This lens gives you some amazing vintage style images - the vignetting and glare coupled with the right film simulation is amazing. I was honestly not expecting it to be so sharp
PSA if the AF / MF doesn't work check the rear element as it comes off center from factory and it prevents the STM motor from moving. Pull on the rear element slightly to realign. Many complained (and it happen to me also)
I'll be frank and say that you 're being a bit too harsh on this lens. This is a very cheap lens that just held up on a 40+ mp sensor and you say it has "issues wide open" even though it's no worse than is common with lenses in the price range. Plus on the vast majority of APSC sensors today the flaws would be visible way less. If anything I think the image quality is pretty impressive for the price. Fine wide open, perfect by f/4, no significant field curvature.. what more could you want for this price, honestly. Go test the Sigma DN ART 19 and 30mm on the same sensor before you write this one as useless wide open. You rated those well back in their day and I doubt they would fare much better on such a high resolution sensor.
I cannot understand why fuji isnt making more compact lenses. Of course 1.4 lenses are important but this 27mm is perfekt for travel and street sizewise
I bought this lens expecting it to be very hit and miss. However, it completely surpassed my expectations and it constantly surprises me with how good the images turn out to be. It has its limitations but once you are aware of them you can mitigate easily. The vignette is noticeable at wider apertures but is easy to correct in post if you don't want it. The flaring is an issue with this lens but you can see when that's happening and recompose easily enough. Photography is an expensive hobby and it is rare to find a decent prime lens at this price. I am very happy with this little lens and will even use this lens over the highly rated Fujifilm xc 35mm f2 on occasion when I want a slightly wider view.
I just picked up this lens off eBay brand new for $100 USD. So far, it really impresses me, especially for the price. Super sharp in the centre, and more that satisfactory in the corners. Vignetting is barely noticeable. Maybe it has the latest update? I am not going to even try updating it right now, as it is excellent as is. I was going to get the Fuji 27mm, but figured for $100 is was worth a try. Super glad I did. What a nice lens.
I also got mine on eBay - finally figured out how to update firmware, but it won’t focus fully. I can hear the motor and it focuses to a point but never fully. Maybe my settings are off? Any idea?
This lens has a really good rendering for its price, and good bokeh fallout. I LOVE that it has the aperture ring, perfect for the Fujifilm retro experience.
The sad thing is that they choose to releases it on fuji cameras... you know the brand with a really nice pancake lenses that also happen to be a 27mm F 2.8 and that you can get for about 150€ when bought alongside an XE-4 ? ^^
@@malekith13 it’s 200 bundled instead 150, and the majority of users would not buy the X-E4 (I have the X-E4 but it’s not Fuji’s mainframe camera). Then the Fuji version at retail price is 3 times this lens. But price aside, my main problem with the Fuji version is that it is too loud when focusing which is very annoying to me (it may be a case of YMMV because some people are not sensitive to the noise it makes).
I already have- I recommend, especially for the price. I like it for vignette ,the pictures have a vibe🎞️, af performance, but the lens is very weak against the light. Well...... nobody is perfect 😁Ttartisan- next one I would like to wish 10mm af pancake F5,6- max F4 (not f2.8 because it would be too big) small wide angle. This is what I need for: 1) trekking in the mountains 2) and every day. I have Fujifilm 10-24 but it's heavy to carry with me every day. Anyone confirm?😁
Great review. Would you recommend this lens or the Fuji 35mm lens for street photography? Same xe2 body. And hoping to stay under 200 usd for the lens and have a relatively compact setup for street photography
This is a very cute petite lens for Fuji! Looks like Canon EF-S 24/2.8 STM with neat aperture ring :) But Canon one has better coatings and performs better in front light
This lens has had three firmware updates, but it cannot be update on the Mac platform. I attempted updating the lens on a Windows 11 computer, but also could not do it. Can anyone help with this problem?
Nice review as always Mr. Frost. Neat little lens to save money but from what you showed and what some people are saying in the comments I would simply not buy this, go without for as long as it takes, and get the XF 27mm instead. Cheap is great, but with this it seems you really get what you pay for.
It looks like the lens has some focus and software issues. That may explain why the corners look sharp at f2.8 but the centre doesn't. Hopefully, that will be fixed with software updates.
