Fujifilm X-T5 + 23mm f/2 vs X100VI — Which Is Better for Travel and Street Photography?

Last updated: September 2025

This article is based on side-by-side testing carried out in the Philippines and using real-world scenarios. I travel all the time and put together a great article showing the best Fujifilm cameras and lenses for travel photography here.

Even after having used a number of different camera brands lately, I still find that both the X-T5 and X100VI are the cameras that I reach for the most. Both of them offer the kind of user experience that I find very important and is crucial as to whether I get out and shoot. This article is now a few months old and yet it still shows the difference between these two setups well.

I recently put both the XT5 with the 23mm f/2 and the X100VI through their paces trying to keep the comparison as useful as possible by shooting standard scenes for both setups. I have also put the Fuji 23mm 1.4WR up against the X100VI and done a full review of the 23mm 1.4WR. My methodology for the sharpness tests was to shoot from a tripod using the same settings to avoid any differences in postition, angle or settings. I’ve owned both cameras for a while now, and this isn’t just a spec-sheet comparison—it’s also based on field use, image review, and practical insight.

Introduction

Trying to choose between the Fujifilm X100VI and the XT5 with the XF 23mm f/2 isn’t easy—both are compelling street and travel cameras. Do you buy with your head or your heart, Is the X100VI (see my review) worth spending the extra money on if you already have an XT5 (more details in this post) or other Fuji camera? Is it really worth the hype? Does the 23mm f/2 lens give you what the X100VI does? Having used both extensively, I’ve come to some very clear conclusions. This isn’t just about what’s theoretically better. It’s about what works and how they perform — and as I explored in my X100VI vs X100V comparison, it also highlights what each camera brings to the table in terms of the experience.

Field of View: Not the same

Although both setups aim for a 35mm equivalent field of view, the 23mm f/2 on the XT5 is slightly wider. It’s not dramatic, but if you’re used to 23mm (35mm equivalent), you’ll notice the extra sliver of space in the frame. Here’s why 23mm focal length is one of my favourites.

Sharpness: X100VI Has the Edge

Across multiple aperture settings, the X100VI’s lens is sharper in most real-world scenarios:

At f/8, the 23mm f/2 just pulls ahead—and only if you’re pixel peeping.

Bokeh & Rendering

At large apertures, the X100VI produces smoother, less nervous bokeh, while the 23mm f/2 sometimes shows onion-ring patterns and harsher transitions.

For candid portraits or background separation on the street, the X100VI looks more refined. . Looking for accessories to enhance the X100VI? Here’s my tested list of what works

Close Focus Performance

Here’s where the difference is really noticeable: the X100VI beats the XT5 + 23mm combo in close-up performance.

• The X100VI can focus significantly closer then the 23mm f2 lens.
• At f/2 and f/5.6, the X100VI remains sharper and more detailed.
• The 23mm f/2 feels softer in these conditions..

If you enjoy shooting textures, signage, or tight environmental portraits, the Fuji’s fixed lens is the better tool.

Distance & Microcontrast

Even at distance, the X100VI offers more microcontrast and perceptible sharpness, especially when comparing foliage, details, or distant faces.

This isn’t pixel peeping—it’s a visible improvement even when not zoomed in.

X-T5 + 23mm vs X100VI: Size, build and handling

🟩 X-T5 + 23mm f/2: The Full X-Series Experience

• Larger body gives you a deeper grip and more physical controls — great for those coming from DSLRs or needing a beefier feel
• 3-axis tilt screen is ideal for waist-level shooting and also allows flexibility to shoot in portrait orientation.
• Twin card slots offer real redundancy for pro or travel use
• Weather-sealed body and lens combo — no need for filters or workarounds
• Custom function buttons everywhere — highly configurable for serious users
• Lens flexibility — swap the 23mm f/2 for a 56mm for portraits or a zoom for travel
• ✅ Best for photographers who like full control, lens flexibility, and don’t mind carrying a slightly bulkier body.

• 🟦 X100VI: Minimal, Balanced, and Immersive
• Fixed lens means no decision fatigue — just pick up and shoot
• Extremely compact and balanced — Fits into a (large) jacket pocket
• Hybrid viewfinder (OVF/EVF) offers a unique, immersive experience — especially for street
• Leaf shutter is nearly silent and enables flash sync at fast shutter speeds
• Built-in 4-stop ND filter lets you shoot wide open in bright tropical light without adding filters
• Built-in flash is surprisingly usable for subtle fill in harsh light
• ✅ Best for shooters who value stealth, simplicity, and staying in the moment.
• Here is how I set up the X100VI.

🏆 Verdict:

If you want versatility, lens options, better and faster auto-focus and pro-level control, the X-T5 + 23mm is the obvious choice. But if you value better image quality, simplicity, compactness, and lighter weight, the X100VI is hard to beat.

Portability & Discreet Shooting

• Weight: XT5 + lens is heavier and bulkier.
• Size: X100VI is pocketable in a jacket (just about) and less conspicuous.
• Shutter noise: X100VI is nearly silent thanks to the leaf shutter.

In street environments where subtlety matters, the X100VI feels like a ninja. If you’re planning to travel light, here’s how I set up my X100VI for travel

Price & Availability

• XT5 + 23mm f/2: Often easier to find and flexible for future lens swaps.
• X100VI: Hard to find and typically overpriced due to demand.

If you’re on a budget or already have X-mount lenses, the XT5 makes more financial sense.

Final Thoughts

If you’re choosing a dedicated travel or street camera, and sharpness, beautiful rendering, and portability matter the most to you, the X100VI is the clear winner. While I really enjoy using both setups, the X100VI does offer a better experience at this focal length. It feels more compact, more balanced and for me at least, due to its fixed focal length it removes any lingering doubts in my mind about which lens I should be shooting with. With the XT5, there is always a little part of my brain saying, should I quickly slip the 35mm lens on and see how that looks.

You can see my full Fuji travel kit here, including the lenses I use with the XT5.

But if you need a more versatile system, already own Fuji lenses, or plan to shoot in demanding conditions, the XT5 + 23mm f/2 remains a solid, dependable choice—especially if you value the flexibility of interchangeable lenses. This setup gets you 90% of the X100VI experience while being more practical, allowing upgrades to even better lenses and lets not forget, in stock. Coming soon I will also be putting the 23mm f/1.4 WR lens up against the X100VI and seeing wheter the extra size, weight and price are worth it? Still can’t decide which camera to get? I go into more detail in this comparison.