I’ve seen a number of reviewers state that the new Fujifilm X-T50 is essentially an X100VI, but with interchangeable lenses—especially when combined with the Fujinon XF 23mm F/2 R WR. But is that really true? Is this camera and lens actually a good alternative to the Fujifilm X100VI? Let’s talk about it, and find out.
MPB is the sponsor of this article. They loaned me a Fujinon XF 23mm F/2 R WR to try out for a few weeks; however, they had no idea that I’d be using it with a Fujifilm X-T50. For those who don’t know, MPB is an online platform where you can buy, sell, or trade used photo and video gear. “At MPB, there’s something for everyone who wants to try something new, hone their skills, or pursue their passion—and it won’t cost the earth.” If you’re in the market for used camera gear, be sure to check out their platform—you can learn more about MPB here. Thank you, MPB, for making this article possible!
The premise is simple: the Fujifilm X-T50 and Fujifilm X100VI share a heck-of-a-lot of technical specs, they’re similarly sized, and, when you use the Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens on the X-T50, they have seemingly identical glass. The comparison is natural. But, if we dig deeper, it’s easy to spot some differences, too. In other words, there’s enough in common to consider them quite similar, but enough divergent that they shouldn’t be thought of as alike.
First, the similarities. Both Fujifilm cameras share the same 40mp X-Trans V sensor and processor. They both have IBIS. They use the same (old) NP-W126S batteries. They have the same film simulations. Video specs are identical. The tilting rear LCD is similar. On paper, the lenses are seemingly identical when the Fujinon 23mm f/2 is paired with the X-T50. At first glance you might think that the X-T50 is indeed an interchangeable-lens X100VI.
But there are some significant differences. Most obviously, the X100VI is rangefinder-styled, while the X-T50 is SLR-styled. The X100VI has a hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder, while the X-T50 has an EVF (not optical), and with a little less resolution. The X100VI has a (nearly) silent leaf shutter and built-in ND filter. The X100VI is weather-sealed (as long as you attach a filter to the lens), while the X-T50 isn’t (note: the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens is, in fact, weather-resistant). The X100VI has an ISO ring around the shutter knob; the X-T50 has a Film Dial. The X-T50 with the Fujinon 23mm f/2 is slightly larger than the X100VI. The X100VI is roughly $165 cheaper than the X-T50 with the Fujinon 23mm f/2 when you buy the lens used.
While the lens permanently attached to the X100VI is seemingly identical to the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR, they are actually not the same. Quite similar? Yes. Identical? No. They each have their own character. Things like lens flare, sunstars, micro-contrast, and bokeh are slightly divergent. I cannot say which is better, especially since that is subjective; personally, I like both lenses. If I didn’t own an X100VI, the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR is one that I would definitely have. Even though the characteristic of the two lenses are different, I feel like owning both is perhaps a bit redundant, unless you just really love the 35mm full-frame-equivalent focal length.
The Fujifilm X-T50 with the 23mm lens offers a similar yet divergent experience than the X100VI, but are they “close enough” for most people? Probably, especially if you cannot find an X100VI because the demand is so high currently. Overall, the X100VI is a more premium camera, and there’s a reason why it’s historically desirable. For the Fujifilm faithful, the X-T50 combined with the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens is not likely a sufficient-enough substitute for the X100VI; however, for the casual buyer, it probably is, and it might even make more sense, since you can interchange the lenses.
For those on a budget, you may want to consider the Fujifilm X-T30 II, which is similar to the X-T50 (however, without IBIS, fewer megapixels, and two less film simulations), but is less expensive. The Fujifilm X-T30 II combined with a used Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens will run you roughly $350 less than an X100VI, making it an excellent bargain. Yes, the X-T50 is the “better” camera, but the X-T30 II is nearly as good for significantly less money. The X-T30 II combined with the 23mm lens is more similar to the X100V than the X100VI, but most of the comparisons still apply.
I had a lot of fun photographing with the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens attached to a Fujifilm X-T50. It’s fantastic, a very useful focal length, and a compact size. Because I own a Fujifilm X100VI, I don’t anticipate buying the lens; however, if I didn’t have an X100-series camera, the 23mm f/2 would be essential to have in my kit. Thank you, MPB, for letting me use one for awhile!
