XF35mm F2 WR (English)
I can't help thinking it would make an ideal kit lens for the future X-Pro2.
I have to admit that I rarely shoot with 50mm or 24x36 equivalent lenses. I had the XF 35mm F1.4 already twice in the past. Loved the way it rendered. Sold it. Twice. I bought the TCL-X100 for my X100T. Really (really) like the backgrounds wide open. Almost never use it. Let's face it, 50mm is not my favorite focal length. Don't ask me why. Either I stay around 20 - 30mm or go for 85mm and further. Unlike many photographers around me, Fujifilm's announcement of their XF35mm F2 WR didn't make me jump onAmazon.com to pre-order it.
Nevertheless when Fujifilm France offered me the opportunity to test it I immediately said yes. I'm glad I did. As usual, if you're looking for graphs and/or pixel peeping type of feedback you're on the wrong site.
I had a week to test the lens. However, the pictures you will see below were all taken during an evening in Zurich (Switzerland). I shot all the pictures at f/2 in Auto ISO. As you can imagine, most of them ended up being at ISO 6400. The JPGs below are from RAF files which were edited in Capture One Pro 8 and then sent to Photoshop in order to apply Totally Rad! Replichrome presets. I mostly fine tuned the toning. I didn't tweak the sharpness. However for those of you who would rather see un-tweaked JPG files, I put the pure RAF to JPG files (all settings to 0) at the end of the page (you will find additional pictures too - all exif information are available with the pictures).
Time to tell you what I think about the lens. I would say this: unless you really need to work/shoot at F1.4, go for the F2 version.
First because it is cheaper. Also Fujifilm is improving the finish of their lenses every time a new model comes out and this particular lens is no exception. I found the rings (aperture, focus) to have the right smoothness (not too strong, not too soft nor too loose) which means that I could easily manually focus when the AF wouldn't lock on the subject because it was too dark outside. I never found the F1.4 version to be great with manual focus. This F2 version nails it.
Sharpness? Look at the samples. As I already mentioned, they were all taken at F2 and they look incredibly sharp to me. I find the F2 version to be even sharper than the F1.4.
Color rendition? It is similar to the F1.4 version. Take it as a positive comment since I always liked the way the lens rendered colors (which is also why I think many photographers keep their 1.4 version - despite being one of the first lenses in X-Series).
Bokeh? Usually I find the bokeh of Fujifilm lenses to be too busy. In this case I would rate the XF35mm F2 amongst the better lenses in the lineup - slightly smoother than the F1.4. Smooth but without being overcrowded.
Autofocus? I used it in conjunction with the X-T10 and couldn't complain about it. Sure in complete darkness or with very little light sources available the AF would struggle but overall I was pleasantly surprised. In normal light conditions it is extremely fast and I couldn't tell the difference between this lens and my trusty XF 16-55mm F2.8.
Weight? A dream. Especially compared to the X-Series zooms I use. Combined with the X-T10 it felt like having an X100T around your neck. Did I mention that it is weather resistant? Yep! It is! This little extra alone will make a lot of X-Series fan rush on this sucker.
As always the choice to buy a new lens depends on many factors. If you don't need F1.4 specifically I would suggest you save a few dollars and benefit from the latest improvements Fujifilm implemented in this great piece of glass. I can't help thinking it would make an ideal kit lens for the future X-Pro2 (this is just me thinking out loud when reading the rumors on the web; don't ask for information I don't have any).
JPG converted RAF without any settings applied in Capture One Pro 8 (including EXIF).
Click here to download all the files (.zip - 167 Mo)
XF 90mm F2 R LM WR (English)
Articles rarely fall short of superlatives when a Fujifilm lens shows its filter thread. For several months the Fujifilm XF 90mm F2 R LM WR came with its share of speculation and rumors. "Wait and you'll see" is typically the background noise which spread on the internet. Actually the pictures taken by Fujifilm Ambassador Fred Boehli were already making me drool weeks before I could get a chance to test the lens. He even warned me: "Don't touch the lens or you might suffer from serious GAS*". I'm not going to waste your time further, no need to dither; this 90mm is Fujifilm's best lens in their lineup. End of discussion. If you already own it you know what I'm talking about. If you don't, get one now.
