Spot on, unbiased review! I own the 90mm and I completely agree with its weakness mentioned in this video. I also like the look of the 90mm but it is a very specialised lense so I hardly use it. When I do, I get awesome subject isolation.
Dustin Abbott unfortunately, yes. But I hope it doesn’t affect you. I highly appreciate the your test and analysis. I’m a a few steps closer to mastering this lens! 💪
As a Fuji Xt-2 user It is sad to see that Fuji still struggles with autofocus. The Xt-2 I have is all but worthless for eye af and face tracking is not much better unless you are in near ideal conditions. The rest of the market is clearly moving ahead of Fuji in its autofocus. I own a handful of Fuji lenses but when I eventually replace my Xt-2 not sure its going to be another Fuji. The rest of the market has so much to offer. Thanks for your honest and accurate review. Not sure why some are complaining, you clearly stated this lens is capable of excellent resolution and have shown examples.
I do hope that continued firmware updates produce improved Eye AF performance. I got very good tracking results with the X-T3 and the XF 200mm F2 lens, though that was an extreme example. As I said in the review, the competition is getting better faster than what Fuji is in this metric.
Thank you for the review. I was very worried half way through that this was going to be much more about the AF of the X-T3 than the 90mm lens. Fortunately, you addressed this. I use the 90mm with the X-H1 and it is a truly great lens with that camera. IBIS works really well with the 90mm and I never have issue, with camera shake. The X-H1 eye AF isn't the best but I generally still use a much more traditional focusing AF, which is generally accurate, though I have found that I end up changing the size of the focus point, which can be a bit of a pain but can lead to much better focusing. The big thing for me, with the 90mm f/2 was that because I was a Nikon shooter and already own the Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Milvus and the Nikkor 105mm f/1.4e, I couldn't ever justify buying the Zeiss 135mm f/2, even though I love the lens. But getting the 90mm f/2 made perfect sense, as I could use it with the X-H1, where most of the time, I am shooting out doors (most of my Nikon stuff is in the studio) and the X-H1 is a great carry around camera.
That seems like a reasonable take to me. The consensus that I've gathered is that IBIS is important to getting the best out of this lens (which I also observed), and Fuji needs an X-H2 that improves AF while retaining IBIS.
I have 12 fuji lenses, all the best except for the fuji 200mmf2.0. Also 4 samyang lenses for fuji. As for the fuji 90mm f2.0, I can say, every time this lens was on my fuji xt2 body, I had moderate results, sometimes hair sharp but often not so sharp. Afterwards I bought the fuji xh1 body (ibis) and on this body the 90mm f2 is doing extremely well, all photos are crystal clear. In my case it was clear motion blur because of no image stabilization. I personally find the fuji 90mm f2.0 just about the sharpest lens of fuji. This is indeed a very sharp lens, that can be said mg. I find them even a hair sharper than my fuji 80mm f2.8 macro. Now I also have to say that from me samyang lenses, the 135 mm f2.0 is also exceptionally good and sharp, almost at the level of the 90 mm f2 and that means something. Dustin, you should be able to test the 90 mm on a body like the xh1, with image stabilization or on a tripod . the fuji 90 mm immediately punishes you with the least movement. That is true with all lenses, but the 90 mm is extremely sensitive to it. That being said, good review from you, as usual of a very high level. Thanks. Sorry for the writing errors, I use a translation app.
That's fair feedback, for sure. I'm sure that the X-H1 does help from an IBIS perspective, though at the moment the X-T3 has the better focus system. I hoping that something like the X-H2 comes soon that has both an improved focus system and IBIS.
If you had to choose 1 lens (Canon camera, EOS R) for a day of shooting starting with having coffee on an early morning, sitting on the deck overlooking a lake (taking pictures of course while sipping your coffee) then jumping in a boat for a day of fishing taking pictures of the day and throw in some video shooting too, back at the house for the evening dinner with family then afterwards taking another boat ride but this time to watch the sun go down, what lens would it be and why? This is a typical vacation day for our family is why I ask which has a lot of different elements to it. I'm sure you get this sort of question all the time, maybe even have done a video about this question. Any info or links would be greatly appreciated.
The most flexible lens for a situation like you describe will be the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS. bhpho.to/2OMKwjI. Amazing focal length, reportedly great image quality (haven't tested it yet), image stabilization (necessary for that video), and the wide maximum aperture means that you get better bokeh and results in low light.
