The Best Fujifilm Lenses After 4 Years of Trial & Error

[@MikePGuitars]

Let’s all take a moment to appreciate this guy not always pushing every new body and every new lens or switching systems twice a year just for the clicks…

[@snapsbyfox]

changing systems is just pointless once you're invested. The way I see it, if I have to go to let's say Sony because my Fuji XT4 / XH2 can't do something, the camera is not the issue, I'm the issue lol. However I did pick up the XH2s and will get the XT5... but they are work tools so I can justify it

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

Ikr!

[@francissosing]

Amen

[@chromaticvisuelle]

@@snapsbyfox I disagree, its a pain in the ass to sell everything, but I really enjoyed my journey from Nikon to Sony and finally Fuji. Thinking of going back to Nikon, I found my xt2 lacking in some areas, the Z lenses and Z6ii are very tempting, or back to Sony with a used a7riii/a7iii.

[@Milchknirps]

@@chromaticvisuelle i dont't get it (may be its because i am not a native english speaker?!). Do i understand you right: You are saying, selling a System to invest in another is just shit, because your wasting a lot of money and getting every piece slled took some time and effort? And do you also consider to do it anyway because a Nikon Z can do any tiny bit better than you Fuji Cam? Man... that doesn't make much sense for me. Switching a System at one Point does not make sense. You have to invest Money, to get your Gear back. You have to take some time to learn your new Camera AND System. Sometimes i believe Switching Camera-Systems is the hobby. Not taking Photos ;-)

[@bryannguyen1980]

just got my 16-80 f4 couple weeks ago, and that lens has been my main one for basically everything. street, portrait, etc. contant f4 (not the widest but it does the job), wide range for focal, it basically fit in everything, and not that heavy so i can carry it everywhere. cant express how much im loving it

[@felixdachhauser5864]

Dear Roman, I just want you to know that I really enjoy your informative, relaxed and honest videos. I am a real perfectionist and I do care about the smallest details. However, there is something special about your chilled style and your overall approach to produce your videos. Keep on going!

[@youssefhamidi8152]

My fav one has been the original 23mm 1.4. Every portrait Ive done has such beautiful sharpness and bokeh. Its not sterile sharp but just the right amount that creates some magic in my pictures.

[@lbighetti]

I agree! my most used lens by far. Alternative option to Roman's 18mm + 35mm is actually 23mm f1.4 and 56mm f1.4 or 50mm f2.

[@maddhendrix]

As a hobby shooter, I've found my happy place with two primes. The 23 1.4 and the 56 1.4. I have the 35 f2 and that is a great little lense, but honestly the 56 basically lives on my camera.

[@milesharbord9339]

Think you mean 56 mm 1.2 ✌️

[@JosefFoti]

I really like your lens choice and I think your kit is as minimal as possible for how much it covers. I shoot quite a lot of portraits, events, weddings (I'm just getting into it), so I definitely shoot much more with primes but in general, if you divide your lens collection into kits for different purposes like you did in the video, it makes perfect sense. I also appreciate your point that you want your lenses to serve multiple purposes. That's really important for me as well.

[@Beliroz]

I recently went to England and at first I only had the 35 f1.4, which really made me think outside of the box when walking around in the tight churches and streets. Then I bought a 10-24 to make it easier to document, which it absolutely did. I used the 10-24 for most of the trip, but in hindsight I enjoyed using the 35 more than the 10-24, and I personally think the 35 images was better, they’re more interesting.

[@snapsbyfox]

nice! yeah the 35 is special

[@powerlurker]

same i bring a zoom and a 35，find out using 35 most of the time

[@wendallstro]

how does the 1.4 perform in low light?

[@MartinKayStaff]

18-135mm is my main lens I walk around with. It covers 80% of what I do. It really is an affordable, tank of a lens that covers a lot of ground.

[@nix123ism]

Yes, trying to sort out a travel lens kit and have this lens as well as the XC 16-50 and 50-230 and can't decide which way to go, the single 18-135 or the twin 16-50 & 50-230 .... 1 lens is great in that you don't need to carry or change lenses but the disadvantage is that it's comparatively heavy and big compared to walking around with the 16-50 and occasionally swapping to 50-230 if more zoom reqd, have you found any disadvantage in using the single 18-135?

[@seanivrymusic]

very nice review! real world. i agree. after a few years of trial and error i have settled on my 35 1.4 as my all time favorite for size, quality, and focal length. all around excellent lens and price. second is an x100v. however, i have an 18-55 that is surprisingly good, and i use it mainly as an 18mm along side my 35. for me the ideal kit is a 2 lens. 18 and 35. i prefer primes, but I'm on the fence about the larger 18 prime for it's size on my xt30 and i got a sharp copy of the 18-55. i also have and love the 56 1.2 wr and the 90 f2, the 90 being my least used but most loved. the 56 is fairly new, but it is amazing. however, like the 18, it simply isn't very compact. but i could see me using an 18/56 kit or a 23/56 kit instead but i feel like 18/35 covers more uses more easily for my tastes. for a 3 lens kit you could do 18/35/56 or 90. that covers practically everything but distant wildlife. the 16 could easily replace the 18 if you want to space your FL a bit more apart. but I'm a fan of 18/35 as i said. 18 is like the all around shots. 35 is for portraits and subject oriented shots... 56 is just to get maximum portrait quality, but 35 is really really good imo and more flexible. the 56 and 90 get proportionally less flexible but more amazing for portraits or tele shots where you can't get close enough. but i feel their size and weight also limit their appeal for most people and situations probably. but i do portraits so it's worth it in those instances. otherwise, my x100v is on me at ALL times. everywhere. i sometimes dual camera with my xt30 and 35 1.4 or maybe 56 1.2. if i want one camera but not the x100v, i use my 18-55 and 35 1.4.

