I love your take on the Fuji system and your pics are sublime. Thanks for your take on the lenses. Here's my input... !. I think maybe you got a bad 23/1.4. For me it would have gone god tier (using xh2) 2. Wait until you get your hands on the Viltrox 75/1.2 - I only just got it and only taken a few pics but ...wow. It makes my photos look as if shot by a pro. Unbelievable. 3. thanks for the insight on the 16-50. Will see if I can get my hands on one to try before I buy. 4. If you ever go zoom, try the 50-140/2.8 and the 70-300. The 50-140 is damn heavy but it (...for me, for my eyes) seems perfect from 50 right up to 140. The 70-300 pure and simply because it's great for shooting outdoor sports. I'm getting rid of one but still can't figure out which one.
Thank you for the kind words! Maybe I did get a bad copy of the 23 1.4, I really wanted to love it but I’ve never had such terrible AF performance from any lens ever - even on an XH2s!! It scared me off trying to get a new copy haha Yeah the 75 1.2 is a lens I’ve been meaning to get my hands on, I keep hearing it’s the bees knees - maybe in the future I’ll get one in for review or just buy one haha The 16-55 is a gem, and since you mentioned the 50-140, all the red badge zooms are just -chefs kiss- The 70-300 is another lens I’ve wanted to try, I hear that or the 55-200 are great Tele zoom options, I just don’t really have any use for them outside going to an air show once every 2 years 🤣
Interesting Video, specially for someone who is new to fujfilm lenses. I recently bought a second hand X-PRO2 with the 23mm f2 and i was so impressed with it! Keep it up!
I have to disagree on the 27mm lenses. I owned the TTartisan one and I really wanted to like it, but I just found it really unpleasing. Basically unusable wide open at f/2.8, so much vignetting, weird colours… I bought X-T20 body as a small travel camera/backup to my main X-T3, and to accompany it, I bought the Fuji 27mm mark I (not WR) and the optical difference is night and day for me. Much sharper, better color rendering, contrast and sharpness wide open. It lives on the X-T20 making it a X100 of sorts and I am very happy with it. That being said, if I find the WR version at some nice price, I will probably switch to that one because of the aperture ring, but I do not miss it that much. Great video tho, love your content! The 23mm f/2 will probably be my next one, but I am still deciding between that and some third party variant with f/1.4 (Sigma or Viltrox).
dont know if you got a bad copy man, the TTArtisan is simply more vintage and sharp center. Yes vignette is awful but subject to background separation is way way obvious in other word it 3d pop like Zeiss Leica. Meanwhile the xf 27mm on the other size is lighter and more compact but that s it, rendering very flat images, lack of soul. In short, fuji pancake like 27mm and 18mm is just a convenient lens not providing clear character at all
I got the 27 2.8 a couple years ago and I didn't realize how much the autofocus noise would frustrate me lol. I think I'm going to try to sell it and get the 23 f2 for travel after watching your review on it.
Thanks for the lens evaluations. Over the decades, I have used Leitz, Zeiss, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, Mamiya, Super-Angulon, and Fujinon lenses on micro 4/3, APS-C, full-frame, medium format, and large format cameras. For my Fuji digital mirrorless cameras, I own and use the following Fujinon APS-C lenses: 16mm f/1.4 23mm f/1.4 23mm f/2 56mm f/1.2 16-55mm f/2.8 50-140mm f/2.8 Based on my experience with my APS-C, full-frame, medium format, and large format Fujinon lenses, I can vouch for the construction and image quality of Fujinon lenses.
Maaaaan, had same issue with fuji 23 f/1.4. Images are good, but that misfocus thing was making me to choose another lens all the time. In the end sold it and bought sigma 18-50 f/2.8 for travel purposes, no regrets - now I have much more images.
Nice overview. Totally agree with all the lenses I also have (90, 18 f1.4, 50 f2, 13) and almost with those I had (18 f2, old 27, 18-55) with the 90 an 18 being my big favorites. The next one I will give a try will be the new 56.
Thanks Matthew for this very good down-to-earth assessment of lenses for Fuji. I have 4 of the lenses in your God category, and one in your Fantastic category and I can vouch for their beautiful quality in every sense of the word. I also have Fuji's 14 f2.8 which I got due to high recommendations from reviewers. It's my widest sense right now and I'm thinking about switching it for the Viltrox 13 f1.4 to have that extra little bit of wide angle, which really helps in confined spaces like in a crowd, in caves, interiors. I moved from Canon to Sony to Fuji mainly for Fuji's combination of small size and stellar IQ. If so many photographers were not dazzled by the name and fame of Canon and Sony I think a lot more would be using Fuji. However, I have to say it, Fuji needs to catch up in the AF department, although it's not far behind now. Still it puzzles me why a manufacturer who can make as sophisticated a camera as the H2s or XT5 cannot make top level AF.
The Viltrox 13 1.4 is truly a gem, very good lens that I would love to buy again at some stage, I owned it very briefly but the results from it were awesome!
I’ve used a lot of Fuji lenses Arne my god tier are the 16mm 1.4, 35mm 1.4, and 90mm f2. The only Fuji lenses that I currently own are the 18mm f2 my fave Focal length 27mm 2.8 w.r. Most compact lens 35mm 1.4 my fave Fuji lens period 56mm 1.2 got it for a good price but probably gonna sell it lol
The best lens for Fuji system is viltrox 75/1.2. It is better than 90 (owned then all) has amazing rendering and focuses very fast (tracks very good on xt3, xh2 and xh5). Some believe Viltrox 27/1.2 is even better. I own both but I think 75/1.2 is by far the best lens for Fuji system. My personal opinion only.
Agree with the summary here @dmitrybrodsky007 - I had both the 90mm and the 75mm and I've kept the 75mm and traded in the 90mm. The Viltrox really is an incredible lense and its only downside is its weight - but I'm more than willing to trade that for the images it captures. For me, the 18mm & 33mm f1.4 and the Viltrox 75mm could pretty much cover everything you ever need.
Great video Matthew. I have to disagree regarding the TTartisan 56mm 1.8 though. Had to buy one recently when my Fuji 56mm 1.2 stopped working after dropping my camera during a shoot, as buying a replacement was a cheaper option with a faster turn around time, enabling me to replace my Fuji lens in time for my next wedding. Been really impressed with this lens, as it worked amazingly at the wedding and I have shot some of my street photography and events with it since, some of which I have shared on my instagram channel. So would definitely recommend! It's my first TTartisan lens, and I would be interested to see what they come up with next.
I need to use it more then! - I may very well regret putting it in the meh category but I tried it briefly and wasn’t really all that impressed, I’ll look to shooting much more with it and making a review on it soon!
Hey Matthew, I love your flash portfolio! I wanted to pick your brain and see the times you choose a 18mm over 23mm when you are doing your flash work?
Thank you! I use them interchangeably, I find 18mm better for candid, event photography as the slightly wider FOV gives the image a bit more interest and I’d use the 23 when it’s more of a portrait as that slight bit extra makes the face look a lot less distorted and flattering! Adding onto that, 18mm is definetly better when you want good environmental portraits, although truthfully you can use either for both things - I was happy shooting everything with a 18mm till I got a 23 again and realized how good the tighter crop can be for solo portraits
I guess my question regarding the 23mm f/1.4 that you hated... was it the 2013 or 2021 model? Because the 2013 was shyte. The 2021 fixed all of the AF issues.