I do not recognise the issues with the focussing of the lens. Maybe because I recently purchased the lens and I work with a newer firmware version. It is a STUNNING lens!
It's fascinating how much tension this objective evaluation caused; as if you disparaged their child. My work camera is an A9, but I very recently bought an xt3 as a weather sealed accompaniment. And despite the technical superiority of the 9's focusing I must confess to enjoying the xt3 more. I don't have the lens that you reviewed. But I recognize that there are metrics that the Fuji lags behind on. Despite that, it is a truly wonderful system.
Yes and no. The newer Fuji bodies do better if there is a trackable subject in the frame (something with eyes!), but it's still the same focus system when you don't have a trackable subject.
Very good review and imo you nailed all the strengths and weaknesses of this lens. I use it on my X-H1 and the IBIS performs wonderfully with esp. this lens and the 56 and 16-55. However, the autofocus is indeed a weak point. Esp. eye-AF which is useless (i.e. unpredictable) on the X-H1. Fuji has a well-known reputation for firmware updates, but they leave X-H1 users a bit out in the cold. Come on Fuji, if Canon can do firmware miracles with the eos R, you can surely do better with the AF on the X-Trans III cameras. All their efforts now seem to go to the X-Trans IV generation. I fully understand that the X-H1 cannot be as ‘good’ in AF as the X-T3, but a few spill overs would be nice. I’m almost temped to go Sony for my portrait work...
You’re welcome. For some it borders to religion indeed... It’s great to be passionate, but another thing to be blind. Fuji makes great cameras and lenses, but certainly not all are perfect. When I picked up an A7RIV with an 85 GM the other day in a studio I was very impressed. This was a whole other level (also of price btw). While my X-Pro will stay ‘forever’ (incl. its flaws), my X-H1 is not carved in stone...
Nice review. I’m a sports shooter & have had good luck with the 90 & 50mn f2 lenses for (primarily) indoor sports. My usage with single focus point & higher shutter speeds regularly gets crisp, sharp results.
Do you have any ideas on how to supplement the lack of IBIS/ ILIS, perhaps with tripods or strap configurations? I really appreciate the clarity of your two part review of this lens! Thank you for your opinions!
A tripod obviously helps. I'm hoping that Fuji will expand their offering of IBIS into more camera bodies (X-T4) in the future, which is the best all-round solution.
.On my X-H1, the Viltrox 85 1.4 handled the X-H1 ibis WAY better than the Fuji 90mm. I went all the way up to 1/1000th of a second with ibis on and off, shooting the 90mm at an indoor room lit object (no sun on it) while sitting in a chair and never once got a sharp image wide open or two stops down. Both in electronic and manual setting. Also on a 2 second timer for all shots. It always looked camera movement blurry. I put on the Viltrox and got sharp pics at 1/30th. Same results using manual and auto spot focus. Interesting. 2.0 not bright enough to communicate with the ibis? I did not expect this.
I have this lens an I love it! It’s great! The worst thing about it, in my opinion, is that the little taps, that clicks when you attach the lens hood to the lens, are so small that hey breaks really easily. It’s happened to two lens hoods for me now. And I’m careful with my gear. It’s never happened with any other lens I’ve owned. If you look at them, I think you’ll agree that they look super thin. Other than that it’s a fantastic lens.
The consensus of the feedback I've gotten is that those with the X-H1 are the ones most content with the lens. IBIS is a really necessary on this lens in many situation.
Dustin quick question, would you happen to know if Fuji has addressed the focus ssues you mentioned in this video yet? I do have two XT4s and I just bought the 18mm F1.4, I am thinking of of getting this lens because I just love having the sharpest lenses I could get my hands on for weddings
It's been almost 2 years now since you reviewed this lens, with new firmware updates hitting the xt3 , did you see any chnages on focusing system with this lens?
Thinking about getting this for sports. Faster and more affordable than something like the 50-140. But do you think the LM AF is fast enough? Btw. kinda starving for some new Fuji content ;)
You mentioned the upcoming firmware updates aimed at improving autofocus. Have you been able to test out this firmware since the release of this video, and if so have there been any noticeable improvements? I'm new to the Fuji system and am strongly considering this lens.
Hi there - I had the lens as a loaner from Fuji (and the camera itself), and so I haven't looked at it post firmware updates. My next Fuji review is probably of the X-T4.
I have a 56mm and I am torn on whether to return it and get that 90mm instead. Do you think it is a better choice over the 56mm 1.2? I need weather sealing I am in Canada and shoot during winter.
