Best Tamron all-in-one lens for Fujifilm X-T4 video work?

Question

So I finally did it and bought a used Fujifilm X-T4 because I really want to start making those cool cinematic travel videos like you see on YouTube. I basically spent most of my savings on the body and now I am completely lost with the lens part. I was looking at the Fuji ones but they are so expensive and someone told me that Tamron makes lenses for Fuji now and they are a bit cheaper but still really good? I have no idea if that is true or if I am just making stuff up at this point lol.

I am going on a trip to Japan in like three weeks so I am in a bit of a rush to figure this out. I really just want one lens that stays on the camera the whole time because I am terrified of getting dust inside the sensor thing if I swap them out in the wind or something. Plus I dont want to carry a heavy bag. My budget is about 700 or 800 dollars maybe? If I can find something used for less that would be even better. I am really worried about getting the wrong thing and wasting money.

The problem is I dont understand the numbers at all. I see stuff like 17-70mm or 18-300mm and I have no clue what that actually means for video work. Does one zoom more? Does one look more movie-like? I want to be able to film myself talking sometimes like a vlog but also get shots of buildings and maybe zoom in on people or cats far away. Someone said something about aperture and how it helps with blurry backgrounds which I really want for that professional look but I dont know which Tamron lens is best for that on an X-T4 specifically.

Is there like a specific Tamron all-in-one that people usually get for video stuff? I dont want it to be too shaky because I am not very good at holding it still yet and I heard some lenses have stabilizers built in. Sorry if this is a really basic question I just feel like I am drowning in spec sheets and I just want to go take some videos...

FeralPhoton · Accepted Answer

I would suggest looking at these two specifically, but be careful with your choice.

Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD: This is the safer bet for video. The constant f/2.8 aperture ensures your background stays blurry and exposure stays consistent even while zooming.

Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD: Huge range, but the variable aperture might cause exposure shifts in low light. Stick with the 17-70mm for a cleaner look.

Fenderihw · Answer

Unfortunately, most all-in-one lenses have some serious technical flaws that will drive you crazy during video production. I have had issues with lenses that try to do too much at once. The Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD sounds perfect on paper, but the variable aperture is a major letdown for cinematic work. Since it shifts from f/3.5 to f/6.3 as you zoom, your exposure will literally change mid-shot. It makes keeping a consistent look almost impossible unless you are constantly fiddling with settings. For your X-T4, you basically need the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD. It keeps a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the whole zoom range. That f-number is crucial because a lower number lets in more light and creates that blurry background look you want. Technically, 17mm is wide enough for you to vlog at arm length, and 70mm is plenty for street shots in Japan. I have noticed the autofocus on these third-party mounts can sometimes hunt more than native glass tho, which is annoying for tracking moving subjects. The built-in VC or Vibration Compensation is essential for the X-T4 since you are worried about shakiness. Just dont expect it to fix everything if you are walking fast. TL;DR: Avoid the 18-300mm for video because the light levels shift when zooming. Get the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD for the constant f/2.8 aperture and better technical performance in low light.

DeepSpaceKernel · Answer

To add to the point above: you should really check out the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD too! It is technically fantastic for vlogging in Japan because of that wide field of view. Quick question tho, are you more into filming yourself talking or capturing distant details? Because this lens is amazing for those cinematic street vibes and the f/2.8 remains constant, which is fantastic for exposure consistency! Love the optics on it.