I purchased Sigma's 30mm 1.4 and their 56mm 1.4. I would have purchased the Fuji 56mm 1.2 R WR, but it doesn't have a linear motor which I need for low light action, so I saved some money and purchased the Sigma version. I would place Sigma's 30mm 1.4 in the recommended category, but it does suffer from some chromatic aberration. The Sigma 56mm 1.4 is a better lens which I would classify as a very good to excellent lens. I am going to sell my 30mm 1.4 Sigma and purchase Fuji's 33mm 1.4 R WR lens. I agree with you about Fuji's stellar 90mm f/2. I foolishly sold it a few years ago and I have been kicking myself ever since!
This was really interesting to watch and see how you rank them. I own the 35mm f2 Fuji lens and would consider it god tier personally, I don't have the 23mm but now I want one...and of course the Zeiss 32mm....If I can ever find one for a decent price!
@@CallMeEstebanI was just looking at buying a squarehood the other day. The actual squarehood brand is really nice but so expensive. Especially for North American buyers. Which squarehood did you get for the 35mm f2 exactly?
It’s the Squarehood Model V for the 23/35 f2. It’s much nicer looking then the Hoage one and like if you’re spending $60 on a lens hood you may as well just pay the extra $30 and get the one that actually looks better lol
@@rudermanphoto I agree the Squarehood one looks way better than the Hoage. I was actually going to buy one last night. However, I was pretty disappointed to find out that for some reason you can only buy one through a third party here in North America. It is straight up $30 more expensive than normal. I think the Squarehood is awesome. I was gonna do it for $67…but for $90 plus tax….i don’t know. 😅
@@WestonWoodfin yeah 90usd is 135aud, I paid 129aud for mine. It’s a LOT. I get it, but honestly it’s either this or no lens hood cause all the others look SO SHIT hahahahaha Maybe sit on it and have a think about how much you’ll use this lens - for me it basically lives on my X-Pro1 and I got that for a steal so I sorta just see the hood as being the “price” for getting the camera for so cheap (just my mental gymnastics trying to justify a $130 lens hood HAHAHAHA)
Additionally, Your description of the Zeiss Touit 32 f1.8 has me really interested in trying it (I once had the Zeiss 21 for full frame and it was simply incredible). However, I read somewhere that the Zeiss Touit 32 has bad flare, terrible AF, and so-so bokeh. Is this your experience? If so, how do you deal with it? Im going for ether the Touit 32 or Fuji's own 33 1.4 (which I had and loved but had to sell to bay a bill).
It has mediocre AF, not “terrible” but not amazing, the bokeh is unique and is one aspect of it that I really love, but I can see it not being as traditionally creamy as the Fuji 35 1.4, so it’s up to personal preference - I love the way it looks though. As for flare, I don’t really notice any serious issues with it, all the little quirks i find just add to the artistic appeal of the lens, it’s definetly not “perfect” like the 33 1.4 would be but it delivers incredible results and that 3D pop it has is just wonderful.
Perfect video for me. I recently purchased a sony kit and it doesn't seem right for me. I might be returning it for Fuji but all the videos on autofocus have me hesitant.
You have to ask yourself if the autofocus is the most critical thing for you, if yes, stick to full frame - if you can deal with below average AF performance and the stuff you shoot is all slower, portrait or landscape based then a Fuji kit will give you plenty of enjoyment in photography and it’ll be a great choice.
@@rudermanphoto Thank you for the reply. I just started doing motorsports and have a few races left to shoot this yr. Great info, so I will think about it some more.
My god tier lenses would be 23mm f/1.4 LM WR and Viltrox 75mm f/1.2. I had 23mm f/2, but it was too soft when shooting close to minimal focus distance. I like to pick out little details so it was a big downside for me. New 23mm LM is amazing in those situations.
What a fun game to play. Yeh I agree with most of your assessments (especially the Touit). The Touit is such a good example of a slower lens just absolutely SMOKING the rest of the faster glass in this focal length. It completely DOMINATES. I need to use mine more. I too would have the 90/2 in that God tier category. I own the XFf56/1.2RWR and basically it is everything the 90/2 is but in 56 clothing. The ONLY drawback to the 56RWR is the AF, it is still SHITE, so I too would demote it to just 'Fantastic'. Imo 90/2 is still the king all round portrait lens for X mount. I didn't gravitate towards the 23/2 quite as much as you have, and I would likely have shifted the 16/1.4 to the God tier. FYI, picked up the XF14/2.8 last week... my oh my! That is a nice friggin lens!
It’s wild Fuji didn’t add linear motors to the 56 1.2 WR!! Such a shame! I think I just have a bit of a special attachment to the 23 f2 which is probably why I rate it so highly, I’ve taken some of my fave photos with it over the years and I’m so glad it’s back in my arsenal after getting rid of it when I sold my XE3 years ago. The 14 2.8 is an interesting looking lens, I’d love to give it a go!
Agree on the 27 F2.8 being in the not recommend... not that it is a bad lens, its just that it really needed an aperture ring and is priced too high. Doesn't have the best close focus and F2.8 aperture is just okay-ish. Nice to see the 35 F2 alongside its older 1.4 brother, as it really is that good. Of the god tier lenses on your list I've wanted to check out the 90mm F2 - though I've been spoiled by the incredible Rokinon 135 F2 (manual), the 18mm 1.4 I'm sure I'd like but I have the old legend 16 1.4, the 16-55mm I've kinda held off on as it is a bit large and I have my primes though if I shot more events I could see the use.
The 35 f2 renders I think very similar to the 35 1.4 but you get faster focus and weather sealing and it’s cheaper too! Both are great options - hence why they’re both in the same tier haha The 16-55 is really only if you shoot video or need a lens that does everything, if you can manage with a bunch of primes that is always going to be the optimal solution weight wise. Definetly try the 90 out at some point that lens is just superb!!! One of Fuji’s absolute best.
Nice discussion. I’m not ready to put my 16-55mm in the god tier ranking myself. I’ve had trouble connecting with it, I suppose because I hoped the AF would be as good as the 50-140 but so far it seems a tad slower. But I did take it to a fair recently and it was just nailing shots and looking crisp and it definitely has a flavor and serious pop. In other words, it’s growing on me the more I use it. I hope the upcoming mkii doesn’t lose its vibe and character…just modernizes the AF etc. btw the new 23 LM wr blows the f/2 away and isn’t much bigger IMO. That lens like the 18 is a real performer I love it. I want to try that 90mm some day but so far I’ve resisted…I’d get more use from the 80mm macro.
The 16-55 is more so just the perfect do it all lens, and it’s definetly the best zoom available for Fuji as well as being the best video lens hence why I ranked it as highly as I did, it’s not exactly the most interesting lens but it just does the job and does it really well. Would love to try the new 23 1.4, if it’s anything like the 18 I’m sure I’d love it, just never got around to getting one as I was perfectly happy with the F2 especially given how small it is!