@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks for getting back quickly, I am sold with the 90mm but I also do indoor portraits at home I am not sure if I will have room to move back lol.
Thank you for your thorough reviews, Dustin. I have seen portrait photographers apply this rule of thumb to calculate safe shutter speeds and avoid camera shake (without OIS): 16 megapixel sensor - 1/3 times focal length; 24 or 26 megapixel sensors - 1/4 times focal length. That would result in a 1/270 sec. for an X-T1 and a 1/360 sec. for an X-T2 using the 90mm safely. In my experience the 50-140mm would be the perfect alternative if you don't have enough light for the 90mm ( I have shot at 1/100 sec. at 90mm safely). As far as the AF eye focus goes, there seems to be an update coming (X-Pro 3 seems much improved).
I obviously hope that the firmware update arrives on time and makes a significant improvement, but I can't project either of those things. I can only review what I have in front of me.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Of course you can't project and you are absolutely correct. Let's hope Fuji improves in January 2020 as promised here: www.fujifilm.com/news/n191113_03.html
Stephan Jurgens Fuji has done multiple af updates promising big improvements and it never seems to happen. Canon with their first mirror less and 1 firmware update has surpassed Fuji autofocus. As a Fuji user it’s really frustrating.
I feel the language used regarding focus is a bit odd. "it wanted to focus on this, or it focused on that" is sort of weird to say because the lens is just glass and motors. The camera body is making all of these decisions, not the lens. These things should improve with camera body firmware. Regardless though, thank you for the video, I would just clarify for the viewers how much of this is all the camera and not the lens in any way. It's a lot of time to spend on it. I know you touched on this fact, but just saying anyway. Thank you for the video
That's true to some extent, but not entirely true. There is a wide scope of differing performance results from lens to lens on the same camera. I had quite fantastic results with, say, the XF 200mm F2 on the same camera, so at least part of it comes down to the lens.
So not impressed with this lens and I have the 56 myself. I think I'm gonna keep my Sigma EX DC DSLR 2.8 twins for video. My old 85 1.8 Canon is great for manual focus too. Can't imagine using these kinds of focus rings for my films. I'd be happy using these for my photography gigs though.
It’s frustrating to see Fuji still struggles with auto focus. They have been in the game long enough with mirror less that Canon should not have overtaken them. I’m still using the older xt2 and it is even worse and painful sometimes, especially in anything less than ideal lighting.
14:50 thanks so much for covering the manual linear focus pulling. For some reason with this lens, the manual focus when in linear mode is so slow compared to other fuji lenses, like you demonstrated. I thought my lens was defective but after finally finding your video it looks like this is just (unfortunately) normal for this lens.
I always liked your reviews, considering you for one of the best on YT, but this time, I'm quite disappointed, sorry. Your review on this lens is completely misleading, IMO. It looks to me, you already forgot how to focus on the eye, if you don't have Sony Eye AF. Your review is actually review of X-T3, not review of XF 90mm F2. That lens is as sharp as razor blade, one of the sharpest on the market, and you made it so bad, because you used X-T3 inferior Eye AF. We know, it's not as effective as Sony cameras. This review is about the lens, and you need to do better job to get the best out of it, or you can change your title to this video, "Review of Fuji X-T3 camera using XF 90mm F2 lense". I don't know why I even watched it (not to the end, as I think the approach is wrong), because I know what that lens is all about, but respecting you so much, I wanted to hear your opinion on it,. If someone can't get sharp eye (s) with this lens, either he/she uses a bad copy (not too many by Fuji), or it doesn't know how to take an image without perfect Eye AF...Thanks!
And yet I demonstrated a number of beautifully focused portraits, so it isn't because I don't know how to do it. My point is not just for those who only shoot Fuji and are Fuji apologists (which is all this post is, as the X-T3 has [currently] Fuji's best focus system), but for all those who are considering which system to invest in. The reality is that Fuji is behind Sony and Canon for Eye AF, and that is worth mentioning (particularly for a lens primarily designed for portrait work). You cannot fully divorce a lenses performance from the camera system it is designed for. I was very specific that I felt some of these focus issues could be related to the camera and not the lens, but it is impossible to separate one from the other. P.S. This lens is very sharp (I like the lens, unlike the way this post depicts my review), but it is not one of the sharpest on the market.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I'm gonna go to the extreme here, so you take manually focused lens, and you try to use Eye AF, and you say this lens is garbage. I'm sorry, if you call for the lens review, you should use whatever is available to get the best out of it. If you want to talk about Fuji Eye AF, you can always review X-T3. Fuji's got miles to go to make Eye AF reliable, we as users all know that. Internet is flooded with all kinds of information, and people are totally confused. I do owe X-T3 and that lens, and I know how sharp eyes I can get with that combo, much better than you did, that is my point. Thank you Dustin for so many great videos, but I totally disagree on this one, and I think I have right to express my opinion here, you like it or you don't...thanks.
