Fujinon lens | FUJI X WEEKLY

My Top 5 Favorite Fujinon Lenses

Which lenses you should buy for your Fujifilm camera is a personal decision. There’s not a single lens that’s for everyone. One person will like one lens, another person will like a different lens. Some people prefer zooms, some people prefer primes. Some prioritize sharpness, some prioritize character. There’s no right or wrong lens, only what you personally appreciate.

I get asked fairly regularly which lenses I recommend. I’m not certain how helpful it is to know which ones I personally like, because we’re all different, and which lenses I like best could be very different from what you’ll like best. With that aside, below you’ll find my five favorite Fujinon lenses for X-series cameras. In addition to those, I also sometime use vintage and third-party lenses, but for the sake of simplicity, I kept this list strictly to Fujinon glass.

The order is widest to most telephoto. I’ll provide some brief commentary about why I like the lens, and when I use it. I will also give them a rank of one-through-five; I really like all of them, so don’t read too much into where I rank them. Let’s dive right in!

Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 R WR

Fujifilm’s latest prime lens offering is the Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 pancake. Paired with the Fujifilm X-E5, it’s the closest you’re likely to get to an interchangeable-lens X100VI. This lens is an excellent performer, and has some good close-focus capabilities (not macro, but cropping a little will get you near-macro). An advantage that APS-C has over full-frame is size and weight, so you’d think that Fujifilm would offer a series of pancake lenses to pair with their smaller cameras; however, for many years your options have been the hard-to-find 27mm f/2.8 and the 18mm f/2, which is barely a pancake and, as one of the older lenses in the lineup, in need of a refresh. So I think it was smart for Fujifilm to release a third option, and I hope that another pancake lens or two are in the works.

While I really like the Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 pancake, I don’t love it quite as much as the 27mm f/2.8 pancake. Clinically speaking, it’s probably the better of the two, but it lacks a little of the soul that makes the 27mm special. I tend to only use it when the 27mm focal length is a bit too tight, or I want to focus a little closer. It’s completely worth owning, but you’re likely to choose either the 23mm or 27mm, and not both, since their focal lengths are fairly similar. I rank the 23mm f/2.8 pancake as my fifth favorite Fujinon lens.

Fujifilm X-E5 + Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 – Astia Negative

Fujifilm X-E5 + Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 – Vivid Velvia

Fujifilm X-E5 + Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 – Kodak Vericolor VPS

Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 R WR

When I preordered the Fujifilm X-E4, I did so as a kit with the (new version) Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens. I was hesitant to do so because the maximum aperture of “only” f/2.8 wasn’t impressive, and I was unsure if it was going to be sharp enough. At the time, the Fujinon 35mm f/2 was my favorite lens, and it has a similar focal-length, a larger maximum aperture, and, while not a pancake, is pretty small overall. After getting the 27mm f/2.8, I fell in love with the character and compact size, and it immediately became my favorite lens.

This is my most used lens over the last several years. Even after getting the 23mm f/2.8 pancake, I still use the 27mm more than any other; however, I do use it a little less than I used to. If I could only own one Fujifilm lens, it would probably be this one. I rank the 27mm f/2.8 pancake as my second favorite Fujinon lens.

Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 – Pacific Blues

Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 – Pushed Analog

Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 – 1960 Chrome

Fujinon 35mm f/2 R WR

I purchased the Fujinon 35mm f/2 lens in 2019, as a kit with the X-T30. It immediately became my most-used Fujifilm lens; however, after getting the 27mm pancake, it got relegated to secondary duty. I would only use it in place of the pancake when I needed an extra stop of light. It was barely used for a few years. Then, last year I purchased a full-spectrum infrared Fujifilm X-T4, and the 35mm f/2 lens gained new life. Since it doesn’t have any IR hotspots, it’s a great option for infrared photography. It has practically remained glued to the IR camera, which has been one of my favorites to use.

The Fujinon 35mm f/2 lens is a solid option that exemplifies everything that Fujifilm glass is renown for. It’s a great lens, and I use it often—mostly just for infrared photography nowadays. I rank the 35mm f/2 as my fourth favorite Fujinon lens.

Fujifilm X-T4 ES + Fujinon 35mm f/2 – Aerochrome v2

Fujifilm X-T4 ES + Fujinon 35mm f/2 – Cotton Candy Chrome

Fujifilm X-T4 ES + Fujinon 35mm f/2 – CitrusChrome

Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 R WR

The Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 (new version) lens is extra special. It’s mostly regarded as a portrait lens, but it is good for so much more than that. The extra large maximum aperture makes the lens super useful for low light situations, and the shallow depth-of-field and extra sharp glass gives a medium-format feel to the photographs. The 84mm full-frame equivalent focal-length is a slightly awkward for some subjects and situations, and it can take some time to get used to, but well worth the effort to get comfortable with.

My only gripe with this lens is that it’s not mine. It belongs to my wife, Amanda, but thankfully she lets me borrow it whenever she’s not using it. I don’t have access to it all of the time, but I like to use it whenever the opportunity arises. Because it’s significantly larger and heavier than the previous three lenses, I prefer to use it on my X-T5, but I’ve used it plenty of times on a X-E4 and X-E5, too. I rank the 56mm f/1.2 as my number one favorite Fujinon lens.

Fujifilm X-E5 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 – Kodak Farbwelt 200 Expired

Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 – Kodak Plus 125

Fujifilm X-E5 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 – FRGMT B&W

Fujinon 90mm f/2 R LM WR

I purchased the Fujinon 90mm f/2 lens second-hand in 2018 for a specific project. Once that project was finished, I had intended to sell it and (hopefully) get most of my money back. But I ended up loving it so much that I kept it. It’s another portrait lens, this one longer at 135mm full-frame equivalent focal-length. Back in the day 135mm was fairly common, but it’s definitely gone out of style over the last 30 or so years. Still, I really love it.

When I want a longer reach and the 56mm f/1.2 isn’t long enough or isn’t available (because my wife is using it), I will use the 90mm f/2. It’s great for landscape photography, especially when the subject is at a distance. Seven years of solid service isn’t bad for second-hand glass; that was money well spent. I rank the 90mm f/2 as my third favorite Fujinon lens.

Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 90mm f/2 – Classic Amber

Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 90mm f/2 – Eterna Summer

Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 90mm f/2 – Ferrania Solaris FG 400

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 in black:
Amazon, B&H
Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 in silver:
Amazon, B&H
Fujinon 27mm f/2.8:
Amazon, B&H, Moment
Fujinon 35mm f/2 in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Nuzira
Fujinon 35mm f/2 in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Nuzira
Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 R WR:
Amazon, B&H, Nuzira
Fujinon 90mm f/2:
Amazon, B&H, Moment

Close Up with the Fujinon XF 30mm F/2.8 R LM WR Macro

Posted on September 23, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

Robert Capa famously stated, “If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.” A macro lens, which allows you to focus more closely to the subject, takes this idea to an entirely new level. You can get extremely close! The smallest of details, which might normally be overlooked, can become the subject itself.

Fujifilm has three such lenses for the X-series: Fujinon XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro, Fujinon XF 60mm f/2.4 R Macro, and Fujinon XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro. The 80mm lens is the most premium of these, and is a must for anyone who is serious about macro photography on Fujifilm cameras. The 60mm lens isn’t technically a macro lens, as it doesn’t have 1:1 magnification, but it is near-enough to be designated as such; it is an older Fujinon model, and not as sharp or quick as the others. The 30mm lens is the latest macro offering by Fujifilm, giving close-focus capability to a very useful focal length.

MPB is the sponsor of this article. They loaned me a Fujinon XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro lens to try out for a couple of weeks. 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!

Normally, macro lenses are telephoto, such as the Fujinon 80mm f/2.8, because otherwise the lens might get too close and disturb the subject—either by scaring the subject away (if it’s an insect or animal) or by casting a shadow on it. The 30mm focal length is 45mm full-frame-equivalent on Fujifilm X-series cameras, and is a “normal” field-of-view for photography—essentially, a nifty-fifty; however, it is not the most practical choice for macro photography. In fact, you may want to remove the lens hood for up-close pictures, because it can get in the way. While I found the lens to be somewhat challenging for macro images, the fact that it doubles as a standard focal-length lens—not too dissimilar from the Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 or Fujinon 35mm f/2—means that it’s great for everyday walk-around photography. That versatility is quite intriguing.

The downside of this lens compared to the 27mm f/2.8 or 35mm f/2 is that the 30mm f/2.8 Macro is much larger (0.9″ and 1.8″ long compared to 2.75″ without the hood and 3.75″ with the hood, respectively). It is quite compact and lightweight for what it is, but if you’re looking for an everyday carry option, this isn’t quite as small as those. If macro or near-macro photography is of interest to you, this is an excellent lens to own; otherwise, you might better appreciate some of the other options.

Macro lenses are often extremely sharp because the nature of their work demands it, but the downside is that they are often slow. Not only do they typically have smaller maximum apertures, but they are almost always a bit slower to focus, since they have such a large range to cycle through. The Fujinon 30mm f/2.8 Macro is indeed very sharp and largely free of any optical flaws, and definitely lives up to the Fujinon reputation. Surprising to me, it is also quite quick to find and lock focus, which is somewhat unusual for a macro lens. From a technical point-of-view, there’s a lot to be impressed with.