@@rudermanphoto I agree with you - but I think the 50-140 is Fuji's best overall zoom lens in terms of performance and output (and practical usefulness). It has a look like the 16-55 but I find it more consistent/better bokeh and so on. BTW the new 150-600mm is also exceptional IMO - a real stunner. If mkii versions oof the 16-55 / 50-140 are on that level I am going to be in heaven and I will definitely have to own them.
Well, I feel the 23/1.4 and 23/2.0 the other way around. I have no problem with autofocus on X-PRO2 and X-T2. My GOD tier is: 16/1.4, 35/1.4, 23/1.4 and 56/1.2 APD, in this order. (And a Mitakon Zhongyi 35/0.95 for manual and shallow depth play) The Zeiss Touit 33/1.8 option piqued my interest. I will try it. The 35/2 is just as good as the 35/1.4, but the character of the f/1.4 version is better. So 35/2 would be on GOD tier list (I just have sold it), but 23/2 is only highly recommended.
I had the older one, not the WR. I think the new WR version would be much better. In the example photos at 16:09 I accidentally labeled the photos as being taken with a 35 1.4 but that’s because I wrote the full frame equivalent instead, didn’t notice till the video was posted whoops
Great video Matthew. Quick question, if someone is torn between the 16 and the 18 1.4, besides the focal length, are there any significant differences between them? Thank you
Yeah the new 18 is much much faster focusing and noticeably sharper - but the 16 has a closer focus distance 15cm vs 20cm on the 18. The 16 also has the manual focus clutch override and overall looks much nicer too, plus it’s cheaper - I just never got along very well with 24mm eqv, I much prefer 28mm - otherwise I would have kept it as it is a really good lens, but the 18 is a different beast imo
@@rudermanphoto @saudbuhamdi6907 if you can stretch to the 18mm over the 16mm do it. I got the 16mm first and I agree with Matthew on not getting along with the 24mm focal length - I just couldn't work out how to get it to work for me. Also the distortion was fairly obvious on portraits and buildings so it limited you - unless that was what you're going for. The AF was the final straw and I chopped it in for the 18mm and so glad I did, instantly better all around and you know you're going to get great shots off it. 18mm, just like its 33mm brother is an incredible lens.
That's what I want to see, a renewal of the 23 f2. .it was a 2016 lense Make it identical but with new optics to eradicate the softness and distortion.
@rudermanphoto issue is if they made that no one would buy the 1.4. Nonetheless has to be updated soon. It's a staple lense can't be using one from 2016
lol i bought my 27mm 2.8 non WR when i bought my X-E3 which was on release. I recently got back into taking photos and I am legit shocked at the pricing on that lens. It's absurd. I swear I paid roughly $400 AUD for it new... I still love it and wont get rid of it but the price is mad.
You definitely had a bad copy of the 23mm 1.4, that lens is amazing, and the autofocus is pretty decent, better than the 16mm and 35mm 1.4 which I also own and love.
I own the 23 f2, 35 f2, 50 f2. The 23 f2 is obviously the weakest of the bunch. I still use it like 80% of the time, but it's unfortunate to see how much softer it is compared to the others. It's good enough for me, but also it's disappointing to look at a photo taken with the 35 and then look at a 23 afterwards. It doesn't help that here in the Denmark most of the year it's dark by like 16:00 so I use it wide open a lot. When there is light I usually go down to f4 and it helps, but it's still not really close to the other f2 lenses.
I have the 35mm and the 23mm F2. The 23mm has more contrast and I prefer the look of the images over the 35mm. Well, I don't pixel peep, but the softness is only a thing wide open and at very close focus distance.
where might the viltrox 27 1.2 go? got that one along with the sigma 56 1.4 for the occasional event shoots where I need that faster apertures. with the 27 I can cover that sweet spot between the 23 and 35mm was my thought, with just the one lens. might look at the zeiss 32 if I can get a deal for it - would appreciate a comparison video on microcontrast, 3d pop and all those buzzwords, no video explains that very well I have found. I'm rambling now, it's late here ^^ gn8
That actually is a lens I have tried briefly - (taken about 15 photos with it) I’d put it in the excellent tier though, absolutely awesome lens, built very well, just very big and heavy so as long as you are ok with the size it’s a great buy! Feels a lot more sterile compared to the Zeiss, but the autofocus is much better and it’s a 1.2 so you can obviously get much better low light shots with it.
@@rudermanphoto ugh I was afraid you would say that. How long have you had them and how has the finish held up? I used to have the v1 or v2 (in black0 from them and it scratched up instantly just from going in and out of padded camera bags. I vowed never again with squarehood then but man do these look so good. I haven't seen anyone complain so I'm hoping they have improved.
@@Lonnie.G it doesn’t feel like it’s worth the $129 aud it cost but it is holding up just fine, mine is the silver version so maybe there’s less of a likelihood of paint flaking off idk, I will say that I think it’s outrageously priced and I only bought it because I love the way it looks, but it really shouldn’t cost more then $30-40 lol
Loved the video Matt! Have you used the 33mm f1.4 at all? I've got the old 35mm f1.4 but while the photos are pretty and have character, I want sharper photos!
I haven’t had a chance to try it out, but if it’s as good as the 18 1.4 it probably would be an amazing lens! I’m just still so in love with the Touit I haven’t felt the need for a new 50mm eqv, but maybe in the future I’ll give it a go :)
I currently shoot on Canon C70 for video, but wanting to add an XH2s for a hybrid photo/video cam. If you could only get one lens out of these for mainly photos what would you recommend? I am torn between the beauty of the images from the Zeiss 32 but don't know if the 23, or 16-55 would be more practical for one focal length.
If you are doing hybrid stuff 100% the 16-55. Not only is it going to give you the absolute best video AF experience on Fuji but the images that come out of it for photography are just amazing, it’s as good as the Fujicrons sharpness wise, and it’ll balance really well on the XH2s. You can always pick up the Zeiss later! I would personally hate to use the Touit for video work haha The only downside with the 16-55 is its size, if that doesn’t bother you then you’ll be very happy!
I own the 16-55 f/2.8 and couldn’t agree with Matthew more. I held off too long. The size thing is way overblown when you are getting red badge IQ and a 16mm, 18mm, 23, 33, and 56mm all in one? Put all those on the scale and in the bag for comparison. I picked up a mint one used for $800. my only regret is I believed to too large chatter for too long.
@@otiswoodard7391the size is definitely a problem when used on smaller bodies, I would hate to use it on an X-Pro or XE camera, just so unbalanced haha If you’ve come from full frame the size won’t be an issue though!
I have taken maybe 15 photos with it, the thumbnail to my “trying a Sony” video was taken with it! It’s an awesome lens, I’d love to get one in the future and do some proper shoots with it, but I forgot to include it in this list and didn’t really want to put it there as I have hardly used it.
Fun stuff, thanks for sharing! I would put the new 23mm f1,4 LM WR on the top.. just because I like the 35mm ff equivalent more than the 28mm / 18mm Fuji.. matter of taste :)
I was so excited about the weight of the 27 mm f2.8 WR but the reality is that this lens is one of the most boring in the Fuji system. The worst gear acquisition I made so far was selling the 23 2.0 and getting a 27 2.8 instead.