@@DjCjFoto Complete strawman argument fail. Nobody would take a manual focus lens and talk about it's AF focusing capabilities. If you personally don't value AF performance in a lens, cool, but many of us do. Dustin simply pointing out that the AF of the lens in combination with the XT3 isn't one of it's stronger points when compared to its contemporaries doesn't need to send the Fuji apologist crowd into a frenzy. But apparently it doesn't take much. Side note: It boggles the mind why people watch reviews of gear they already purchased. Why would you watch a review of a lens you already own? Confirmation bias? If it works for you like you say it does, why do you care what someone else says?
@@jakelindsay6251 I just exaturated situation to the extreme with MF lens, the way how I received that video, but you took it as a fact. To answer your question why I watch review about something I owe, simple, to test how much I can trust to the reviewer for my future purchases. If you ever tried XF90mm F2, you would understand what I'm talking about, otherwise, no reason to argue. I'm gonna chalenge sharpness of any lens wide open under $2000 mark with my 90mm, with no fear, at all. Please, take a look how many people agree with my initial comment, so I'm not alone here.
Why? Because he pointed out that the AF performance in conjunction with the XT3 isn't the greatest - and then clearly stated that it might be more the camera systems fault. Is that why?
Well, for starters, you complained about sharpness due to motion blue on the image when you shot at 1/200 ss. Your conclusion, in this case, in my opinion of course, should've been - hold it steadier, or increase the shutter speed? I mean, the fact that it doesn't have OIS is well known and mentioned in the first part of your review.
That's just silly. I was making a point about lack of OIS, not accrediting lens sharpness to that. The reality is that I found the lens unusually sensitive to motion blur...which is a real world consideration. I've already thoroughly documented the image quality of the lens in the first episode and was very positive about it. This is my last comment on this thread - you are just creating false controversy.
Spot on, unbiased review! I own the 90mm and I completely agree with its weakness mentioned in this video. I also like the look of the 90mm but it is a very specialised lense so I hardly use it. When I do, I get awesome subject isolation.
I think most of the criticism has been over the unbiased part.
Dustin Abbott unfortunately, yes. But I hope it doesn’t affect you. I highly appreciate the your test and analysis. I’m a a few steps closer to mastering this lens! 💪
As a Fuji Xt-2 user It is sad to see that Fuji still struggles with autofocus. The Xt-2 I have is all but worthless for eye af and face tracking is not much better unless you are in near ideal conditions. The rest of the market is clearly moving ahead of Fuji in its autofocus. I own a handful of Fuji lenses but when I eventually replace my Xt-2 not sure its going to be another Fuji. The rest of the market has so much to offer. Thanks for your honest and accurate review. Not sure why some are complaining, you clearly stated this lens is capable of excellent resolution and have shown examples.
I do hope that continued firmware updates produce improved Eye AF performance. I got very good tracking results with the X-T3 and the XF 200mm F2 lens, though that was an extreme example. As I said in the review, the competition is getting better faster than what Fuji is in this metric.
Let's hope the X-T4/XH2 finally gets them there. Chose to skip on buying the X-T3 and bought an X-T2 instead some months ago.
Thank you for the review. I was very worried half way through that this was going to be much more about the AF of the X-T3 than the 90mm lens. Fortunately, you addressed this.
I use the 90mm with the X-H1 and it is a truly great lens with that camera. IBIS works really well with the 90mm and I never have issue, with camera shake. The X-H1 eye AF isn't the best but I generally still use a much more traditional focusing AF, which is generally accurate, though I have found that I end up changing the size of the focus point, which can be a bit of a pain but can lead to much better focusing.
The big thing for me, with the 90mm f/2 was that because I was a Nikon shooter and already own the Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Milvus and the Nikkor 105mm f/1.4e, I couldn't ever justify buying the Zeiss 135mm f/2, even though I love the lens. But getting the 90mm f/2 made perfect sense, as I could use it with the X-H1, where most of the time, I am shooting out doors (most of my Nikon stuff is in the studio) and the X-H1 is a great carry around camera.
