Fujifilm 27mm f/2.8 II | A budget X100V on the X-E4??

[@huntrrams]

This and the X-T30 II are perfect alternatives to the 100V 👌

[@fredbloggs545]

40mm has been used in street photography for decades, it is only Internet "experts" that have said you must have primes in your bag at 35mm or 50mm. Some of the finest lenses made were 40mm and some of the finest 'togs used them and still do. The 35/50mm mentality is Internet groupthink.

[@CollectedWorx]

40-45mm lenses are my favorite focal lengths by far. Probably because I adapted some 28mm lenses to my A6400 when I got into cameras.

[@bunmeng007]

Its not group think. Nifty fifty has been around for ages + 35mm is very popular for street and documentary.

[@Bocsaphoto]

@@leestanford2452 yes!! Personally I enjoy 16mm and 35mm on fuji (24 and 50mm equivalent)

[@-grey]

28mm, and 40mm are my favourite I could get away with only using them if my gf didn't like portrait lenses.

[@WarpedTrekker]

Please show some of your fabulous photos with the 27mm.

[@robertrowles4948]

There”s more to photography than close up images and out of focus elements. This lens is a brilliant option for a really PORTABLE kit for everyday reportage/street photography and general purpose. I need an interchangeable lens camera, and my original version of this lens on my X-Pro3 resulted in me dumping my X-100V because the weight & size difference is negligible, and I find 27mm better than 23mm.

[@fredbloggs545]

I never got on with the 23mm on the X100 series. I swapped to the X-E and 27mm a while ago and find it a much more useful people shot length.

[@robertoposa1120]

I agree 100%

[@albertsmith9315]

Just one more data point... I love this lens! I have 9 Fujifilm XF lenses, including both the f/2 and f/1.4 versions of the 23mm and 35mm lenses and I like the in-between focal length of the 27mm. I usually mentally wrestle with myself over Picking one (23mm or 35mm) for a single lens outing, but the 27mm solves that. I have shot over 2000 images since receiving my copy and I think it will be married to my X-E3 for a long time to come. I do like that hood in your video.

[@Deetroiter]

I’ve used a Pentax M 40mm for many many years on film cameras and on full frame Pentax DSLRs. It’s an interesting focal length to get used to, but once you settle in, it’s a really cool length that gives a lot of unique photo possibilities.

[@serr]

This lens hasn’t left my xe4. Have you had any issues with the focusing? Mine doesn’t want to focus sometimes lol

[@benjhaisch]

Focusing speed isn’t the best, but thankfully I haven’t noticed the accuracy being an issue yet.

[@fredbloggs545]

@serr If you are using AF-C then it may hunt for focus. I haven't had hunting issues on AF-S.

[@RichardStroffolino]

The size of that package is tempting, but I think the 18 f2 is more usable just for the extra stop of light. Just wish it didn't sound like it was breaking itself every time it focuses lol.

[@richiehodges84]

Could not live with the 18mm F2 sold it and might try the 16 F2.8 instead.

[@akfisher66]

I love the compactness/minimalist X-E4 with the 27mm even with the Squarehood. I do find myself using the 18mm F2 or 35mm F1.4 more than the 27mm.

[@benjhaisch]

Yeah, I use the 18mm more and probably prefer it, but that’s for another video, I think 😂

[@santoshvk]

I sold my X100F and got the X-E4 with 18mm-35mm, and love the combo. (Somehow never liked the wcl/tcl with x100 series)

[@유도마-v2r]

I've been using X-e3 for a few years now and I've both 18mm f2 and 27mm f2.8. I prefer 18mm f2 by far. 27mm equvalent is much more attractive (to me at least) than 40mm, and with f2, it has much better boche. 18mm also has very short minimum focusing distance, and comes with aperture ring. Both lenses are very tiny, but 18mm stays on my X-e3 almost all the time.

[@veeaa]

I really hope that somebody would make a modern 27mm lens with good AF for Fuji, preferably with a larger aperture too. I hate having to choose between 23 and 33mm.