Nice Video, I'd never be able to make a list like this, as it always depends on price. I'll take the 23mm Focal length as an example, If price was no object, I'm buying the XF23mm F/1.4 every time; However, that is not the case as price is always a consideration, and for me the Sigma 23mm F/1.4 DC DN is a better buy, in my opinion is better than the Fuji 23mm F/2 (they are basically the same price here) and is almost as good as the XF23mm F/1.4 but at less than half the price. for something to be GOD tier for me, it has to be something that I would buy regardless of price, and now luckily since Fuji opened up the X-Mount, we have so many good lenses that I don't think any lenses is so special it would be purchased at any price (granted i understand the list is could be replaced by A, B, C , D grades etc)
There’s more to it then just price though, if it was based on price the 50 1.0 would be in the god tier category being the most expensive lens on the list, but its size hinders it. In regards to the sigma 23, I haven’t personally tried it - but after the 18-50 no aperture rings on any Fuji lenses automatically meant I wasn’t very interested in them, on other mirrorless systems no aperture ring is fine but on Fuji it just ruins the overall experience for me.
Hate to say I hate my 18mm F2. It's SO noisy and the autofocus is terrible. It's always hurting for focus which is so dissapointing because the size is so great and small.
Yeah its a weird lens, on one hand I like the vintage look it has and the size and form factor is perfect, but I wish it had LM and was weather sealed, would be the perfect everyday Fuji lens then as the 1.4 can be a bit too big on small bodies.
Viltrox 33 and 56 f1.4 are machines for chromatic aberrations as hell. They produce purple fringing when it is impossible to have purple fringing. Would not recommend this not even to my worst enemy.
@@rudermanphoto af is interesting and it's not a true macro (I rarely use it for macro) but if you can get past that it's just beautiful. Might be my favourite lens.
We've discovered the problem. What fuji users call fantastic is questionable. As a food photographer; 56r has lots of hazing and flaring in backlight, noticeable tint, chromatic aberration, low contrast and struggles to focus accurately at minimum distances (Which are quite big.) No weather sealing. It can take nice images, but to call it fantastic...that's a real stretch. As for the 23mm f2 being god tier, it's an overly saturated lens, overly contrasted-it's not even 23mm. It has a heavy vignette, crazy distortion, soft up close and wide open, and its lens hood doesn't stop flaring at all. If the F2 is god tier, the newer 23mm f1.4 must be the divine creator. As someone that uses fujifilm professionally everyday; The new 18, 23, 33, 56 and the 90mm, 80mm macro, 50-140, 16-55 are the only fantatsic/god tier lenses. All the rest are fun lens and have their own look, but they also come with their own problems. The GFX lenses on the other hand...totally different kettle of fish.
You do realize fantastic is subjective and not based on any quantifiable metric other then “I like it” Being in the god tier category doesn’t mean overall technical perfection, otherwise yes all the new lenses would be there - it’s lenses which I love using - the Touit isn’t “technically” perfect, but it delivers images which I think are sensational and I’m very happy with it, thus it goes up there (for me, on my list)
@@rudermanphoto You do realise "Fantastic" is a word with an objective meaning and it means "Excellent/superlative." Sorry bud, you don't get make-up meanings and words to suit yourself. -God tier, fantastic-..they have literal meanings. Maybe stick to the dictionary meaning and what these terms have meant in language for hundreds of years. I get your opinion, but opinions are meant to be based on facts and evidence. The 23mm F2 is god tier?..you have a very low bar on what a god is. The 23mm is unarguably one of the worst lens ever produced. It's not 23mm, it hazes easily, it flares easily despite having a lens hood, it has a heavy vignette, it's soft, wide open and close, and it's overly saturated and contrasted; however, it is small. That is its only redeeming quality. Easy to find second-hand and small.
Zeiss came too early into Fuji before there was a large enough user base and they were expensive. I got one relatively new and inexpensive because for some reason they were poorly reviewed. Viltrox: you have to try the 27mm. It is large and heavy but gives outstanding photos even wide open.
@@jimbimediaI’ve tried the Viltrox 27 briefly (like 15 photos with it) and it is indeed very good, just didn’t want to include it on this list as I haven’t used it heaps
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The 23mm F2 is also one of my alltime favorites. I like that it's actually a tad wider, maybe more of a 31mm field of view.
These type of tier/choices videos are so naive but I just love watching them! 👍
I love your take on the Fuji system and your pics are sublime. Thanks for your take on the lenses. Here's my input...
!. I think maybe you got a bad 23/1.4. For me it would have gone god tier (using xh2)
2. Wait until you get your hands on the Viltrox 75/1.2 - I only just got it and only taken a few pics but ...wow. It makes my photos look as if shot by a pro. Unbelievable.
3. thanks for the insight on the 16-50. Will see if I can get my hands on one to try before I buy.
4. If you ever go zoom, try the 50-140/2.8 and the 70-300. The 50-140 is damn heavy but it (...for me, for my eyes) seems perfect from 50 right up to 140. The 70-300 pure and simply because it's great for shooting outdoor sports. I'm getting rid of one but still can't figure out which one.
Thank you for the kind words!
Maybe I did get a bad copy of the 23 1.4, I really wanted to love it but I’ve never had such terrible AF performance from any lens ever - even on an XH2s!! It scared me off trying to get a new copy haha
Yeah the 75 1.2 is a lens I’ve been meaning to get my hands on, I keep hearing it’s the bees knees - maybe in the future I’ll get one in for review or just buy one haha
The 16-55 is a gem, and since you mentioned the 50-140, all the red badge zooms are just -chefs kiss-
The 70-300 is another lens I’ve wanted to try, I hear that or the 55-200 are great Tele zoom options, I just don’t really have any use for them outside going to an air show once every 2 years 🤣
Interesting Video, specially for someone who is new to fujfilm lenses. I recently bought a second hand X-PRO2 with the 23mm f2 and i was so impressed with it!
Keep it up!
I have to disagree on the 27mm lenses. I owned the TTartisan one and I really wanted to like it, but I just found it really unpleasing. Basically unusable wide open at f/2.8, so much vignetting, weird colours… I bought X-T20 body as a small travel camera/backup to my main X-T3, and to accompany it, I bought the Fuji 27mm mark I (not WR) and the optical difference is night and day for me. Much sharper, better color rendering, contrast and sharpness wide open. It lives on the X-T20 making it a X100 of sorts and I am very happy with it. That being said, if I find the WR version at some nice price, I will probably switch to that one because of the aperture ring, but I do not miss it that much. Great video tho, love your content! The 23mm f/2 will probably be my next one, but I am still deciding between that and some third party variant with f/1.4 (Sigma or Viltrox).
dont know if you got a bad copy man, the TTArtisan is simply more vintage and sharp center. Yes vignette is awful but subject to background separation is way way obvious in other word it 3d pop like Zeiss Leica. Meanwhile the xf 27mm on the other size is lighter and more compact but that s it, rendering very flat images, lack of soul. In short, fuji pancake like 27mm and 18mm is just a convenient lens not providing clear character at all
I got the 27 2.8 a couple years ago and I didn't realize how much the autofocus noise would frustrate me lol. I think I'm going to try to sell it and get the 23 f2 for travel after watching your review on it.