That seems like a reasonable take to me. The consensus that I've gathered is that IBIS is important to getting the best out of this lens (which I also observed), and Fuji needs an X-H2 that improves AF while retaining IBIS.
May I know what size of focus point you settle down.
I have 12 fuji lenses, all the best except for the fuji 200mmf2.0. Also 4 samyang lenses for fuji. As for the fuji 90mm f2.0, I can say, every time this lens was on my fuji xt2 body, I had moderate results, sometimes hair sharp but often not so sharp. Afterwards I bought the fuji xh1 body (ibis) and on this body the 90mm f2 is doing extremely well, all photos are crystal clear. In my case it was clear motion blur because of no image stabilization. I personally find the fuji 90mm f2.0 just about the sharpest lens of fuji. This is indeed a very sharp lens, that can be said mg. I find them even a hair sharper than my fuji 80mm f2.8 macro. Now I also have to say that from me samyang lenses, the 135 mm f2.0 is also exceptionally good and sharp, almost at the level of the 90 mm f2 and that means something. Dustin, you should be able to test the 90 mm on a body like the xh1, with image stabilization or on a tripod . the fuji 90 mm immediately punishes you with the least movement. That is true with all lenses, but the 90 mm is extremely sensitive to it. That being said, good review from you, as usual of a very high level. Thanks. Sorry for the writing errors, I use a translation app.
That's fair feedback, for sure. I'm sure that the X-H1 does help from an IBIS perspective, though at the moment the X-T3 has the better focus system. I hoping that something like the X-H2 comes soon that has both an improved focus system and IBIS.
What shutterspeed were you shooting at? 1/160 for me personally atleast, at 1/200 and you are guaranteed to get good results.
Hope you would have possibility to test the video and photos with this lens and X-T4 IBIS still in some day.
It's probably not likely. I have such a high demand for reviews that it is very difficult to go back to older ones.
Nice review as usual. I assume that the autofocus on the XT3 improved after firmware update 4.0, which was supposed to improve it.
Probably to some degree. Fuji's biggest improvement in by adding an AI engine to later cameras that detects and tracks certain subjects.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for responding.
Such an elaborate review I have not seen on this lens anywhere in RUclips. Amazing justification with examples. Appreciate man. 👍
Glad it was helpful!
If you had to choose 1 lens (Canon camera, EOS R) for a day of shooting starting with having coffee on an early morning, sitting on the deck overlooking a lake (taking pictures of course while sipping your coffee) then jumping in a boat for a day of fishing taking pictures of the day and throw in some video shooting too, back at the house for the evening dinner with family then afterwards taking another boat ride but this time to watch the sun go down, what lens would it be and why? This is a typical vacation day for our family is why I ask which has a lot of different elements to it. I'm sure you get this sort of question all the time, maybe even have done a video about this question. Any info or links would be greatly appreciated.
The most flexible lens for a situation like you describe will be the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS. bhpho.to/2OMKwjI. Amazing focal length, reportedly great image quality (haven't tested it yet), image stabilization (necessary for that video), and the wide maximum aperture means that you get better bokeh and results in low light.
I do not recognise the issues with the focussing of the lens. Maybe because I recently purchased the lens and I work with a newer firmware version. It is a STUNNING lens!
I'm glad you're not having any issues.
It's fascinating how much tension this objective evaluation caused; as if you disparaged their child.
My work camera is an A9, but I very recently bought an xt3 as a weather sealed accompaniment. And despite the technical superiority of the 9's focusing I must confess to enjoying the xt3 more. I don't have the lens that you reviewed. But I recognize that there are metrics that the Fuji lags behind on. Despite that, it is a truly wonderful system.
Agree on all counts. I too like a lot about the X-T3, but it's focus is still not competitive in some areas.
You are spot on about the flexibility with 85mm vs 135mm. I have both lenses and have yet to use the 135mm which Ive had for over 9 months.
I have one of the best (if not the best) 135mm lens in the world, and I don't pull it out nearly as often as what I would like.
Just a FANTASTIC lens I use it for street and it’s magnificent!
Interesting. It's a fairly long focal length for street.
@@DustinAbbottTWI there are a lot of people that use it for street. Maybe not all the time, but it’s not to long for me at all.
have you tried using it during lowlight conditions?
Excellent review - very helpful and carefully structured.
Thanks!
As a comment if updating the review for 2024. The eye detect and IBIS improve things a lot (X-T5). Love the reviews. Parts 1 & 2 both.
