What is the BEST Fujifilm Lens for Star Photography? Ep 08

On this vlog, we open up a debate to what is the BEST Fujifilm lens on the market today for star photography? If you could choose what astrophotography lens for Fujifilm what would it be and why? The positives and negatives? Additionally, if you could make ONE lens for night sky photography to suit the Fujifilm system, what would it be and why?
If you enjoyed this video, please give it a thumbs up 👍 and feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts - I read them all and will get back to you! Thanks for watching - your support means the world to me! 🌏🦘
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[@peregrinacarlos]

The examples of the 10-24 blew my mind. I want to see more videos about that lens.

[@matthewstorerphotography]

It is an amazing lens

[@mahdiali6732]

For the Samyang, you can use lens correction in LR by selecting the closest lens to it which is the the Zeiss Touit 12mm f2.8

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Interesting will have to give it a crack! Thanks mate

[@garethmcfarland7244]

I've been using both my X-H1 and X-T20 with my Samyang 12mm f2 and have been absolutely loving the results. I left the X-H1 and Samyang on the interval timer for the perseids and was actually playing around with my 35mm f2 on the X-T20 to pass the time. The 35mm is tighter than I would usually go for astro but if you had the right composition for it I found it renders the stars and milky way brilliantly. I only recently moved to Fujifilm from canon (both Aps-c and full frame) and I have to say my current combination trumps anything I achieved with Canon.

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Yes the Fujifilm APS-C system is very underrated its makes photography fun and you just have to spend the time using it! I agree the Samyang 12mm is a perfect lens for astro!

[@christophde7720]

I'll have to try out the samyang 12mm now 😄

[@justinhofmann2599]

It's funny how my perspective on wide angle lenses has dramatically changed Now I've been using a tracker for a few months I'm nearly ready to sell my 16 F1.4. I used to be a big advocate for it, especially with just a tripod it does an awesome job. But since using a tracker and integrating star xterminator into my post processing work flow, it really draw attention to imperfect stars and wouldn't identify maybe 30% of stars in the frame due to severe coma in some frames! Even stopped down to F2.5 The 8-16 and 16-55 have perfect corner stars by about F3.2 to F3.6, the 16 F1.4 needs about F4 for reliable clinical perfect corner stars, unless you are a patient and clinical with focussing at faster apertures haha 33 F1.4 is epic, but again needs to be stopped down to F3.6 to F4 for perfect reliable corner stars. For my the biggest advantage of using primes over zooms is they produce more consistent and manageable gradients throughout the frame (probably because I'm stopping them down and extra stop). I'm keen to try either the viltrox 13 and samyang 12 to see how well they handle corner stars.

[@1972Russianwolf]

The kit FX 18-55 lens is surprisingly good as well.

[@matthewstorerphotography]

It certainly does

[@calebe16]

how about remaking this comparison and having the new viltrox 13mm f/1.4 in it? I'm quite hyped to see how this new viltrox will stack against the others.

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Awesome mate. I will put this on my list :)

[@janjamesramos247]

this is what I'm curious about.

[@FlorianCortese]

My wish from Fuji would be a 10 or 12mm f1.4 prime. No idea of what size, weight or cost, but that's my vote. Since I have the Rokinon 12 f2, what preset were you talking about in the video that handled the vignetting from the 12mm f2? Was it the Stargazer preset in your landscape preset? Or did you have to do something different? BTW, to anyone whatching this video, I bought the night sky/milky way course and it was worth it for me. Cheers!

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Yeah nice a 10-12mm would be perfect! Crazy expensive id assume! But thanks so much for the kind words I really appreciate that :D Glad that it's helping you out! :D

[@danielcatalina1806]

I am using lately the Zeiss Touit 12mm f2.8 which I bouth used. it is somewhere between the Laowa 9mm and Fuji 14mm as performance. The worst of it is the focus by wire feature, I would very much prefer a full manual experience for the night sky. But for me it is the best compromise between a lens I can use both during the day and for starry nightscapes. I had the 14mm and it had to much coma for my taste, I still have the 9mm, and I am not yet sure if I will keep it or not. I would love to see a 12mm f1.8 or f2 from Fuji, as long as they manage to keep it small and with very little coma (as the Samyang).

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Yeah I 100% agree with what your saying I would love to see the 12mm around 1.8 and the same size as say the 16mm 1.4. That would be ideal and amazing for night sky photography and sharp as for landscapes! Perfect lens then!

[@jimlashell9190]

Thanks for the video! I use the Fuji 16 mm 1.4 on my xt4. I like the lens for the quality of the photos. I shoot the Milky Way at iso 1250 for 25 sec. I do wish it was a little wider.

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Yeah I agree around the 12-14mm would be perfect I would say :D

[@joewander5398]

All my astro pics on my @sufstreet was taken with 12mm samyang f2 on my Fujifilm XT2. Love it when I get the shot. Also got some nice ones with the Xf23mmf2.

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Nice work mate really nice!