[@saileshrp]

Ever tried the TCL lens on your X100V for 35/2.0, as an alternative to your 35/1.4? The 1.4 is legendary but you’d cut down on a body, at least

[@seanivrymusic]

@@saileshrp i've considered it, but part of it for me is the fast aperture. And my 35 is my all time favorite lens. I also don't want to have to deal with changing lenses, although i guess screwing on the adapter is less risky, but still. I'm also not a huge fan of the 23mm. it's a great one lens focal length, but with any other lens i'd rather have 16 or 18mm. So my ideal combo would be 18 and 35 or 18 and 56. But that would require two adapters for the x100v and not really be worth it for me. I've actually considered selling my x100v to get an xt30ii and the 18 1.4. then i'd have the xt30 with one lens on each. but who knows. i'm always up in the air with these ideas :-P

[@sorenmelchior]

As a landscape, portrait, & architecture photographer I use many lenses depending on my needs. For primes my 16 1.4 is a staple that’s on my camera the most. For portrait prime it’s the 50 f1.0, I also use the 80mm 2.8 Macro in some cases. I have a 35 f2.0, but honestly I never use it. For zooms the 8-16 f2.8 with the Lee 150mm filter system (yes, one can use filters with this lens if you don’t mind the bulk and high price tag). Next is the 55-140 f2.8 for portraits and landscape work. I also use the 100-400 with 1.4 extender for some work. For fun I just picked up a non Fuji fisheye (7artisans 4mm f2.8) to test and play around with. But with that lens, I need to mount the lens on a support or I get the fingers holding the camera in the image.

[@Chrizzowski]

Some solid advice in there! More of a prime guy so I'm 16/1.4 - 33/1.4 - 56/1.2 and 70-300 for anything else. I shoot everything from landscape to street, weddings, snowboarding, climbing, architecture ... bit of everything really. A combination of two or three of those typically has me covered.

[@Deetroiter]

Thank you for PHOTOS and not pixel peeping. I never understood pixel peeping, so I can’t quite understand the obsession over it. It’s nice to see the actual PHOTOS that someone’s taking. You know, the important thing of photography!

[@1Galiley]

Totally agree, my travel setup is 16-80 + 23mm 1.4 by Viltrox. 16-80 covers 95% of my purposes

[@snapsbyfox]

yeah can't beat that set up tbh

[@caglartunca34]

happy with your 23 viltrox? stuck between that one and the 23mm 1.4 fuji mark1..

[@jefforz807]

I have 16-80/F4 as the main/travel lens, paired with 23/F2 for streets. When I know I need further reach, I take 70-300/F4, and bring along 23/F2 and 56/1.2 to replace the 16-80/F4.

[@karlivanr]

Thank you so much for including the "cheaper alternatives" section of the video... shows that you care about the viewers. Have a good day

[@StillSawyerPhotography]

You’re the man, I’ve been planning my switch from Sony to Fuji for the last couple weeks. Got my body choice down and now I need to choose my lenses. Thank you for this 🙏🏻

[@shivamkharwal3477]

Hi Roman, great informational video as always! I just got a Fuji XS10 in March this year and I've been using the XF 18-55 kit lens since then. Been planning to get a prime now but I think the 18-55 is a brilliant starting lens. The video quality is pretty damn amazing for a kit lens.

[@snapsbyfox]

yeah it is very good optically. It's just such a shame it's not weather sealed. If it was it would be perfect

[@alteki]

The Fujifilm XF18-55mm is perhaps the best kitlens available. Check the review on the channel of Christopher Frost: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6urhomfa7-Zpqc Cheers.

[@kennywitham]

I got the same camera but with the 16-80mm kit. Really loving that one too but it is a bit heavy for the X-S10 and not the sharpest Fuji lens. Excellent travel lense though as it covers every focal length you would ever want! Considering getting the 18-55 though as well for something a bit lighter.

[@stefanosnapshots463]

When I was shooting exclusively Fuji, I came across two lenses I owned and sold (making even a profit lol) I didn't like so I felt giving some not-to-purchase advice is also something people may find of use: - XC50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS II: the lens is actually very sharp but that's about it. Everything else about this lens was annoying: built quality was bad being all cheap plastic. The aperture range is limiting and the focus was a bit slow in my opinion. - xc 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ: another xc series lens, plastic but felt a little more solid than the 50-230mm. Usually a kit lens for the entry level X-series cameras. Not as sharp as the XF 18-55mm and the the power zoom is very annoying (obviously not silent!). On the plus side, happy to recommend: - xf 18-55mm: I know Roman said it's not weather sealed but it's very solid. I used it in wet conditions and it has never let me down. Arguably the best kit lens you can find on the market across the top brands. And that's an undeniable fact! - xc 35mm: I owned the xf35mm wr (great lens) but tested the xc version a friend owned. Plastic but in fairness it felt like it had the same glass as the xf. If you are on a budget, that will do! Regarding 3rd party lenses: - viltrox has a good 85mm full frame equivalent (viltrox 56mm). sharp and comes with an aperture ring. The downside is that you'll find colours to be a touch cooler vis-à-vis Fuji. They also have a viltrox 85mm (130mm full frame equivalent) but in this case the lack of an aperture ring could be annoying!

[@Kingjay814]

This kit is close to mine kind of. I use the 16-55 as main lens for almost everything. It's the one lens I don't leave behind and would he my one single lens if I had to get rid of everything else. The funny thing is that I use all of the cheaper alternatives that you suggest instead of your main picks. I love the thought process and explanation of each pick.

[@MeAMuse]

I think in general people should start with a standard zoom (ideally an F2.8... but kit will do), then you add a prime (most people will get a 50mm FF due to how cheap they are)... but generally I would advise this to be a lens that you easily visualize or that you have a common use for. I started with a 50mm FF eq... but quickly preferred 35mm.... these days I am experimenting with 28mm... Some people may prefer portraits as a focus and go for 85mm-115mm as their first prime... but the point is to choose a lens that limits you - while focusing you on subjects you love (could be a macro for flowers like my Mrs). After that... go wide and/or long... typically zooms.... but there are exceptions for wildlife or video shooters. In the end most people will end up with 3 zooms (wide, mid and tele) and some primes for the most common things you shoot. I also have a 24-240mm... and yes it is bad quality.... but man... hiking, travel, or location scouting.... it makes sense. There are always excuses to buy/try new/different gear.

[@BrianRBrown-ID]

Recently picked up the 18-135 and will be shooting with it for the first time tomorrow. I know the variable aperture turns a lot of people off but surprised at how little attention this lens seems to get. Guess I'll find out tomorrow whether that's warranted or not. Thanks as always for the balanced review and comments on gear!