For someone wanting to get into macro photography (or if you are already into macro photography, but are switching to Fujifilm from another brand), I would highly recommend starting with the Fujinon 80mm f/2.8. The Fujinon 30mm f/2.8 is an excellent complimentary option for when you need something less telephoto and/or bulky, but in my opinion it shouldn’t be your first or main macro lens. For someone who’s not really into macro photography per se, but would like to sometimes get closer to their subjects, and is also interested in a solid everyday-carry option, this lens will do the trick very well.

Getting closer to your subject to improve your photography has been common advice for over 75 years now, and I think there is just as much truth to it today as when Robert Capa first coined it in the 1940’s. Perhaps macro photography takes it more literally than Capa had intended, and certainly merely getting closer isn’t a cure-all fix to uninspired images. With that said, I do believe that lenses like the Fujinon XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro provide the opportunity to grow as a photographer, and certainly the challenge of using it effectively will improve ones photography over time. So, yeah, if your pictures aren’t good enough, maybe it’s because you’re not close enough, and this lens will allow you to get much closer.

Photographs I captured using the Fujinon 30mm f/2.8 Macro lens on my Fujifilm X-E4:

*Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujinon 30mm f/2.8 Macro + Expired Velvia Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujinon 30mm f/2.8 Macro + Astia Summer Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujinon 30mm f/2.8 Macro + Classic Color Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujinon 30mm f/2.8 Macro + Pacific Blues Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujinon 30mm f/2.8 Macro + Fujicolor 100 Gold Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujinon 30mm f/2.8 Macro + Monochrome Negative Recipe*

Previously in this series:
Fujifilm X-Pro2 — The camera that got away (again)
Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm F/2 = Interchangeable-Lens Fujifilm X100VI??
Leica Q2 from the perspective of a Fujifilm photographer
Fujifilm X30 — Fujifilm’s Forgotten Retro Compact Zoom

Up next: Traveling Light with the Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-100 II & TCL-100 II Conversion Lenses

Impressions of the new Fujinon 16-50mm F/2.8-4.8 R LM WR Lens

Posted on August 31, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

Just to be clear right up front: this is not a review of the new Fujinon 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR kit lens. Someone let me use their copy for half a day while I was in Denver to lead a photowalk (thanks, Matt!), so this is just a quick impression after a handful of hours of use. Everything that I say about it should be taken with a grain of salt, since I don’t own the lens and only used it briefly. My goal is simply to help bring some clarity to those who might be considering it—I’m not certain if I’ll be able to accomplish that, but I hope so.

The Fujinon 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 is Fujifilm’s successor to the much-beloved 18-55mm f/2.8-4 kit lens, which has been discontinued. I’m not a zoom-lens guy—I prefer prime lenses—but I do own the 18-55mm f/2.8-4, and it’s the only zoom lens that I use even close to somewhat regularly. I don’t use it all the time, but definitely more than any other zoom that I own. It’s an excellent kit lens, perhaps even the best kit lens offered by any brand. I was actually a little sad when Fujifilm announced that they were replacing it. I think the primary reason for its discontinuation is that it cannot fully resolve the 40mp X-Trans V sensor.

There’s actually quite a lot different between the 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 and the 18-55mm f/2.8-4. Some advantages of the 16-50mm are: optically superior, internal zoom, lighter, smaller (the lenses are the same size, but the 18-55mm extends when you zoom while the 16-50mm doesn’t), weather-sealed, wider focal length, and better minimum focus distance. Some advantages of the 18-55mm are: optical image stabilization, larger maximum aperture at the telephoto end, longer telephoto reach, and can be found cheaper used than the 16-50mm new. Each has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s difficult to say that one is “better” than the other; however, if I had to pick one as better, it would be the new 16-50mm.

I was actually pretty impressed with the sharpness of the 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 lens. It’s tack sharp, with the crispness that one would expect from a prime lens. I didn’t notice any vignetting, either. The new lens is optically the winner; the old lens isn’t a slouch, but the 16-50mm is quite obviously the better of the two. Having the 16-50mm is like owning a whole bunch of prime lenses, albeit ones without impressive maximum apertures.

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 + Ektachrome E100 Recipe*

The difference between 16mm and 18mm is larger than the difference between 50mm and 55mm; however, my personal preferences is to have more telephoto reach. For me, I want 55mm f/4 more than I want 16mm. I almost never used 16mm during the short time with the lens, but you might use 16mm often and 50mm rarely. Toping out at f/4.8 at 50mm is odd, since it is a half-stop intermediate aperture. Half-stops were once common a long time ago, but they’re pretty rare nowadays. There’s not a significant benefit in depth-of-field, compression and bokeh (using that term incorrectly) from 55mm f/4 compared to 50mm f/4.8, but there is a difference nonetheless. For me, though, the biggest problem with f/4.8 is dust. You see, living in Arizona, I constantly battle a dirty sensor, and dust on the sensor won’t show at f/4 but it will begin to show at f/4.8.

The Fujinon 16-50mm f/2.8-4 R LM WR makes the most sense when paired with the cameras that have the 40mp X-Trans V sensor and IBIS, which (as of this writing) are the X-H2, X-T5, and X-T50. My guess is that the majority of those who own the X-H2 and X-T5 are not using kit zooms (although I’m sure some are… I use the 18-55mm on my X-T5 sometimes), so that means the Fujifilm X-T50 is the camera that this lens makes the most sense for, in my opinion (I’m sure Fujifilm will release more models in the future that this lens pairs especially well with). For the models without the 40mp sensor but with IBIS—the X-H2s, X-S20, X-S10, and X-H1—you could go either way. Pairing this lens to a weather-sealed body is quite logical, so maybe that could be a deciding factor. For cameras without IBIS, I would recommend the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens, since it has OIS.

I have no intentions of purchasing the Fujinon 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8. Don’t get me wrong: I would be happy owning it, but I’m also happy owning the Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4, and I just don’t have a need for two kit zooms right now. But, if you’re trying to decide, I think the Fujifilm X-T50 and Fujinon 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 combo could be an especially excellent lightweight travel kit. Also, the internal zoom of the 16-50mm is a major plus for those who will be using it with a gimbal, since you won’t have to rebalance whenever you adjust the focal length. The $699 MSRP is a bit steep (it’s the same price that the 18-55mm was), but if you buy it bundled with a camera body, it’s basically $300 cheaper, and for that price I think it could be worthwhile.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujinon 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira

Photographs captured using the Fujifilm X-T50 and Fujinon 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR:

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 + Velvia Film Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 + 1976 Kodak Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 + Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 + Kodak Tri-X 400 Recipe*

Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm F/2 = Interchangeable-Lens Fujifilm X100VI??

Posted on June 4, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Fujifilm X100VI (left) & Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 (right)*

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.

*Dumbo Crowd* – NYC, NY – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – Reala Ace Recipe

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.

*Manhattan from Pulaski Bridge* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – PRO Negative 160C Recipe

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:

*Urban Dog* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – Reala Ace Recipe

*Crochet Wall* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – Reala Ace Recipe

*Ice Cream* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – Nostalgic Film Recipe

*Forklift* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – Kodachrome 64 Recipe

*Urban Reflection* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – Kodak Tri-X 400 Recipe

*Food* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – Reala Ace Recipe

*Headlights & Hotel Cab* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – PRO Negative 160C Recipe

*Skyline from Newton Creek* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – PRO Negative 160C Recipe

Example pictures, captured with a Fujifilm X100VI on a recent trip to New York City:

*Holland Tunnel* – Fujifilm X100VI – Vintage Vibes Recipe

*Bowl & Burger* – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X100VI – Vintage Vibes Recipe

*Yellow Cab* – Fujifilm X100VI – Vintage Vibes Recipe

*Psychic Bike* – Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe

*Red* – Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe

Up next in this series: Leica Q2 from the perspective of a Fujifilm fanatic

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Creative Collective 053: Going Ultra-Wide for Dramatic Photographs

Posted on August 15, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

*Panic Purchases* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Rokinon 12mm

Dramatic photographs are statement pieces that grab the viewer’s attention. There are several techniques that you could employ to capture dramatic pictures, including light, subject matter, and composition/point-of-view. In this article I will discuss a particular piece of gear that often delivers dramatic results: the ultra-wide lens.

My Top 5 Lenses So Far in 2023

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

We’re almost done with the first two months of 2023! Time is just flying by—I wish it would slow down a little. Anyway, I thought it would be interesting to look at the lenses that I’m using the most so far this year.

The number-one most used lens is the one permanently attached to my Fujifilm X100V. So far, I’ve been picking up that model more this year than last. I’ve had the X100V for almost three years now, and it remains my favorite camera. For the sake of this article, though, I will only be discussing interchangeable lenses and not fixed, so the one on the X100V doesn’t count.

The methodology of this Top 5 list is simple: I reviewed my pictures captured in 2023, and noted which lenses were used. After tallying the results, I made this list. In other words, this list is simply my most-used lenses, which doesn’t necessarily mean best or favorite, although it certainly indirectly speaks something to that effect—if I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t use it so much, right? With that said, here are my Top 5 lenses so far in 2023!

#5: Fujinon 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6

The Fujinon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 is my most expensive lens, and one of my least used. It comes in handy every once in awhile; however, it’s big and heavy, and not particularly convenient for carrying around, so it often stays at home unused. I’ve made a couple half-hearted attempts to sell it, but (for now) I still own it. I used it a couple of times in January, but on both occasions I switched it out for another lens after only a short while.