@@chidorirasenganz expecting a company to fix issues after you bought something from them is copium. If they wanted to fix it they would have done in post production
@@cyano3d you do know the reason they included the lens with a usb c port right? You’re coping if you think they aren’t going to release firmware. In fact they already released an update
Now on a Sony ZV-E10 gotten for about $500 on sale, with this, you can have "the poor man's Ricoh GR IIIx", only slightly larger and heavier than that. And with much better AF and battery life, and with unlimited 4k, but with a few lacking features.
One thing to note: I have a copy of this lens and cannot upgrade the firmware. My windows 11 PC refuses to recognize that it's plugged in, though it recognizes that a USB device malfunctioned whenever I plug in just the lens cap without a lens.
Год назад+1
I had the same problem. Try different USB-Cables, that's what did the trick for me.
I am struggling to see the point in this lens. The 15 -45 is sharp wide open in the centre at this focal length, so if you have to stop down to f4 with this lens to achieve the same thing, all it really offers is the not much smaller form factor.
@@KNAPPAID fair point. Being the hypocrite I am I actually bought this lens since my comment. I do like it, it's maybe a little unexciting but I think that's a reflection of my thought process rather than a problem with the lens.
I just buy this lens recently, on the day firmware 1.0.2 i install then get v1.0.3 instead, ttartisan replace the file after my comment on their insta LoL, update again then i get v1.0.2 🤣 i keep v1.0.3 file save.
The Fuji coffee grinder DC motor is disgrace for its price class, certainly compared to most of its contemporary (and older) STM equivalents from Canon etc.
![COLOMBIA vs. CHILE [4-0] | RESUMEN | ELIMINATORIAS SUDAMERICANAS | FECHA 10](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TDjN4W3yy1k/mqdefault.jpg)
This lens gives you some amazing vintage style images - the vignetting and glare coupled with the right film simulation is amazing. I was honestly not expecting it to be so sharp
Great to see more competitors in the autofocus market for the Fuji system!
PSA if the AF / MF doesn't work check the rear element as it comes off center from factory and it prevents the STM motor from moving. Pull on the rear element slightly to realign. Many complained (and it happen to me also)
The center at f2.8 is not bad at all except for macros. The advantage of this lens over the Fuji version is that it focuses quietly.
It also has better bokeh in my opinion
And it has an aperture ring (not like v1 Fuji)
And I think most importantly, less than half the price!
unfortunately it’s not weather sealed though.
@@savnac None of the Leica M lenses is sealed either.
I was considering buying this lens. Excellent timing with the review!
I'll be frank and say that you 're being a bit too harsh on this lens. This is a very cheap lens that just held up on a 40+ mp sensor and you say it has "issues wide open" even though it's no worse than is common with lenses in the price range. Plus on the vast majority of APSC sensors today the flaws would be visible way less. If anything I think the image quality is pretty impressive for the price. Fine wide open, perfect by f/4, no significant field curvature.. what more could you want for this price, honestly.
Go test the Sigma DN ART 19 and 30mm on the same sensor before you write this one as useless wide open. You rated those well back in their day and I doubt they would fare much better on such a high resolution sensor.
I cannot understand why fuji isnt making more compact lenses. Of course 1.4 lenses are important but this 27mm is perfekt for travel and street sizewise
I bought this lens expecting it to be very hit and miss. However, it completely surpassed my expectations and it constantly surprises me with how good the images turn out to be. It has its limitations but once you are aware of them you can mitigate easily. The vignette is noticeable at wider apertures but is easy to correct in post if you don't want it. The flaring is an issue with this lens but you can see when that's happening and recompose easily enough. Photography is an expensive hobby and it is rare to find a decent prime lens at this price. I am very happy with this little lens and will even use this lens over the highly rated Fujifilm xc 35mm f2 on occasion when I want a slightly wider view.
I just picked up this lens off eBay brand new for $100 USD. So far, it really impresses me, especially for the price. Super sharp in the centre, and more that satisfactory in the corners. Vignetting is barely noticeable. Maybe it has the latest update? I am not going to even try updating it right now, as it is excellent as is. I was going to get the Fuji 27mm, but figured for $100 is was worth a try. Super glad I did. What a nice lens.