[@delbert850]

I’ve had that lens for about a year. Tbh it’s not really my cup of tea but loads of times it’s just what I want - underrated imho. I shoot mostly around 23-35mm so the 18-135 is great at picking up all the rest - as long as you don’t need the f stops.

[@paulasimson4939]

I've got the 18-135 and love it. When traveling, I took a whole backpack full of lenses and ended up using this one almost exclusively. Not great for after dark, but it's a really useful, all-purpose lens. Enjoy your new lens!

[@delbert850]

The image stabilisation is great too so even nighttime pretty good for some things.

[@1inkedchick]

I love the 18-135! You're right, nobody every talks about this lens. Make sure to try it on a subject close-up like a leaf or flower. I find that I can get surprisingly close, sharp images with this lens.

[@delbert850]

I had the very well reviewed XF55-200 for a few days and got the chance to compare vs the 18-135. The 55-200 was better / sharper but even at 100% and hunting in the corners etc, there wasn’t much in it - not enough to make up for the flexibility of the 18-135 🙂

[@ivardahl-larsen]

I have photographed with all kinds of cameras from 1969 until now and love Fuji as well as my trusted Pentaxes. But I have to admit that Fuji amazes me and I have two of them. Very nice the way you explained your ways of using your lenses and why. Well done young man, albeit I tend to use prime predominantly for my work except when wild life is to far away, amongst humans and nature's own specimens!👍

[@Deetroiter]

I’m a devoted Pentaxian as well but the excellence of these Fuji cameras cannot be denied. I’m a huge fan of the xpro 3

[@brianscoffield584]

You have grown on me over the last couple of weeks. Intelligent comments and your pictures speak for themselves. Many thanks.

[@jedcurtis4109]

Cheers for the vid mate. Just went on a family holiday to Croatia with the 16 1.4, 35 1.4 and 55-200. Usage was 80% 35mm, 10% 16mm and 5% 55-200. Realized halfway through the trip that I could basically leave the 16 & 55-200 at home. Your idea of 16-55 and the 33 1.4 is a good shout for traveling. 👌

[@ScottClintonPhotography]

As a fellow pro-shooter and x-series user, I agreed with most of your comments. For me, the 16-55 and 50-140 are my workhorses... Something I never thought I would say as traditionally I loathe zooms. I find the 8-16 to be too prone to flaring and opted for the 10-24 instead. I have rented the Fujifilm fast primes in the past, but found their performance somewhat lackluster compared to my Canon L-series primes which I adapt to Fuji. I do love the 23f2 as my go-to travel lens along with the Samyang/Rokinon 12mm f2. Recently I picked up a 16-80 which I am looking forward to using as a travel option. I am intrigued by the 27mm f2.8, but have not tried it. Cheers!

[@ZNMKD]

Amazing video. Love the approach. Straightforward, easy to follow. No unnecessary drama. Thanks!

[@joshuachubbphotography]

My primary kit is Sony but I use Fuji for family and vacations. I use the 18mm f2 and 35mm 1.4. Both are small, have the same filter size, and oem square hoods.

[@philipcooper8297]

I got the Fujinon xf 18-135mm as my first versatile ''super'' zoom lens, then sold it and then bought it again. These days the xf 18-135mm pretty much stays glued to my X-T30. Sure, it's an older design lens and sure it's not the sharpest Fujinon lens either, but it is so versatile. The OIS helps with the slower aperture, I mean 1/30ss handheld shots even at the telephoto end are possible, and when stopped down to f/7 - f/9 at anything between like 23mm and 110mm my copy of the lens produces corner to corner sharp images (26mpx x-trans IV). The only prime lens that I kept is the xf 35mm f/2 and that for sure is a tad sharper, it's definitely faster, but at the same time, I'm just too used to have the wide range ''super'' zoom lens on the camera. I'm a hobby photographer.

[@mvonwalter6927]

The 16-80/4 is a brilliant lens. The OIS on it is probably Fuji's best so if you are shooting an XT3/XT2 you are stabilized for video too. I often carry that with a fast portrait prime, usually a 56/1.2. I'm still rocking the old 55-200 and I find it plenty sharp. But it is not weather sealed and it cant take a teleconverter. But it's a lot of lens for $400 USD.

[@joe.nail1]

55-200 gang

[@mrjoerizk]

How’s the autofocus on the 16-80/4 ?

[@mvonwalter6927]

@@mrjoerizk for stills very modern and snappy, and I’m using it on the older XT2 body

[@ho335o]

In my recent trip to New York, i brought the XT-3 with 16-80 f4, Viltrox 33 f1.4 and the X100v. XT-3 with 16-80 was what I used most of the time, along with X100v for night shots and more discreet street photography. Although, i didnt have much time to familiarize myself with the Viltrox before the trip.

[@josephnash3015]

As a New-To-Me XT-1, I found this video very informative. I liked how you showed the priciest glass performs and how you use it. But then move on to say that these other lenses will work just as well for the budget minded.

[@singletrack29349]

I have two kits. For weddings and portraits: XH2 ~ 18/23/33 f1.4 50 f1. My daily carry/travel (and wedding back up) XT5 ~ 23/50 f2.

[@terrytracey3486]

I’ve different setups for certain times. I didn’t purchase the Fuji heavier lenses as I have them covered with my Nikon D850. So I was looking for something lighter. For landscape & hiking XT-4 10-24 f4 II, 16-80 f4, 70-300, everything cover and comfortable to walk with. For during the day walking the streets with no bag. XPro 2 23 f2, 35 f2 with 2 spare batteries and spare memory card. Walking streets at night XT-4, 23 f1.4 Lm and 18 f1.4 Lm. I didn’t really need these lenses but these were bought second with receipts, 3 months old and I saved €600 on both. Hard to refuse with GAS issues. Thanks Roman love the videos.

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

Thank you so much for the recommendations! I have the 18-55, 55-200, 23/35 f/2 versions and the old 56 1.2. Just did a run and gun shoot today with the XH2S and the 23/35/56 in places where we weren't exactly sure of the rules but were precisely the locations we wanted. In the end not only was my kit light and small enough to fit in one of the tiny ThinkTank Mirrorless mover bags(btw I highly recommend this bag for one man bands using the smaller Fuji glass. It's incredibly versatile even as a small audio gear bag) but we were able to get excellent results with just that, a couple of costume changes and finding every angle that worked for our goals on this shoot. The client was super happy and it also helped that he was very clear on what he wanted. I shoot photo and video and while for events I do sometimes find the f/2 lenses not bright enough(or even the 18-55 not bright enough) with flashes the results are more than sufficient especially considering I don't yet do this full time.