Surprising to me, the 100-400mm lens was used more than any of my vintage lenses. I love shooting with old manual lenses, but so far this year I haven’t done much of that; instead, the 100-400mm—despite limited use—was attached to my camera more, and snuck into number five on this list.

Fujinon 100-400mm: Amazon B&H Moment

*Don’t Drink the Water* – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 100-400mm – Kodachrome 64

*Seed Floaters* – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 100-400mm – CineStill 400D v1

*Green Desert Trail* – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 100-400mm – CineStill 400D v1

#4: Fujinon 18-55mm F/2.8-4

The Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens came bundled with my first Fujifilm camera, the X-E1. I used the lens for a few months and then sold it, because I’ve always been a prime lens photographer, and not a zoom. This last November I purchased a Fujifilm X-T5 bundled with the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens, and I used this lens a lot for the first five or six weeks, but have since slowed down considerably, choosing prime lenses much more often instead of the zoom. My wife has found that she likes it for video, so she borrows it sometimes.

As far as zooms go, the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 is pretty darn good. I like the lens. I find myself using it at certain focal lengths—18mm, 23mm, 35mm, 55mm—and it’s amazing that one compact zoom can do the work of four primes. But I still prefer primes, so this lens only made it to number four, and a pretty good distance behind the next.

Fujinon 18-55mm: Amazon B&H Moment

*Green Hills* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 18-55mm – Kodachrome 25

*Raymond Photographing Flowers* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 18-55mm – Kodachrome 25

*Cholla Arms* – Goodyear, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 18-55mm – Kodachrome 25

#3: Fujinon 35mm F/2

Before I purchased the Fujinon 27mm f/2.8, the Fujinon 35mm f/2 was my favorite and most used lens. It was almost always attached to my camera. But, after the arrival of the 27mm pancake, it got put on the shelf. Then my wife, Amanda, discovered that she really likes the 27mm lens, too, so now we share it. Whenever Amanda is using the 27mm, I’m often using the Fujinon 35mm f/2. Yes, it might be a consolation prize, but it is still a fantastic lens that I like using.

Let me point out something about the Fujinon 35mm f/2 lens that I have noticed: whenever I use it, I seem to have a pretty strong hit rate. I really like the pictures I capture with it. For that reason, there have been a couple of times where the 27mm pancake was available, but I chose the 35mm instead.

Fujinon 35mm: Amazon B&H Moment

*Spring is a Dream* – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 35mm – Kodak Ultramax 400

*Feeding Ducks* – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 35mm – Kodachrome 64

*Fence & Desert* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 35mm – Vintage Bronze

#2: Fujinon 27mm F/2.8

I have used the Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens just barely more often than 35mm f/2 so far this year. I’ve often said that the 27mm f/2.8 is my favorite lens, and it was by far my most used lens in 2022 (even more than the one permanently attached to my X100V). I love the small size, focal length, and image quality. When I purchased this lens, I had no idea that I’d like it so much.

Through the first two months, the Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 not only slipped to number two, but it almost fell one more spot. I do suspect that I’ll continue to use it often, and it is still one of my favorite lenses, but I’m not sure I can confidently state that it is my absolute favorite lens like I have previously. I still love it, though.

Fujinon 27mm: Amazon B&H Moment

*Rainy Day Window* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 27mm – Kodak Ultramax 400

*Don’t Climb on the Bikes* – Oceanside, CA – Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 27mm – Emulsion ’86

*Dreary Beach* – Oceanside, CA – Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 27mm – Emulsion ’86

#1: Fujinon 90mm F/2

When I reviewed my pictures from 2022, I noticed that, despite using the Fujinon 90mm f/2 less than some other lenses, many of my favorite pictures were captured through its glass. So, in 2023, I’m trying to use it more. I find the focal length challenging sometimes, but when it does work out, the results are stunning. The 90mm lens is my wife’s other favorite lens, so I share it with her, and it’s not always available when I want to use it.

I hope when I look back at the end of the year, the Fujinon 90mm f/2 will continue to be at the top of this list. The pictures that I capture with it are some of my favorites, so it only makes sense to use it as often as I can.

Fujinon 90mm: Amazon B&H Moment

*Sunrise Light* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 90mm – Kodachrome 25

*Flock of Cranes* – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 90mm – Kodak Portra 400 v2

*Autumn Reflection* – Gilbert, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 90mm – Kodak Portra 400 v2

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Just Announced: Fujinon 30mm f/2.8 Macro

Posted on November 2, 2022 by Ritchie Roesch

Fujifilm just announced a new lens: Fujinon 30mm f/2.8 Macro. This is a “standard” prime lens with a 45mm (equivalent) focal-length. It’s a macro, and its closest focus distance is about 4″ from the sensor, which is great. While the f/2.8 maximum aperture may not sound especially exciting, it’s important to know that impressive maximum apertures aren’t a big deal on macros. The 30mm f/2.8 macro has a linear motor and is weather-sealed. Overall it seems like a high quality Fujinon lens.

I love macro lenses because they’re often very sharp and quite versatile. The one downside is that there’s a lot of range to scroll through when focusing, and because of this they’re not quite as quick as non-macro lenses. In Fujifilm’s lineup, you have two other macro options: the 60mm f/2.4 and 80mm f/2.8. The 60mm is old, slow, and optically inferior, although still a good lens. The 80mm is excellent optically (one of the absolute best, actually), but is bulky and expensive. At $600, this new lens is not overly costly, yet seemingly quite capable and pretty compact. This new 30mm option will be an appealing choice for those interested in macro photography, or those wanting a good walk-around lens with extra versatility.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Preorder your Fujinon 30mm f/2.8 Macro: Amazon B&H

Orders will apparently ship on November 17.

In other (but related) news, AstrHori has released a 28mm f/13 Micro Probe lens that has 2x magnification! If you want to get really close, and do some crazy closeup pictures of bugs or flowers, this is a lens to strongly consider. I don’t think you’d put this unusual lens on your camera for street photography or portraits—you might poke someone’s eye out—but for true macro photography, this is one you’ll want to take a good look at. If you are a dedicated macro shooter, this is a lens to get excited for; however, with that said, I’ve never used it and cannot attest to the image quality—I don’t doubt that it’s decent, I just have no firsthand experience. If you only occasionally dabble in macro photography, then the Fujinon 30mm is probably a better choice for you. The good news for macro photographers is that you have two new options. Yea!

The AstrHori 28mm f/13 Micro Probe is available for $739 on Amazon.

Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujinon 90mm = Great Combo with Challenges

Posted on May 7, 2022 by Ritchie Roesch

I was cleaning out the notebook on my road trip two months ago—it was a whirlwind to the Grand Teton National Park and to the furthest northwest corner of Oregon—and I was trying to figure out what to write about. The remaining pictures are a hodgepodge, but I wanted to share them nonetheless. I then realized that many of the remaining images were captured with a Fujifilm X-E4 and Fujinon 90mm combination. Suddenly I had my article idea!

You might recall that the 90mm lens doesn’t fit into my “ultimate” travel camera kit, so I couldn’t bring it with me; however, my wife, Amanda, brought it in her camera bag to use with her X-T4. The three lenses that she likes to use are the Fujinon 10-24mm zoom, the Fujinon 27mm f/2.8, and the 90mm f/2, and the 27mm is her (and my) favorite. I had the 27mm in my bag on the X-E4, so on several occasions we swapped. This arrangement ended up working out pretty well for both of us.

*Snake River Sun Rays* – Grand Teton NP, WY – Fujifilm X-E4 & 90mm – “Ferrania Solaris FG 400“

The Fujinon 90mm is one of my favorite lenses, but the 135mm full-frame-equivalent focal-length isn’t always easy to use. It’s great for headshots, but definitely challenging for landscape and travel photography. Challenges are actually good if you embrace them because they force you to think outside-the-box and try new things, which will make you a better photographer. While this lens is one of the absolute best in the Fujinon lineup, it’s not always easy for this type of photography; however, if you are up for the challenge you will certainly be rewarded.

The lens isn’t especially compact or lightweight, either. I find that it balances better on bigger camera bodies, such as the X-T4 or X-H1. Using it on the small X-E4 can be a bit awkward, especially if you’ll be shooting all day with it. In other words, it’s not a convenient option. Those who obsess over ergonomics will hate this camera and lens combination. If you can get past that, though, the X-E4 and 90mm will deliver excellent images. Both the camera and lens are highly capable photographic tools, and together, from an image quality point-of-view, they’re a dream team!

