I really like my XF 27mm f/2.8, finding it to be that "Goldilocks" focal length when trying to choose between the 23mm or 35mm. I find it to be sharp enough and can't fault any performance from it for my type of shooting. One thing that has happened fairly often is that I bump up against the minimum focus distance which is too long compared to the other small primes. This is simply because the pancake design limits the extension in the focusing action needed to get close. I live with it because of the advantage of the small size. I really liked that image that you said looked like a stage... it's all about the light and you captured it.
That’s a great call out on the focal distance, that’s one thing I haven’t tried yet but actually do a lot of. I have a similar problem with the 35mm 1.4. I don’t know what magic Fuji did in the X100V 23mm lens but it does not have that problem. Thank you for the compliment! Right place, right time.
I just picked up the XF 27mm f/2.8 WR pretty much for the same reasons you have it. I've got a big trip to Italy later this summer and I didn't want to lug around any big lenses. Now with this lens I can fit my XT5 comfortably in a small sling/chest bag, and the focal length is perfect for walking around. Ideally I'd just bring an X100V, but those are hard to get your hands on unless you're willing to pay a premium on the second hand market. In my testing so far the lens is nice and sharp in good lighting. Low light lacks a bit but isn't too bad. Sometimes I'd like a little more reach, but with the lens resolving all the XT5's sensor and being fairly sharp I can always crop if needed.
If it were f2 I think it would always be on my camera. But the 27mm is great for urban environments. I took the camera and 27mm to a baseball game and security didn’t even flinch, it looks like an old point and shoot.
Great video! I'm looking hard the the XF27mm WR, but I have the 23mm f/2 and I'm having a hard time justifying the purchase. I too use the 16-55mm for events! I was thinking about not taking it on my trip to San Diego, but you've convinced me to "carry the weight". ;)
Thank you! I just went in a trip to Washington and the 16-55 was perfect. The only justification for the 27 is the size. I can fit my X-T5 with the 27mm lens in the front pocket of my jacket. It also fits in my Tomtoc EDC bag. But if that isn’t a need, the 23mm is a better focal distance, IMO.
Focusing with f2.8mm lens (roughly equivalent to a f4 lens on full frame taking ISO performance into account) is going to be a struggle for any camera. I use f2 Fujicron lenses exclusively on my X-Pro3 and it focuses fine in most situations, even when somewhat dark. That said, thanks the overview and story!
Thank you! I also think 27mm wasn't the best focal length for that event. I probably needed something wider like 18mm for the event photos and something longer like 56mm for the portraits. So if I had taken that 16-55 zoom...oh well. Thank you for the added detail on the autofocus struggles. That's good to know.
I tried the ttartisan 27 f2.8 in Santa Barbara, also an awesome alternative, my only gripe is the pics aren’t anything special coming out of those lenses imo, I feel like I can get the same from my iPhone at times
I’m not sure if I mentioned it in the video but the pictures I shared from the beach, and the one of the sunrise right out of the hotel, were straight off of the camera. If I did any touch up it was to straighten. Although you’re right, the iPhone can also take great photos.
nice video , I use a speed lite on low setting not to take away from the moodiness of the scene in these low light situations, and shoot fully in manual, can't rely on autofocus and room light all the time
I'm sure a professional event photographer would have been cringing, watching me walk around the event with my camera like I was doing street photography. 😂
Thanks for the vid. I just picked up this lens and am excited to do some shooting with it. On my X-E4 it's a very inconspicuous setup. Not that I'm a pixel peeper (and I know the lens is sharp), but can it resolve the pixels on your 40MP sensor?
Yes! And I honestly there is a difference in the image sharpness between the 27mm and the XF35mm1.4 R which does not resolve the 40mp.The 35 is still a great lens, but you notice how much cleaner the 27 looks.
It’s the Peak Designs tech pouch. Word of caution though, the XT-5 and this pancake lens fit but it wouldn’t fit with other lenses. I was trying to illustrate how small I can make the camera. www.peakdesign.com/products/tech-pouch
I really like my XF 27mm f/2.8, finding it to be that "Goldilocks" focal length when trying to choose between the 23mm or 35mm. I find it to be sharp enough and can't fault any performance from it for my type of shooting.
One thing that has happened fairly often is that I bump up against the minimum focus distance which is too long compared to the other small primes. This is simply because the pancake design limits the extension in the focusing action needed to get close. I live with it because of the advantage of the small size.
