather just take your smartphone with you. You may also not want to risk damaging an extremely expensive lens.
And finally, perhaps the most decisive point about choosing the perfect travel lens for your Fuji X-T30 will be if you need to get a portfolio of professional quality travel photos or videos (it may be your business or it may become your business who knows?).