You need to try viltrox 27 & 75
The 75mm is tempting.
Thanks for the lens evaluations.
Over the decades, I have used Leitz, Zeiss, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, Mamiya, Super-Angulon, and Fujinon lenses on micro 4/3, APS-C, full-frame, medium format, and large format cameras.
For my Fuji digital mirrorless cameras, I own and use the following Fujinon APS-C lenses:
16mm f/1.4
23mm f/1.4
23mm f/2
56mm f/1.2
16-55mm f/2.8
50-140mm f/2.8
Based on my experience with my APS-C, full-frame, medium format, and large format Fujinon lenses, I can vouch for the construction and image quality of Fujinon lenses.
Please give the 23 1.4 another chance if you can. It’s really good and high possibility your copy is just broken
Maaaaan, had same issue with fuji 23 f/1.4. Images are good, but that misfocus thing was making me to choose another lens all the time. In the end sold it and bought sigma 18-50 f/2.8 for travel purposes, no regrets - now I have much more images.
I own the Sigma 56mm F1.4, fantastic lens! Considering to buy the Viltrox 27mm F1.2 next (I mainly shoot portraits).
Go for it! VIltrox 27mm is amazing god-tier quality ;)
That sigma lens is sublime..
❤
My list for god tier is 18mm, 23mm, 33mm f1.4 LM R WR holy trinity. I’m very tempted by the Touit though.
Nice overview. Totally agree with all the lenses I also have (90, 18 f1.4, 50 f2, 13) and almost with those I had (18 f2, old 27, 18-55) with the 90 an 18 being my big favorites. The next one I will give a try will be the new 56.
Thanks Matthew for this very good down-to-earth assessment of lenses for Fuji. I have 4 of the lenses in your God category, and one in your Fantastic category and I can vouch for their beautiful quality in every sense of the word. I also have Fuji's 14 f2.8 which I got due to high recommendations from reviewers. It's my widest sense right now and I'm thinking about switching it for the Viltrox 13 f1.4 to have that extra little bit of wide angle, which really helps in confined spaces like in a crowd, in caves, interiors. I moved from Canon to Sony to Fuji mainly for Fuji's combination of small size and stellar IQ. If so many photographers were not dazzled by the name and fame of Canon and Sony I think a lot more would be using Fuji. However, I have to say it, Fuji needs to catch up in the AF department, although it's not far behind now. Still it puzzles me why a manufacturer who can make as sophisticated a camera as the H2s or XT5 cannot make top level AF.
The Viltrox 13 1.4 is truly a gem, very good lens that I would love to buy again at some stage, I owned it very briefly but the results from it were awesome!
Have you tried the new Viltrox 75mm 1.2? Its quite amazing! Sharp wide open and the 75mm makes it a wonderful portrait lens.
I haven’t had a chance to but I’ve heard it’s amazing!
I’m sure if I did try it it would be very high on my list haha
for 27mm, I think you could try Voigtlander ULTRON 27mm F2. And the 2nd gen of 35mm f1.4 is in fact 33mm f1.4, I think it's amazing.
I’ve used a lot of Fuji lenses Arne my god tier are the 16mm 1.4, 35mm 1.4, and 90mm f2.
The only Fuji lenses that I currently own are the
18mm f2 my fave Focal length
27mm 2.8 w.r. Most compact lens
35mm 1.4 my fave Fuji lens period
56mm 1.2 got it for a good price but probably gonna sell it lol
The best lens for Fuji system is viltrox 75/1.2. It is better than 90 (owned then all) has amazing rendering and focuses very fast (tracks very good on xt3, xh2 and xh5). Some believe Viltrox 27/1.2 is even better. I own both but I think 75/1.2 is by far the best lens for Fuji system. My personal opinion only.
I’d love to try it! If I had it would have been on this list but I’m yet to give it a go - have heard it’s amazing though
Agree with the summary here @dmitrybrodsky007 - I had both the 90mm and the 75mm and I've kept the 75mm and traded in the 90mm. The Viltrox really is an incredible lense and its only downside is its weight - but I'm more than willing to trade that for the images it captures. For me, the 18mm & 33mm f1.4 and the Viltrox 75mm could pretty much cover everything you ever need.
Try the 30mm 2.8 Macro. It's excellent.
Great video Matthew. I have to disagree regarding the TTartisan 56mm 1.8 though. Had to buy one recently when my Fuji 56mm 1.2 stopped working after dropping my camera during a shoot, as buying a replacement was a cheaper option with a faster turn around time, enabling me to replace my Fuji lens in time for my next wedding. Been really impressed with this lens, as it worked amazingly at the wedding and I have shot some of my street photography and events with it since, some of which I have shared on my instagram channel. So would definitely recommend! It's my first TTartisan lens, and I would be interested to see what they come up with next.
I need to use it more then! - I may very well regret putting it in the meh category but I tried it briefly and wasn’t really all that impressed, I’ll look to shooting much more with it and making a review on it soon!
@@rudermanphoto Ooh great. Thanks man, I shall watch out for that.
Hey Matthew, I love your flash portfolio! I wanted to pick your brain and see the times you choose a 18mm over 23mm when you are doing your flash work?
Thank you! I use them interchangeably, I find 18mm better for candid, event photography as the slightly wider FOV gives the image a bit more interest and I’d use the 23 when it’s more of a portrait as that slight bit extra makes the face look a lot less distorted and flattering!
Adding onto that, 18mm is definetly better when you want good environmental portraits, although truthfully you can use either for both things - I was happy shooting everything with a 18mm till I got a 23 again and realized how good the tighter crop can be for solo portraits
I guess my question regarding the 23mm f/1.4 that you hated... was it the 2013 or 2021 model? Because the 2013 was shyte. The 2021 fixed all of the AF issues.
Yes it was the old non WR one.
I purchased Sigma's 30mm 1.4 and their 56mm 1.4. I would have purchased the Fuji 56mm 1.2 R WR, but it doesn't have a linear motor which I need for low light action, so I saved some money and purchased the Sigma version. I would place Sigma's 30mm 1.4 in the recommended category, but it does suffer from some chromatic aberration. The Sigma 56mm 1.4 is a better lens which I would classify as a very good to excellent lens. I am going to sell my 30mm 1.4 Sigma and purchase Fuji's 33mm 1.4 R WR lens. I agree with you about Fuji's stellar 90mm f/2. I foolishly sold it a few years ago and I have been kicking myself ever since!
This was really interesting to watch and see how you rank them. I own the 35mm f2 Fuji lens and would consider it god tier personally, I don't have the 23mm but now I want one...and of course the Zeiss 32mm....If I can ever find one for a decent price!
This was my first Fuji lens and I got the hoage square lens hood and not only does it perform great, it looks amazing too
@@CallMeEstebanI was just looking at buying a squarehood the other day. The actual squarehood brand is really nice but so expensive. Especially for North American buyers. Which squarehood did you get for the 35mm f2 exactly?
It’s the Squarehood Model V for the 23/35 f2.