I really liked that image that you said looked like a stage... it's all about the light and you captured it.
That’s a great call out on the focal distance, that’s one thing I haven’t tried yet but actually do a lot of. I have a similar problem with the 35mm 1.4. I don’t know what magic Fuji did in the X100V 23mm lens but it does not have that problem.
Thank you for the compliment! Right place, right time.
Great video! Thanks for sharing your experience with the 27mmf2.8, and I look forward to watching your 16-55f2.8 review!
Thank you! I’m working on it…
Great video, enjoyed your talk and the photos shown.
Thank you! That is great to hear.
I just picked up the XF 27mm f/2.8 WR pretty much for the same reasons you have it. I've got a big trip to Italy later this summer and I didn't want to lug around any big lenses. Now with this lens I can fit my XT5 comfortably in a small sling/chest bag, and the focal length is perfect for walking around. Ideally I'd just bring an X100V, but those are hard to get your hands on unless you're willing to pay a premium on the second hand market. In my testing so far the lens is nice and sharp in good lighting. Low light lacks a bit but isn't too bad. Sometimes I'd like a little more reach, but with the lens resolving all the XT5's sensor and being fairly sharp I can always crop if needed.
If it were f2 I think it would always be on my camera. But the 27mm is great for urban environments. I took the camera and 27mm to a baseball game and security didn’t even flinch, it looks like an old point and shoot.
@@ChrisFreitag Agree! F2 would be perfect. But for $399 new I can't really complain, it's great for what it is and works really well with the XT5.
Great video! I'm looking hard the the XF27mm WR, but I have the 23mm f/2 and I'm having a hard time justifying the purchase. I too use the 16-55mm for events! I was thinking about not taking it on my trip to San Diego, but you've convinced me to "carry the weight". ;)
Thank you! I just went in a trip to Washington and the 16-55 was perfect. The only justification for the 27 is the size. I can fit my X-T5 with the 27mm lens in the front pocket of my jacket. It also fits in my Tomtoc EDC bag. But if that isn’t a need, the 23mm is a better focal distance, IMO.
Mmmm pancake! 🥞
Took the family out for breakfast so I could take that shot. 😀
haha sounds like Homer Simpson!
Focusing with f2.8mm lens (roughly equivalent to a f4 lens on full frame taking ISO performance into account) is going to be a struggle for any camera.
I use f2 Fujicron lenses exclusively on my X-Pro3 and it focuses fine in most situations, even when somewhat dark.
That said, thanks the overview and story!
Thank you! I also think 27mm wasn't the best focal length for that event. I probably needed something wider like 18mm for the event photos and something longer like 56mm for the portraits. So if I had taken that 16-55 zoom...oh well.
Thank you for the added detail on the autofocus struggles. That's good to know.
I tried the ttartisan 27 f2.8 in Santa Barbara, also an awesome alternative, my only gripe is the pics aren’t anything special coming out of those lenses imo, I feel like I can get the same from my iPhone at times
I’m not sure if I mentioned it in the video but the pictures I shared from the beach, and the one of the sunrise right out of the hotel, were straight off of the camera. If I did any touch up it was to straighten.
Although you’re right, the iPhone can also take great photos.
nice video , I use a speed lite on low setting not to take away from the moodiness of the scene in these low light situations, and shoot fully in manual, can't rely on autofocus and room light all the time
I'm sure a professional event photographer would have been cringing, watching me walk around the event with my camera like I was doing street photography. 😂
Thanks for the vid. I just picked up this lens and am excited to do some shooting with it. On my X-E4 it's a very inconspicuous setup.
Not that I'm a pixel peeper (and I know the lens is sharp), but can it resolve the pixels on your 40MP sensor?
Yes! And I honestly there is a difference in the image sharpness between the 27mm and the XF35mm1.4 R which does not resolve the 40mp.The 35 is still a great lens, but you notice how much cleaner the 27 looks.
Would you mind telling me the brand and the website where you bought your travel bag? It looks perfect!
It’s the Peak Designs tech pouch. Word of caution though, the XT-5 and this pancake lens fit but it wouldn’t fit with other lenses. I was trying to illustrate how small I can make the camera. www.peakdesign.com/products/tech-pouch
@@ChrisFreitag Yes. Thanks!
Great video, what bag is that?
It's the Peak Design Tech Pouch (amzn.to/3ISUdJa)