*Columbia River Rainbow* – Hammond, OR – Fujifilm X-E4 & 90mm – “Velvia v2“

If you have an X-E4, should you pair the 90mm with it? I love the camera and I love the lens, and they’re great when used together, but they’re not without their difficulties. They’re philosophical opposites. The X-E4 is about “less”—less size, less weight, less complications—while the 90mm is about “more”—more reach, more sharpness, more bokeh. With the Fujifilm X-E4, less is more. With the Fujinon 90mm f/2, more is more. They don’t belong together, yet the images they create together speak for themselves. The pictures are what matter most, and you do what you’ve got to do to create them. That means dealing with the challenges as they come, and, for me, using these two great tools together.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujifilm X-E4 Black Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-E4 Silver Amazon B&H
Fujinon 90mm f/2 Amazon B&H

*Haystack in Monochrome* – Cannon Beach, OR – Fujifilm X-E4 & 90mm – “Kodak Tri-X 400“

*Pinnacles & Crashing Waves* – Cannon Beach, OR – Fujifilm X-E4 & 90mm – “Kodak Tri-X 400”

*Astoria Bridge* – Hammond, OR – Fujifilm X-E4 & 90mm – “Kodak Tri-X 400”

*River Boat* – Astoria, OR – Fujifilm X-E4 & 90mm – “Kodak Tri-X 400”

*Winter Sage* – Grand Teton NP, WY – Fujifilm X-E4 & 90mm – “Kodak Tri-X 400”

Lens Review: Fujinon XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR

Posted on April 19, 2022 by Ritchie Roesch

Earlier this year Fujifilm sent me an X-Pro3 camera and Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 lens to try for a few weeks. The camera and lens are long gone—of the two, the one I miss the most is the Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 lens. Yes, the X-Pro3 is great and was a lot of fun to shoot with, but that lens is something special!

What I remember about the development of the Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 lens is that the original intention was for it to have an f/1 maximum aperture, but early in the design stages Fujifilm realized that in order to do so the lens would have to be both very large and very expensive, so they scaled it back to f1.4 instead. The 33mm focal length might seem odd until you take into account the APS-C crop factor—it’s full-frame equivalent to 49.5mm, which means it’s a “nifty fifty” lens.

Fujifilm already has a number of lenses that are close-ish to the 50mm (equivalent) focal-length: the 35mm f/2 (actually, there are two) and 35mm f/1.4 are just a little more telephoto, while the 27mm f/2.8 is a little more wide-angle (and is the closest “as the eyes see” lens in the Fujinon lineup). The 33mm f/1.4 seems a bit unnecessary when judged simply on this, but I do think it was a solid addition when Fujifilm released it last September.

The question on everyone’s mind is whether the Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 lens is any good or not. Of course it is—”Fujinon” is printed on it, and that’s an assurance of quality. The lens is super sharp edge-to-edge, even wide open, but especially when stopped down just a little. This lens out-resolves the 26mp sensors found on the current lineup, and I believe is capable of resolving future higher-resolution offerings that are in the pipeline. Fujifilm built this lens with the future in mind, yet in the meantime it allows you to maximize current cameras’ quality potential. Bokeh is beautiful. Aberrations and flare are fairly well controlled. There is almost no distortion. There is a very small amount of vignetting in the corners when wide open, but it is extremely minimal—you’re not likely to notice unless you are looking closely for it. Sunstars are excellent. While I believe that the flaws in lenses are what gives them character, this lens has proven that position wrong, because this is a near-flawless lens that is oozing with wonderful character. Bravo, Fujifilm!

While some might have wished for that f/1 aperture originally intended for this lens, I found f/1.4 to be more than enough. In daylight conditions, it’s actually difficult to use that large of an aperture, but indoors or at night it can come in handy. It’s possible to get a very narrow depth-of-field, especially if you are focused near the minimum distance (about 12″). I find it interesting that the GFX 63mm f/2.8 is basically the same thing for GFX as the 33mm f/1.4 lens is for X-series, with the same equivalent focal-length and same depth-of-field at maximum aperture. Aside from the resolution difference, you’re basically getting “medium format quality” from this lens—I’m not exactly sure what that means, but know that the lens is superb.

Another thing that you probably want to know is that this lens is weather-sealed, so if you attach it to a weather-sealed camera body, you’re good to go out into the elements. While I didn’t find myself in very many situations where this came in handy, it could be important to you, depending on the type of photography that you do, and where you live. Autofocus is super snappy and nearly silent. Build quality is excellent.

The Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 is a little less than 3″ long and weighs about 0.8 pounds. It’s noticeably bigger and heftier than some Fujinon primes, including the 35mm offerings and especially the 27mm f/2.8. I found it balanced really well on the X-Pro3, X-T4 and X-H1, and it balanced moderately well on the X-T30 and X-T1, but it didn’t seem to balance well with the X-E4. If I did own this lens, I would still use it on my X-E4, but I’d likely use the 27mm f/2.8 much more often on that camera. Basically, this lens pairs particularly well with larger X-series cameras.

The Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 lens retails for $799, which is definitely on the higher end. Is it worth quadruple the price of the cheap XC 35mm f/2? Is it worth double the price of the XF 35mm f/2 or 27mm f/2.8? Is it worth 33% more than the 35mm f/1.4? I can’t answer that for you, but if it is a lens you will use often—an essential tool in your kit—then probably yes. If not, perhaps consider one of the other options. If you do buy it, I have no doubts that it will instantly become one of your favorite lenses, and you’ll keep it for many years to come.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 Amazon B&H

Example photographs captured using the Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 lens:

*Indoor Blooms* – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 @f/8 – “Fujicolor Superia 800”

*Sunlit Succulent* – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 @f/9 – “Fujicolor Superia 800”

*Agave Blue* – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 @f/8 – “Fujicolor Superia 800”

*Mutual Conversation* – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 @f/5.6 – “Agfa Ultra 100”

*Red* – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 @f/5.6 – “Agfa Ultra 100”

*Boy With Nerf Gun* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 @f/1.4 – “Vintage Color v2“

*Forgotten Post* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 @f/1.8 – “Nostalgic Negative“

*February Reaching* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 @f/5.6 – “Vintage Color v2”

*Wild Gold* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 @f/10 – “Vintage Color v2”

*Desert Snow* – Canyonlands NP, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 @f/6.4 – “Old Ektachrome“

*End Post* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 @f/1.4 – “Standard Provia“

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Fujifilm Sent Me An X-Pro3 & 33mm f/1.4!

Posted on February 5, 2022 by Ritchie Roesch

Fujifilm sent me an X-Pro3 camera and 33mm f/1.4 lens to borrow for a few weeks. I get to use them, but I don’t get to keep them. In fact, if you’ve ever read a review of this camera or lens, there’s a good chance that this exact copy is what was reviewed. I don’t have any obligation to write a review, but of course I will, after I’ve had a chance to put the camera and lens to the test.

My initial impressions of the X-Pro3?

I currently own an X-Pro1, and I’ve extensively used an X-Pro2; the X-Pro3 is a very similar camera. The headline difference is the backwards-mounted rear screen, which I think people will love, hate, or both love-and-hate simultaneously. It’s way too early to know for sure, but I think I’m going to be in that love-hate category. Maybe once I use it more I will feel differently about it. I wonder, though, why the rear screen doesn’t swing to the side instead of down? I find it less than ideal when I need to use it, but I do like that the camera is designed to encourage you to not use the screen, because, when you don’t need it, the experience is better when it is hidden. I love the little “box top” screen that’s in its place. Inside, the X-Pro3 is a lot like other X-Trans IV cameras, such as the X100V. The ability to save in 16-bit TIFFs could be reason enough to buy this camera, although I haven’t examined this closely yet. So far, the X-Pro3 seems to be a workhorse body that one could happily use for many years. Be on the lookout for a full-review in a few weeks.

My initial impressions of the Fujinon 33mm f1.4?

Amazing lens! Do I need to say more? It’s definitely bigger and heavier than my Fujinon 35mm f/2, but also perhaps optically superior and with great character, which says a lot, because the 35mm f/2 is a great lens. The Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 is for the X system what the Fujinon 63mm f/2.8 is for the GFX system, but maybe better. There will be a full-review of this lens in the future, but I can tell you right away that you won’t be disappointed if you should buy it—it really is a fast 50mm-equivalent prime lens that’s top-notch.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujifilm X-Pro3 Amazon B&H
Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 Amazon B&H

Example photographs, all straight-out-of-camera JPEGs captured on a Fujifilm X-Pro3 and Fujinon 33mm f/1.4:

*Boy With Nerf Gun* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & 33mm @f/1.4 – Upcoming Recipe

*Fake Succulent on Table* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & 33mm @f/1.4 – Upcoming Recipe

*House At Last Light* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & 33mm @f/9 – Upcoming Recipe

*Winter Bloom Remnants* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & 33mm @f/8 – Upcoming Recipe

*February Reaching* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & 33mm @f/5.6 – Upcoming Recipe

*Frozen Pond near Sunset* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & 33mm @f/5.6 – Upcoming Recipe

*Grass & Frozen Waterway* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & 33mm @f/5.6 – Upcoming Recipe

*Wild Gold* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & 33mm @f/10 – Upcoming Recipe

*Backlit Marsh Reed* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & 33mm @f/6.4 – Upcoming Recipe

*Forgotten Post* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & 33mm @f/1.8 – “Nostalgic Negative“

*Yellow Tape* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & 33mm @f/4 – “Nostalgic Negative“

*11 Stop* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & 33mm @f/4 – “Nostalgic Negative“

*Rays Through Evergreen* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & 33mm @f/14 – “Nostalgic Negative“

Why I Love The Fujinon 18mm F/2 Lens

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

*Fujinon 18mm f/2 lens attached to a Fujifilm X-T30 camera.*

I’ve done several of these “Why I Love The Fujinon…” articles—including the 90mm f/2, the 35mm f/2, the 27mm f/2.8—but I’ve been putting this one off. If you’d read my review of the Fujinon 18mm f/2, you might already know that I have a love/hate relationship with it. I called it “the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” because it is simultaneously wonderful and disappointing—wonderful image quality, disappointing performance. I don’t want to rehash what I already stated in the review, so I’ll approach this a different way.