Obviously everyone won't need such a fixed lens but for those of you who are searching for the best option to capture portraits, stop looking around! This 137mm full frame equivalent and its crazy sharpness will certainly please to wedding photographers as well. If you felt the 56mm was too short, you now have the perfect alternative.
Like all other Fujifilm lenses, the XF90mm F2 R LM WR is extremely well built, all metal, with smooth rings. Also it is weather resistant (Seven distinct weather seals) and comes with a new Quad Linear Motor autofocus system. Combined with the latest X-T1 firmware (v.4) I found it hard to miss a shot. For some, the only downside will be its weight (540 grams) and size. If you thought the XF 16-55mm F2.8 WR was already too big you've just been served.
Thanks to Fujifim France I was able to play with this marvel for ten days. I could test it in several environments (studio, outdoors, low light, ...) including for street photography (I know; it is not the ideal lens for street photography).
So, how did it perform? Well, I think the pictures below speak for themselves. Some have been edited, some weren't (you'll find the EXIF information for each of them). Let me tell you this, from f/2 to f/11 the lens is a dream to work with.
The XF16mm was already an amazing lens but it didn't manage to drive out my XF 16-55mm zoom. The 90mm knocked me out after a few test shots. My banker will pout but he'll understand. I hope....
*Gear Acquisition Syndrome
© Patrice Michellon | Self-Portrait . Exif: ISO 200, f/11, 1/180s
Portrait - outdoors with one flash
The picture below was taken from a balcony with one flash on the side (f/2, ISO 200, 1/180s). I used the provia setting. Then I exported the picture from Lightroom to Photoshop with the same profile in order to convert it to black and white and to crop it. I didn't tweak the sharpness. You can access the high def JPG files via the links:
Color version: http://j.mp/1JPSWPy
Black and white version: http://j.mp/1H9gVCn
Like all my files the pictures are not free to use nor to distribute on third party websites.
Portrait - indoors with one flash
The picture below was taken indoors. The background was a white wall (f/5, ISO 200, 1/180s). The color version on the right is the RAW file converted to JPG with the Provia profile. Nothing else was tweaked apart from its size in order to publish it. The version on the left is a black and white conversion, re-cropped in Photoshop.
Street Photography
The XF90mm will probably be rarely used for street photography. Although you never know. The focal length allows you to capture scenes without being seen. I managed to take a few pictures in Paris next to the Arc de Triomphe around 7pm. All the pictures below were shot at f/2. The first four ones at ISO 200. The last two at ISO 640 and ISO 2500 respectively. The edit was done in Lightroom using TotallyRad! Replichrome presets. Finally I exported them in JPG (width = 2500 pixels).
Portrait - Studio by Julien Apruzzese
While I had the XF90mm I paid a visit to Julien Apruzzese. If you don't know him and his amazing work now is the right time. Thanks to Julien I learned a huge amount of information on studio portrait photography. I thought I could take ok'ish pictures but got my a.... kicked. One does need such a kick once in a while. I got mine in July 2015 !
We used the 90mm to shoot my portrait (that's what happens when you want to mess with another photographer). You'll find below the final version, edited and retouched by Julien. The settings were f/5.6, 200 ISO and 1/180s. As you can see the original sharpness of the 90mm is getting even crazier once edited properly. I'll let you count the beard hairs...