I also got mine on eBay - finally figured out how to update firmware, but it won’t focus fully. I can hear the motor and it focuses to a point but never fully. Maybe my settings are off? Any idea?
@@owlex10 Have you tried all the different auto focus modes and focus areas? What about if focusing manual - can you get it sharp?
Thank you for this. Please make a review on the Voigtlander Nokton 23mm F1.2. Many people are interested on that lens
A great day for a CF review. Thanks again!
I'd love to see you compare this to the Fuji 27mm. Is it a night and day difference or are any compromises worth it, considering the price difference?
This lens has a really good rendering for its price, and good bokeh fallout.
I LOVE that it has the aperture ring, perfect for the Fujifilm retro experience.
The review I’ve been waiting for! Thanks Chris!
Just got this and it’s fabulous for money… gave it a good workout today and apart from a little vignetting at 2.8 to f3.2 cannot fault it
Thx a lot for this review i was waiting from you. Excellent 👌
Most of us only need razor sharp for shaving. I enjoyed your video.
How does this lens compare (sharpness / contrast), with the 16-50mm kit lens, at the same focal length? Worth having both lenses?
This lens would look great on XE series bodies!
The sad thing is that they choose to releases it on fuji cameras... you know the brand with a really nice pancake lenses that also happen to be a 27mm F 2.8 and that you can get for about 150€ when bought alongside an XE-4 ? ^^
@@malekith13 it’s 200 bundled instead 150, and the majority of users would not buy the X-E4 (I have the X-E4 but it’s not Fuji’s mainframe camera). Then the Fuji version at retail price is 3 times this lens. But price aside, my main problem with the Fuji version is that it is too loud when focusing which is very annoying to me (it may be a case of YMMV because some people are not sensitive to the noise it makes).
Also this lens has a much better character than the fuji which is rather boring looking
I have this lens on an X-E2. It's very compact.
How is the autofocus with the firmware update?
Does it has aspherical element? I'm looking for lens without aspherical element.
I already have- I recommend, especially for the price. I like it for vignette ,the pictures have a vibe🎞️, af performance, but the lens is very weak against the light. Well...... nobody is perfect 😁Ttartisan- next one I would like to wish 10mm af pancake F5,6- max F4 (not f2.8 because it would be too big) small wide angle. This is what I need for:
1) trekking in the mountains
2) and every day.
I have Fujifilm 10-24 but it's heavy to carry with me every day.
Anyone confirm?😁
Great Review as usual.. I being looking for a review on the Sony version.. it is basically the same performance?/
It looks like all you would want for the price, I’m presuming centre looks great at old 16MP sensors as well!
Great review. Would you recommend this lens or the Fuji 35mm lens for street photography? Same xe2 body. And hoping to stay under 200 usd for the lens and have a relatively compact setup for street photography
The 35 would be better overall because of the f2
Better yet get the 35mm f1.4 for better performance in low light
@@KennyVo120 that aint under 200
what a good review! I got the lens and immediately noticed and was irritated by the vignetting and trying to decide if I want to deal with it
also, I am not able to update the lens on my MacBook, so that's a bit frustrating. but it's so small and affordable! the dilemmas!
Great review as always!
Thank you. Mine is on the way!
I love vignettes
Nice review, thank you.
I'm using the yellow/orange xmas version on my X-T5 its pretty awesome.
That's happy meal toy lens lol, nobody does fun color like that anymore
Good job TTartisan!
This is a very cute petite lens for Fuji! Looks like Canon EF-S 24/2.8 STM with neat aperture ring :) But Canon one has better coatings and performs better in front light
Interesting lens, directly against FUJINON XF27mmF2.8 R WR 😋
This lens has had three firmware updates, but it cannot be update on the Mac platform. I attempted updating the lens on a Windows 11 computer, but also could not do it. Can anyone help with this problem?
try a different usb cable
Tried that. It didn't make a difference.@@madzonic16
A lens cap with a type-c is insane
I paid $105 for mine and it's the best bang for buck lens that I've ever bought (and I've bought a lot, lol).
now i have a reason to buy this lens
Nice review as always Mr. Frost. Neat little lens to save money but from what you showed and what some people are saying in the comments I would simply not buy this, go without for as long as it takes, and get the XF 27mm instead. Cheap is great, but with this it seems you really get what you pay for.