[@CianMcsweeney]

Considering that the 23mm has terrible performance at close focus and also struggles to really blur out backgrounds, this is definitely a solid competitor, obviously in low light it may struggle a bit more at F2.8 than the F2 of the 23mm

[@Halbmond]

This lens reminds me of the Panasonic 20mm f/2.0 lens for Micro Four Thirds which is more or less identical in FOV and background separation (40mm f/4 equiv.), and also really tiny. The focal length is a bit weird but it’s very versatile imo. I also have the X100V and its 35mm (equiv) is better in some scenarios, but the 40mm (equiv) is better when photographing people imo. Certainly a great addition by Fujifilm!

[@beeshepard]

The Panasonic 20mm is actually f1.7.

[@Halbmond]

@@beeshepard Yes you‘re right. I have had that lens for years and I don’t know why I misremembered the aperture

[@torinsall]

Nice review...cute baby, too. Have to say though, I did find myself grinning when you were discussing the 35 vs 40 vs 50 mm equivalent focal lengths and how each feels ... as a primarily zoom user going back to film days, I never worry about the actual focal length, just what looks good when I snap the shutter. So with the x100V I actually found myself today wanting to zoom into something, then realized I was using a fixed lens. Both the X100V and the XT4(with its zooms) are great fun to use, but for different reasons. As for the XE4 with it's bare bones dials, I would prefer the XS10 ...but that is a purely personal preference.

[@thomasclark631]

The new 27mm on the X-Pro3 is my new X100VI, with a slightly tighter field of view.

[@spyhunter6411]

Im waiting for mine to come in from backorder on BH. I think the 27mm is a great dad lens, as you used it for. I like the 23mm when im inside, and the 50mm outside, and the 35 splits the difference as a general purpose. But thats for fun and planned photography for me, the pancake is my impromptu dad lens to keep on my camera in my bag, or diaper bag or whatever.

[@benjhaisch]

100%

[@aucourant9998]

This is my favourite Fuji lens, and I've had some really excellent lenses such as the Fuji 14mm f1.4 to compare it to. The images are very sharp and it is ideal for street photography.

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

Definitely has this 90s vibe sounding like a printer. 😆

[@joyjeetpaul2218]

Hello Sir … what’s your advise for Fujifilm XT30 ll with 27mm f2.8 for Streetphotography and for daily casual shooting purposes ? Need your valuable knowledge 🙏

[@j2thebee]

I'm hoping to pick this up to use as a travel lens, on previous holidays I've used my XT-3 with a 18-55mm and a 35mm. On my last holiday I used my xt-20 with the 35mm just for reasons of weight but the 50mm focal length was too limiting (I dont have the 23mm anymore as my zoom covers that focal length plus I thought it was too big a lens). When you're carrying a camera and lens combo all day every day on a holiday I find the xt3 and 18-55 too heavy so hopefully this will marry size/weight and versatility in a great package. When I'm relaxing on holiday I dont want to feel a heavy camera around my neck but I hate the image quality of my phone so I will always take a "real" camera.

[@joshuachubbphotography]

Great video, I have the 27mk ii as well but my 18mm f2 pancake has been living on the xe4 lately. The 18 is not much bigger, faster aperture, and subjectively a better focal length.

[@benjhaisch]

Same

[@_parkphoto]

I feel the same about this lens. I’ve been borrowing my friend’s copy for the past week and as a mainly 50mm equiv. shooter, I still don’t totally understand this focal length but I’m okay with that. With its small size and the focal length, it’s the lens I enjoy using when I’m not being so serious about getting an “amazing” shot. It’s kinda like the lens equivalent of going on vacation, in that way. If that makes sense 😂. Because while it hasn’t been “mind-blowing” in any specific way, it’s been thoroughly enjoyable to have with me everywhere to grab a quick shot of the things I see. And that’s what makes it tempting to buy as a person who already has 23 and 35mm lenses from Fujifilm.

[@williamgoss4691]

Really useful review and images with critique, thks.

[@mc25141]

I think for a person who enjoy using Rollei 35 will also enjoy this focal length. And I'm one of that 😄✌️

[@JoeLopez]

Nice review. Thank you for helping spend my money 💰

[@benjhaisch]

Haha!

[@fbmooers]

I'd love to see more middle distance and far distance photos from the 27mm f2.8 with comparison to Fuji's 23mm f2 and 35mm f2. While they are bigger, larger, longer, heavier, etc; the angle of view from the 27mm may be more like my eyesight than the 35mm or 50mm equivalents we more often use. The oddness from the 23mm you mentioned may be from shooting with a newer perspective of view. Please share your thoughts with us.