© All rights reserved. Julien Apruzzese
© All rights reserved. Julien Apruzzese
XF90mm F2 R LM WR (Français)
Les superlatifs de tous genres fusent assez facilement lorsqu'un nouvel objectif Fujifilm montre le bout de sa lentille. Le XF 90mm F2 R LM WR a fait l'objet de nombreuses spéculations pendant plusieurs mois et les bruits de couloir laissaient entendre qu'on allait voir ce qu'on allait voir. Déjà les premiers clichés de Fred Boehli publiés sur internet par la marque avait de quoi faire saliver. Sans compter que ce dernier m'avait prévenu: "Ne touche pas à l'objectif sous peine de GAS* violent". Je ne vais pas vous faire perdre de temps, inutile de tergiverser; le 90mm de Fujifilm est à mon avis le meilleur objectif de la gamme à ce jour. Point barre. Si vous le possédez déjà, vous savez déjà de quoi je parle. Si vous ne l'avez pas, courrez l'acheter.
Evidemment tout le monde n'a pas forcément besoin d'une telle focale fixe mais pour ceux qui veulent ce qu'il y a de mieux pour immortaliser des portraits, ne cherchez plus ! Cet équivalent 135mm en 24x36 au piqué chirurgical fera aussi le bonheur des photographes de mariage qui trouvaient le 56mm un peu trop court.
Comme tous autres objectifs de la gamme, le XF90mm F2 R LM WR offre une finition métallique exemplaire avec des bagues fluides et une protection contre les intempéries (WR pour Weather Resistant). Son poids (540 grammes) et sa taille sont conséquents; disons qu'il joue dans la même court que le XF 16-55 F2.8 WR que certains considèrent déjà comme trop gros. L'autofocus bénéficie d'un tout nouveau système à 4 moteurs linéaires. Combiné au X-T1 avec le firmware 4.0, difficile de le prendre en défaut.
Grâce à Fujifilm France j'ai eu l'occasion de jouer avec ce petit bijou pendant une dizaine de jours ce qui m'a permis de le tester dans des environnements où l'éclairage était contrôlé ou en extérieur pour de la photo de rue (oui, ce n'est pas la focale idéale pour de la photo de rue).
Résultat des courses ? A priori les photos ci-dessous parlent d'elles-mêmes. Certaines ont été retouchées, d'autres pas ou très peu (vous trouverez les infos EXIF avec les modifications apportées sous chacune d'elles). Que ce soit à f/2 ou à f/11, c'est tout simplement fabuleux.
Le XF16mm était superbe mais n'avait pas réussi à déloger mon zoom XF16-55mm. Le 90mm m'a mis KO après quelques clichés tests. Mon banquier va faire la moue mais je suis sûr qu'il comprendra...
*Gear Acquisition Syndrom
© Patrice Michellon | Auto-Portrait . Exif: ISO 200, f/11, 1/180s
Portrait - extérieur avec un flash
La photo ci-dessous a été prise sur un balcon, de face, avec un flash déporté (f/2, ISO 200, 1/180s). La simulation utilisée pour la prise de vue était provia. J'ai ensuite exporté l'image de Lightroom avec ce même profil pour la convertir en noir et blanc dans Photoshop avant de la recadrer. A aucun moment je n'ai touché à la netteté. Vous pouvez accéder aux fichiers JPG très faiblement compressés en cliquant sur les liens:
- Version couleur : http://j.mp/1JPSWPy
- Version noir et blanc : http://j.mp/1H9gVCn
Comme pour tous mes fichiers, les images ne sont pas libres de droits et ne peuvent donc pas être redistribuées ou mises à disposition sur des sites internet tiers.
Portrait - intérieur avec un flash
La photo ci-dessous a été prise en intérieur avec un mur blanc pour fond (f/5, ISO 200, 1/180s). La version couleur à droite est le fichier RAW transformé en JPG avec le profil provia. Aucune autre modification n'a été apportée si ce n'est son redimensionnement pour ce site. La version à gauche est une conversion en noir et blanc sous photoshop avec recadrage.