[@adamhagglund668]

I have an X-T3 for concert/event photography, often paired with the 16-55. I use an X-Pro2 for casual street paired with the 27mm 2.8 WR. I have a 35 1.4 for portraits, street, and the 16 1.4 for night photography. Thinking about selling the 16 and 35 and go for the 33 1.4. I’m also considering a new body, maybe upgrade to the X-T4 for IBIS. I have shaky hands and enjoy shooting in the dark. The X-T5 is also a contender, but not sure about the 40mp file sizes. Thanks Roman, you’re the best!

[@b3arodactyl]

If you do video work or care about AF speeds I’ve found the 33 to be perfect, almost never missed a low light shot and the video rack focus is super smooth as well. Love my 16 tho, esp the close focus so I wouldn’t sell it personally

[@mvonwalter6927]

The 27/2.8 frame lines on the Xpro OVF is perfection.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

I've only just started in the Fuji system literally as of today. I bought a Fuji film camera and I will actually start with the kit lens. I'm a pretty good photographer so I'll make that work for awhile. I have a heap of other camera gear that I can use for all sorts of different photography, but the reason I got into the Fuji system was simplicity. And just being able to go back out and shoot for fun.

[@bloomylicious]

Very excited to be getting the 27mm f2.8 for crimbo. I am a complete amateur with an X-T30, and I mostly use my camera for photos of friends and family. I think what you said early in the video was very important, different people have different requirements depending on their budget and what they do with their gear.

[@snapsbyfox]

that's a great set up!

[@venom2k2]

Enjoy the lens! I bought the old version and before I actually got it I was unsure if I really needed it. Turns out this lens is fantastic and the size and weight are such a big plus. I love this little gem!

[@bloomylicious]

@@venom2k2 that's what I'm looking forward to most, I know there are better lenses but just to have that small lightweight lens that doesn't stand out too much should be great.

[@briii3752]

I know it is quite a high aperture at 18mm with 3.5 i guess but the Tamron 18-300mm can take on everything even though it might not be as clear as you as a professional might want to it serves great for beginners to semi profs. Especially considering the wide range is huge for that little money.

[@OekologiskSmoer]

For me fast aperture primes are key. That is how you get results that stand out from iPhone photos. Even the faster f2.8 zooms are just not fast enough. From Fuji I’ve gone for 16mm f1.4, 27mm pancake and 56mm 1.2 - and 12mm f2 from rokinon. These cover almost all scenarios. However for light travel/nature I sometimes revert to zooms - 18-55mm and 55-200mm. Tiny setup for a huge range when I don’t care as much about shallow depth of field or light gathering. Love this relative small Fuji setup that covers everything I’d want to shoot.

[@bill3117]

Great choices on the lenses!!! I own the 16-55mm, and the 50-140mm and I love them. Thank you for opening my eyes on alternatives or additions!

[@alexandermalitsky6771]

Hi Roman. Great video as always. The setup I have is an X-E3 + 35/1.4, 23/2 and 18-55 I borrow sometimes (and some vintage glass too). I mostly shoot portraits with some rare and small concerts from time to time. 2 years ago I spent a lot of time deciding between 35/2 and 35/1.4 (which were at very similar price points on the used market) and settled on 1.4 because despite all the pros of an f2 lens, the images from it just looked boring to me. Now 90% of what I shoot is with 35, and 23 mostly stays in the bag - It just doesn't work for me. But 18-55 makes me want to get myself 18/2 and 56/1.2 - yes, the older ones. There's just something special about them. But there are also times when I just want to have fun, so I put on my vintage lenses and get some interesting shots (with slightly missed focus)

[@SkipperGeffen]

what is your opinion about the 18-55 in general? why not keeping it?

[@alexandermalitsky6771]

@@SkipperGeffen It's great! Pretty much perfect for a do-it-all lens and proved to be just that in my trip to Dagestan this spring - about 90% of the photos were taken with it. Sharpness is good, AF is good, it's small and light. The only thing I missed in that trip was reach, so perhaps i'd prefer a 16-80 for those sorts of trips. As for not keeping it, first of all, it's not mine, I borrow it from my parents, second - I don't have the budget to buy one. But most importantly, I don't find it's rendering particularly interesting and f4 at the long end is kinda limiting for me.

[@tjkrueger2655]

Can't speak to the 18 and 33, but you nailed it with the 16-55 and 50-140... they're two of Fuji's best zooms, and never feel sterile in their utility.

[@artemkanaki9274]

last month I’ve bought older fuji lenses that have updated alternatives - 18mm f2 and 35 f1.4. The main reason to buy them was their imperfections that gives them a character. and also the size and weight. I really like these two for street photography I should mention that I live in an area where rain show up on rare occasions, so WR is not a necessity for me. always good to have it though

[@jeffreypaulharper6283]

I agree and did the same.

[@danielcorry4136]

How do you like the 18 f2? I have the WCL converter for my X100s which gives me an 18mm f2 equiv.

[@artemkanaki9274]

@@danielcorry4136 It’s small, it’s light and on modern bodies auto focus works fast (I have x-pro3). It’s a bit soft wide open and it has purple fringing, but if you stop it down to f4 and higher it’s pretty sharp. For the low light I’d rather save a bit more money and bought 18mm f1.4. I own x100v, and the image quality of x100v lens is much better, so with wcl the images should be sharper and crisper. But on x100s the results should be pretty comparable with 18mm f2. To summarize, 18mm f2 is a fun lens, it’s barely noticeable on the body in terms of weight. It basically does not have alternatives in this focal range. 18mm 1.4 is much better lens in terms of image quality, but it’s heavier and bigger as well

[@svaphrodite]

Interesting, thank you. Rather than the 33mm prime, I went with the 27mm pancake because that makes my XT2 a pocket camera, at least with my travel vest, and it's much less conspicuous than a big prime. IOW, it doesn't make me stand out. I like that, especially in places where tourists, especially American, may not receive the warmest welcome. BTW, I love Istanbul so I love seeing your shots. And now, at 75, I find I really like light weight gear! My travel combo is a 14mm Fuji, the 27mm, the 18-55 f/4 to 5.6 and a 16mm extension tube and/or Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Snap-On Lens, and, of course, a CPL. I'm seriously thinking of getting a variable ND for running water shots. Thanks again!