[@orangorill]

I honestly found all that raging about the lack of a rear dial a little odd. You've got an aperture ring, a shutter speed dial, an exp. comp. dial and an extra front dial (maybe for ISO), but you need more? You'd think those people would just about die if the had to use a Leica M.

[@thisisbenji90]

I had the same thought, sometimes I wonder what the rear dial on my X100V is even supposed to be used for. I supposed some folks like to shoot PSAM style and the two dials are critical for that.

[@orangorill]

@@thisisbenji90 There was a forum user on DPReview who said something along those lines, that he set the shutter speed using the rear dial. Why anyone would even consider a Fuji, let alone an X-E, if they don't use the dedicated dials I honestly don't know. It seems a bit like complaining about the lack of autofocus on a Leica, or insisting a Blackmagic camera get an EVF.

[@thisisbenji90]

@@orangorill I think it’s because the dedicated dial only rotates in full stops, so if you use 1/3 stops you’ll find yourself using the rear dial to adjust shutter speed constantly, BUT you only need one dial to do this. You don’t really need the two dials unless you’re also controlling aperture with the other dial.

[@richiehodges84]

I get you, however for example set the speed dial to T then shoot long exposure shots at say 1 or 2 minutes, this is easy with the rear dial, how do you do it without the rear dial? I like the dials and use them most of the time, but night shooting is often easier to use the dials and see the settings through the evf.

[@snelson]

Hey Benj, What Clever Supply Strap Length are you using? I bought a 40", but the length is a little too short to sling over my shoulder. Thanks!

[@magnusolsen2236]

Can you send a direct link to the Squarehood lenshood? I am unsure which one fit the Fujinon 27mm version 2 and the link in description only goes to the main page

[@benjhaisch]

squarehood.se/products/squarehood-for-xf-27mm-f-2-8

[@ktizomoment]

Ben thanks for the great content. What would you recommend, I’m looking for similar to x-e4 (backordered) body with interchangeable lenses. Any suggestions? I currently shoot with LUMIX S5. Thanks

[@williamgoss4691]

Great intro to the E4 with the 27mm lens. ‘looks like it could be a good walk-around camera, with the added advantage that the lens can be changed, unlike the 100v …. Thanks.

[@foxdavani4091]

Since I shoot night shots, I love it. I hated my photos looking so.....wide.. I also like how it fits my pocket. I can just slide my little fuji into my pocket. I couldn't easily carry my fuji with bigger lenses.

[@robertoposa1120]

I think this lens has the perfect focal length. I used to a 35 and 50 fanboy but using this lens for the last month I forgot about the other lenses. You just don‘t need them for daily private use. Professionals of course have special needs, but other than that this combo is heaven.

[@WarpedTrekker]

50 fanboy? lol. Nifty 50 won't ever go away. It can be used in lots of situations. Even for my private use, I like using different lens. I'd not want to just be stuck with this 27mm for life.

[@kevinmoore49]

I'm thinking of pairing this with my x-t3 for street photography

[@benjhaisch]

Solid if you like the 40mm focal length!

[@GregWallis]

Some really lovely images, there. I've just ordered the kit, and will definitely keep the 27mm lens but am likely to sell the X-E4 as my X-E3 is still pretty damned good.

[@fredbloggs545]

Be sure to compare the AF speed and the number of AF points before you sell it, of course the X-E4 is quicker in general operation too. Also compare how many settings can be saved to a custom slot if you are a custom recipe user.

[@janosb5953]

XE3 over the XE4 any day 👍

[@GregWallis]

@@janosb5953 Could well be. But I haven't tried the X-E4 so we'll have to see.

[@impatrickt]

‪I appreciate your mental gymnastics to try and make the title different than mine. 😂

[@benjhaisch]

lol I’ll go look, maybe yours is better and I’ll just take it outright ;)

[@60400]

Love the strap and quick release attachments. What brand/model is that? Cheers

[@benjhaisch]

benjhais.ch/clever :)

[@60400]

@@benjhaisch thanks. And great videos btw! 👌🏻

[@angumotzfeldt3093]

For the X-E4 I would pick the older (and cheaper?) 27mm as it also is not weather sealed, for a even smaller setup.