It’s much nicer looking then the Hoage one and like if you’re spending $60 on a lens hood you may as well just pay the extra $30 and get the one that actually looks better lol
@@rudermanphoto I agree the Squarehood one looks way better than the Hoage. I was actually going to buy one last night. However, I was pretty disappointed to find out that for some reason you can only buy one through a third party here in North America. It is straight up $30 more expensive than normal. I think the Squarehood is awesome. I was gonna do it for $67…but for $90 plus tax….i don’t know. 😅
@@WestonWoodfin yeah 90usd is 135aud, I paid 129aud for mine.
It’s a LOT.
I get it, but honestly it’s either this or no lens hood cause all the others look SO SHIT hahahahaha
Maybe sit on it and have a think about how much you’ll use this lens - for me it basically lives on my X-Pro1 and I got that for a steal so I sorta just see the hood as being the “price” for getting the camera for so cheap (just my mental gymnastics trying to justify a $130 lens hood HAHAHAHA)
Additionally, Your description of the Zeiss Touit 32 f1.8 has me really interested in trying it (I once had the Zeiss 21 for full frame and it was simply incredible). However, I read somewhere that the Zeiss Touit 32 has bad flare, terrible AF, and so-so bokeh. Is this your experience? If so, how do you deal with it? Im going for ether the Touit 32 or Fuji's own 33 1.4 (which I had and loved but had to sell to bay a bill).
It has mediocre AF, not “terrible” but not amazing, the bokeh is unique and is one aspect of it that I really love, but I can see it not being as traditionally creamy as the Fuji 35 1.4, so it’s up to personal preference - I love the way it looks though.
As for flare, I don’t really notice any serious issues with it, all the little quirks i find just add to the artistic appeal of the lens, it’s definetly not “perfect” like the 33 1.4 would be but it delivers incredible results and that 3D pop it has is just wonderful.
You should try the Fujifilm 18-135mm
Perfect video for me. I recently purchased a sony kit and it doesn't seem right for me. I might be returning it for Fuji but all the videos on autofocus have me hesitant.
You have to ask yourself if the autofocus is the most critical thing for you, if yes, stick to full frame - if you can deal with below average AF performance and the stuff you shoot is all slower, portrait or landscape based then a Fuji kit will give you plenty of enjoyment in photography and it’ll be a great choice.
@@rudermanphoto Thank you for the reply. I just started doing motorsports and have a few races left to shoot this yr. Great info, so I will think about it some more.
I'm surprised you didn't include the Thypoch Simera 28mm F1.4 in Fuji mount, given your review of it before.
This video was released before I reviewed that lens, I would have included it otherwise :)
@@rudermanphoto my bad...had the dates backwards. I appreciate the Typhoch-on-Fuji review. Perfect. Thanks
I love my Fuji 23 1.4 OG lens. Maybe you had a bad example?
15:45 You surely got a bad copy.
The 23 1.4 is one of my best lenses and I've had quite a few.
I love my 23mm f2
My god tier lenses would be 23mm f/1.4 LM WR and Viltrox 75mm f/1.2. I had 23mm f/2, but it was too soft when shooting close to minimal focus distance. I like to pick out little details so it was a big downside for me. New 23mm LM is amazing in those situations.
my go to until i can get a 50mm is the viltrox 85mm f1.8, i love it!
What a fun game to play.
Yeh I agree with most of your assessments (especially the Touit). The Touit is such a good example of a slower lens just absolutely SMOKING the rest of the faster glass in this focal length. It completely DOMINATES. I need to use mine more.
I too would have the 90/2 in that God tier category. I own the XFf56/1.2RWR and basically it is everything the 90/2 is but in 56 clothing. The ONLY drawback to the 56RWR is the AF, it is still SHITE, so I too would demote it to just 'Fantastic'. Imo 90/2 is still the king all round portrait lens for X mount.
I didn't gravitate towards the 23/2 quite as much as you have, and I would likely have shifted the 16/1.4 to the God tier.
FYI, picked up the XF14/2.8 last week... my oh my! That is a nice friggin lens!
It’s wild Fuji didn’t add linear motors to the 56 1.2 WR!! Such a shame!
I think I just have a bit of a special attachment to the 23 f2 which is probably why I rate it so highly, I’ve taken some of my fave photos with it over the years and I’m so glad it’s back in my arsenal after getting rid of it when I sold my XE3 years ago.
The 14 2.8 is an interesting looking lens, I’d love to give it a go!
Agree on the 27 F2.8 being in the not recommend... not that it is a bad lens, its just that it really needed an aperture ring and is priced too high. Doesn't have the best close focus and F2.8 aperture is just okay-ish. Nice to see the 35 F2 alongside its older 1.4 brother, as it really is that good. Of the god tier lenses on your list I've wanted to check out the 90mm F2 - though I've been spoiled by the incredible Rokinon 135 F2 (manual), the 18mm 1.4 I'm sure I'd like but I have the old legend 16 1.4, the 16-55mm I've kinda held off on as it is a bit large and I have my primes though if I shot more events I could see the use.
The 35 f2 renders I think very similar to the 35 1.4 but you get faster focus and weather sealing and it’s cheaper too!
Both are great options - hence why they’re both in the same tier haha
The 16-55 is really only if you shoot video or need a lens that does everything, if you can manage with a bunch of primes that is always going to be the optimal solution weight wise.
Definetly try the 90 out at some point that lens is just superb!!! One of Fuji’s absolute best.
I think for Fuji APSC, pancake and light weight lenses are always preferred, I would not use any lens heavier than 200g and taller than 5cm
Are there actually many lenses that small though? Other then the 27mm pancakes i believe most are taller then 5cm.
@@rudermanphoto haha yeah, not holistically strict, but around that amount would be good, Fuji 23mm F2 would be gold standard
Nice discussion. I’m not ready to put my 16-55mm in the god tier ranking myself. I’ve had trouble connecting with it, I suppose because I hoped the AF would be as good as the 50-140 but so far it seems a tad slower. But I did take it to a fair recently and it was just nailing shots and looking crisp and it definitely has a flavor and serious pop. In other words, it’s growing on me the more I use it. I hope the upcoming mkii doesn’t lose its vibe and character…just modernizes the AF etc. btw the new 23 LM wr blows the f/2 away and isn’t much bigger IMO. That lens like the 18 is a real performer I love it. I want to try that 90mm some day but so far I’ve resisted…I’d get more use from the 80mm macro.
The 16-55 is more so just the perfect do it all lens, and it’s definetly the best zoom available for Fuji as well as being the best video lens hence why I ranked it as highly as I did, it’s not exactly the most interesting lens but it just does the job and does it really well.
Would love to try the new 23 1.4, if it’s anything like the 18 I’m sure I’d love it, just never got around to getting one as I was perfectly happy with the F2 especially given how small it is!
@@rudermanphoto I agree with you - but I think the 50-140 is Fuji's best overall zoom lens in terms of performance and output (and practical usefulness). It has a look like the 16-55 but I find it more consistent/better bokeh and so on. BTW the new 150-600mm is also exceptional IMO - a real stunner. If mkii versions oof the 16-55 / 50-140 are on that level I am going to be in heaven and I will definitely have to own them.
