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Love for primes - even when traveling

  
 
pechance
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p.1 #1Love for primes - even when traveling
I shoot Fuji X. I have use the 18-55 and 16-80 extensively when traveling (esp Europe). I have reviewed the images I really like and have determined that 70% of my best shots are with the 18mm focal length and another 20% with the 33mm. The rest would be a short telephoto.

So headed for a Mediterranean cruise this winter and plan on taking the 18/1.4 and 33/1.4.

I also love shooting with my Voigtlander lenses - the 50/2 Lanthar may be the sharpest lens I have ever used. But for this trip that seems too close to the 33 to carry. I already have the 75/1.9 Ulton but am lusting after the 90/2 Ultron for the 3rd lens for the trip.

Thoughts? Suggestions?
Jul 25, 2026 at 01:40 PM
gaopa
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p.1 #2Love for primes - even when traveling
Both your 18 and 33 should get the job done for you, pechance! Upon your return, please share some photos from your trip.
Jul 25, 2026 at 02:59 PM
gdanmitchell
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p.1 #3Love for primes - even when traveling
I'm big on sing small primes with my XT5 for travel, particularly if it is mostly to cities and relatively urbanized areas. The 18mm and 33 mm combo could wok pretty well.

The set I use:
14mm f/2.8
27mm f/2.8
50mm f/2

The 27mm pancpancake is more or less glued to the camera and gets used for 80-90% of the shots. The others come out for special situations.

Edited on Jul 26, 2026 at 02:39 PM · View previous versions
Jul 25, 2026 at 03:05 PM
gaopa
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p.1 #4Love for primes - even when traveling
gdanmitchell said: "The 27mm pancpancakekake is more or less glued to the camera and gets used for 80-90% of the shots. The others come out for special situations."
I keep my 23/2.8 on my X-E5 as my carry everywhere Fuji.
Jul 25, 2026 at 04:11 PM
mivadep
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p.1 #5Love for primes - even when traveling
I just recently got the 18 f/1.4. My travel kit to New England was that, the 33, and the Sigma 56 f/1.4. At least for me, I needed nothing else.
Jul 25, 2026 at 05:55 PM
pechance
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p.1 #6Love for primes - even when traveling
Will do!
Jul 25, 2026 at 07:04 PM
pechance
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p.1 #7Love for primes - even when traveling
I also have the 56/1.2 too - guess that is an option
Jul 25, 2026 at 07:06 PM
SpecFoto
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p.1 #8Love for primes - even when traveling
Love my primes too. Just got back 2 days ago from a 10 week trip to Thailand with my Thai wife. Took my X-T5 and X-E5 and brought my Voigtlander 18 mm f2.8 CS and 27mm f2 Ultron pancake lenses along with the XF 14 2.8, Xf 35 f1.4, and Sigma 56mm f1.4. Was really surprised how much I used the MF Voigts over the AF lenses; the 27mm Ultron was by far the most used lens. My daily carry in a PD 3L Sling bag was normally the 18, 27 and XF 35 f1.4 lenses, it made for a really compact and lightweight kit. Hardly used the 14mm or 56mm on this trip.

For an upcoming one week cruise in September to the Mexican Rivera, I plan on bringing the 2 Voigts again, plus the XF 35 f1.4, Sigma 56 f1.4 and the XF 90mm f2. Reason for the longer lenses is this is a photo based trip where a few photogs friends hire 6 to 8 models for the week, we sponsor the models and pair them up in cabins, and they in turn work with us on numerous planned shoots on the ship and at shore excursions. Longer telephoto lenses simply rock for these types of photos and they are for sure the most used lenses, half the photogs shoot 85 & 135mm (FF eq) primes like me, the others use a 70-200 f2.8 FF zoom.
Jul 26, 2026 at 05:05 AM
pechance
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p.1 #9Love for primes - even when traveling
SpecFoto wrote:
Love my primes too. Just got back 2 days ago from a 10 week trip to Thailand with my Thai wife. Took my X-T5 and X-E5 and brought my Voigtlander 18 mm f2.8 CS and 27mm f2 Ultron pancake lenses along with the XF 14 2.8, Xf 35 f1.4, and Sigma 56mm f1.4. Was really surprised how much I used the MF Voigts over the AF lenses; the 27mm Ultron was by far the most used lens. My daily carry in a PD 3L Sling bag was normally the 18, 27 and XF 35 f1.4 lenses, it made for a
...Show more →

