3 Fuji XF Lenses You Should Try

I love film and film cameras, so my Fuji X-T4 is mainly used for my Youtube channel, but it is a beautiful machine and I would like to utilize it more. Recently, I have been on the hunt to get a prime lens, especially to use once our baby is here. Based on my findings, I thought I’d share 3 Fuji XF lenses you should try.

The Fujinon XF 35mm F2 R WR

First up out of the 3 Fuji XF lenses you should try, is the Fujinon XF 35mm F2 WR, a 50mm equivalent in 35mm, because that’s a good place to start for a prime lens.

First I will share what I don’t love and then finally what I do. I am not going to get too technical because that is not what I look for and not my style. There are plenty of reviews that do.

What I Don’t Love

There aren’t many things I didn’t like about this lens, but for me they’re pretty important. First, the auto-focus hunts pretty badly, especially in low light. Once I uploaded my photos onto the computer and saw them on the big screen, I was surprised to see so many of my photos out of focus. I also used this lens to film one of my reviews over on my channel and didn’t notice it was hunting until I had filmed the whole video.

Secondly, wide open the depth of field is really nice, but the focus point is very small. This made it difficult to get a useable photo quickly in low light.

Lastly, its a small technical detail but worth noting, the lens itself was difficult to attach to the camera because there was nothing to grip on the lens barrel without accidentally turning the focus ring or aperture ring. That really got on my nerves after a while. However, if you’re not going to be changing lenses often, this is not really an issue.

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What I Love

First, I love the contrast the coating adds to photos, especially color.

Second, this lens was great to run around with because its so small, light, and very quiet. The X-T4 is a pretty heavy camera to begin with without the lens, so I loved that it didn’t add to it.

Third, I love that the lens has an actual aperture ring the way an analogue lens does. This is what the R in the name of the lens stands for. That adds to the whole Fuji film simulation experience, but remember the aperture ring isn’t mechanical it is electric, so it isn’t actually opening or closing the aperture of the lens.

Fourth, the lens is weather resistant. That is a great feature since I live in rainy, humid Florida. Finally, the price is relatively affordable when compared to the other Fuji lenses on the market right now. These days that can be the one deciding factor.

Get the Fujinon 35mm f2 here on AMAZON

The Fujinon XF 23mm f2 R WR

The second lens of the 3 Fuji XF lenses you should try is the Fujinon XF 23mm f2, the equivalent of a 35mm focal length lens in 35mm format.

This lens is basically the same exact lens as the 35mm above with the same look, build, and features, but in a wider focal length.

I have to say my Loves and Do Not Loves are the same as they are for the 35mm as well. However, one added thing I really liked is that you can focus a little closer than you can with the 35 and that is usually the case with a wider lens. The minimum focus distance for the 35mm is 35cm and for the 23mm is 22cm. That’s pretty nice.

You can purchase the Fujinon XF 23mm f2 from AMAZON

The Fujinon XF 33mm f1.4 R LM WR

The third and final lens I would like to recommend is the Fujinon XF 33mm f1.4. I saved the best for last in my opinion. That of course is because you get what you pay for and this well built, high quality lens is pretty pricey when compared to the other two.

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What I Don’t Love

There are a few draw backs for this beautiful lens besides the high price tag, such as the weight and size of the lens when compared to the other two in this list. It adds almost a pound to the front of your camera, which may not be a factor for you, but for me weight is always something I have to consider.

If you compare the still life photos I took of the flowers with each lens, you’ll see there really isn’t much difference. Therefore, what it seems to come down to is that f1.4 aperture.

This lens does have a Linear Motor (LM) to assist the autofocus, but it is a bit louder than the autofocus on the other two lenses.

Finally, it may seem nit-picky, but the lens hood that the camera comes with is large and unattractive. I think that is a shame for such an expensive camera, but it may be unnecessary to use anyway.

What I Love

Right out of the gate I felt the superior quality of this lens compared to the others, and it seems to have produced better photos. It has everything the others have as well as better autofocus.

With that Linear Motor, I was able to take step by step photos as my cat or dog moved. That’s something I couldn’t do with the others because they would hunt often.

Buy the Fujinon 33mm f1.4 at AMAZON

Final Thoughts on the 3 Fuji XF lenses you should try

All three lenses produce beautiful pictures and have their strengths. The two f2 lenses are the better value, and the 33mm f1.4 is of course better quality. You could buy the two small lenses for the price of the 33mm f1.4. That’s a big point to keep in mind. Whatever your needs are, one or all of these lenses may make a great addition to your kit.

Hopefully my thoughts on each lens can help you to decide whether or not you would like to purchase one of these lenses for your X mount camera. I don’t talk about crop sensors or things like that because I would rather give you my real life experience and leave the technical to those who enjoy that.

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Until next time, stay motivated and keep shooting.

 

 

If you would like to purchase one of these lenses from KEH – CLICK HERE
To buy a Fujinon XF 35mm f2 R WR from Ebay – CLICK HERE
If you Would like to buy the Fujinon 23mm f2 R WR from Ebay – CLICK HERE
To buy the Fujinon XF 33mm f1.4 R LM WR from Ebay – CLICK HERE

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To Shop for 35mm format film camera on KEH – CLICK HERE
Shop for 35mm format film camera on Ebay – CLICK HERE

To Shop for Medium Format film camera on KEH – CLICK HERE
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