Have you by any chance tried any of the Voigtlander lenses for the Fuji X mount? Especially the 23 and 27 mm f2
I have not, they look really great though especially with the electronic contacts so you get proper EXIF data!
Well, I feel the 23/1.4 and 23/2.0 the other way around. I have no problem with autofocus on X-PRO2 and X-T2.
My GOD tier is: 16/1.4, 35/1.4, 23/1.4 and 56/1.2 APD, in this order. (And a Mitakon Zhongyi 35/0.95 for manual and shallow depth play)
The Zeiss Touit 33/1.8 option piqued my interest. I will try it. The 35/2 is just as good as the 35/1.4, but the character of the f/1.4 version is better. So 35/2 would be on GOD tier list (I just have sold it), but 23/2 is only highly recommended.
I am tossed between the Fujifilm 90mm f2 and Viltrox 75mm f1.2
you need to try the 16-80 f4
Right I was looking for it here lol
Did you have the 23mm f/1.4 LM or just the R? The picture you showed at 15:56 is the R/older variant.
I had the older one, not the WR. I think the new WR version would be much better. In the example photos at 16:09 I accidentally labeled the photos as being taken with a 35 1.4 but that’s because I wrote the full frame equivalent instead, didn’t notice till the video was posted whoops
Great video Matthew. Quick question, if someone is torn between the 16 and the 18 1.4, besides the focal length, are there any significant differences between them? Thank you
Yeah the new 18 is much much faster focusing and noticeably sharper - but the 16 has a closer focus distance 15cm vs 20cm on the 18.
The 16 also has the manual focus clutch override and overall looks much nicer too, plus it’s cheaper - I just never got along very well with 24mm eqv, I much prefer 28mm - otherwise I would have kept it as it is a really good lens, but the 18 is a different beast imo
@@rudermanphoto @saudbuhamdi6907 if you can stretch to the 18mm over the 16mm do it. I got the 16mm first and I agree with Matthew on not getting along with the 24mm focal length - I just couldn't work out how to get it to work for me. Also the distortion was fairly obvious on portraits and buildings so it limited you - unless that was what you're going for. The AF was the final straw and I chopped it in for the 18mm and so glad I did, instantly better all around and you know you're going to get great shots off it. 18mm, just like its 33mm brother is an incredible lens.
That's what I want to see, a renewal of the 23 f2.
.it was a 2016 lense
Make it identical but with new optics to eradicate the softness and distortion.
That would be awesome!
@rudermanphoto issue is if they made that no one would buy the 1.4. Nonetheless has to be updated soon.
It's a staple lense can't be using one from 2016
lol i bought my 27mm 2.8 non WR when i bought my X-E3 which was on release. I recently got back into taking photos and I am legit shocked at the pricing on that lens. It's absurd. I swear I paid roughly $400 AUD for it new...
I still love it and wont get rid of it but the price is mad.
You definitely had a bad copy of the 23mm 1.4, that lens is amazing, and the autofocus is pretty decent, better than the 16mm and 35mm 1.4 which I also own and love.
I own the 23 f2, 35 f2, 50 f2. The 23 f2 is obviously the weakest of the bunch. I still use it like 80% of the time, but it's unfortunate to see how much softer it is compared to the others. It's good enough for me, but also it's disappointing to look at a photo taken with the 35 and then look at a 23 afterwards. It doesn't help that here in the Denmark most of the year it's dark by like 16:00 so I use it wide open a lot. When there is light I usually go down to f4 and it helps, but it's still not really close to the other f2 lenses.
I have the 35mm and the 23mm F2. The 23mm has more contrast and I prefer the look of the images over the 35mm. Well, I don't pixel peep, but the softness is only a thing wide open and at very close focus distance.
where might the viltrox 27 1.2 go? got that one along with the sigma 56 1.4 for the occasional event shoots where I need that faster apertures. with the 27 I can cover that sweet spot between the 23 and 35mm was my thought, with just the one lens. might look at the zeiss 32 if I can get a deal for it - would appreciate a comparison video on microcontrast, 3d pop and all those buzzwords, no video explains that very well I have found. I'm rambling now, it's late here ^^ gn8
That actually is a lens I have tried briefly - (taken about 15 photos with it) I’d put it in the excellent tier though, absolutely awesome lens, built very well, just very big and heavy so as long as you are ok with the size it’s a great buy!
Feels a lot more sterile compared to the Zeiss, but the autofocus is much better and it’s a 1.2 so you can obviously get much better low light shots with it.
My God lenses, Viotlander 58mm, 40mm, Viltrox 75mm, 27mm, Fujifilm 56mm, 23mm, 16mm, 18mm, 50-140mm, 90mm
That's all you need right there.
what lens hoods are you using on your 23mm and 35mm f2 lenses?
It’s the Squarehood Model V, it fits both the 23 and 35!
It is very expensive but man does it look good
@@rudermanphoto ugh I was afraid you would say that. How long have you had them and how has the finish held up? I used to have the v1 or v2 (in black0 from them and it scratched up instantly just from going in and out of padded camera bags. I vowed never again with squarehood then but man do these look so good. I haven't seen anyone complain so I'm hoping they have improved.
@@Lonnie.G it doesn’t feel like it’s worth the $129 aud it cost but it is holding up just fine, mine is the silver version so maybe there’s less of a likelihood of paint flaking off idk, I will say that I think it’s outrageously priced and I only bought it because I love the way it looks, but it really shouldn’t cost more then $30-40 lol
Loved the video Matt! Have you used the 33mm f1.4 at all? I've got the old 35mm f1.4 but while the photos are pretty and have character, I want sharper photos!
I haven’t had a chance to try it out, but if it’s as good as the 18 1.4 it probably would be an amazing lens!
I’m just still so in love with the Touit I haven’t felt the need for a new 50mm eqv, but maybe in the future I’ll give it a go :)
How would you rank the 33mm F/1.4
Never tried it! If it’s as good as the 18 1.4 then probably very high though
I currently shoot on Canon C70 for video, but wanting to add an XH2s for a hybrid photo/video cam. If you could only get one lens out of these for mainly photos what would you recommend? I am torn between the beauty of the images from the Zeiss 32 but don't know if the 23, or 16-55 would be more practical for one focal length.
If you are doing hybrid stuff 100% the 16-55.
Not only is it going to give you the absolute best video AF experience on Fuji but the images that come out of it for photography are just amazing, it’s as good as the Fujicrons sharpness wise, and it’ll balance really well on the XH2s.
You can always pick up the Zeiss later! I would personally hate to use the Touit for video work haha
The only downside with the 16-55 is its size, if that doesn’t bother you then you’ll be very happy!
I own the 16-55 f/2.8 and couldn’t agree with Matthew more. I held off too long. The size thing is way overblown when you are getting red badge IQ and a 16mm, 18mm, 23, 33, and 56mm all in one? Put all those on the scale and in the bag for comparison. I picked up a mint one used for $800. my only regret is I believed to too large chatter for too long.
@@otiswoodard7391the size is definitely a problem when used on smaller bodies, I would hate to use it on an X-Pro or XE camera, just so unbalanced haha
If you’ve come from full frame the size won’t be an issue though!