[@franciscranfield2051]

Good video and thank you for posting and I agree with all you say. When it comes to alternatives I would also suggest that the 18mm F2 original lens is an excellent performer. This lens for some reason gets a bad press but I have found it to be a great lens and easily can perform at a virtually indistinguishable level from the bigger and wider aperture primes. The 18-55 kit lens is also a great performer BUT only up to about 50mm - at 55mm its getting a bit soft - 18mm end though is superb. Another much overlooked Fuji lens is the 18-135mm, which is a great travel lens - built in stabilisation and weather sealed. I took this one lens on a road trip around the American West and the pictures were absolutely amazing from it and the X-T1. Basically I think that any XF Fuji lens will be more than 99% of users and it often comes down to personal preference as to size and aperture - final image wise to me they are all fantastic performers. Like you I own nearly all the Fuji XF lenses so I come from a position of use as a press photographer and heavy user of them and XT and X-Pro Fuji cameras. Regards.

[@toomanyhobbies400]

After aquiring an APS-C body, I selected the Sigma 19mm F2.8 for my wide prime. It was small and affordable and kept the kit easy to handle. Later I moved up to the Sigma 16mm F1.4. Yes it was much larger and heavier, but I was surprised how easy it was to handle. By choking up on the lens I was able to perfectly balance the lens and body combo. This took the stress off my right hand, which only had to release the shutter while providing some stabilization. With the 16mm I gave away the small light kit, but it proved easy to handle the larger lens. I also gained more depth of field options and better low light performance. So perhaps renting two or three lenses and trying them out before you buy could help you decide which suits your needs best.

[@Swingkid14]

Used 18mmf2 + 35mm1.4 ca 550Euros. Best streetphotography rendering and originality. The modern 1.4 feels like any Nikon or Sony Lens in the rendering. Done hundereds of shots in the rain and snow, used an umberella.

[@itonuoro3813]

Thank you for this interesting video! I have a Fujifim 18-55 1:2,8 lens and what disturbed me was, that over the time the autofocus-motor got slower and slower. A quick shot is impossible now. So I replaced the lens by a 35 mm prime lens from fujifilm, and this lens focusses as fast as lightning and delivers razor-sharp photos. To my experience, this prime lens is a much better lens than the varifocal lens, because it is so lightweight, fast and sharp. And I have learned, I don't miss the wide range of focal lengths, the low weight of the camera is much more important for me. When I carry it around with me the whole day, it does not become uncomfortable. A camera with a wide focal length is useless, when it is laying at home, because you do not want to take it out with you due to its weight.

[@aniketbhagat2425]

What an absolutely informative video. I personally use the 27mm for my everyday and street shots, 70-300 for tele and 18-135 for the all-in-one travel. And for those ultra wide landscapes and architecture, I keep a manual 12mm Samyang handy.

[@michelruoff3479]

On my Minolta (film camera) I use 28mm and 50mm (both fullframe of course) and I love it. The 28 is for landscape, cities and everything. And the 50 is the same, but also for portraits. Love this combo! But zoom lenses from the 90s or 80s are crap. On my XT2 I use the XF23 and the XF55-200 and it’s a great combo. I had the 18-55 but it was not sharp. I‘m not a pixel peeper but it was not good, even if you didn’t zoom in. I like a small combo so the 23 is perfect. I‘m thinking about the 12mm Samyang for Astro and landscape.

[@mamu5773]

I'm using the X-E4 with the 23 f2 for everyday stuff/dad cam. The 16-55 f2.8 for travel + circumstances in which I do not know which focal length would be best. 70-300 f4-f5.6 also for travel. The Samyang 12 f2 manual lens for super wide (but barely use this and it's on ebay at the moment 😁)

[@VinodSharmatelco_pro]

You are best man !!! . I have seen almost 200 videos over the year but no one explain better and the best part is you dont push

[@smh988]

I've got mostly the same lenses, and, what is most interesting to me is that my experience pretty much mirrors yours, including: 'not quite as sharp' (16-55 f2.8 - and why I sold it); 'super-sharp' (50-140 - use this lens more than I every figured I would); stupidly-too-loose aperture ring that moves way too easily (35mm f1.4). etc... After decades of waffling/trading/using various brands -and foolishly loosing a minor fortune- I realized the Fuji ecosystem to be most compelling. For reasons that everybody talks about, but, also reasons adjacent and peripherical, not the least of which is an apparent willingness of corporate to actually listen to their customers.

[@tomleo4670]

Hi Roman, thanks for this informative video! I do mostly landscape, a bit cityscape and a bit wildlife.. and I appreciate while hiking or walking longer distances the „cheaper“ but also much lighter options you mentioned at the end of your review, so I go with the 16-80mm f4 and the 70-300mm plus I toss in my bag the new 23mm f,4 WR, which I love.. great for close-up and low light as well as corner to corner sharp landscape shots.

[@martapozzar3702]

Thank you so much for this video, providing different photography sections and cheaper alternatives. After browsing for a while on the web, I finally landed here and I have to say this is really helping me out in building my (future) first Fuji kit ❤

[@ruudmaas2480]

Only use one lens on every outing. Myself most of the time I only use the 35mm f2 for my woodland photography. I do take the 50mm f2 with me but this lens is mostly used for portrait work. I do not worry about shots I do miss because of the limitations of the focal length. I focus on the images I do get with the focal length in use.😁 If necessary and possible I zoom with my feet👍👍

[@Deminimis2]

I had the 10-24 (old one) which was one of my favorite lens, the 16-50 and the 50-140. It was the 50-140 which kind of drew me to the Fuji system. Compared to full frame I just preferred the size and weight. Not to mention the quality of those lens did not disappoint. Still I have always liked small cameras and small lens. I found myself using my smaller lens and cameras. So I decided to go with a smaller setup. I sold those huge lens and am now with the 23mm f2, 50mm f2, 27mm f2.8, 65mm macro f2.5 (Laowa), and the 70-300mm (I just wanted more reach). This what I go with for now but may add a 1.4 lens for low light stuff. But this for me is what I settled on for now. The only lens I miss is the 10-24. I could use a wider angle than what I have now. I have an XS-10 and an XE-3. The 27 stays on the XE-3. I just mix and match the other lens based upon what I need for different occasions. Take my camera out see what lens I use and then the next time just bring the lens that I do use. Just makes for a smaller lighter kit that I really like. It works for me. I am kind of glad that I got rid of stuff that I didn’t use. Glad that I got rid of my gas. It really took a while tho.

