Honestly, you might want to consider staying away from the 16-80mm lens. In my experience, it really struggles at the edges on that 40MP sensor and might just frustrate you more. I would suggest looking at the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR instead. Make sure you get the newer WR version specifically for the weather sealing since Olympic is basically a rainforest and you will definitely need that protection. Be careful with your aperture settings on the X-T5 body. You will start seeing diffraction much earlier than on older sensors. I have found that shooting past f/8 can actually make images look softer, which is likely contributing to that mushy look you mentioned. Tbh, if you want absolute detail, the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is the gold standard for zooms, though it is quite heavy for long hikes. Worth it for the results tho.

Regarding what #1 said about "Honestly, you might want to consider staying away..."

• I totally agree! The MTF charts show it just cant resolve enough detail for that amazing 40MP sensor. If you want to save cash, grab the Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF. Its a total resolution beast! Way cheaper than Fuji zooms and the center-to-edge performance is literally fantastic... perfect for those massive landscape prints!

Building on the earlier suggestion, i saw this earlier but just now getting a chance to sit down and respond. I totally get the anxiety about that sensor! The X-T5 is an absolute beast... it’s fantastic because you get so much raw detail, but it really exposes every tiny flaw in the glass. There was a point where I was so frustrated that I almost went back to my old 26MP body because everything looked soft. Total reliability and amazing sharpness are key if you want to keep that 40MP sensor happy. Personally, the Fujifilm XF 14mm f/2.8 R has been a total sleeper hit for me. I know you mentioned wanting a zoom, but this prime is built so well and the optical quality is just phenomenal. There is basically zero distortion, which is huge for those wide landscape shots! During my big hiking trip last year, the fear of coming home with soft files was real, but this lens delivered every single time. Technically speaking, the 40MP sensor has much smaller pixels, so the lens glass has to be way more precise to resolve detail. Your kit lens just wasnt designed for that kind of density. If you really feel you need a zoom and can push the budget a bit, the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is what I finally settled on for my safe setup. It is heavier, but the results are stunning and the weather sealing is top-tier, which is vital for Olympic National Park. You really dont want to gamble with a lens that might let moisture in or give you mushy edges when you're out there in the mist!