Yes and no. The newer Fuji bodies do better if there is a trackable subject in the frame (something with eyes!), but it's still the same focus system when you don't have a trackable subject.
Very good review and imo you nailed all the strengths and weaknesses of this lens. I use it on my X-H1 and the IBIS performs wonderfully with esp. this lens and the 56 and 16-55. However, the autofocus is indeed a weak point. Esp. eye-AF which is useless (i.e. unpredictable) on the X-H1. Fuji has a well-known reputation for firmware updates, but they leave X-H1 users a bit out in the cold. Come on Fuji, if Canon can do firmware miracles with the eos R, you can surely do better with the AF on the X-Trans III cameras. All their efforts now seem to go to the X-Trans IV generation. I fully understand that the X-H1 cannot be as ‘good’ in AF as the X-T3, but a few spill overs would be nice. I’m almost temped to go Sony for my portrait work...
Thanks for the feedback. Fuji shooters are often very, very defensive, and really bash me whenever I'm critical of any flaw.
You’re welcome. For some it borders to religion indeed... It’s great to be passionate, but another thing to be blind. Fuji makes great cameras and lenses, but certainly not all are perfect. When I picked up an A7RIV with an 85 GM the other day in a studio I was very impressed. This was a whole other level (also of price btw). While my X-Pro will stay ‘forever’ (incl. its flaws), my X-H1 is not carved in stone...
Nice review. I’m a sports shooter & have had good luck with the 90 & 50mn f2 lenses for (primarily) indoor sports. My usage with single focus point & higher shutter speeds regularly gets crisp, sharp results.
Single focus point for sports? You must be pretty competent in tracking action then.
Good point 😀. With Fuji, I do like making a small box of points to track/target my subject (vs larger zone focus).
@@alanplummer2248 I use my 90 and 50 for indoor sports also. I also use a smaller single point.
Do you have any ideas on how to supplement the lack of IBIS/ ILIS, perhaps with tripods or strap configurations?
I really appreciate the clarity of your two part review of this lens! Thank you for your opinions!
A tripod obviously helps. I'm hoping that Fuji will expand their offering of IBIS into more camera bodies (X-T4) in the future, which is the best all-round solution.
I use the xt4 which has IBIS .. thanks for the 2 parts . I'm considering this currently..
The IBIS would help considerably in making the lens more usable.
.On my X-H1, the Viltrox 85 1.4 handled the X-H1 ibis WAY better than the Fuji 90mm. I went all the way up to 1/1000th of a second with ibis on and off, shooting the 90mm at an indoor room lit object (no sun on it) while sitting in a chair and never once got a sharp image wide open or two stops down. Both in electronic and manual setting. Also on a 2 second timer for all shots. It always looked camera movement blurry. I put on the Viltrox and got sharp pics at 1/30th. Same results using manual and auto spot focus. Interesting. 2.0 not bright enough to communicate with the ibis? I did not expect this.
That’s interesting
Great video Dustin reviewing an awesome lens.
You're welcome!
I have this lens an I love it! It’s great! The worst thing about it, in my opinion, is that the little taps, that clicks when you attach the lens hood to the lens, are so small that hey breaks really easily. It’s happened to two lens hoods for me now. And I’m careful with my gear. It’s never happened with any other lens I’ve owned. If you look at them, I think you’ll agree that they look super thin.
Other than that it’s a fantastic lens.
I think I did note that, actually.
Very fair review. This lens though works awesome on the stabilized xh1.
The consensus of the feedback I've gotten is that those with the X-H1 are the ones most content with the lens. IBIS is a really necessary on this lens in many situation.
Dustin quick question, would you happen to know if Fuji has addressed the focus ssues you mentioned in this video yet? I do have two XT4s and I just bought the 18mm F1.4, I am thinking of of getting this lens because I just love having the sharpest lenses I could get my hands on for weddings
I haven't used an X-T4 since this point, so I don't know if firmware updates have improved things.
Best photo is the one with the coffee mug and the beautiful brown eyes.
I like it a lot, too.
It's been almost 2 years now since you reviewed this lens, with new firmware updates hitting the xt3 , did you see any chnages on focusing system with this lens?
I'm afraid both the camera and lens were loaners, so I don't know the answer to that.
Thinking about getting this for sports. Faster and more affordable than something like the 50-140. But do you think the LM AF is fast enough?