Photographie de rue
Le XF90 sera sans doute rarement utilisé pour la photographie de rue. Quoi que. Ce genre de focale permet de prendre sur le vif à distance sans trop se faire remarquer. En me baladant du côté de l'Arc de Triomphe à Paris j'ai pu prendre quelques clichés vers 19h. Toutes les images ont été prises à f/2. Les quatre premières images à 200 ISO, les deux dernières à 640 et 2500 ISO respectivement (environnement sombre dans un garage). J'ai ensuite édité toutes les images dans Lightroom avec les presets Replichrome de TotallyRad! avant des les exporter pour le web en réduisant leur taille à 2500 pixels de longueur.
Portrait - Studio by Julien Apruzzese
© Tous droits réservés. Julien Apruzzese
Alors que j'avais le XF90mm en ma possession j'ai pu faire un tour avec chez Julien Apruzzese. Si vous ne connaissez pas encore son travail, c'est le moment. Grâce à lui j'ai pu apprendre une mine d'information exceptionnelle sur le prise de vue en studio avec un flash. Et dire que je pensais produire des clichés passables. Chacun a besoin d'un bon coup de pied dans le train arrière pour progresser, j'ai eu le mien en juillet 2015 !
Nous avons utilisé le 90mm pour me tirer le portrait (voilà ce qui arrive quand on veut faire le malin avec un autre photographe). Je vous livre donc ci-dessous la version finalisée et retouchée par Julien. De mémoire nous avions ouvert à f/5.6, 200 ISO et 1/180s. Comme vous pouvez le constater, le piqué déjà dément en sortie de boîtier, fini par faire mal aux yeux une fois édité correctement. Je vous laisse compter les poils de barbe...
© Tous droits réservés. Julien Apruzzese
XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR (English)
Note: Vous pouvez retrouver la version française de compte-rendu ici.
I’m not going to lie to you; I wasn't particularly excited to test the XF 16mm (equivalent to 24mm on full frame cameras) when Fujifilm announced its latest roadmap. Weird. Indeed I used to dream about Canon's L series and specifically the 24mm lens. But since I already own the XF 16-55mm zoom which flexibility, sharpness and f/2.8 aperture all work really well for me, I couldn't see how this fixed lens would find a place in my bag. Well, I was probably wrong.
© Patrice Michellon - f/14, 200 ISO, 1/45s
Before you read further I would like to point out a few things. My report will not contain any detailed technical analysis nor graphics to study. For this I would suggest you visit specialised websites like DP Review. Also you will not find any street photography pictures as I tested the lens for landscapes mainly. I rarely shoot in "documentary" mode and if I do so my go to camera remains the X100T.
Thanks to Fujifilm France I was able to use the lens for an entire week on the French Atlantic coast (Royan). I think both the camera body and the lens tasted a bit of everything: rain, wind, sand and sometimes sun. Therefore the lens' WR label (for Weather Resistant) was more than welcome. With both the X-T1 and the XF 16mm I could shoot outdoor everyday without having to worry about the weather conditions.
Like all X-Premium lenses, the XF 16mm benefits from a superb all-metal construction and finish. The focusing ring is extremely smooth and street photographers will love the addition of a depth of field scale. If you already use the XF 23mm then you will fill like home with its little brother. Two things immediately apparent are the size and weight of the lens. Both are specific and probably the "raison d'être" of Fujifilm's X series but it became even more obvious once I put back the XF 16-55mm zoom on my X-T1. Suddenly the zoom felt big and very heavy.
If like I did you use the XF 16mm in conjunction with the X-T1 and a carbon fiber tripod you will discover the joy of traveling photography without compromise. Add in a few filters and you're set for any situation, no matter what the weather forecast says. The best part of all? The whole kit fits in a small bag. I could barely hide a big smile when I arrived in Mornac to capture the sunset. I was surrounded by other photographers (as well as by their camera bags) with their big and heavy DSLRs and lenses. The ground was very wet and unstable because of all the rain we had for several days. Being able to move quickly and easily with small gear is invaluable. In some cases this is what makes the difference between getting the shot or not.
© Patrice Michellon - f/11, 200 ISO, 1/250s
The XF 16mm's autofocus is fast and reliable. It benefits from the internal focusing and worked perfectly. The time when the X-Pro 1 and the XF 18mm f/2 wouldn't focus properly are long gone.
© Patrice Michellon - f/7.1, 200 ISO, 1/150s
Even at f/1.4, the lens is tack sharp. The picture below was taken hand held with almost no light anymore, the sun had almost disappeared (around 9:10pm).
© Patrice Michellon - f/1.4, 200 ISO, 1/280s
OK, I’m testing a lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.4 and we don't see a single shot with blurred backgrounds? You've gotta be kidding? Relax, here they come. Don't worry about the bokeh, the XF 16mm f/1.4 gets 5/5. Creamy and crazy soft backgrounds.
© Patrice Michellon - f/1.4, 200 ISO, 1/350s
© Patrice Michellon - f/2.8, 200 ISO, 1/850s
The Nano-GI treatment works like a charm. It was already the case with the 16-55mm f/2.8 WR zoom. I almost never experienced significant flare issues even when shooting straight into the sun. Below is one example where I had the sun in front of me. It is the kind of shot where one realizes how much detail can be recovered in the dark areas during the post-processing. The X-Trans sensor is really great for this.
© Patrice Michellon - f/14, 200 ISO, 1/340s
Lightroom CC doesn't include a specific lens profile for the XF 16mm yet but even without applying any particular lens correction I would say that all shots are perfectly acceptable.
© Patrice Michellon - f/13, 200 ISO, 1/80s
Right when I get to test the XF 16mm, Adobe announces a new Lightroom version. I had to test the new HDR and Panorama functions. Both are so well implemented that photographers get fewer and fewer reasons to use Photoshop. Also I wouldn't be surprised if we see a lot of HDR and Pano work everywhere on the internet over the coming weeks. Anyway, you've been served; first a HDR shot and then a panoramic one (made of 5 pictures).
© Patrice Michellon - HDR edited in Lightroom CC
© Patrice Michellon - Panorama edited in Lightroom CC
Time for a few black and white shots.
© Patrice Michellon - f/13, 200 ISO, 1/240s
© Patrice Michellon - f/8, 200 ISO, 1/750s
© Patrice Michellon - f/13, 200 ISO, 1/170s
It is hard not to test the electronic shutter with such a lens before leaving the place. Window and sun reflections make perfect candidates. As you can see below the lens is sharp even at f/1.4.
© Patrice Michellon - f/1.4, 200 ISO, 1/10500s
What else can I tell you about this lens? Well, maybe that I found it difficult to use it for portraits. Nothing to do with the lens, it is more related to my shooting style. I tend to capture portraits at 50 or 85mm and use either the 16-55mm zoom or the XF 56mm (and I might use the XF 50-140mm at some point). I would probably need more time with the XF 16mm to get used to it.
Picture on the left: f/1.4, 1600 ISO, 1/32000s
If I had to chose? Tough. Basically you have two options now. On one side you get the great aperture and the best optical quality with both the 16mm and the 56mm fixed lenses. On the other side you get flexibility with an already amazing quality. Price is also on the + side for the zoom. Weight? Well taken individually the fixed lenses win. But if you need both for the job then the weight is the same. You guessed well. Photographers allergic to zooms will rush on this new XF 16mm R WR with no hesitation. As far as I'm concerned, reason still prevails (for now) and I will continue to use the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 WR zoom as my main kit lens (until I can afford the 16mm).
A lens review without pictures of the lens? Come on! Now way! Here are a few shots with one showing the lens on the X-T1 and another one with the lens next to the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 WR zoom.
POST PROCESSING
- Adobe Lightroom CC (2015)
- Adobe Photoshop CC
GEAR USED
- Camera: Fujifilm X-T1
- Lens: Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR
- Tripod: 3 Legged Thing Brian + Airhead 1