I have looked at the XF90/2 often and understand it is one of the better primes, but I am sorely tempted by the the Voigt 90/2 APO Ultron. I like small, easy to carry stuff but want high quality.
Jul 26, 2026 at 06:02 AM
SpecFoto
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p.1 #10Love for primes - even when traveling
pechance wrote:
SpecFoto wroteLove my primes too. Just got back 2 days ago from a 10 week trip to Thailand with my Thai wife. Took my X-T5 and X-E5 and brought my Voigtlander 18 mm f2.8 CS and 27mm f2 Ultron pancake lenses along with the XF 14 2.8, Xf 35 f1.4, and Sigma 56mm f1.4. Was really surprised how much I used the MF Voigts over the AF lenses; the 27mm Ultron was by far the most used lens. My daily carry in a PD 3L Sling bag was normally the 18, 27 and XF 35 f1.4 lenses, it made for a really compact and lightweight kit. Hardly used the 14mm or 56mm on this trip.

For an upcoming one week cruise in September to the Mexican Rivera, I plan on bringing the 2 Voigts again, plus the XF 35 f1.4, Sigma 56 f1.4 and the XF 90mm f2. Reason for the longer lenses is this is a photo based trip where a few photogs friends hire 6 to 8 models for the week, we sponsor the models and pair them up in cabins, and they in turn work with us on numerous planned shoots on the ship and at shore excursions. Longer telephoto lenses simply rock for these types of photos and they are for sure the most used lenses, half the photogs shoot 85 & 135mm (FF eq) primes like me, the others use a 70-200 f2.8 FF zoom.
I have looked at the XF90/2 often and understand it is one of the better primes, but I am sorely tempted by the the Voigt 90/2 APO Ultron. I like small, easy to carry stuff but want high quality.


I only see the Voigt 90mm f2 for the Leica M mount. Would you use it on a Leica or adapt it to Fuji? Nice small lens with APO, it really looks like a winner. I got my Xf-90 at a big discount last summer, it was only $849 new.
Jul 26, 2026 at 07:00 AM
 


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pechance
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p.1 #11Love for primes - even when traveling
SpecFoto wrote:
pechance wrote
SpecFoto wroteLove my primes too. Just got back 2 days ago from a 10 week trip to Thailand with my Thai wife. Took my X-T5 and X-E5 and brought my Voigtlander 18 mm f2.8 CS and 27mm f2 Ultron pancake lenses along with the XF 14 2.8, Xf 35 f1.4, and Sigma 56mm f1.4. Was really surprised how much I used the MF Voigts over the AF lenses; the 27mm Ultron was by far the most used lens. My daily carry in a PD 3L Sling bag was normally the 18, 27 and XF 35 f1.4 lenses, it made for a really compact and lightweight kit. Hardly used the 14mm or 56mm on this trip.

For an upcoming one week cruise in September to the Mexican Rivera, I plan on bringing the 2 Voigts again, plus the XF 35 f1.4, Sigma 56 f1.4 and the XF 90mm f2. Reason for the longer lenses is this is a photo based trip where a few photogs friends hire 6 to 8 models for the week, we sponsor the models and pair them up in cabins, and they in turn work with us on numerous planned shoots on the ship and at shore excursions. Longer telephoto lenses simply rock for these types of photos and they are for sure the most used lenses, half the photogs shoot 85 & 135mm (FF eq) primes like me, the others use a 70-200 f2.8 FF zoom.
I have looked at the XF90/2 often and understand it is one of the better primes, but I am sorely tempted by the the Voigt 90/2 APO Ultron. I like small, easy to carry stuff but want high quality.
I only see the Voigt 90mm f2 for the Leica M mount. Would you use it on a Leica or adapt it to Fuji? Nice small lens with APO, it really looks like a winner. I got my Xf-90 at a big discount last summer, it was only $849 new.


the 90/4 is announced by Cosina to be available in August. Adapt to Fuji, although if someone were to gift me a M1 EVF, I wouldn't refuse it.
Jul 26, 2026 at 08:39 AM
RWNPhoto
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p.1 #12Love for primes - even when traveling
pechance wrote:
I shoot Fuji X. I have use the 18-55 and 16-80 extensively when traveling (esp Europe). I have reviewed the images I really like and have determined that 70% of my best shots are with the 18mm focal length and another 20% with the 33mm. The rest would be a short telephoto.

So headed for a Mediterranean cruise this winter and plan on taking the 18/1.4 and 33/1.4.

I also love shooting with my Voigtlander lenses - the 50/2 Lanthar may be the sharpest lens I have ever used. But for this trip that seems too close to the 33 to
...Show more →

I wouldn't disagree that the 2 XF primes mentioned are nice primes, but if you typically take the 18-55 or the 16-80, and are looking to leave that one lens at home and take 2 (or 3 if you wanted a longer telephoto lens), I'd make a statement that the 2 you mention are overkill.

Perhaps the 18mm f/2 pancake, and the 35mm f/2 are better options than their seemingly giant prime options you mention... for traveling anyway? And they both have a wider aperture than either of the zooms mentioned...

Jul 26, 2026 at 08:40 AM
pechance
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p.1 #13Love for primes - even when traveling
RWNPhoto wrote:
pechance wroteI shoot Fuji X. I have use the 18-55 and 16-80 extensively when traveling (esp Europe). I have reviewed the images I really like and have determined that 70% of my best shots are with the 18mm focal length and another 20% with the 33mm. The rest would be a short telephoto.

So headed for a Mediterranean cruise this winter and plan on taking the 18/1.4 and 33/1.4.

I also love shooting with my Voigtlander lenses - the 50/2 Lanthar may be the sharpest lens I have ever used. But for this trip that seems too close to the 33 to carry. I already have the 75/1.9 Ulton but am lusting after the 90/2 Ultron for the 3rd lens for the trip.

Thoughts? Suggestions?
I wouldn't disagree that the 2 XF primes mentioned are nice primes, but if you typically take the 18-55 or the 16-80, and are looking to leave that one lens at home and take 2 (or 3 if you wanted a longer telephoto lens), I'd make a statement that the 2 you mention are overkill.

Perhaps the 18mm f/2 pancake, and the 35mm f/2 are better options than their seemingly giant prime options you mention... for traveling anyway? And they both have a wider aperture than either of the zooms mentioned...



I had the XF27/2.8 for a long time and didn't like the plastic feel of the lens - picked up the Voigt pancakes and love them!
Jul 26, 2026 at 10:55 AM
Nielk Mike
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p.1 #14Love for primes - even when traveling
16f2.8, 23f2.8, 50f2. That gives you up to 150mm FF equiv on the X-E5 with 2x crop. All you need.
Jul 26, 2026 at 01:07 PM
wsheldon
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p.1 #15Love for primes - even when traveling
Good suggestions all around. My personal lens set for light travel is 16f2.8, 23f1.4(wr), 35f1.4 and 50f2 for my XPro3 or XT-5 in a small sling bag. The 23f2 is also a great option but I can't quit the 1.4wr after spending time with it, so worth the extra weight to me.
Jul 26, 2026 at 03:18 PM
RWNPhoto
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p.1 #16Love for primes - even when traveling
pechance wrote:
I had the XF27/2.8 for a long time and didn't like the plastic feel of the lens - picked up the Voigt pancakes and love them!


Well, yeah, the 27mm f/2.8 pancake can "feel" plasticy, but I didn't mention it, and you didn't state wanting a 27mm lens. So, maybe you're basing my 18mm pancake suggestion on what you experienced in the 27mm one.

You want the better feeling lens, then sure, the 18mm f/1.4 one is way better. Also way bigger and heavier. So, total weight is not an issue. And using manual lenses instead is not an issue either. The zoom was convenient, 2 or 3 primes will not be as convenient, but not a bother either?
Jul 26, 2026 at 07:04 PM
gdanmitchell
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p.1 #17Love for primes - even when traveling
pechance wrote:
I had the XF27/2.8 for a long time and didn't like the plastic feel of the lens - picked up the Voigt pancakes and love them!


Weird. I used the original and then switched to the new version with the aperture ring, and I never even think about a “plastic feel of the lens.”

Things I do think about:

1. Tiny size and very low weight

2. Impressive optical performance — I’m printed 40” widths from it that look pretty good.

3. Quick accurate autofocus — with the usual caveats that Fujifilm’s AF, while generall fine, is a bit behind Canon, Nikon, and Sony.

4. f/2.8 is sufficient for my street and travel photography. I even do urban night street photography with the thing.
Jul 26, 2026 at 08:45 PM
pechance
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p.1 #18Love for primes - even when traveling
RWNPhoto wrote:
pechance wroteI had the XF27/2.8 for a long time and didn't like the plastic feel of the lens - picked up the Voigt pancakes and love them!
Well, yeah, the 27mm f/2.8 pancake can "feel" plasticy, but I didn't mention it, and you didn't state wanting a 27mm lens. So, maybe you're basing my 18mm pancake suggestion on what you experienced in the 27mm one.

You want the better feeling lens, then sure, the 18mm f/1.4 one is way better. Also way bigger and heavier. So, total weight is not an issue. And using manual lenses instead is not an issue either. The zoom was convenient, 2 or 3 primes will not be as convenient, but not a bother either?


I have the 18/2.8 skopar and the 27/2 ultron which is sorely tempting - especially if the 90/4 apo lanthar turns out to be be really good. What a tiny kit. The 27/2 is pretty good and I could probably be fine with it and replace the xf33 but the 18/1.4 definitely quite a bit better than the 18/2.8 skopar. But the convenience of just a pancake in one pocket and the 90/4 in the other pocket with a pancake on the XT5 - it would make walking around Rome 10 hours a joy. I would expect the Skopar would be better than the 16-80 (@18mm) in the corners, just not as great as the xf18/1.4.

For general scenery shots the slightly softer corners of the pancakes are probably OK, for critical shots - like architecture (inside or out) - perhaps the solution is not the heavier lens, but technique. Switch to the 27 Ultron, shoot multiple frames and stitch - I would expect that would even the playing field to the fuji 1.4 primes.

Ah decisions.

Jul 29, 2026 at 07:08 AM
SpecFoto
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p.1 #19Love for primes - even when traveling
pechance wrote:
RWNPhoto wrote
pechance wroteI had the XF27/2.8 for a long time and didn't like the plastic feel of the lens - picked up the Voigt pancakes and love them!
Well, yeah, the 27mm f/2.8 pancake can "feel" plasticy, but I didn't mention it, and you didn't state wanting a 27mm lens. So, maybe you're basing my 18mm pancake suggestion on what you experienced in the 27mm one.

You want the better feeling lens, then sure, the 18mm f/1.4 one is way better. Also way bigger and heavier. So, total weight is not an issue. And using manual lenses instead is not an issue either. The zoom was convenient, 2 or 3 primes will not be as convenient, but not a bother either?
I have the 18/2.8 skopar and the 27/2 ultron which is sorely tempting - especially if the 90/4 apo lanthar turns out to be be really good. What a tiny kit. The 27/2 is pretty good and I could probably be fine with it and replace the xf33 but the 18/1.4 definitely quite a bit better than the 18/2.8 skopar. But the convenience of just a pancake in one pocket and the 90/4 in the other pocket with a pancake on the XT5 - it would make walking around Rome 10 hours a joy. I would expect
...Show more →

Your thinking about the C/V 18 and 27 and the 33 f1.4 or 90 f4 (or both) is right on as a lightweight kit and was exactly my experience for my 10 week stay in Thailand. My daily kit was a PD 3L sling with an X-T5, the 2 C/V pancakes and the XF35 f1.4. It covered pretty much everything for me, but a few times I wish I had my XF 50 f2 in the bag (it fits in the bag with the 3 above but I left it at home) and used a 1.4x in camera crop instead. I walked a LOT there for an old fart like me, I am a year younger than the Corvette is. Many days 15,000 steps or more and 7 to 9 miles with almost a 5 miles daily average for 9 weeks, according to my Apple watch
Jul 29, 2026 at 09:09 AM
SGinNorcal
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p.1 #20Love for primes - even when traveling
pechance wrote:
RWNPhoto wrote
pechance wroteI had the XF27/2.8 for a long time and didn't like the plastic feel of the lens - picked up the Voigt pancakes and love them!
Well, yeah, the 27mm f/2.8 pancake can "feel" plasticy, but I didn't mention it, and you didn't state wanting a 27mm lens. So, maybe you're basing my 18mm pancake suggestion on what you experienced in the 27mm one.

You want the better feeling lens, then sure, the 18mm f/1.4 one is way better. Also way bigger and heavier. So, total weight is not an issue. And using manual lenses instead is not an issue either. The zoom was convenient, 2 or 3 primes will not be as convenient, but not a bother either?
I have the 18/2.8 skopar and the 27/2 ultron which is sorely tempting - especially if the 90/4 apo lanthar turns out to be be really good. What a tiny kit. The 27/2 is pretty good and I could probably be fine with it and replace the xf33 but the 18/1.4 definitely quite a bit better than the 18/2.8 skopar. But the convenience of just a pancake in one pocket and the 90/4 in the other pocket with a pancake on the XT5 - it would make walking around Rome 10 hours a joy. I would expect
...Show more →

I would suggest you try indoor stitching prior to the trip with the lens you plan to use. Lenses with field curvature or soft corners often don't stitch well and indoor, closer in shots can have issues with aligning edges. Sometimes the 12/1.4 Sigma can be a better choice than stitching and the Fuji 8mm is just crazy wide.
Jul 29, 2026 at 09:26 AM


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