I think we need a 23f2 vs 23f1.4 WR video next
If I had the 23 1.4 WR I’d love to make one!
Fuji = 18/23/33 f1.4 LM WR + 90mm + 16-55 (if you need a (heavy) zoom) + 14mm (if you need a 20mm FF equivalent). The 23 is the best of the bunch.
Gotta try the 27mm f1.2 pro next. One of the best lens I've ever used.
I have taken maybe 15 photos with it, the thumbnail to my “trying a Sony” video was taken with it!
It’s an awesome lens, I’d love to get one in the future and do some proper shoots with it, but I forgot to include it in this list and didn’t really want to put it there as I have hardly used it.
Fun stuff, thanks for sharing! I would put the new 23mm f1,4 LM WR on the top.. just because I like the 35mm ff equivalent more than the 28mm / 18mm Fuji.. matter of taste :)
I haven’t had a chance to try that lens out! I just hope it’s better then the non WR version haha
Agree. Anyway I think I’ll sell my 35 1.4 and 56 1.2 cause of my touit and 50
If you ask me I think 35 1.4 R, 16 1.4 R WR, 56 1.2 R, 90 2.0 R LM WR are all GOD tier lenses. Not just for Fujifilm but hold their own against any…
Brilliant presentation!
Thank you so much!
I hoped so much to see the XF33/1.4 😭
Haven’t used it before! I hear it’s great though, maybe sometime in the future I’ll give it a go
Now must be update 2 Viltrox Pro lenses 27mm and 75mm.
50-140 is an exceptional lens.
Great video!
not putting the 35 1.4 in god is CRIMINAL. touit should be up there too though
Thanks for informing and so I don’t have to stay 😂
I was so excited about the weight of the 27 mm f2.8 WR but the reality is that this lens is one of the most boring in the Fuji system. The worst gear acquisition I made so far was selling the 23 2.0 and getting a 27 2.8 instead.
Nice Video, I'd never be able to make a list like this, as it always depends on price.
I'll take the 23mm Focal length as an example, If price was no object, I'm buying the XF23mm F/1.4 every time; However, that is not the case as price is always a consideration, and for me the Sigma 23mm F/1.4 DC DN is a better buy, in my opinion is better than the Fuji 23mm F/2 (they are basically the same price here) and is almost as good as the XF23mm F/1.4 but at less than half the price.
for something to be GOD tier for me, it has to be something that I would buy regardless of price, and now luckily since Fuji opened up the X-Mount, we have so many good lenses that I don't think any lenses is so special it would be purchased at any price (granted i understand the list is could be replaced by A, B, C , D grades etc)
There’s more to it then just price though, if it was based on price the 50 1.0 would be in the god tier category being the most expensive lens on the list, but its size hinders it.
In regards to the sigma 23, I haven’t personally tried it - but after the 18-50 no aperture rings on any Fuji lenses automatically meant I wasn’t very interested in them, on other mirrorless systems no aperture ring is fine but on Fuji it just ruins the overall experience for me.
Hate to say I hate my 18mm F2. It's SO noisy and the autofocus is terrible. It's always hurting for focus which is so dissapointing because the size is so great and small.
Yeah its a weird lens, on one hand I like the vintage look it has and the size and form factor is perfect, but I wish it had LM and was weather sealed, would be the perfect everyday Fuji lens then as the 1.4 can be a bit too big on small bodies.
Where is the 70-300mm????????????
Never tried it!
@@rudermanphoto It's a great lens. I've gotten great shots of birds and deer in my neighborhood. Including a Great Blue Heron.
where is 18mm f2?
oh you did. haha
Haha yeah had to add it on at the very end!
@@rudermanphoto love your videos mate. I thought you had at least 100k. I think it’s coming pretty soon! 🔥
@@TIM123451ERR thank you so much my man!!
16mm f1.4 and 23mm f1.4 wr belong in god tier
Viltrox 33 and 56 f1.4 are machines for chromatic aberrations as hell. They produce purple fringing when it is impossible to have purple fringing. Would not recommend this not even to my worst enemy.
fun video but you're sleeping on that xf60...
Never tried it!
@@rudermanphoto af is interesting and it's not a true macro (I rarely use it for macro) but if you can get past that it's just beautiful. Might be my favourite lens.
Ah. No 16-80mm F4.
Never used it!
23 f2 nooooooooo…. The 16 f1.4 is god tier
Fan of the Donut channel?😂
I thought the 23 f2 was very plain Jane...nothing special except, quick, sharp...no character.
This is the most wildly ignorant rating of lenes Ive ever seen...wow...this is easily the most misleading videos I think Ive ever seen.
Thank you so much!!!
We've discovered the problem. What fuji users call fantastic is questionable.
As a food photographer;
56r has lots of hazing and flaring in backlight, noticeable tint, chromatic aberration, low contrast and struggles to focus accurately at minimum distances (Which are quite big.) No weather sealing. It can take nice images, but to call it fantastic...that's a real stretch.
As for the 23mm f2 being god tier, it's an overly saturated lens, overly contrasted-it's not even 23mm. It has a heavy vignette, crazy distortion, soft up close and wide open, and its lens hood doesn't stop flaring at all. If the F2 is god tier, the newer 23mm f1.4 must be the divine creator.
As someone that uses fujifilm professionally everyday;
The new 18, 23, 33, 56 and the 90mm, 80mm macro, 50-140, 16-55 are the only fantatsic/god tier lenses. All the rest are fun lens and have their own look, but they also come with their own problems.
The GFX lenses on the other hand...totally different kettle of fish.
You do realize fantastic is subjective and not based on any quantifiable metric other then “I like it”
Being in the god tier category doesn’t mean overall technical perfection, otherwise yes all the new lenses would be there - it’s lenses which I love using - the Touit isn’t “technically” perfect, but it delivers images which I think are sensational and I’m very happy with it, thus it goes up there (for me, on my list)
@@rudermanphoto You do realise "Fantastic" is a word with an objective meaning and it means "Excellent/superlative." Sorry bud, you don't get make-up meanings and words to suit yourself. -God tier, fantastic-..they have literal meanings. Maybe stick to the dictionary meaning and what these terms have meant in language for hundreds of years. I get your opinion, but opinions are meant to be based on facts and evidence. The 23mm F2 is god tier?..you have a very low bar on what a god is. The 23mm is unarguably one of the worst lens ever produced. It's not 23mm, it hazes easily, it flares easily despite having a lens hood, it has a heavy vignette, it's soft, wide open and close, and it's overly saturated and contrasted; however, it is small. That is its only redeeming quality. Easy to find second-hand and small.
@@lefthandright01thanks for watching!! 💖
Zeiss came too early into Fuji before there was a large enough user base and they were expensive. I got one relatively new and inexpensive because for some reason they were poorly reviewed. Viltrox: you have to try the 27mm. It is large and heavy but gives outstanding photos even wide open.
@@jimbimediaI’ve tried the Viltrox 27 briefly (like 15 photos with it) and it is indeed very good, just didn’t want to include it on this list as I haven’t used it heaps
Did you really turn up you’re drinking sound? Gross