[@CaptainFuzzzy]

Sweet! Posted just in time :) looking to buy one for astrophotography myself

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@izwanahmad475]

Side question though, I just acquired a fuji dummy battery to work in tandem with an external powerbank for shoot astro timelapse, I live in Norway, which undoubtedly cold. Should I keep the camera warm or just the powerbank warm? (Eg, leave the camera out, and strap the powerbank to a hand warmer) Thanks!

[@TonySaunders]

I really want a fujinon 12mm f1. 8 red badge for the aurora here in Iceland! Come on fuji do it 🙏

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Ohhh wow thats the dream yes please!! haha

[@DuchessArtisanCreations]

Can I use the X-H2 for Astrophotography?

[@mixeddrinks8100]

18 f2. Try that. I think it is under appreciated.

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Yeah I have owned this lens for a little while, I love my lens to be used for 2 purposes and I didnt find any other use for it....

[@christophde7720]

Very good video! I'm doing a trip up north in Norway and am looking for a cheap wide maybe manual lens I got for that trip which one would be your pic? Already got the fuji 23mm f2. 0 and I'm thinking about the range of 8-18mm 🤔 Definitely got a follow and I gonna check out your other videos now 😁

[@1972Russianwolf]

STCoptics has a clip in filter for the Fujifilm X series camera.

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Will check it out :D

[@Kcignatius]

The Coma from the XF16 f1.4 dramatically improves at f2 or so. Still lets enough light in.

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Yep 100% agree, I mainly use this lens at f2 for timelapses and it works much better!

[@bode8817]

TTartisans 17mm f1.4 tests would be lovely!

[@matthewstorerphotography]

True! I will email them and see what I can do :D

[@AshleyChuChu]

Was looking into the Samyang for my Fuji X-T4, but forgot I had a Tokina 11-16mm for my Canon 70D, hopefully can find a good adapter for it to save some money

[@leander909stangeland6]

What settings do you use when taking star pictures

[@michaelrice2516]

Always great videos, Matt! I have the 16mm and 9mm myself. Still trying to decide if Im content with these two or maybe just go with the 8-16. Also! I had no clue there was a 9mm lens correction available. I use lightroom CC, is it even possible for me to use it?

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Yeah there is a preset however I am unable to get it working in Lightroom CC which I am looking to get help for!

[@perstale2]

Thanks for the video, watching as i comment :) I guess you used the X-T1 (as shown) and not the X-H1 as you stated around the 1:55 mark? Im looking for a lens for this purpose so thanks again :)

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Yeah correct sorry I did head that stuff up during edit - using the X-T1 I am selling off the X-H1 so I will forget about it soon haha!

[@darrenkearns80]

Matthew Storer you cant sell the XH1. Noooooooooo

[@WS-bk7uu]

Good comparison! The star photography course looks good!

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Thanks so much, yeah it's perfect for beginners and full of information to help you out for night photography :D

[@jonathanlogan6953]

Viltrox beat Fujifilm in making the 13mm 1.4 which appears to have excellent optics.

[@mihaigheorghiu3283]

Viltrox 13mm f/1.4

[@juicyblunts]

I wouldn't get so fixated on the maximum f-stop of the lens. Suggesting that a lens is better for low light just because it's a lower f-number is not always true. For example, the 10-24mm f/4 has an aperture area that is ~10% larger at 28mm f/4, than the 8-16mm f/2.8 set to 16mm f/2.8. I might suggest just clarifying for the sake of those who don't know, that this "lower f-stop = better low light performance" metric is really only applicable when comparing lenses of the same focal length. Otherwise good stuff!

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Great info thanks for this mate :D

[@ElDuroTuco]

I really like my Rokinon 12mm f2 lens for MFT which I believe is manufactured by Samyang. It looks nearly identical.

[@mixeddrinks8100]

it is the same, one is "USA" branded.

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Yeah Rokinon is Northern America Samyang is everywhere else :D Same..same

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Yeah it is the same same :D brilliant lens

[@gezabacsi1454]

For the 8-16 you could consider a clip in filter (e.g. KASE filters in Germany offers a light pollution filter).

[@swissheartydogs]

Chinese brand

[@jenesuispasbavard]

Any idea how the newer Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 compares? Edit: Never mind, just found your video on the Viltrox!

[@frankseophotos9633]

Fuji 16mm 1.4 is a masterpiece!!

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Totally agree!

[@rfa2381]

Laowa 9mm is fantastic for astrophotography landscape

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Certaily is - want to do more just landscape stuff with it!

[@ronanl3926]

What about xf18mm f1.4

[@roostercogburn746]

What's the best lens to pair with a Sony Alpha A7S-II camera? I'm looking to do night sky/ufo/stars video, no still shots. Any advice would be great, I'm a newbie.

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Not sure mae never used the Sony gear for this sort of stuff sorry

[@jamesm9560]

What about that Noct lens??

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Havnt tested

[@jamesm9560]

@@matthewstorerphotography Let's goooooooo!