Btw. kinda starving for some new Fuji content ;)
I’m very reliant on Fuji to send me everything, as I don’t actually own a Fuji camera body myself.
Highly informative and very well argumented constructive critisism for Fuji to improve on this otherwise optically magnificant ens. +1
Thank you!
Great review on the Fujinon 90mm lens ! How about a full review on the Fuji 18-135mm lens ! .....Curtis
Hi Curtis, I only do Fuji reviews periodically as I don't even own Fuji gear; I rely on getting loaners from Fuji Canada. I can't make any promises.
You mentioned the upcoming firmware updates aimed at improving autofocus. Have you been able to test out this firmware since the release of this video, and if so have there been any noticeable improvements? I'm new to the Fuji system and am strongly considering this lens.
Hi there - I had the lens as a loaner from Fuji (and the camera itself), and so I haven't looked at it post firmware updates. My next Fuji review is probably of the X-T4.
I have a 56mm and I am torn on whether to return it and get that 90mm instead. Do you think it is a better choice over the 56mm 1.2? I need weather sealing I am in Canada and shoot during winter.
I do think the 90mm is the better lens, though you may find it long (focal length) in a lot of situations
@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks for getting back quickly, I am sold with the 90mm but I also do indoor portraits at home I am not sure if I will
have room to move back lol.
That will be a problem at times.
Thank you for your thorough reviews, Dustin. I have seen portrait photographers apply this rule of thumb to calculate safe shutter speeds and avoid camera shake (without OIS): 16 megapixel sensor - 1/3 times focal length; 24 or 26 megapixel sensors - 1/4 times focal length. That would result in a 1/270 sec. for an X-T1 and a 1/360 sec. for an X-T2 using the 90mm safely. In my experience the 50-140mm would be the perfect alternative if you don't have enough light for the 90mm ( I have shot at 1/100 sec. at 90mm safely). As far as the AF eye focus goes, there seems to be an update coming (X-Pro 3 seems much improved).
I obviously hope that the firmware update arrives on time and makes a significant improvement, but I can't project either of those things. I can only review what I have in front of me.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Of course you can't project and you are absolutely correct. Let's hope Fuji improves in January 2020 as promised here: www.fujifilm.com/news/n191113_03.html
Stephan Jurgens Fuji has done multiple af updates promising big improvements and it never seems to happen. Canon with their first mirror less and 1 firmware update has surpassed Fuji autofocus. As a Fuji user it’s really frustrating.
Nice job, Nice lens , thanks for sharing
You're welcome, Luis
I feel the language used regarding focus is a bit odd.
"it wanted to focus on this, or it focused on that" is sort of weird to say because the lens is just glass and motors.
The camera body is making all of these decisions, not the lens.
These things should improve with camera body firmware.
Regardless though, thank you for the video, I would just clarify for the viewers how much of this is all the camera and not the lens in any way.
It's a lot of time to spend on it.
I know you touched on this fact, but just saying anyway.
Thank you for the video
That's true to some extent, but not entirely true. There is a wide scope of differing performance results from lens to lens on the same camera. I had quite fantastic results with, say, the XF 200mm F2 on the same camera, so at least part of it comes down to the lens.
So not impressed with this lens and I have the 56 myself. I think I'm gonna keep my Sigma EX DC DSLR 2.8 twins for video. My old 85 1.8 Canon is great for manual focus too. Can't imagine using these kinds of focus rings for my films. I'd be happy using these for my photography gigs though.
If you are going to shoot video and want to do manual focus pulls, you really do need to use MF lenses. Focus by wire lenses just aren't great.
@@DustinAbbottTWI true that! Those hard stops in MF make a huge difference with something like the Tilta Nucleus Nano.
It’s frustrating to see Fuji still struggles with auto focus. They have been in the game long enough with mirror less that Canon should not have overtaken them. I’m still using the older xt2 and it is even worse and painful sometimes, especially in anything less than ideal lighting.
It is too bad, as there are a number of things I think Fuji does really well.
That's how i like the Bokeh!
:)
14:50 thanks so much for covering the manual linear focus pulling. For some reason with this lens, the manual focus when in linear mode is so slow compared to other fuji lenses, like you demonstrated. I thought my lens was defective but after finally finding your video it looks like this is just (unfortunately) normal for this lens.
It's a somewhat frustrating aspect of linear manual focus on many Fuji lenses.
