Fujifilm has a stellar reputation of making some of the best mirrorless cameras across the industry. From amateurs entering the realm of photography to seasoned professionals, Fujifilm has been delivering to all kinds of crowds with precision and Japanese quality for decades.
Image above: Courtesy Fujifilm / Jonas Rask
With the introduction of its premium X-series, Fujifilm has set forth to combine traditional styling with cutting-edge technology. Models like the X-T4 and X-Pro 3 have, in a short while, gained a serious following among loyal photographers. Whether you opt for the more affordable Fujifilm X-A7 or a high-end option like the X-T4 or X-H1, you are going to need some new glass to go along with your camera.
With a collection of wide-angles, telephotos, zooms and primes, Fujifilm has been steadily growing its series of X Mount lenses. From portraiture to wildlife photography, this diverse collection of versatile lenses has got your back.
Having to decide between these lenses could be a tough choice. So, before you get started on looking for the perfect X Mount lens for you, here is a quick guide to help you understand the lenses from Fujifilm.
Understanding the Jargon of Fujifilm Lenses
If you’ve ever been lens hunting, you probably know that the names of these lenses can have an uncanny likeness to absolute gibberish. With a series of seemingly random letters and numbers, it is often hard to decipher any meaning from them. So, here is a little cheat sheet to help you figure out exactly what your lens is telling you.
Fujifilm lenses fall under two broad categories – XC and XF lenses. The XC lenses have a more compact, portable design and tend to be cheaper to buy. XF lenses, on the other hand, have a far more robust construction and deliver some of the finest imagery and overall performance. Elite among these, are the three ‘Red Badge’ XF zoom lenses, which represent the absolute best of the best.
Among the string of letters within the names, the R represents the presence of a manual aperture ring. This enables quick and intuitive aperture control in both the manual and aperture-priority shooting modes. LM signifies a Linear Motor which helps facilitate a faster and quieter AF. Additional lettering that may appear in the lens name includes OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and WR (Weather-Resistant).
Fujifilm XF23mm F2 R WR Lens
X-T2 + XF23mm F2
The XF23mm F2 WR Lens from Fujifilm is versatile. It is striking a perfect balance between speed and portability; the lens checks all the boxes. It is sharp, fast, lightweight, focuses with accuracy and even features a weather-sealing.
Specifications:
Focal Length: 23mm
Maximum Aperture: f/2
Lens Construction: 10 Elements in 6 Groups
Angle of View: 63.4°
Focus Adjustment: Autofocus
Closest Focusing Distance: 8.66″ / 22 cm
Filter Size: 43 mm
Max Diameter x Length: 2.36 x 2.04″ / 60 x 51.9 mm
Weight: 180 g
Features: Fabulous Image Quality, Compact and Lightweight, Fast and Silent AF, Rugged and Strong Construction
X-T2 + XF23mm F2
X-T2 + XF23mm F2
This wide-angle prime captures images with crisp clarity. The optical design of the lens incorporates two aspherical elements. These elements help to minimize distortion and spherical aberrations, thus producing greater sharpness and more accurate rendering. Its characteristic f/2 maximum aperture is optimal for light and subject separation. It also offers greater control over depth of field and facilitates shooting in tough lighting conditions.
To control flare and ghosting, the lens features a Super EBC coating. This helps to improve colour fidelity and contrast when shooting in bright, backlit conditions. For quick and quiet focusing in all lighting conditions, the lens has an inner-focus AF system that uses a stepping motor. In combination with the phase-detection AF system of a Fujifilm X-Pro2 or X-T2, this lens can focus at an incredible speed of 0.05 seconds.
With a solid metal exterior, the lens exudes a sense of premium quality and robustness. Weighing a mere 180g, it is one of the lightest in the range. This lens is both weather and dust resistant and can also operate at temperatures as low as -10°C, making it the perfect companion for any outdoor adventures.
Its 23mm is equivalent to a 35mm focal length which is the ideal field of view for street photographers, landscape and architectural photographers, wedding photographers and essentially, any photographer in need of a lens that tells a story.
The XF23mm f/2 WR is affordable and dynamic with incredible optics, which are perfect for photographers at all levels. As a compact, pocket-sized prime, this lens is a real gem.
Fujifilm XF56mm F1.2 R Lens
X-T1 + XF56mm F1.2
Meet one of the fastest lenses in the Fujifilm lineup – the XF56mm F1.2 R (Although if you want something faster, there is the new XF50mmF1. For picture-perfect portraits and crisp imagery against a beautiful out-of-focus bokeh, this lens is an excellent choice. With an 85mm focal length equivalent on a full-frame camera and a maximum aperture of f/1.2, this lens is a top-tier portrait lens for all Fujifilm APS-C mirrorless cameras.
Specifications:
Focal Length: 56mm
Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
Lens Construction: 11 Elements in 8 Groups
Diagonal Angle of View: 28.5°
Focus Adjustment: Autofocus
Closest Focusing Distance: 2.3′ / 70 cm
Filter Size: 62 mm
Max Diameter x Length: 2.88 x 2.74″ / 73.2 x 69.7 mm
Weight: 405 g
Features: Excellent Image Quality, Fast and Accurate AF, Pro-Grade Build Quality, Works Well in Low Light Conditions, Excellent Super-Telephoto Performance
X-T10 + XF56mm F1.2
X-T10 + XF56mm F1.2
The popular lens enables photographers to maintain a natural shooting distance from the subject, while still blurring the background with a shallow depth of field. The bright and fast f/1.2 maximum aperture performs exceedingly well in low-light conditions.
The lens features both aspherical as well as extra-low dispersion elements. As they reduce various aberrations and distortions, these elements help to attain high levels of sharpness and clarity in images. Another special element of the lens’s optical path works to smooth the outlines of shapes in defocused areas. This makes the bokeh look softer and creamier.
Despite its solid build, the lens is relatively lightweight. The internal focusing mechanism allows for quick and accurate focusing, and a rounded seven-blade diaphragm produces a perfectly pleasing bokeh quality.
The X-mount lineup is unmatched in its delivery of bokeh, depth of field, and colour rendition and this lens is no exception. It performs superbly even when wide open and achieves incredible sharpness from edge-to-edge. For portrait photographers at a professional level, the Fujifilm XF56mm F1.2 R lens is undoubtedly one of the best in the market.
Fujifilm XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR Lens
X-T1 + XF16-55mm F2.8
If you could only use one lens for the rest of your life, it would have to be this one. The XF16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is a versatile workhorse of a lens. As a premium Red Badge with outstanding optics and edge-to-edge razor sharpness, this lens works wonders in all regards.
Specifications:
Focal Length: 16-55mm
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Lens Construction: 17 Elements in 12 Groups
Angle of View: 83.2° to 29°
Focus Adjustment: Autofocus
Closest Focusing Distance: 11.81″ / 30 cm
Filter Size: 77 mm
Max Diameter x Length: 3.28 x 4.17″ / 83.3 x 106 mm
Weight: 655 g
Features: Fast and Accurate AF, Superb Image Quality, Dust and Moisture Resistant, Excellent Focal Length Range
X-T1 + XF16-55mm F2.8
The lens’s bright f/2.8 constant maximum aperture allows the lens to deliver sharp images even in difficult lighting conditions. At either 16mm or 55mm, the lens provides greater control over the depth of field for beautiful bokeh. By incorporating both aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements into its optical design, the lens ensures crisp clarity and colour accuracy across the zoom range.
Though the lens lacks optical stabilization, it does make up for it in all other respects. With a 24-84mm equivalent, wide-angle to the portrait-length range – it is the versatility that defines this lens. The flexible zoom range makes this the perfect lens for videography projects.
The Nano-GI and HT-EBC coatings help minimize surface reflections and also prevent lens flare and ghosting. Enabled by a Twin Linear Motor autofocus system, the lens delivers quick, quiet and accurate focusing as fast as 0.02 seconds. The build is robust and completely weather-sealed for shoots in any environment. Many photographers use the lens primarily for landscapes, but you can also use it for macro or portraits.
As a quick to react, prime zoom lens, the XF16-55mm F2.8 LM WR is perfect for turning everyday photographs into visual masterpieces.
Fujifilm XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens
X-Pro2 + XF100-400mm F4-5.6
For photographers with a taste for thrill and love for adventure in the great outdoors, the XF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens from Fujifilm is an ideal pick. Though not among the most practical of lenses, this one is an absolute joy to use.
Specifications:
Focal Length: 100-400mm
Maximum Aperture: f/4.5 to 5.6
Lens Construction: 21 Elements in 14 Groups
Angle of View: 21 Elements in 14 Groups
Focus Adjustment: Autofocus
Closest Focusing Distance: 5.74′ / 1.75 m
Filter Size: 77 mm
Max Diameter x Length: 3.73 x 8.29″ / 94.8 x 210.5 mm
Weight: 1375 g
Features: High-Performance Focusing, Effective Image Stabilization, Brilliant Image Quality, Sturdy, Weather-Sealed Construction
With a super-telephoto zoom, the lens is perfectly suited for wildlife and sports photography.
Its astounding focal length range equivalent to 150-600mm, enables you to get the most out of Fujifilm X Series mirrorless cameras. The long reach benefits capturing distant, moving objects.
Reinforced with a twin linear AF motor, the lens performs with super-fast and silent autofocus. Furthermore, the five stop-effective optical image stabilization system reduces the effect of camera shake for sharper shots. The lens features top-quality optics, including five extra-low dispersion elements along with one Super ED element for increased sharpness and greater clarity.
Though substantially heavier, the lens has a solid build that can easily withstand rough shoots in the open. With a weather-sealed construction and a fluorine-coated front lens element that repels water.
Final Thoughts
The Fujifilm line up of X Series lenses exceeds all expectations (even the XC mount). With exceptional imaging quality, these lenses are famed for their edge to edge razor sharpness, sturdy build, crisp clarity and excellent colour rendition. For the cherry on top, most of these lenses feature a weather-sealing that makes them well-suited to a vast range of outdoor conditions.
From standard zooms to add to your everyday photography to telephoto zooms for photographers in need of a bit of reach, these lenses were built to suit a variety of needs and budgets. With such a multitude of options, it can be not easy to make a decision about which lens is the best. Therefore, we recommend joining a community who use the equipment. Learning from each other is an excellent way to grow your knowledge before making a buying decision. FujiLove is an excellent source for all things Fujifilm, so be sure to check out more of their articles – the team at Georges Cameras are regular readers!
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