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

My favourite Fuji zoom lenses are the 50-140mm f/2.8 and the 70-300mm. Both are fantastic. The 50-140mm is great in many circumstances. Fast aperture, fast and confident AF. Really nice lens for taking candid portraits of people across the room. The 70-300mm was not an instant-love for me but I've learned to really appreciate it for its combination of light weight, reach, and reasonably-close-focus and good AF. I can zoom quite some distance, I can also focus one nearby flying insects and shoot them in decent detail and good working distance. Primes, my favourites would be the 16mm f/1.4 and 80mm f/2.8 macro. None-Fuji primes that I love on my Fuji system are the Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 and Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x macro.

[@ZzackK262]

for sole photography usage, i honestly swear by these 2 prime lenses: 16mm 1.4 and 56mm 1.2. the two prime lenses you'll only ever need for most occasions albeit a tad bit expensive

[@JayJayNay]

You’re such an honest and decent guy. I appreciate you for being so. I’m new to Fuji getting into the X100VI hype. Way back started with a Canon AE1. Then years nothing but working and growing up a family, bought a digital Minolta point and shoot. Can’t think of the name right now. I got infested with the virus again and bought a Minolta Dynaxx 7 and loads of lenses. Minolta became Konica Minolta and KM was taken over by Sony and so I got stuck with Sony because they kept the A Mount from KM and therefore my beautiful Minolta lenses weren’t to waist. I shot with Nikon (my wife’s) and they’re great cameras too. Now, last year a bought a Leica Q2. It’s a beautiful camera, but for some reason I’m not raving about it. I don’t know what it is. i don’t like Leica colors, the SOOC shots are not very appealing and they always need PP (just my opinion for what it’s worth). So now I have a Fujifilm X100VI and this camera brings me enough joy to grab a camera again. The film sims are a great aspect of this of course. The menus on the other hand are extensive and something to get used to. It’s a learning curve as anything else in life is. Long ago I stopped looking at Sony. Their cameras were so fast followed up by newer more capable models and all the rif raf (rubbish we don’t need) that I lost oversight. Same thing with their lenses. And they abandoned the A mount. Their prices are over the top (yes I know Leica’s are too) and I just left the whole brand. I’m still shooting with my A99 occasionally. It’s a fine camera and IQ is fantastic when used with my Minolta lenses. Nevertheless I kinda fell in love with Fuji now. It’s the style, the way they look, the prices of the bodies and lenses. They don’t make me a better photographer of course but that’s not the point. It’s about having fun to shoot, wanting to shoot. I’m watching lots of videos (thank you and many others) and do a lot of reading and research about the brand. I’m thinking of a XT-5 (no need for video) and a 35/2. The lens as a starting point. But I’m really more attracted to the 33/1.4. The size however scares me off a bit, for I’m done with carrying around all that stuff. The X100VI is more of a fun camera to me. A very expensive toy that is. I don’t think the lens attached (fixed) is suitable for the 40mp sensor. I miss the IQ I get with my previous cameras including the Q2.

[@thesestillmoments]

I have been waiting for this video! You’ve made some in the past but have been wanting an updated one! Awesome as always! Thank you!

[@pteriss]

I mostly shoot events and at the moment I have an X-T20 with the 33 1.4 and my X-T3 with the original 56 1.2. Lovely combo.

[@callending]

Thank you for the end-piece on substitutions. Pros might share your preferences in the first segment, but it's great to see you included the more general purpose lenses for the rest of us.

[@Tomas_Stec]

From all the FujiFilm lenses I own, I like 50-140 mm, f/2.8 the most (on X-T4). However, for a few days backpacking trip, I take 16-80 f/4 on a X-E4 body just to reduce carried weight.

[@wilfs1196]

Excellent & informative as usual Roman. Just the facts, no b.s. Using an X-T3 , with my every day lens 18-55. I have a 35 f2, rarely used, my fault. Have the new 23 1.4, need to use it more , & the 70-300 which I use a lot in the winter. Have a relatively new X-E4, great for my travel plans which have tanked again. I am wanting the 16-55, but on a retiree’s pension , the 16-80 makes more sense, …. But I am only going around once. Will try to unload my infrequently used gear to justify the 16-55. The best laid plans of mice & men…………Keep the videos coming!

[@lewis7394]

Of the new fast primes, I considered the 18 and 33 but ended up getting the 23 and 56. The new 56 still doesnt have a LM for some reason but I love the focal length too much to switch 😜 Thanks for the info!!

[@enigmabletchley6936]

Interesting selection. I do some pro work and for me the 10-24 is indispensable. I have used the 8-16 but I found the corners were very soft which put me off owning it. The next best lens I use all the time is the 18/1.4. If there is one prime I would keep it is this. You left out two interesting lenses. Imho, the XF80f2.8 is the best lens Fuji makes in terms of image quality. I use it as my first preference for any object shots. Even wide open it is sharp edge to edge and the colour draw is delicious. The other lens I acquired on a whim, just for kicks, is the XF56f1.2. This lens really challenges you to think of applications. If you are looking for the fun part of photography, this is the lens, imho. I completely agree with your assessment of all the other lenses, especially the 50-140. For a time I shot that side by side with the GFX50R+GF35-100 (an amazing lens, btw) and honestly, I thought the results on my X-T4+XF50-140 were better, or at least, those are the ones I gave the client. As I like to say to people: Fuji don't know how to make a bad lens, so choosing any Fuji lens should always be a great choice.

[@pifilos]

Well, two lens kit most of the time. for street : 10-24mm and 50mm f2. for general travel : 10-24mm and 18-55mm. for landscape : 10-24mm and 50-230mm for nighttime specifically: 16mm 1.4 and 50mm f2

[@Joep00]

I currently own the 18-55, 35 f2 and 55-200. 35 is my everyday lens and almost never leaves my Xe4. 18-55 is mostly for video on my xt3 but also nice to have as an all purpose lens. Debating whether or not I'll sell the 55-200. Hasn't been taken out of my back these past couple of months but when I need it, it's nice. Nice video btw:) I've been on the fence of getting the 16-55 but since my cameras don't have ois the 18-55 suits me better at the moment.

[@snapsbyfox]

Nice!! yeah same I don't use the tele a huge amount but its good to have. I suggest keep it... selling it won't release much cash anyway.

[@treharris1677]

Excellent video! Thank you!! I take 2 x 2 week vacations per year (Japan, Indonesia, Australia, NZ, etc) and I've been planning southern Spain in February. I think a one camera body and 2 lens setup of 18mm and 33mm will work fine. Your video helped me clarify my thoughts. In Japan a few weeks ago my zoom lens got stuck at f22! My backup lens was the 60mm/f2.4 and it did well. I think one thing I might add for travel, when one may not have access to camera shops, is to have a backup lens and a backup camera body. I'm leaning toward carrying the X70 as my backup since it's light and has the focal length I tend to favor.

[@DebiSenGupta]

Thanks. Many videos cover the tech aspect of lenses. But few cover the practical use. Great video

[@joao.s.cardoso]

Nice video Roman. I got recently a 18-135 second hand and I'm strongly considering selling the 18-55 and the 55-200 because of that. Its a nice lens, not the best when it comes to sharpness but for that I prefer to use the primes anyway. I dont think you mentioned this one, but being WR, LM and OIS i do like to use it with the X-T4.

[@SHI-ts5cl]

My favorite three lenses are in order the 35/1.4, 50-140/2.8, and 23/1.4. The 60/2.4 is also very sharp, and the 14/2.8 is quite spectacular.

[@gordonbrown5901]

Thanks for the invitation for us to share what we use. For urban environments I'll bring the 18-55 zoom and either the 27mm or 35mm 1.4, depending on lighting. For more open areas I'll use the 16-80 instead of the 18-55. For a 'go light' outing it's either the 27mm only or my X100F. Thank you..

[@danielfulop]

I actually would like to buy the XF 8-600 F/1.4 OIS WR LM... but jokes aside, my setup for travel/hike is: 1 fast prime + 1 zoom + 1 creative lens, my go-to lens that is on the camera normally is the XF 23mm F/1.4 WR LM, and keep the 18-55 if I need the versatility (will later swap it for the 16-55 probably) + I bring a creative lens with myself depending on the situation (7artisans 35mm F/0.95 for night shots, Helios 44 or Industar 50-2 for the vintage mood, 7artisans 7.5mm or 4mm for the crazy fisheye game). Concerts: XF 23mm F/1.4 WR LM + Viltrox 85mm F/1.8 - this way I have everything covered that works in low light Extras in my bag: 1 extra battery, Mist Black filter, rag, macro extension tubes, Raynox macro lens, and a blower for cleaning off dust. Setup B: If I don't want to bring a camera bag, just something I can use as a point and shoot, then I bring the X-E4 + 27mm in a fanny pack around my shoulder.

[@craigcarlson4022]

Agreed. I am considering getting back into the Fuji system. And decisions about which lenses to consider are at the top of my list. I have a rental of the 16-55 arriving in two days so i can see for myself how it does. Thanks much for ALL your videos about lenses, and on how to choose one model cam over another.

[@Cornbeefhole]

When lockdown was lifted in the UK, we travelled to Venice in February, took my X-T3 with 16mm 1.4 and 16-80mm and Samyang 8mm 2.8 all in a sling bag.

[@edc5338]

I like your choices and videos. I have been a Nikon FF user for many years but switched a bit to Fuji because of the size and weight and their lenses are less expensive, especially used lenses. . I have a few lenses that your describe in your video, but i bought 2 Viltrox lenses-the 13mm 1.4 and the 33mm 1.4. Excellent quality and much cheaper than Fuji. My walkabout lenses are the 16-55 and 18mm used on my XT-5. Sigma and Tamron have also released Fuji lenses but I prefer to have the aperture ring visible on the lens.

[@Michaeltje2.0]

my favorite lens in general is the 50-140. but I think after that my most used lens is the 23mmf2. I also have the 50mmf2 but I tend to use it only for more close up pictures or if I want to travel light without the 50-140 and still have a small bit of reach.

[@OverPaul]

I have the 18-55 kit lens since years, and sincerely used it for 90% during my last holiday in Wales. It's light, nimble, cheap, maybe not the brightest but surely the most functional... also bought a 27mm WR pancake (unbelievable offer by Amazon) to try it, I found out a lens sharp beyond imagination. and when on body you can barely say it's there

[@tanguydeglas4203]

I’m also in love with my 18-55mm - on my X-pro3, it feels better than the 16-55mm and I doesn’t care about the WR when I travel with it

[@beelzking]

My street set up is 18f2 and 35f1.4 paired with x-t3 inside everyday sling 3L by peak design. Nice and compact

[@lawrencehorowitz9291]

Very well done video! I am not a professional and prefer lighter kit. My #1 choice for travel and street work is the 23f2 mounted on an Xpro2. I use the 50mm f2 on the rare occasion when I need a tighter crop.

[@snapsbyfox]

that's a classic combo!!

[@chriscoxdp]

Hi Roman, been lucky enough to spend 4 months in Norway. The thing I really found is a longer lens from about 35mm - 100mm on fuji is really nice to show the scale of the mountains. Really creates a towering feeling where as using a wider lens means it's not nearly the same. My 23mm makes the mountains not feel nearly as impressive.

[@-grey]

I do a lot of travel and street. I haven't been home in a decade. I can't really justify affording the more expensive lenses, mostly because I'm not always in a safe place and I spend on travel, but I can get a second body. This is generally my strategy for doing it the cheapo way: Used prices are reasonable enough that I will have the 16f2.8 on the X-E body, and the 23f2 or 50f2 on the X-T body. I don't mind buying WR second hand. I will swap in the old 35f1.4 for night shots, back in the room if needs be, but I usually avoid it outside of low light because it's slow, plus the colour and contrst don't match the other lenses, so it's a bit annoying. I don't have any super tele lenses for wildlife and things like that, but I found I don't really use them. I have a great shot of a giant maguey tequila plant flowering under the moon with a deep purple stormy blue hour sky, and then didn't use it for anything else. I'm sure I'd have 1 or 2 more great images with it, but cost to output ratio didn't cut it for me personally.