I always liked your reviews, considering you for one of the best on YT, but this time, I'm quite disappointed, sorry. Your review on this lens is completely misleading, IMO. It looks to me, you already forgot how to focus on the eye, if you don't have Sony Eye AF. Your review is actually review of X-T3, not review of XF 90mm F2. That lens is as sharp as razor blade, one of the sharpest on the market, and you made it so bad, because you used X-T3 inferior Eye AF. We know, it's not as effective as Sony cameras. This review is about the lens, and you need to do better job to get the best out of it, or you can change your title to this video, "Review of Fuji X-T3 camera using XF 90mm F2 lense". I don't know why I even watched it (not to the end, as I think the approach is wrong), because I know what that lens is all about, but respecting you so much, I wanted to hear your opinion on it,. If someone can't get sharp eye (s) with this lens, either he/she uses a bad copy (not too many by Fuji), or it doesn't know how to take an image without perfect Eye AF...Thanks!
And yet I demonstrated a number of beautifully focused portraits, so it isn't because I don't know how to do it. My point is not just for those who only shoot Fuji and are Fuji apologists (which is all this post is, as the X-T3 has [currently] Fuji's best focus system), but for all those who are considering which system to invest in. The reality is that Fuji is behind Sony and Canon for Eye AF, and that is worth mentioning (particularly for a lens primarily designed for portrait work). You cannot fully divorce a lenses performance from the camera system it is designed for. I was very specific that I felt some of these focus issues could be related to the camera and not the lens, but it is impossible to separate one from the other. P.S. This lens is very sharp (I like the lens, unlike the way this post depicts my review), but it is not one of the sharpest on the market.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I'm gonna go to the extreme here, so you take manually focused lens, and you try to use Eye AF, and you say this lens is garbage. I'm sorry, if you call for the lens review, you should use whatever is available to get the best out of it. If you want to talk about Fuji Eye AF, you can always review X-T3. Fuji's got miles to go to make Eye AF reliable, we as users all know that. Internet is flooded with all kinds of information, and people are totally confused. I do owe X-T3 and that lens, and I know how sharp eyes I can get with that combo, much better than you did, that is my point. Thank you Dustin for so many great videos, but I totally disagree on this one, and I think I have right to express my opinion here, you like it or you don't...thanks.
You have every right to disagree with my conclusions...as I do to your objections.
@@DjCjFoto Complete strawman argument fail. Nobody would take a manual focus lens and talk about it's AF focusing capabilities. If you personally don't value AF performance in a lens, cool, but many of us do. Dustin simply pointing out that the AF of the lens in combination with the XT3 isn't one of it's stronger points when compared to its contemporaries doesn't need to send the Fuji apologist crowd into a frenzy. But apparently it doesn't take much. Side note: It boggles the mind why people watch reviews of gear they already purchased. Why would you watch a review of a lens you already own? Confirmation bias? If it works for you like you say it does, why do you care what someone else says?
@@jakelindsay6251 I just exaturated situation to the extreme with MF lens, the way how I received that video, but you took it as a fact. To answer your question why I watch review about something I owe, simple, to test how much I can trust to the reviewer for my future purchases. If you ever tried XF90mm F2, you would understand what I'm talking about, otherwise, no reason to argue. I'm gonna chalenge sharpness of any lens wide open under $2000 mark with my 90mm, with no fear, at all. Please, take a look how many people agree with my initial comment, so I'm not alone here.
hope the fuji fangirls wont hate you for this review..
It's already started!
@@DustinAbbottTWI Never pander to morons who use terms like 'fangirls' - he's probably a Sony bell-end
I'm sorry, I love your reviews in general, but your review of this specific lens is flawed in so many ways.
Why? Because he pointed out that the AF performance in conjunction with the XT3 isn't the greatest - and then clearly stated that it might be more the camera systems fault. Is that why?
@@jakelindsay6251 No. The flaw is with the sharpness tests.
You'll have to be more specific, since I reviewed this lens the exact same way I've reviewed the 150 or so before it.
Well, for starters, you complained about sharpness due to motion blue on the image when you shot at 1/200 ss. Your conclusion, in this case, in my opinion of course, should've been - hold it steadier, or increase the shutter speed? I mean, the fact that it doesn't have OIS is well known and mentioned in the first part of your review.
That's just silly. I was making a point about lack of OIS, not accrediting lens sharpness to that. The reality is that I found the lens unusually sensitive to motion blur...which is a real world consideration. I've already thoroughly documented the image quality of the lens in the first episode and was very positive about it. This is my last comment on this thread - you are just creating false controversy.