For a long time I shot 35mm film. I had a Canon AE-1 camera and a 50mm f/1.8 lens, and that’s it—one camera and one lens. After awhile, though, I began to collect gear. I acquired more cameras and more lenses. One lens was a Canon 24mm f/2.8. Coming from 50mm, the 24mm focal-length lens seemed to be extremely wide-angle to me. I found it challenging to use, but also highly rewarding, because the focal-length can make a scene much more dramatic. Below is a picture from the first roll of film where I used the 24mm focal length. For Fujifilm cameras, 16mm is full-frame-equivalent to 24mm, not 18mm (which is 27mm full-frame-equivalent), but the difference between 16mm and 18mm isn’t huge. I actually like 18mm more because it is a bit less extreme yet still very dramatic.

*Canon T70 & Canon FD 24mm f/2.8 – Ilford Delta 400 film*

The 18mm focal-length is very useful for landscape or cityscape photography. It wouldn’t be my first choice for portrait photography, but it is great for when you want to exaggerate the space in the frame. It can turn a rather ordinary scene into something more extraordinary through embellishment. I think everyone should own a lens with this or a similar focal-length, and challenge themselves to use it—and it alone—on occasion, just for practice.

The 18mm f/2 is Fujifilm’s second smallest lens, so it is especially great for travel or walk-around photography. It’s a lens that you can leave on the camera all day, or have as a second lens, perhaps kept in a jacket pocket. The size and weight advantage of this near-pancake lens cannot be understated!

*Fujifilm X-H1 & Fujinon 18mm f/2 – “Kodak Gold 200“*

Ultimately, though, it comes down to the pictures, and it’s easy to love how the Fujinon 18mm f/2 lens renders images. When the pictures look as good as they do, it’s not hard to ignore the flaws (such as a slow and loud focus system). For this reason, the Fujinon 18mm f/2 lens is an essential tool in my kit. Yes, I do have a love/hate relationship with this little lens, but I lean much more closely towards the love side.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujinon XF 18mm f/2 R Amazon B&H

Example photographs captured with the Fujinon XF 18mm f/2 R lens:

*Fujifilm X-H1 & Fujinon 18mm f/2 – “Ilford XP2 Super 400“*

*Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 18mm f/2 – “Fujicolor Superia 800“*

Why I Love The Fujinon 35mm F/2

Posted on November 24, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

*Chair & Pillow* – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 35mm f/2 – “Ilford Delta Push Process“

The Fujinon 35mm f/2 was once my most-used lens. It was what you would typically see attached to my Fujifilm X-T30, or sometimes my Fujifilm X-T1. There’s a lot to love about this lens, but I don’t use it nearly as often as I once did, and it has absolutely nothing to do with image quality.

You can read my full review of the Fujinon 35mm f/2 lens here. I don’t want to rehash what I’ve already stated, but simply tell you why I love this lens (and also why I don’t use it much anymore).

The 35mm f/2 is a lovely little lens that’s super sharp, has nice bokeh, has a pretty good maximum aperture of f/2, is fast, small and lightweight. It captures wonderful pictures! There’s not much at all that can be said negatively about it. It’s a solid prime with a very useful focal length. It’s a great example of the Fujinon quality that Fujifilm has become known for, and I would recommend it to anyone.

If it’s all sunshine and lollipops, why don’t I use this lens much anymore? It has to do with the focal-length. Earlier this year I got the new Fujinon 27mm f/2.8, which has a full-frame-equivalent focal-length of 40.5mm—nearly “standard” (as the eyes see), and only barely wide-angle. The 35mm lens is 52.5mm full-frame-equivalent, which is also in the range of “standard,” but is a little telephoto. (For those wondering, roughly 30mm on a Fujifilm camera, or 45mm on full-frame, is neither telephoto nor wide-angle). So these two lenses—27mm f/2.8 and 35mm f/2—are similar and in many ways redundant. The 27mm lens isn’t necessarily “better” but it is my preference because I like the focal-length just a little more. They’re both excellent options, but I only need one.

I do still use the 35mm f/2 sometimes. If I want just a little more reach, or if I need a little larger maximum aperture (such as for low-light photography), the 35mm lens is the one to grab. However, the number one reason why I choose it over the 27mm is because my wife often has the 27mm lens on her camera, so the 35mm—being a close second pick—is what I use on my camera instead. Of course, I have many other lenses to choose from, so sometimes I use the opportunity to try something completely different. In any event, I would be a little sad parting ways with the Fujinon 35mm f/2, but it wouldn’t really change much for me.

If you are looking for a standard prime lens that’s not too big or expensive and just captures wonderful pictures, the Fujinon 35mm f/2 is one to strongly consider. I like the 27mm f/2.8 just a little better, but the new one (with the aperture ring) is tough to find at the moment, so if you are impatient, this is an excellent alternative. The 35mm f/2 is such a good lens that it just seems “wrong” to give it a silver medal instead of gold, but when there are multiple options that are exceptional, things like that happen. Beside, you might prefer it over the 27mm, because you like the focal-length or larger aperture better. Maybe the Fujinon 35mm f/2 would suit your photography just a bit better.

Even though I don’t use it much anymore, I still love the Fujinon 35mm f/2, and would be plenty happy if it were the only lens I owned.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.
Fujinon 35mm f/2 (Black) B&H Amazon
Fujinon 35mm f/2 (Silver) B&H Amazon

*Man in Red* – Fujifilm X-T1 & Fujinon 35mm f/2 – “Kodacolor”

*Pigeons Over A Roof* – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 35mm f/2 – “Kodachrome 64“

*Mitchell Mesa* – Fujifilm X-T1 & Fujinon 35mm f/2 – “Kodak Portra 160”

*Palm Tree Bees* – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 35mm f/2 – “Kodachrome 64“

*Bright Spikes* – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 35mm f/2 – “Kodachrome 64“

*Saguaro In The City* – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 35mm f/2 – “Agfa APX 400“

*Dramatic Desert Sky* – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 35mm f/2 – “Agfa APX 400“

*Dike Road* – Fujifilm X-T1 & Fujinon 35mm f/2 – “Monochrome“

*Reflection on a Dirt Road* – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 35mm – “Dramatic Monochrome“

*Terrible Ford* – Boulder City, NV – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 35mm f/2 – “Agfa APX 400“

Why I Love The Fujinon 27mm F/2.8

Posted on November 20, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

As I was getting ready to write this article, I was looking around my gear cabinet for this lens and I couldn’t locate it. When I did find it, the lens was attached to my wife’s X-T4! It turns out that the Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR is her favorite lens. It seems that whenever I want to use it, the lens is attached to her camera. This is the only lens that we fight over.

That first paragraph could be the entirety of this article. It says everything that you need to know (although my full review of the 27mm f/2.8 lens can be read here). If there could only be one lens in our household, it would be this one! But why? What makes this lens special?

The technical specs for this lens don’t stand out. A maximum aperture of f/2.8 isn’t eye-popping. The stats seem kind of ho-hum—in fact, that is why I hesitated to buy this lens in the first place. But stats don’t tell the whole story. What’s most important are the pictures, and the Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR captures wonderful photographs!

Why does this lens capture such good images? It’s the sharpness, the micro-contrast, and the bokeh, which are all excellent. Perhaps, above all that, it’s the very useful focal-length, as 27mm is full-frame-equivalent to 40.5mm, which is pretty close to “normal” and very similar to what the eyes see. You can use this focal-length for most genres of photography. Useful and excellent—that’s the best summery of why I (we, actually) love this lens so much.

*Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 with* *“Positive Film“*

This is speaking nothing of the compact-size and lightweightness (I don’t think that’s a word) of this pancake lens, which makes it a joy to carry. Your gear is better when it doesn’t get in the way of itself, and this one—the smallest lens in the Fujinon lineup—certainly stays out of the way.

Ask anyone who owns this lens (or even the original 27mm f/2.8, which is optically identical), and they’ll tell you that it’s one of their favorites. On paper it shouldn’t be, but it is, because “on paper” is much different than real world use. The Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR is an easy lens to recommend to anyone. However, if there’s one issue, it’s that this lens is really difficult to find right now, so if you are shopping for it, I wish you the best of luck.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Buy the Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 lens here:
B&H Amazon

*Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 with “Scanned Superia“*

*Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 with “Fujicolor C200“*

*Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 with* *“AgfaChrome RS 100“*

*Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 with “Super HG Astia“*

*Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 with “Fujicolor Super HG v2”*

Why I Love the Fujinon 90mm f/2

Posted on November 12, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

One of my absolute favorite lenses is the Fujinon 90mm f/2! It’s super sharp, plenty bright, great bokeh, and just lovely image quality. Technically speaking, the lens is near perfection, and practically speaking, it does nothing but produce lovely pictures. You can read my full review of the Fujinon 90mm f/2 lens here. I don’t want to rehash what I’ve already said, but instead convey why this is one of my absolute favorite lenses.