[@p3rrypm]

So, my go to lenses are currently the 50 F/1, 35 F/1.4, and 16-55. I’ll use these for just about every type of shooting you can imagine and the scenarios where I can’t, I’ll go with the 150-600 as that will pretty much take care of every type of shooting I could ask for, but I might budget for a 30 Macro in the future in the hopes that I can then do everything I need with this kit.

[@aiv86]

Hi Roman thank for sharing, you have a great setup! I have used many lenses, but finally stop at this: 10-24/4, 33/1.4, 56/1.2. For many years I loved the wide angle a lot, and it was difficult for me to find scenes and compositions for mid and mid-telephoto, so I decided to shot for a month or so exclusively with 33/1.4 (usually I shoot street photos for a hobby). It was a hard task at start, but the more I shot, the more nice shots I got. And now my mindset changed a lot. I really fell in love with 33 perspective and a little compression it gives. Now this is my everyday lens) Although 10-24 & 56/1.2 are also great, love them too)

[@zKMotion]

Pretty much spot on and here's my kit: xh2s (A Cam) xpro 2 (B Cam) 16-55mm F/2.8 50-140mm F/2.8 Tamron new ultra wide or Fuji 8-16mm (Future) 18mm F/1.4 (Future) 23mm F/1.4 ii (Future) 33mm F/1.4 (Future) 56mm F/1.4 ii (Future)

[@AD-zo5vp]

18/F2 35/f1.4 on XE4. Especially with the small footprint it covers me for everything I need, everywhere but in the rain 😁 But to me the best setup, especially for travel and street/everyday

[@stephanerainsard2916]

Hello, I have a setup close to what you have described. I almost always have the 27mm 2.8mm to make my x-pro « pocketable » If I travel « lite » and landscape : - I have the 10-24mm (old version) and the 70mm-300mm. I often replace the wide zoom with the 18mm 1.4 for low light. I have another multi purpose lens that is to my opinion understated : the 60mm macro. It is one of the very first lens of the X-mount system. Not the fastest focusing lens, but it makes a nice macro/portrait lens in a very small form factor. I don’t have an all purpose zoom, and I am reluctant to get one as I fear it will end up my go to lens. I tend to like the composition challenge that the fixed lenses provide. I have CPL and ND filters, I ended up using the ND filters more than I thought I would, especially when trying to get shallow depth of field in harsh sunlight. I also have a small flash and remote trigger. Thanks for the great content you put there. Stéphane

[@snapsbyfox]

great set up!! cheers for sharing!

[@chrismiller4863]

Good review. I definitely love the new 18 and 33 primes. I also travel with the 16-55 and 70-300. I brought the 10-24 as well and prefer it over the 8-16 but it doesn’t get a ton of use so I may sell it. I think about viltrox 13 for when I need just a bit wider or if I do astro but I don’t know that I do that enough to warrant the lens. I also still keep the old 56 for potraits. You are making me wonder if the 50-140 with a 2x would be a better option though.

[@mikefoster6018]

I'm still overjoyed with my 16-55mm combo with my X-T4 after months. It's very flexible and I also love how it's pushed me to stop going even faster than f2.8, as I was getting into a lazy habit of taking f1.2-f2 photos (on a prime) that were failing to nicely capture scenes. If I think I need the higher power for fading light, or if I think I'll want nice subject separation, I'll pack the f1.2 56mm, f2.8 16-55mm and X-T4 together on the street - but if I'm doing a lot of walking I'll usually leave the f1.2 at home to save weight.

[@JakobSuchanski]

Great Video! I personally own the 55-140 and it’s a great lens. And I probably get the 8-16 some time. But instead of the 18-55 I bought the sigma 18-50mm f2.8. I am really happy with the lens in terms of image quality, functionality and size, but i would really like to get my hands on a 18-55 to do some comparison with the two lenses.

[@Iplayitofflegit]

XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR really is a special lens. I have an almost entirely prime kit except for the 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR which is an exceptional zoom. Been debating about picking up another zoom, but I'm quite fine shooting with primes most of the time. I shoot to much low light photography to sacrifice the f-stops. I like to carry the 16mm f/1.4, 33mm f/1.4 and 90mm f/2 around town most of the time.

[@christophergibbons8748]

23mm 1.4 WR, 1 lens travel/street set up. 13mm Viltrox for anything wider.

[@rjohnbernales]

Thanks Roman. I like your thought process and appreciate this video. I don’t do this for a living so I like to keep it light with the xf27 and another small lens. I’m an older weak guy so I can’t be lugging around a lot of heavy gear.

[@thelegendrubyrodd]

I roll with the 18-55 and the 35f2. With an Xt4. For what i do it does work very well however I have been wondering about the other choices so this video came in at the right time.

[@AntonyBall-h9g]

Thanks Roman as always you make me think out the box, the 10-24mm looked very interesting to myself I would love to try it out, and I would like a good 1.4 lens for night time low light. Your kit seems to cover a large range of work and looks good to do the jobs you have lined up for them, good luck to you and thanks for your help.......

[@anindyaganguly5243]

I got a viltrox 13 mm 1.4 for wide angle (no WR and a bit heavy) but very sturdy feeling and pretty cheap, got 18-55 mm since it is light and I got it for pretty cheap, 35 mm f2 and 16-80 mm f4 since they both WR and i live in Melbourne. The weather here is pretty bad.

[@nickpitsasphoto]

Great summary, Roman. I got the 16-55mm in 2015, shortly after it was released and its been the backbone of my business. I love the 50-140mm, for anything from head shots to concerts to landscapes. Image quality is incredible for a zoom lens.

[@dirkstadil8621]

I think you pritty much nailed it with your kit. Thanks for the work. I personally (no professional) like the Viltrox 13mm 1.4 for ultrawide (love the approx 20mm and the bright aperture), but I don't think, it would survive a rainstorm.