How are you suppose to know about firmware updates?
It looks like the lens has some focus and software issues. That may explain why the corners look sharp at f2.8 but the centre doesn't.
Hopefully, that will be fixed with software updates.
I dont think you can fix optical quality with ota
@@cyano3d You can't, OBVIOUSLY, but it doesn't seem an optical quality issue, but a focus issue (which can be fixed with future updates).
Yeah I think it has field curvature so wide open it’s not going to be sharp across the frame. Tho focusing can definitely be fixed with an update
@@chidorirasenganz expecting a company to fix issues after you bought something from them is copium. If they wanted to fix it they would have done in post production
@@cyano3d you do know the reason they included the lens with a usb c port right? You’re coping if you think they aren’t going to release firmware. In fact they already released an update
Lovely lens, got mine for 95USD-ish. At that price it does beat the Fuji, but the glare is awful... Still, looks and works decently enough on x-pro1.
95USD where?
@@joaquinromanfoto on ebay I offered 100€ to a Chinese vendor that was asking 145€ and he accepted in a blink of an eye.
Question, What is the guitar song from 6:16?
very helpful. thanks.
Now on a Sony ZV-E10 gotten for about $500 on sale, with this, you can have "the poor man's Ricoh GR IIIx", only slightly larger and heavier than that. And with much better AF and battery life, and with unlimited 4k, but with a few lacking features.
I need a 16mm for cheap with AF any options available?
Viltrox 13mm
Nothing “cheap” you’re looking at 3-400 for sigma 1.4, fuji 2.8. Look at used market to save a few bucks.
Agreed re: 16-50 or 15-45. Both very cheap used or split from kit. I much prefer the 16-50 but the 15-45 is much sharper at the wide end.
Awesome lens!
Add pro mist on this and its a vintage lens
Can the aperture be auto? I have an XT50
Put the aperture ring to the red big A. Then it is in auto.
One thing to note: I have a copy of this lens and cannot upgrade the firmware. My windows 11 PC refuses to recognize that it's plugged in, though it recognizes that a USB device malfunctioned whenever I plug in just the lens cap without a lens.
I had the same problem. Try different USB-Cables, that's what did the trick for me.
Same issue, I got this issue solved by connecting the lens cap to my older laptop which had a usb 2.0 port instead of the standard 3.0 on modern pc
I ended up finally upgrading it with Linux Mint that finally recognized it... bit of a pain.
Wait lens has firmware? What?
@@bagzhansadvakassov1093 Welcome to the future!
I'm a bit bummed why this lens isn't there for the Canon.
Because canon doesn't want third party lenses
i love this lens, i want to buy it but i cannot ! It´s apparently not available anywhere !
Aliexpress
I am struggling to see the point in this lens. The 15 -45 is sharp wide open in the centre at this focal length, so if you have to stop down to f4 with this lens to achieve the same thing, all it really offers is the not much smaller form factor.
I see the point because sometimes the small diff in size does factor in to your daily carry.
Also helps that its just 100$
@@KNAPPAID fair point. Being the hypocrite I am I actually bought this lens since my comment. I do like it, it's maybe a little unexciting but I think that's a reflection of my thought process rather than a problem with the lens.
FINALLY a third party AF lens. Geez.
Maybe the can make fixes via the firmware
Hi, am I the only one who finds some problem with the update of the lens ?
FYI the firmware can only be updated using Windows. If you use macOS it becomes unusable
I just buy this lens recently, on the day firmware 1.0.2 i install then get v1.0.3 instead, ttartisan replace the file after my comment on their insta LoL, update again then i get v1.0.2 🤣 i keep v1.0.3 file save.
Prefer 27-30mm to 35mm on APSC.
The Fuji coffee grinder DC motor is disgrace for its price class, certainly compared to most of its contemporary (and older) STM equivalents from Canon etc.
Look like a 24mm stm canon
FIRST.....OH Fuji........
if it is brown and it smells funny do we really need to test it?! 😂 such bad performer, when compared to Fuji… even v1 is cheaper used…🎉
@@pepepupu9379 not true.
@@pauliusgrigas2653 the cheapest used version 1 costs 250 American dollars on eBay. Look it up.