I purchased my Fujinon 90mm f/2 about three years ago. I had read that it was one of Fujifilm’s best portrait lenses, and I was going to be doing some portrait photography, so I bought it for that purpose. I had intended to sell it afterwards, but after I used it there was no way that I was going to sell it—it was love at first click! All of the great things that I read about it turned out to be completely true.

90mm is full-frame-equivalent to 135mm, which once was a very common focal-length, but it’s not really in vogue anymore. It’s not quite long enough for sports and wildlife photographers, and it’s too long for a lot of other purposes. Even portrait photographers might prefer a shorter focal-length with a larger maximum aperture. 135mm can be a bit challenging to use, but also very rewarding.

Robert Capa coined the phrase, “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.” Robert probably wasn’t advocating the use of longer lenses, but actually taking a few steps closer; however, the Fujinon 90mm lens allows you to get closer without actually getting closer. It forces you to remove unnecessary elements from the frame, because they simply won’t fit—you can’t get it all in, so you have to be more purposeful with what you do and don’t include. That’s the challenge, but better pictures are the reward.

*Fujifilm X-T4 & Fujinon 90mm f/2 — Photo by Amanda Roesch*

When Fujifilm introduced the 90mm f/2 in 2015, they likely had in mind that it would be popular among portrait photographers, and for sure it is! But I’m not a portrait photographer—at least not usually. While the lens is optimized for portrait photography, it is great for still-life, nature, urban, and many other circumstances. I use it most frequently for landscape photography.

The only negative comment that I have to say against the Fujinon 90mm f/2 is that it is a little hefty. It balances better on a camera like the X-T4 than X-E4, but I still use it frequently on smaller bodies. It’s not comfortable to carry around all day long. Aside from that, the 90mm lens is the epitome of the Fujinon quality that Fujifilm is renown for. I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed with the images captured through this glass.

The Fujinon 90mm f/2 can be challenging to use because of its focal-length, but if you take on that challenge you will be rewarded with wonderful photographs. That’s why I love it! If you are not a portrait photographer, this lens might not be on your radar, but it is worth owning anyway, as it is useful in many circumstances, and not just portraits. If you are a portrait photographer, this should be one of your top considerations. It retails for $950.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Buy the Fujinon 90mm f/2 lens here:
B&H Amazon

*Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 90mm f/2 — “Elite Chrome 200”*

Fuji Features: Fujinon 70-300mm Reviews

Posted on May 5, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

Welcome to the second Fuji Features post! Each article in this series will have a different theme. The first one featured the Fujifilm X-E4. This one is is all about the Fujinon 70-300mm lens.

I badly want the new Fujinon 70-300mm zoom lens!

You see, I have the 100-400mm (review here), which is great, but it’s so big and heavy that I hardly ever use it. When I do use the 100-400mm, I really enjoy the pictures that I capture with it, but sadly most of the time it sits on a shelf. My thoughts are, since the 70-300mm is roughly 40% smaller and about half the weight, I’d likely use it more often. The problem is that I have to sell the 100-400mm first (if you’re interested, hit me up) in order to afford it.

Anyway, I searched the web and found a whole bunch of Fujinon 70-300mm reviews and videos. I hope that they’re helpful to some of you, or at least entertaining. It’s hump day, so maybe this will help you get through it.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujinon 70-300mm Amazon B&H

Below are the Fujinon 70-300mm reviews that I found on the web.

DPReview

5050Travelog

Photography Blog

Imaging Resource

The Phoblographer

Fstoppers

Fuji X Passion

Fujilove Magazine

Jonas Rask

Bjorn Moerman

Alan Hewitt

Plus some videos! Lots and lots of videos….

Fujifilm Lens Stories, too!

Lens Review: Fujinon XF 27mm F/2.8 R WR

Posted on March 22, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

Bundled with my Fujifilm X-E4 was the brand-new Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR lens. It’s sometimes referred to as the “Mark II” version, although that’s just a nickname and not an official title. It replaces the aging XF 27mm f/2.8 (note that the old model doesn’t have an R and WR in the name), which was released in 2013. This refresh improves the original model’s shortcomings while not messing with what made it great.

The Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR, which retails for $399, is a pancake lens, which means that it’s small and flat. In fact, it’s Fujifilm’s most compact lens. The X-E4 when paired with this lens is similar in size to the X100V with its built-in lens. The 27mm f/2.8 is less than an inch long and weighs only three ounces, making it a perfect option for travel.

Fujifilm gave this new model two significant improvements over the old version. The most noticeable is the addition of an aperture ring (this is what the R in the name means). Fujifilm’s charm and ideology is retro-styling, and the traditional aperture ring is a big part of that, so it was a shame that the old model didn’t have one, but great that the new one does. Another improvement is weather sealing (hence, WR in the name), although this only matters if the camera is weather sealed, too. Also, the new model is capable of manual-focus-override while in autofocus, which I don’t believe the old version could do, so this is a bonus improvement.

The focus motor inside the new 27mm lens is the same as the old version. It’s plenty quick enough, but it is a little on the loud side. It would have been nice if Fujifilm had engineered a quieter motor for this update. There are noisier lenses in the Fujinon lineup, so it’s not a big deal (I suppose) that Fujifilm left the motor alone. Still, this would have been a nice touch.

Fujifilm kept the glass inside the new lens the same as the old one. There are seven elements in five groups with seven rounded blades. The minimum focus distance is a little more than 13 inches, which is decent enough but not great. The 27mm focal-length is 40.5mm full-frame equivalent, which is barely wide-angle, and is very close to “normal” on Fujifilm X cameras. The maximum aperture is f/2.8, which isn’t particularly fast, and the minimum aperture is f/16. The lens accepts 39mm threaded filters.

The 27mm f/2.8 lens is pretty darn sharp. I don’t think it’s quite as sharp as the 35mm f/2, but very close. There’s a little corner softness when wide open. Peak sharpness seems to be around f/5.6-f/8, but it’s good throughout the full aperture range. I didn’t notice any vignetting or chromatic aberrations. I did see a very minor amount of barrel distortion, which only really matters when shooting brick walls; it’s very subtle so no big deal. Bokeh looks nice. Sunstars are decent yet soft. Flare is well-controlled.

There’s a special quality about the pictures captured with the 27mm f/2.8 lens. I’m not exactly sure what it is—the “it factor” maybe?—it’s really difficult to describe, but what I can tell you is that I like this little lens more than I thought I was going to. Maybe it’s the small size? I think more than anything the pictures that it produces attracts me to it. I absolutely love the new Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR lens, and it’s a great bargain when bundled with the Fujifilm X-E4.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR Amazon B&H

Example photographs captured with the Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR lens on a Fujifilm X-E4:

*Palms* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm

*Palms Trees & Storm* – Sun City West, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm

*Black & White Bloom* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm

*Little Garden Statue* – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm

*Boombox* – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm

*Little Dog* – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm

*Lampshade, Cross & Curtain* – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm

*Two Thirty* – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X-T4 & Fujinon 27mm

*Tiles & Stairs* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm

*Window Blinds* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm

*Globe by a Window* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm

*What’s the Dog’s Name?* – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm

*Cactus Seat* – Surprise, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm

*Blossoming Red* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm

*That Way* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm

*Three Palms* – Sun City West, AZ – Fujifilm X-E4 & Fujinon 27mm

Lens Review: Fujinon XF 18mm f/2 R

Posted on March 3, 2021 by Ritchie Roesch

The Fujinon XF 18mm f/2 R lens is the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This is a lens that I want to love because of its small size and very useful focal-length, but I don’t love it because its way overpriced and has a disappointing focus system. I’m getting a little ahead of myself, though; I have plenty that I want to discuss about the Fujinon 18mm f/2 before giving my conclusion.

This is one of two “pancake” lenses offered by Fujifilm; the other is the 27mm f/2.8. Whereas the 27mm is a true pancake, the 18mm f/2 is only sort-of one, as it’s a little on the large size for this category. Think of it more of a Japanese pancake than an American flapjack, or maybe it’s a short stack. The 18mm f/2 is compact glass for when you want a little less girth and weight, but it’s not quite as small as one might hope for.

In this lens are eight elements in seven groups with seven semi-rounded blades. You won’t get great sunstars. Bokeh is pretty good, although not something you’ll experience much because it’s a wide-angle lens. The 18mm focal-length is full-frame equivalent to 27mm. The minimum focus distance is about seven inches, which is pretty good. The maximum aperture is f/2 and the minimum is f/16, with 1/3-stop intermediate clicks. The lens accepts 52mm threaded filters.

The Fujinon 18mm f/2 lens is sharp in the center at all apertures. It’s slightly soft on the edges at all apertures, but more so when wide-open, so it’s best to stop down to at least f/2.8 or f/4 if you can. I didn’t notice any vignetting. There’s not much distortion, and I didn’t notice any chromatic aberrations; I wonder if it’s because the camera is correcting this—as you probably know, I shoot JPEGs, and I didn’t inspect the RAW files. Image quality from this lens is clearly Fujinon, and I’m quite happy with how it renders pictures.

This is one of Fujifilm’s oldest X-series lenses, and it shows. It’s in desperate need of a refresh. Autofocus is the slowest I’ve experienced in a Fujinon model, outside of macro lenses that have a long range to cycle through. It’s also the loudest. I found manual-focus, which is focus-by-wire, to be somewhat unpleasant. The focus system on this lens is disappointing, but ultimately it is sufficient for most situations, so you just have to put up with it. Hopefully at some point Fujifilm makes a new version with a better focus motor.