[@benjhaisch]

What does the previous version go for on the used market? Less than $200? I believe that’s what the additional amount is if you go with the kit. I think that’s sort of the main reason for the upgraded pairing.

[@angumotzfeldt3093]

@@benjhaisch Same price I guess, but key words are smaller setup. The optics are identical.

[@CarlosPerezFilms]

Ive been soooo torn between this xe4 and the 100v, i want a secondary/personal camera, i have a Voigtlander Bessa for that rtavel 35mm film and have been wanting a digital rangefinder, loving the 35mm equivalent, small form factor and flash of the x100v but i initially got interested on the xe4 to use the leica m lenses i am now getting. i guess i might just end up with both at some point. thanks for this review!

[@_smsb_]

i think i would really like this combo as my walk-around. but there's nowhere i can get my hands on one to "test". can you or anybody tell me how well back-button focusing works? the closest button seems kind of far-but i can only judge from pictures. thanks for any help

[@fredbloggs545]

Presumably you mean using AF-On programmed to the AEL/AFL button? When you think about it the AEL/AFL button has to be within reach when being used as the AEL/AFL button. :)

[@8080408729a]

Is it as sharp as 23mm f2..?

[@wallaceshackleton1889]

I have the mk, I version on the XPro3 and I really like it. I did consder buying the mk.II version but there's not that much of an improvement to merit changing other than GAS.

[@bushbeatnik4480]

Benj -love the vid as always and thanks for this. Looking to pick this lens up and for me the 40 eqv is actually one of my favs going way back to my CL. So much so holding out for a GFX R v2 (proly never make one) so I could put the GF 50 on it. If only the M10R had 40mm frame line for my 1.2 Voigt!!!!!! Also love the image at TS-8:40, BLM is in white but only between the hours of 8-noon everyday in black and your kid's helmet is protecting her from POP art and the rise of Post-Modernism. Very "Frank" for today's world. LOL cheers and keep them coming.

[@ben-jyn]

Presets on a fuji ?

[@fox.e.y.e]

I'm honestly flabergasted by people saying the 2.8 / 2 is slow. I mean ... what?

[@GolfDuff]

How is the lens for video?

[@fredbloggs545]

Noisy.

[@swirlybokeh9054]

Does it come with any lens hood?

[@fredbloggs545]

No.

[@Giakalope]

Putting this on my X-T3 since getting my hands on a X100V or F is ridiculously impossible considering how everyone has raised a savage burn of a price on used/new gear.

[@Auteur_Vision]

40mm is my favorite focal length it blends the characteristics of the 35 and 50 very well

[@palmhousebookrestoration3284]

Hi Benj, Do you have a protective filter on underneath your square hood?

[@gonnaloveyoumore]

I wish that it’s a budget camera from where I’m from. Both cameras are only a few hundreds difference. Not very low budget to me.

[@stoneblue1795]

I wish they would offer a "20" or 23mm or so that was a pancake lens. I tried the old 27mm, and found I always had to take a giant step or two back from whatever I wanted to image. And then the results were "meh". Owned two, sold two.

[@fredbloggs545]

The 23mm means that you would always have to take a giant step forward or two. Horses for courses. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 27mm IQ , it is excellent and reviewers are finally finding that out.

[@WarpedTrekker]

@@fredbloggs545 Where can I see some of your fabulous photos with the 27mm?

[@GajanBalan]

Notification gang ✊🏾

[@benjhaisch]

😘😘😘

[@IanDocherty335]

How do you get on with using the XE4 viewfinder and wearing spectacles?.....Thanks.

[@fredbloggs545]

Not being able to get your eye to the EVF means you lose the outer edge of the frame where the information is shown. I take my glasses off to shoot with the EVF/LCD.

[@oxeneers]

This lens is not a "Mark II" but instead a WR R version of the original. Fujifilm does not often do "Mark II" lenses.

[@fredbloggs545]

He knows. Mark II is the term being used by pretty much everybody on KZbin to distinguish from the earlier version.

[@kennethnielsen3864]

43rd.

[@glennsak]

Your lack of enthusiasm for this camera and lens combo is obvious.

[@benjhaisch]

Haha it’s great for what it is, but it’s just not *exciting* that’s for sure