Nice job, you doing great job with helping here people like me, easy and clear to understand. thanks for sharing I do have the 56mm with the xt3 and not too happy with I will try this 90mm
Thank you for another great and honest review. I have been toying with buying this lens for a while. I switched to fuji after owning nikon / canon full frame systems. This lens reminds me of the canon 135 f2 lens. That lens had a magical image rendition where it had a dreamy / cinematic look to it. The funny thing is the 90 translates to that focal length and produces the same type of look. I ordered it last week and before it could ship, I cancelled the order. I was being cheap and did not want to spend the $949. Wellll it just went on sale in the us for $799!! I ordered it yesterday and it will be here this morning. I originally tried the fuji 56 1.2 but me and that lens did not get along because of the focus hunting. I had a lot of missed shots because of it and sent it back. Fuji has the 56 1.2 on the roadmap to be updated soon It will likely get the LM system which will resolve the hunting issues. Anyways, have a great day and keep on producing the wonderful videos. Thank you.
Hey! Thanks so much for the encouragement. I love that 90, as you know, so let me know what you think. Send me some shots with it when you get the chance, I'd love to see what you do with it!
Great review of this lens. I've owned this lens for about 5 1/2 years and I agree with everything you said. Also, like you, I don't use it enough. Even though I don't shoot portraits or weddings I've found this lens to great for isolating details. I own about 10 Fuji lenses and I'm convinced this is the sharpest one. My first camera kit had two lenses - 50mm and 135mm. So, occasionally I'll go out with just my 35 f1.4 and the 90 f2.
Awesome, Terry - definitely an amazingly sharp lens. I'll try to use it more soon as well - the ability to focus in on details means it's a great storytelling lens within the context of the system!
That’s funny I have the 35mm only and I’m looking at this as my second lens. Rarely do I feel too close to my subject (don’t take many architecture/groups of people shots), but oftentimes I want to be closer! It’s more of a want than a need though - I’ve taken great portrait shoots with the 35 only! They just tend to be skewed towards environmental portraits.
Hey Jerred, great overview and helpful samples. Looks like you made this after your 50mm f2 video (in the garden), and I can see why you're more enthusiastic here. I've been considering the 50 but my local camera shop has an excellent used 90 for $499. To boil it down to one question: Are there times where you have the 90 on where you feel stuck? I've rented the 50 and liked how if I leave it on, I can still capture a family photo indoors, in the same room. But man, you clearly demonstrated why this 90 rocks. Thanks!
Thanks so much! And to answer your question, YES. I only bring it along when I know I'm going to have the distance to work with it. So with weddings, for instance, if I know I'm indoors in a small-ish church, I don't even bring it because I know how limited I'll be. But with venues where I'll have a lot of open space, it's FANTASTIC. So while the 90 has a magical touch to it, it's still just a little limited compared to some of the other options at times.
My man! You know what's funny is that I no longer have the 90. I LOVE the images that come from it - seriously, I was just looking at some last night and I missed the lens - but the 50-140 replaced it. I don't miss the 90 every time I use the 50-140, however!
Hey Jerred, watching for the third time now. Question: At 8:45, the image that you described having "lots of chaos around them".. what was your focus point? I realize the people are in the same plane, but they are so sharp, not clinically sharp, good sharp. And, the falloff is really nice. I'm now torn. I just rented the 56 1.2 to shoot some portraits, but this 90 looks like it might be better for several reasons. One reason is that I like to be back further for certain shooting, like with kids, like the fly on the wall catching candid shots. What was the lighting for those indoor wedding shots? I'm surprised at how well the lens did indoors. Damn! I thought I knew I wanted the 56!! LOL! Hope you're having a great Labor Day weekend.....