The 18mm f/2 is quite prone to lens flare, which you might love or hate depending on how you feel about it. Fujifilm does provide a lens hood that’s highly effective, but it adds significant length, which defeats the point of it being a pancake lens—with the hood it makes this lens the same size as the 16mm f2.8. I’m personally okay with the flare, so I don’t use the hood.

The Fujinon XF 18mm f/2 R lens isn’t weather-sealed (which only matters if your camera is), it doesn’t have any image stabilization (which isn’t a big deal on a wide-angle lens), and it’s slow and loud compared to other Fujinon lenses. Yet it retails for $600! The only thing special about the 18mm f/2 is that it’s small and lightweight, which is why I bought it and why I plan to keep it, but I wouldn’t pay $600 for it.

If you can find one for a good price, it might be worth owning. Otherwise, there are better options to consider, including the 14mm f/2.8, 16mm f/2.8, 16mm f/1.4, 8-16mm f/2.8, 10-24mm f/4, 16-55mm f/2.8, 18-55mm f/2.8-f/4, 16-80mm f/4, and 18-135mm f/3.5-f/5.6. Heck, the 15-45mm f/3.5-f/5.6 and 16-50mm f/3.5-f/5.6 might even be better options! Pretty much any Fujinon lens that covers this or a similar focal length will have some advantages over the 18mm f/2. The one and only reason to buy the Fujinon 18mm f/2 lens is if you need a small pancake-like wide-angle lens to attach to your camera. If you need that, this lens is your best bet because it’s your only option.

Ah, but the pictures captured through this lens are quite nice, even if the experience of capturing them is less than ideal. That’s why I said this is the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. You have to know this going into it, or you’ll likely be disappointed. If you can put up with the quirks and can get it for a good price, you’ll find glass capable of capturing beautiful images, and that’s what matters most. I don’t love the lens, but I do like it and plan to use it frequently.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujinon XF 18mm f/2 R Amazon B&H

Example photographs captured with the Fujinon XF 18mm f/2 R lens on a Fujifilm X-T30:

*Shallow Lake* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*Calm Canal* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*Farmington Bay Reeds* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*Sky Reflections in the Water* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*International Fence* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*Red Steel Pile* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*Dirty Shore & Reflections* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*Algae & Broken Reeds* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*Puddle in the Path* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*Still Water Reeds* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*Seagull Over Reeds* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*Wetlands Under Pastel Sky* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*Structure Abstract* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*Bucket in a Basket* – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*Sidewalk Intersection* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*Three Seagulls* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*Tree & Reflection* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

*Dramatic Sky Over Shallow Lake* – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 18mm f/2

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Review: Fujinon XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Ritchie Roesch

Fujifilm Fujinon 100-400mm lens review

The Fujinon XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens is a serious telephoto zoom! If you’re looking for a long telephoto lens for your Fujifilm X camera, your options are very limited, and this one might be your best bet; however, it’s bulky, heavy and, with an MSRP of $1,900, very expensive. Is the Fujinon 100-400mm lens worth the cost?

Fujinon is Fujifilm’s brand name for their lenses. The XF in the name means that this is a premium lens (in other words, not budget) for X-mount cameras. The lens has a focal length of 100mm to 400mm, which is equivalent to 150mm to 600mm in full-frame terms. The R indicates that it has an aperture ring on the lens, which it does, but unfortunately it’s unmarked, which seems like a strange choice. LM stands for Linear Motor, which is the auto-focus system that’s inside the lens. OIS means that it has built-in optical image stabilization. The WR stands for Weather Resistant, which is useful if you are attaching it to a weather resistant camera. While the full name of this lens seems excessively long, it does give us a good overview of what we’re looking at.

When my Fujinon 100-400mm lens arrived in the mail, I was shocked at the size and weight of it. I had read all about how big and heavy it was, but it still took me by surprise. The lens weighs more than three pounds, and is just over eight inches long when retracted at 100mm and is nearly 11 inches when extended to 400mm, not including the lens hood, which adds another three inches. It’s massive! You need to know that it’s very big and heavy, probably more than you are expecting.

Monochrome Reeds – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm lens @148mm

Dark Lake Shore – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm @124mm

The lens seems to be made with plenty of plastic. Not quite as much as Fujifilm’s budget lenses, but more than I would have thought for an XF lens, and I wonder how it would survive a fall. Hopefully I will never have to find out, but I do know that if it does fall it will fall hard! Beyond that, it seems well-built and well designed. There are three switches on the side: OIS on-and-off, Auto-Aperture on-and-off, and a close-focus inhibitor. The aperture ring works well, but is disappointingly unmarked. The focus ring is nice and smooth for manual focusing. The zoom ring twists the lens in and out for zooming. This lens accepts 77mm filters.

The Fujinon 100-400mm lens is very sharp at 100mm and mediocrely sharp at 400mm. This is a zoom lens and has sharpness similar to other Fujinon zooms, so don’t expect prime lens sharpness. Comparing my Fujinon 90mm f/2 to this lens at 100mm, the 90mm produces crisper results. This shouldn’t surprise anyone because primes usually produce better results than zooms, and the Fujinon 90mm f/2 is one of the very best Fujifilm primes. Even so, sharpness on the 100-400mm lens is pretty darn good for a zoom, at least at 100mm. I found sharpness to be excellent at apertures f/11 and larger from 100mm to about 250mm. From roughly 250mm to 350mm sharpness is still excellent, but not quite as good, and it seems to be best between f/5.6 and f/8. Sharpness gets noticeably worse when the focal length is longer than 350mm, becoming the least crisp at 400mm, including some obvious corner softness when wide open. At 400mm I think the sharpness is comparable to the Fujinon 50-230mm budget zoom, and f/8 seems to be the optimal aperture. I would avoid apertures smaller than f/16 at all focal lengths, as diffraction is noticeable.

I didn’t notice any chromatic aberrations, although the camera might be automatically removing it. I found no distortion, so expect straight lines to be straight. From 100mm to about 300mm there’s little-to-no vignetting, but vignetting becomes noticeable when wide-open and approaching the long end of the lens. At 400mm, even when stopped down, the vignetting doesn’t completely go away. The maximum aperture is f/4.5 at 100mm, f/5 at 200mm, f/5.2 at 300mm, and f/5.6 at 400mm, which is sufficient. I would prefer a larger maximum aperture, but that would only make the lens bulkier, heavier and more expensive than it already is. The minimum aperture at all focal lengths is f/22. Bokeh, which is the quality of the out-of-focus area in an image, is pretty good. The minimum focus distance is almost six feet, which means that you won’t be photographing anything from close up, but achieving a shallow depth-of-field isn’t particularly difficult thanks to the long focal lengths. Fujifilm claims that the image stabilization is good for five stops, but I really don’t think so. It’s definitely helpful, especially at the longer end, but I wouldn’t count on it working any miracles. I found it best to turn the image stabilization off when using a tripod.

Fujifilm Fujinon 100-400mm lens review

Auto-focus is extraordinarily quick and quiet considering how many heavy moving parts are inside the lens. It’s not the fastest Fujinon lens, but it’s still fast. The inhibitor switch is helpful if you’re not close focusing. Manual focusing is great when using a tripod, but I found it a tad awkward to do hand-held just because of the size and weight of the lens.

The Fujinon 100-400mm is a difficult lens to use, especially at the longer end. When the lens is attached to your camera, you want to make sure that you hold the lens (not just the camera). You’ll find yourself wanting to use a tripod, or at least a monopod, and you’ll need to mount the lens (not the camera) to it. When not using a tripod, you’ll need to use good techniques to keep it steady, similar to shooting a rifle. Fast shutter speeds will be your friend. I seemed to get better results at the longer end when using the electronic shutter instead of the mechanical. Atmospheric distortion is magnified when zooming in on far away objects. With a good tripod and techniques this lens can be used in low-light situations, but I found that it likes a lot of light and does well in daylight. I got better results when I took my time and was very deliberate and precise. While the lens is particularly challenging, it can also be especially rewarding.

Perhaps the best way to think about the Fujinon 100-400mm is that it’s a fantastic 100-350mm lens, especially from 100mm to about 250mm, which is where it produces the best results. The last 50mm is a bonus—sufficiently good, but disappointing when you consider how much it costs. In other words, 400mm is available when you need it, but consider avoiding it when you can. If you think about the lens in that way you will likely be happy with it, but if you are counting on the long end for top-notch image quality, you’ll be let down. Whether you’re happy or not, the fact is that your options are limited. Fujifilm’s longest prime lens is the 200mm f/2, which retails for more than three times as much as the 100-400mm. The next closest prime is the 90mm f/2, which isn’t especially long. The 50-140mm f/2.8, which isn’t much cheaper than this one, but is optically superior, might not be telephoto enough, depending on your needs. Lastly, there’s the 50-230mm budget zoom, which is nearly five times cheaper, but optically inferior, and also might not be long enough. Those who are deciding between the 100-400mm and the 50-140mm will have to determine if 140mm is telephoto enough for their photography. If so, I’d recommend the shorter lens. If you are deciding between the 100-400mm and the 50-230mm, if you plan to use the lens only occasionally, it might be difficult to justify spending nearly two thousand dollars, so you should probably go with the cheap one; if you’ll be using it often or need the longer reach, the 100-400mm is better, but you’ll have to put up with the heft. For those who need a long telephoto option, you might just have to get this big lens, because there really are no good alternatives. Thankfully, the Fujinon 100-400mm is a pretty good telephoto zoom lens that can produce stunning pictures.