[@ncsttsccr]

So far I've mainly stuck to the Rokinon 12mm f2 stopped down to f2.8 BUUUUT I have a Nodal Ninja 6 incoming and am super excited to see how the 90mm f2, Laowa 65mm f2.8, and 56mm f1.2 (stopped down to f2) perform for gigapixel stitching to a 12mm FOV. I'll also be using the 16mm f1.4 for some superwide stitching to see how those look but you've got to stop it down to f2 or more due to coma! I've been looking for a 35mm focal option for stitching as well but the Fujinon options suffer from pretty terrible coma as do most 3rd party options I've researched. I might settle for the Rokinon 35mm but will try the Mitakon f0.95 Mk2 stopped down to f2.8 in an attempt to eliminate the majority of coma first since I already have that lens.

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Really nice work :D

[@christophde7720]

I understand nothing 😅 what is the purpose of stitching?

[@awesomekid9310]

Amazing! 🌟

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Thanks! 😄

[@syanhc]

You didnt give an actual answer for this question in the video...

[@terrybrooks395]

Sigma 12-24mm Art and adaptor

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Mhmm nice - interesting stuff!

[@darrenkearns80]

I’m using the XH1 which I love. But I’m struggling when it’s paired with the Samyang 12mm. Maybe it’s me but I just can’t seem to focus it sharply.

[@garethmcfarland7244]

Strange, my Samyang has been faultless. One possible thing I discovered was infinity focus is not actually at the infinity marker. I just turn the focus dial as far as it will go past infinity and it's pin sharp. That final (what seems miniscule) adjustment made all the difference for me.

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Yeah I agree with Gareth, make sure to go back and watch my video about how to focus to infinit and youll see how far off my samyang lens really is for ifinity. will help alot

[@matthewstorerphotography]

Yeah true, cheap lens and infinity is not perfectly marked, but once you find it - its done!

[@LightningSpritesJetsWizard]

It's the lens. Mine also cannot focus all parts at infinity at the same distance setting. Poor quality control at Samyang. It then displays stretched stars in the corners.

[@SlicedBread1001]

Also the possibility of a bad copy perhaps?

[@antoineghozzi8873]

I have looked at mutlipe reviews for each of these lenses but I am still wondering which would be the best for ultra-wide angle (Sony) APS-C astro. If I were to choose a lens, I was thinking of the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 ; the Samyang 12mm f/2.0 and the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary, but I'm still hesitating between those. I know that - with the crop factor - the focal length in 35mm full-frame equivalent is, repectively, 13.5mm for the Laowa, 18mm with the Samyang and 24mm with the Sigma. If you have any experience of using one or more of these lenses I would be very interested in hearing it. It would be much appreciated and could help me in this difficult task that is choosing a camera lens nowadays. So thank you. Also, just to specify my uses: at first I thought I absolutely needed the widest focal length and that the Sigma would be too narrow, but in fact, out in the field it is still an option to step away from the subject to still get what we want in frame, no matter the field of view right? Wouldn't that work fine? Because if so, then the focal length isn't the most important aspect of a lens. I'm also not looking for the perfect image quality but I would still like some quality sharp images. I'm saying that because I think many reviews, which are very complete, can also sometimes be a bit too pixel-peeping and for a casual wanna-be beginner astro photographer like me - unless the image is zoomed in a ton - I don't see all the faults, chromatic aberrations, coma and vignetting some YT reviewers see. As long as the quality of the lens is good, with sharp images, nice round stars, and not too much vignetting I'm good with it. I don't mind some slight chromatic aberration either. I would like to get into astro as a leisure, a personal hobby, not in a professional use case - maybe use those photos for a photo album or perhaps social media but not much else. Therefore, considering all of this, which of these lenses would you be advising me to get (and why) , whether one of the previously mentioned ones or other lenses you might think of for the Sony APS-C camera system? Thank you very much for your help, and sorry for the huge paragraph ahah. Stay safe out there.

[@matthewstorerphotography]

I was basically using the same lenses that you were interested in - I beleive the Sigma 16mm F1.4 is a very good lens but when shooting with the stars also you have to stop up to around the F/2. I always say for budget night photography you can not go past the Samyang range - I have always used one and freaking love the thing so much!!

[@antoineghozzi8873]

@@matthewstorerphotography Thank you very much for your reply and your recommendation. I think out of those three I'll be begrudgingly eliminating the Laowa 9mm - even if it is the widest - because the Samyang and Sigma for budget astrophotography do seem to be the best ones - for my uses at least. Again thank you for your help and keep up the great content. Stay safe out there.

[@matthewstorerphotography]

What is your "go-to" for capturing the night sky photography? ALSO What would you LOVE to see Fujifilm build?

[@rupertrapids]

Where do we send you the pictures we have?

[@NukeSPO]

My go-to lens for Astro is the Rokinon 12mm f2. I’ve heard talk of a fujifilm 10mm f2; and if that ever is made, I’d the one of the first to buy one.

[@matthewstorerphotography]

[e-mail] if you can send it via wetransfer or something - let me know the info behind it also! :D Thank you

[@matthewstorerphotography]

100% agree with you there! :D

[@Kcignatius]

The XF16mm f1.4 seems like a great go to for so many things. Astro, as a close up lens for pseudo-macro, and wide angle landscapes. It's edge to edge sharpness (and WR) is so good - it's main downside is the 16mm focal length which is a bit of an inbetweener. I'd love to see Fuji produce a 12mm of a similar quality (maybe f2?).