Hey, Charlie! It's a tough call between those two. The focus point was his or her eye - it pretty much always is, and I just move so that both eyes are on the same plane as much as humanly possible. You should see me out shooting though I'm a maniac and can never stay still, so I'm often a little off! And if you want to be a fly on the wall, the 90 just focuses so much more quickly. The 56 isn't terrible, but I've missed quite a lot of "fast" shots with it that the 90 is able to get. And the lighting for those were terrible - a courthouse and overall pretty dim and unimpressive - but the 90 killed it! BUT the 90 is a little limiting - there are plenty of times when I just feel like it's too close. My favorite working distances is 60-90mm for portrait lenses like this. But the 90 is just so good that I use it quite a bit! Sorry - I don't think I'm being super helpful!!
@@JerredZ Ha! That's how I feel about the two lenses. I haven't used the 90, but I've watched quite a few videos and it sounds like is as awesome as the 56. I couldn't believe how much better my images were compared to my 18-55. I'm starting to go through the basement looking for stuff to sell!! LOL!! I need some lenses!!
80mm + 90mm are my favourites but what blows them away for portraits is the 50-140mm with the close focus mcex11 ring attached to it!! Wow you should try this combo for portraits 👌 you’ll be amazed by the bokeh and sharpness results
Have you the 90mm F2? Can you positively testify on 50-140mm F2.8's optical (particularly, sharpness and clarity) and performance merits (i.e., AF speed) compared the 90mm F2?
@@LeoInterHyenaem versatility is the key for the zoom and I always lower the contrast for portraits anyway because women don’t like sharp lenses for showing they’re skin and all lenses are fast enough for todays photography unless your shooting small birds in flight
You know, I'd be tempted to check it out if I didn't already have the 90! However, from what I've seen with others, it looks like both lenses are pretty awesome and would get you great portraits!
It depends on how many "layers" you have for the group! F/5.6 or F/8 is what I usually use if I want to get everyone in focus from front to back, but with the 90mm you might need f/8 or f/11 - it's not really a "group" portrait lens.
i love the 135 focal length and have a few 135 primes. i was hoping to see more close up images and so far i haven't seen a lot on any YT vids. my current favorite is my Zeiss 135/2 and that's what i use as a reference. so far i've yet to see a lens that comes close to the richness, micro contrast and textures that the Zeiss delivers wide open. but nevertheless, TX for posting this anyway
Thank you for your comment! I don't use the 90 for close-up work - the minimum focus distance doesn't seem too great for this, so it's not something I do too often. Sorry - if I get a chance, maybe I'll do a video about the close-focus on this.
Really well made video showing what the lens can do in the right hands, I've been debating for months between this lens and the XF80 and I can't decide, do you think (or know) if the 80mm is just as good, plus I'll be getting macro capabilities. I prefer to use native Fuji lenses and I have primes (f/2s) from 16mm to 50mm, I also have three zooms, 16-80, 70-300 and 100-400 (the latter one I only used twice to photograph the moon🤣), but I do want to add the 80 or 90 prime to my "collection", I'm an amateur/hobbyist and only shoot for fun, mostly wildlife/birds, insects, landscapes and some street. Be well and stay safe.
I own both of the 80 macro and the 90. They are both excellent lenses. Even though I love the 90, I think you would get more use and versatility out the 80. Especially considering what you shoot. The 80 is very sharp and is a great macro lens.
Enrique, for your use case, the 80 seems like the best choice. If you shoot mostly wildlife,etc., then the Macro is so amazingly versatile in that situation. If I didn't do portraits and could only choose one, I'd choose the macro!
Optically - I agree - the 90mm F2.0 is a fine lens. The internal construction, however - is an absolute junk. The elements wobble like mad (Fuji thought themselves smarter than anyone else - and incorporated magnetic focussing system instead of mechanical / electronic one). Mine also gave me an interface connection error (and thus, randomly stopped working), to resolve which I had to send the lens to Fuji Service for repair. But My confidence in the lens was thus sufficiently compromised that I decided to sell it and to do away with Fuji altogether. I did. I was very much smitten with Sony's 135mm F1.8 (it appears to be even a tad sharper and clearer than Fuji's the 90mm F2) and planned to buy that, along with a Sony A7R IV. The A7 RIV turned out an utter disappointment in every way - I'd had the original A7R earlier for a few years - and, despite its obvious insufferable weaknesses (ridiculously poor battery life, terrible AF, a very limited AF range, absence of uncompressed RAW in-camera codec) - the A7R IV proved a disaster, too: large, heavy, an excessively large grip that would jam fingers between it and the lens, and - worst of all - great levels of noise, compared to the original A7R. Returned the A7R, settled on the Fuji X-T4. Looking back at the images taken with the 90mm F2.0 (both yours and mine), I'm starting to reconsider a re-purchase of the very lens that had me abandon FujiFilm for Sony a few years ago. It's difficult to diss the optical qualities of the 90mm F2.0. But that terrible internal construction… 🤮🤮🤮 Why would they do that?!.
Thanks for all of this, Leo! I honestly never had a problem with the wobble and totally ignore it, but I get what you are saying. Good luck with whatever you decide!
The 90mm is my most used and go to for portraits. It is an amazing lens. It almost makes me look like I know what I am doing.
Lol! I'm sure you know what you're doing, my man! That 90 rocks, and it's kind of demanding!
I love that statement so much it’s so honest, so comical, and every bit of my issue as well. All of sudden I’m Gordon Parks.
Nice job, you doing great job with helping here people like me, easy and clear to understand. thanks for sharing
I do have the 56mm with the xt3 and not too happy with
I will try this 90mm
I think you'll love the 90 f/2 - I've been using it the past few days and I just think it's an amazing lens!
What do you find wrong with the 56? I’m debating between this 90, the 60, the 56 and the 50-140 as my next lens!
The best review of 90mm f/2 so far this lens is truly incredible.
Thanks so much, Perry! You are right - one of the best lenses I've ever used!
Thank you for another great and honest review. I have been toying with buying this lens for a while. I switched to fuji after owning nikon / canon full frame systems. This lens reminds me of the canon 135 f2 lens. That lens had a magical image rendition where it had a dreamy / cinematic look to it. The funny thing is the 90 translates to that focal length and produces the same type of look.
I ordered it last week and before it could ship, I cancelled the order. I was being cheap and did not want to spend the $949. Wellll it just went on sale in the us for $799!! I ordered it yesterday and it will be here this morning.
I originally tried the fuji 56 1.2 but me and that lens did not get along because of the focus hunting. I had a lot of missed shots because of it and sent it back. Fuji has the 56 1.2 on the roadmap to be updated soon It will likely get the LM system which will resolve the hunting issues.
Anyways, have a great day and keep on producing the wonderful videos. Thank you.
Hey! Thanks so much for the encouragement. I love that 90, as you know, so let me know what you think. Send me some shots with it when you get the chance, I'd love to see what you do with it!
Great review of this lens. I've owned this lens for about 5 1/2 years and I agree with everything you said. Also, like you, I don't use it enough. Even though I don't shoot portraits or weddings I've found this lens to great for isolating details. I own about 10 Fuji lenses and I'm convinced this is the sharpest one. My first camera kit had two lenses - 50mm and 135mm. So, occasionally I'll go out with just my 35 f1.4 and the 90 f2.
Awesome, Terry - definitely an amazingly sharp lens. I'll try to use it more soon as well - the ability to focus in on details means it's a great storytelling lens within the context of the system!
That’s funny I have the 35mm only and I’m looking at this as my second lens. Rarely do I feel too close to my subject (don’t take many architecture/groups of people shots), but oftentimes I want to be closer! It’s more of a want than a need though - I’ve taken great portrait shoots with the 35 only! They just tend to be skewed towards environmental portraits.
Hey Jerred, great overview and helpful samples. Looks like you made this after your 50mm f2 video (in the garden), and I can see why you're more enthusiastic here. I've been considering the 50 but my local camera shop has an excellent used 90 for $499. To boil it down to one question: Are there times where you have the 90 on where you feel stuck? I've rented the 50 and liked how if I leave it on, I can still capture a family photo indoors, in the same room. But man, you clearly demonstrated why this 90 rocks. Thanks!
Thanks so much! And to answer your question, YES. I only bring it along when I know I'm going to have the distance to work with it. So with weddings, for instance, if I know I'm indoors in a small-ish church, I don't even bring it because I know how limited I'll be. But with venues where I'll have a lot of open space, it's FANTASTIC. So while the 90 has a magical touch to it, it's still just a little limited compared to some of the other options at times.
@@JerredZ So per usual with Fuji… buy them both. 😜Seriously though, thanks for the reply!
@@andremora3492 Always! You ever need anything, just ask!
Awesome review, thanks so much.
Thank you!!
Nice review! THX!
Ah! I didn't know u also did a 90/2 review. You echo my thoughts entirely, superb lens. My 50-140 might replace it however.
My man! You know what's funny is that I no longer have the 90. I LOVE the images that come from it - seriously, I was just looking at some last night and I missed the lens - but the 50-140 replaced it. I don't miss the 90 every time I use the 50-140, however!
@@JerredZ Great minds think alike.
My go to glass is the 90 f2 and the newer 33 1.4 😎
Hey Jerred, watching for the third time now. Question: At 8:45, the image that you described having "lots of chaos around them".. what was your focus point? I realize the people are in the same plane, but they are so sharp, not clinically sharp, good sharp. And, the falloff is really nice. I'm now torn. I just rented the 56 1.2 to shoot some portraits, but this 90 looks like it might be better for several reasons. One reason is that I like to be back further for certain shooting, like with kids, like the fly on the wall catching candid shots. What was the lighting for those indoor wedding shots? I'm surprised at how well the lens did indoors. Damn! I thought I knew I wanted the 56!! LOL! Hope you're having a great Labor Day weekend.....
Hey, Charlie! It's a tough call between those two. The focus point was his or her eye - it pretty much always is, and I just move so that both eyes are on the same plane as much as humanly possible. You should see me out shooting though I'm a maniac and can never stay still, so I'm often a little off! And if you want to be a fly on the wall, the 90 just focuses so much more quickly. The 56 isn't terrible, but I've missed quite a lot of "fast" shots with it that the 90 is able to get. And the lighting for those were terrible - a courthouse and overall pretty dim and unimpressive - but the 90 killed it! BUT the 90 is a little limiting - there are plenty of times when I just feel like it's too close. My favorite working distances is 60-90mm for portrait lenses like this. But the 90 is just so good that I use it quite a bit! Sorry - I don't think I'm being super helpful!!
@@JerredZ Ha! That's how I feel about the two lenses. I haven't used the 90, but I've watched quite a few videos and it sounds like is as awesome as the 56. I couldn't believe how much better my images were compared to my 18-55. I'm starting to go through the basement looking for stuff to sell!! LOL!! I need some lenses!!
@@charliejg Hey, I've been there! I think we all have... ha!
80mm + 90mm are my favourites but what blows them away for portraits is the 50-140mm with the close focus mcex11 ring attached to it!! Wow you should try this combo for portraits 👌 you’ll be amazed by the bokeh and sharpness results
This is awesome - I'm going to try this out! It's on order!
@@JerredZ you won’t be disappointed with the mcex11 attached to the 50-140 zoom
Have you the 90mm F2? Can you positively testify on 50-140mm F2.8's optical (particularly, sharpness and clarity) and performance merits (i.e., AF speed) compared the 90mm F2?
@@LeoInterHyenaem versatility is the key for the zoom and I always lower the contrast for portraits anyway because women don’t like sharp lenses for showing they’re skin and all lenses are fast enough for todays photography unless your shooting small birds in flight
Add macro tubes from JJC to get closer
What do u think about 75mm f1.2 viltrox? Which is better for portraits?
You know, I'd be tempted to check it out if I didn't already have the 90! However, from what I've seen with others, it looks like both lenses are pretty awesome and would get you great portraits!
@@JerredZ Thank you for your reply!
Wonderful images 🤩
Thank you!
Great vid, Do you know if the 90mm f/2 works with the X-H1?
It does, and it works wonderfully well on the X-H1!
What are the best focus settings for group photos on the Fuji X-T so everybody in the photo is in sharp focus?