Example pictures, captured with a Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens on a recent trip to New York City:
Example pictures, captured with a Fujifilm X100VI on a recent trip to New York City:
See also: Fujifilm X-Pro2 — The camera that got away (again)
Up next in this series: Leica Q2 from the perspective of a Fujifilm fanatic
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I like to try to contribute in a honest way. Not having a X100Vor VI, I know that the XF23mm f2 is way underrated, so I have no method of comparison. Obviously the leaf shutter in the X100 contributes to the perception of sharpness. The rest of the equation I leave up to others.
I think, if you don’t own an X100-series camera, the XF 23mm f/2 is essential, and should be in most people’s bags. Thanks for the input!
How does a shutter mechanism contribute to a perception of sharpness. That makes no sense. Did you really mean sharpness?
I didn’t understand that, either… I definitely don’t speak for Don, but the only things I thought of were:
– Using flash with the leaf shutter (high speed sync) could potentially increase the perception of sharpness
– The leaf shutter causes less camera movement than curtain shutters, which could potentially produce a sharper picture with slow shutter speeds.
That’s all I could come up with. Not sure if that’s what he means.
My point over the leaf shutter contributing to the perception of sharpness is evident in the very nature of one of the points of leaf shutters which is to minimize or eliminate vibrations of focal plane shutters. Lens sharpness is nothing if there’s shake.
Makes sense. Definitely not a big deal under most circumstances, but could potentially be a factor at slower shutter speeds.
Can someone please tell me the name of the street with the ice cream truck & bridge is. Thanks.Hoping to get a trip into NYC soon & would like to take a similar photograph.
The area is called Dumbo, and the streets are Water and Washington. Look for a big crowd of people…
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tQLagEybegAtdLaFA
The big differentiator, of course, is the optical viewfinder. For some, it’s not a big deal. For others, it’s critical. All depends on your work style.
Yeah, I agree. For my X100V, I only use the OVF, and it’s a completely different experience.
Semi unrelated question: have you gotten your hands on the voigtlander ultra 27mm? I’m really curious about that lens but they’re near impossible to find in a shop.
Curious what Ritchie thinks, but here’s my 2 cents: the VL 27mm f/2 Ultron is a fantastic lens. Very sharp and nice rendering (although rendering is of course subjective). In my opinion, better, IQ-wise, than Fuji’s 23mm f/2, which I owned, especially when focussing at close distance (which is a somewhat weak point of the Fuji). Oh, and the VL produces great sunstars as from f/3.2 :). Of course, manual focussing is not always optimal; especially zone focussing at low apertures is tricky, due to the small DOF scale on the aperture ring. In any event, the VL makes a very nice package with the smaller sized Fuji bodies.
I haven’t purchased it, but I’ve heard a lot of good things. Definitely makes me want to buy it. I appreciate the report!
I haven’t, but I’ve heard good things about it.
I don’t have the x-t50, but do have the x-t5.
If the x-t5 is anything to go by the x100vi will also be the more robust and in particular better paint finishing. The x-t5 picks up scratches if you look at it and the paint on the on off button rubs off quickly.
Now I’m not going to moan about that, it is what it is, the rest of the camera is well built and I have no complaints. It’s a patina earned by a loved tool like a lived in leather jacket!
But it will bother some. And you see the usual anti-China brigade claiming that alone has led to poor build quality. Nonsense of course and the x100vi is proof of that. I toss it in coat and jeans pockets that have other stuff in, even keys if I wasn’t thinking and not even a micro scratch yet (8 weeks in).
I would say if the concept can work for you, and if the looks are as important to you as the image quality, and especially if you want a silver model, the x100vi will be the more durable option.
I like you pointed out the x100vi is the cheaper option. With all the moaning about price a lot of people seemed to lose sight of the fact that the cheaper bodies need a lens too!
I went to California… had a photowalk with Tom a.k.a. bewaremyfuji and took the kids to Disneyland. Even though I brought my X-T5 and a handful of lenses, the only camera I used on the entire trip was the X100VI. Everything else remained in the camera bag the entire trip.
Thanks for the comment!
I’m surprised no one mentioned the fuji 27mm pancake. The 23mm seems large in comparison and if your goal is compactness it’s hard to beat the 27mm. I throw it on my xt30 and it’s a great little travel combination.
It’s a different focal length than the X100-series, and I’m sure that’s why. The Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 is one of my favorite lenses, personally.