Looking for a compact travel lens for Fujifilm X-T5.

Question

I am taking my X-T5 to Italy next month and I need a lens that wont break my back. Ive been eyeing the 27mm f2.8 pancake since it would basically make the camera pocketable, but I read a few threads saying the focal length is awkward for tight European streets.

Then I looked at the 18-50mm from Sigma because people rave about the size, but I dont know if I’ll miss having an aperture ring. My logic was to stay under $550 and just bring one lens for the whole trip. Is the 27mm too limiting for architecture? Or is the Sigma actually small enough to not be annoying after 8 hours of walking...

Budget: $550

Timeline: Leaving in 4 weeks

Use case: Street and travel

Luna Starling · Accepted Answer

Like someone mentioned, that 27mm is probably too tight for those narrow streets. Im very satisfied with the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary for its price and versatility.Constant f2.8 is vital for indoor cathedrals.It weighs under 300g so no neck strain.Price is well within your $550 limit. Honestly, mapping the aperture to your command dial works just fine.

dzjggzosgz · Answer

I took the Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 R WR to Florence last year and felt pretty cramped. It is a fantastic lens for carrying, basically makes the X-T5 feel like a point-and-shoot, but those narrow alleys are no joke. I kept hitting walls trying to back up far enough to fit the cathedrals in the frame. I eventually switched to the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary and it changed the whole trip.

The 18mm end is essential for architecture.

It is light enough that I did not feel it after walking 20k steps.

Lack of aperture ring is annoying for five minutes, then you just use the command dial. Quick tip: Set your front command dial to aperture control before you leave so your muscle memory kicks in early. The versatility of that zoom beats the pancake size for Italy every single time.