It depends on how many "layers" you have for the group! F/5.6 or F/8 is what I usually use if I want to get everyone in focus from front to back, but with the 90mm you might need f/8 or f/11 - it's not really a "group" portrait lens.
i love the 135 focal length and have a few 135 primes. i was hoping to see more close up images and so far i haven't seen a lot on any YT vids. my current favorite is my Zeiss 135/2 and that's what i use as a reference. so far i've yet to see a lens that comes close to the richness, micro contrast and textures that the Zeiss delivers wide open. but nevertheless, TX for posting this anyway
Thank you for your comment! I don't use the 90 for close-up work - the minimum focus distance doesn't seem too great for this, so it's not something I do too often. Sorry - if I get a chance, maybe I'll do a video about the close-focus on this.
Really well made video showing what the lens can do in the right hands, I've been debating for months between this lens and the XF80 and I can't decide, do you think (or know) if the 80mm is just as good, plus I'll be getting macro capabilities. I prefer to use native Fuji lenses and I have primes (f/2s) from 16mm to 50mm, I also have three zooms, 16-80, 70-300 and 100-400 (the latter one I only used twice to photograph the moon🤣), but I do want to add the 80 or 90 prime to my "collection", I'm an amateur/hobbyist and only shoot for fun, mostly wildlife/birds, insects, landscapes and some street. Be well and stay safe.
I own both of the 80 macro and the 90. They are both excellent lenses. Even though I love the 90, I think you would get more use and versatility out the 80. Especially considering what you shoot. The 80 is very sharp and is a great macro lens.
@@terryolsen4244 Thank you very much for the prompt reply.
Enrique, for your use case, the 80 seems like the best choice. If you shoot mostly wildlife,etc., then the Macro is so amazingly versatile in that situation. If I didn't do portraits and could only choose one, I'd choose the macro!
@@JerredZ Thank you.
Tempted by this or the 75 viltrox, the fast af could be the deal breaker
In the same boat, which one did you end up getting considered both are the same price used?
@@vaughnvalle75, it’s really good
Optically - I agree - the 90mm F2.0 is a fine lens. The internal construction, however - is an absolute junk. The elements wobble like mad (Fuji thought themselves smarter than anyone else - and incorporated magnetic focussing system instead of mechanical / electronic one). Mine also gave me an interface connection error (and thus, randomly stopped working), to resolve which I had to send the lens to Fuji Service for repair. But My confidence in the lens was thus sufficiently compromised that I decided to sell it and to do away with Fuji altogether. I did.
I was very much smitten with Sony's 135mm F1.8 (it appears to be even a tad sharper and clearer than Fuji's the 90mm F2) and planned to buy that, along with a Sony A7R IV. The A7 RIV turned out an utter disappointment in every way - I'd had the original A7R earlier for a few years - and, despite its obvious insufferable weaknesses (ridiculously poor battery life, terrible AF, a very limited AF range, absence of uncompressed RAW in-camera codec) - the A7R IV proved a disaster, too: large, heavy, an excessively large grip that would jam fingers between it and the lens, and - worst of all - great levels of noise, compared to the original A7R.
Returned the A7R, settled on the Fuji X-T4. Looking back at the images taken with the 90mm F2.0 (both yours and mine), I'm starting to reconsider a re-purchase of the very lens that had me abandon FujiFilm for Sony a few years ago. It's difficult to diss the optical qualities of the 90mm F2.0. But that terrible internal construction… 🤮🤮🤮 Why would they do that?!.
Thanks for all of this, Leo! I honestly never had a problem with the wobble and totally ignore it, but I get what you are saying. Good luck with whatever you decide!
Still good in 2024 or are they going to update this?
Still GREAT in 2024. Truly an outstanding lens that shines with the new sensors!
@@JerredZ thanks for answering . I decided to order one 😁
I think you'll love it - seriously one of the best!@@Princeton_James
My copy makes a strange noise as if it has stabilization....kind of like how Sigma lenses do
Nice review. The lip synch on your video is a little off.
“we sometimes don’t get that FF DoF on Fuji because of crop” (1:23) ::::eyeroll:::
Thanks!