Edit: I overlooked the Fujinon 55-200mm as an alternative. It’s better than the 50-230mm, and much less expensive than the 100-400mm, although with a maximum focal length that’s half as long. If you can’t afford the 100-400mm or need something that’s smaller and lighter, this is one that you should consider.

My affiliate links for the Fujinon XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens are here: B&H Amazon. If you make a purchase using my links I will be compensated a small amount for it.

Example photographs, captured using the Fujinon 100-400mm lens on a Fujifilm X-T30:

Liquid Hay – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm @301mm

Wetland Snow – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm @100mm

Blue Heron – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm @400mm

Blue Creek – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm @100mm

Silver Snow – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm @159mm

Francis Peak – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm @400mm

Birds Nests – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm @107mm

Frary Peak Thru the Reeds – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm @143mm

Monochrome Cattails – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm @243mm

Stretch – Farmington Bay, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm @400mm

Ugly Duckling – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm @400mm

Half Circle Reflected – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm @100mm

Forgotten Concrete – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm @100mm

White Pillow – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm @252mm

Shadow Ware – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 100-400mm @243mm

Lens Review: Fujinon XC 50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS II

Posted on December 2, 2019 by Ritchie Roesch

Fujifilm Fujinon 50-230mm Lens Review Blog

Fujifilm’s Fujinon Super EBC XC 50mm-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS II lens is a budget telephoto zoom option for X series cameras. It has 13 elements in 10 groups with seven rounded blades and a maximum aperture of f/22. This lens accepts 58mm filters. Because of the APS-C crop factor, it has a full-frame focal-length equivalence of 75-345mm. The only Fujifilm lens that has a longer focal length is the Fujinon 100-400mm, which retails for about four times as much.

The Fujinon 50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS II is mostly made of plastic. It doesn’t feel especially sturdy, like it would probably break if it took a big fall, but it’s super lightweight at about .8 pounds. This lens is fairly small, at between 4.4″ and 7″ depending on the focal length. For how telephoto this lens is, it’s impressive how light and small they were able to make it!

There’s no aperture ring, which is expected since it’s an XC series lens, but a bummer because the aperture ring is something that I appreciate about Fujinon lenses. There’s no doubt that this is a cheap lens when you look at the body. Manual focus is electronic and pretty good overall. Auto-focus, which is very quiet, isn’t especially quick, but it’s also not super slow. I would say that it’s sufficiently snappy for most purposes, and probably too slow for quickly moving subjects.

The lens has a maximum aperture of f/4.5 at 50mm and f/6.7 at 230mm, and variously in-between at other focal lengths. That’s not especially large, which means this isn’t a good lens for working in dim light or trying to achieve shallow depths of field. The close focus distance isn’t bad, though, so if you use the largest aperture at the closest focus distance you can get a nice out-of-focus background. When you do, bokeh is decent enough, but not particularly great.

The Fujinon 50-230mm lens is equipped with optical image stabilization, which Fujifilm claims will give you four stops extra. The math calculation I learned many years ago for achieving sharp hand-held pictures is the shutter speed should not go any slower than the focal length. That means, using good technique, you would expect to get a sharp hand-held image at 50mm with a shutter speed of 1/60, and at 230mm you should not go slower than 1/250. While Fujifilm says you get four stops extra because of the image stabilization, the reality is that you don’t, and even three stops might be pushing it. I would avoid going slower than 1/30 at 50mm and 1/125 at 230mm, although you may be able to get a little slower than that if you hold the camera really steady. The optical image stabilization is a nice addition, though, especially considering that the maximum aperture of this lens isn’t especially large.

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There’s pretty much no distortion on the Fujinon 50-230mm lens. There’s a tiny amount of vignetting when wide open, especially at the further focal lengths, but that goes away as you stop down. I haven’t noticed any chromatic aberrations. Lens flare is well controlled. There’s very little negative to say about the optics.

This lens is surprisingly sharp for how cheap it is. It’s not as sharp as a typical Fujinon prime lens, and that’s to be expected, but it is more crisp than I thought it would be, especially considering that it’s a budget series lens. It’s better than many budget zooms I have used from other brands. While it comes across as cheap on the outside, the glass on this lens is clearly Fujinon, and it delivers the image quality that you’ve come to expect from that brand name. Sharpness is a highlight of this lens!

The Fujinon 50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS II lens is lightweight and sharp and optically sound. With an MSRP of $400, it’s cheap, and some corners were cut to make it cheap, but none of that relates to image quality, which is excellent. It’s easy to recommend this lens. If you are a sports or wildlife photographer, you might find some aspects of it to be frustrating, such as focus speed and maximum aperture, and you should consider the 50-140mm or 100-400mm instead. Otherwise, this is an excellent addition to your Fujifilm X glass collection.

You can buy the Fujinon Super EBC XC 50mm-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS II lens here:
B&H Amazon

These are affiliate links, which, when you purchase something using them, I get a small kickback. It doesn’t cost you anything, yet it helps to financially support this website. I would never ask you to purchase something that you don’t want, but if you found this article helpful and are planning to buy this lens, using my links to do so helps me tremendously. Thank you for your support!

Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs captured using the Fujinon 50mm-230mm lens:

Clouds Around Timpanogos – Heber City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Fujinon 50-230mm

Brush Strokes Over The Great Salt Lake – Antelope Is. SP, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 & Fujinon 50-230mm

Pollution – Antelope Is. SP, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 & Fujinon 50-230mm

Snow Cap – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 & Fujinon 50-230mm

Full Moon Over Cold Ridge – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 & Fujinon 50-230mm

Cold Bicyclist – Antelope Is. SP, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 & Fujinon 50-230mm

Garage Door – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 & Fujinon 50-230mm

Frosted Hill – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 50-230mm

Peeking Peak – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 50-230mm

Autumn & Winter – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 & Fujinon 50-230mm

Lens Review: Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR

Posted on October 25, 2019 by Ritchie Roesch

Fujifilm blog Fujinon 23mm f/2 Lens

The Fujinon Super EBC XF 23mm f/2 R WR is a wide-angle prime lens for Fujifilm X cameras. Because of the APS-C crop factor, it has a full-frame equivalent focal length of about 35mm, which makes it an excellent all-purpose walk-around lens. How good is it? Should you buy it? I hope that this review will help to answer those questions.

The Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens has 10 elements in six groups, with nine rounded blades. The maximum aperture is f/2 and the minimum aperture is f/16, with intermediate stops at 1/3 increments. It’s mostly made of metal. The lens is about 2.3″ long and weighs about 0.4 pounds, which means it’s small and lightweight. It accepts 43mm filters and comes with a plastic hood. This lens is weather sealed, which is great if your camera is also weather sealed.

Auto-focus with this lens is super quick and nearly silent. It’s one of Fujifilm’s best auto-focus lenses, in my opinion. Manual focus is via an electronic system, and the focus ring is pretty good and smooth overall. The minimum focus distance is about nine inches.

The Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens is quite sharp (although not quite as sharp as the 35mm f/2). There’s some noticeable softness when wide open and focused close to the end of the lens, but otherwise it’s corner-to-corner crisp across the frame. Diffraction sets in at f/11 but doesn’t really become noticeable until f/16. Peak sharpness is around f/5.6. There’s a tiny amount of vignetting at f/2 that quickly goes away as you stop down, as well as some chromatic aberrations. There’s a moderate amount of pincushion distortion, which only matters if you shoot brick walls. Bokeh is creamy and quite nice. Lens flare is well controlled, and this lens can create good sunstars at small apertures. Image quality produced by the Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens is overall very good.

Fujifilm blog Fujinon 23mm f/2 Lens

The Fujifilm X100F has a built-in 23mm f/2 lens, and you might think that it’s the same lens as this one, but it’s not, although image quality is quite similar between the two. I think, if you were to study test charts, the Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens would seem slightly superior to the lens on the X100F, but in practical use there’s just something magical about the lens on the X100F that makes it preferable in my opinion. If you can’t afford an X100F, attaching a Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens to your camera will give you the next best thing, and it’s almost like having an X100F.

Fujifilm also makes a 23mm f/1.4 lens, which I’ve never had the pleasure to own, but I’ve talked to some people who have used both lenses to get their opinions. The advantage of the f/1.4 version is the larger maximum aperture and marginally better image quality, while the advantage of the f/2 version is size, weight, quickness and price. Unless you just need the larger aperture, I would recommend this lens instead of the f/1.4 version, although you can’t go wrong with either.

The Fujinon Super EBC XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens retails for $450, making it one of the lesser expensive prime lenses for Fujifilm X cameras. If you can find it on sale, it’s an even better bargain! If you are looking for a quality walk-around lens, or a cheap alternative to buying an X100F, I’d recommend the Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens, as it has a lot of pros and very few cons.

My affiliate links for the Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens are here: B&H Amazon. If you make a purchase using my links I will be compensated a small amount for it.

Example photos captured using the Fujinon Super EBC XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens attached to a Fujifilm X-Pro2: