Size & Specs Comparison: Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II vs I vs Sigma 18-50mmF2.8

Life was easy until October 13.

At least for those looking to purchase a standard f/2.8 zoom lens.

Because the two options we had, the Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 I and the Sigma 18-50mmF2.8 DC DN, were so different to each other that people did not have much to think about: if you want compactness, go for the Sigma. If you want a wider range and an aperture ring, go for the Fujinon.

But with the arrival of the new Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II, decision making has become a bit more complicated.

As shown in the size comparisons above, the new Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II falls between the older XF16-55 and the Sigma 18-50 in terms of size. So, if your primary reason for choosing the Sigma was compactness, the decision between the two lenses has now become a bit more challenging.

While the Sigma is still a bit smaller, the new Fujinon will give you a wider range (16-55 instead of 18-50), an aperture ring (which can be de-clicked), likely better weather sealing (as the one of the Sigma is rather basic), and something that is often overlooked: Fujifilm colors.

Look, I own third party autofocus and manual focus lenses. They are some fantastic offerings out there. But one of the main reasons I prefer my Fujinon’s, is that I get consistent Fujifilm colors. That’s for example also why I bought the Fujinon XF10-24mmF4. I did love my Samyang 12mmF2, but the colors just did not look like the ones I was used to when using my Fujinon glass.

However, there is still one huge argument for the Sigma 18-50mmF2.8: the price! If you look for best value for money, the Sigma might be the best option.

Which one would you pick?

Fujifilm Manager: X and GFX Series Hold 40% Market Share (Excluding Full Frame) but Struggle a Bit with Product Availability

image courtesy of Phototrend
image courtesy of Phototrend

The French website Phototrend had the opportunity to interview Franck Bernard, Director of the imaging division at Fujifilm France. You can read the full interview here and the summary below.

  • Fujifilm is doing very well, both X and GFX series
  • the only things Fujifilm suffers from a little is the availability of products
  • Based on GFK data (largest German market research company), outside of Full Frame, Fujifilm is market leader with 40% market share thanks to X and GFX system
  • X-M5: there was still demand for cameras in this price segment especially among young people
  • AI will only bring benefits to the photographic business in general, and especially on the print side. Facilitate the production of a photo album, with a minimum of clicks: AI will be able to help us a lot
  • XF16-55mmF2.8 II completely redesigned lens
  • next generation linear motors used on XF16-55mmF2.8 II  are smaller than the ones in the older generation
  • improvements in ED, Super ED and aspherical lenses has also allowed to reduce weight and gain compactness
  • no OIS because most Fujifilm cameras now have IBIS
  • X-M5 comes in brown package to reduce Co² emissions (reduce colors, packaging, carton consumption and, if possible, the number of cables)
  • film simulation contribute the the “return to film” trend. But while there is a notable resurgence of interest in film photography, especially among younger people, its impact should be viewed with caution, as the market remains limited to specific products like disposable cameras and film
  • Fujifilm has no new film camera on the agenda
  • success of X100VI was unimaginable. The X100VI is an iconic product
  • X100VI production has been increased, but supply is complex and deliveries are not made overnight
  • X100VI is not cannibalizing sales of other Fujifilm cameras

I don’t know if the GFK data is for France or Europe only, or if it is about worldwide data. But 40% market share outside of Full Frame might not be a horrible position to be in.

Unfortunately, Fujifilm has been heavily impacted by shipping challenges. Even if I were to underestimate the numbers, it’s likely that if all the X100VI, X-T5, X-E4, and other cameras ordered had been shipped in a timely manner, Fujifilm’s market share outside of full-frame cameras could easily be 60% to 70%.

But it is what it is.

I get that Fujifilm can’t suddenly build four new factories just because they’ve become a trendy brand. There’s the risk that, once the trend fades, they’d be left with four underused factories, turning it into a poor investment.

So they have to increase the production with what they currently have available in terms of manufacturing power.

But then I don’t understand decisions like keeping the old XF16-55mmF2.8 still in production (according to reports at CineD) even though there is now the new XF16-55mmF2.8 II on the market.

Wouldn’t it be better to focus the limited production capacity on making more lenses of the new version? Or stop making the old XF16-55 and free up manufacturing power to make the one lens that has become almost impossible to find all over the world, the Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 R WR.

With a few more strategic decisions, I believe Fujifilm could improve the ongoing supply shortage situation.

SmallRig X-M5 Accessories Solve Two Problems with the Fujifilm X-M5

SmallRig has just released a range of accessories for the Fujifilm X-M5:

These accessories solve two problems we can encounter on the Fujifilm X-M5.

First, its very compact size, which may be uncomfortable for those with medium or large hands—something some early reviewers mentioned. Fujifilm’s design philosophy was clear: make the X-M5 as small as possible, knowing it can always be expanded with accessories.

Second, the tripod mount is positioned very close to the battery door, making it impossible to access the battery while mounted on a tripod and even blocking the battery door when a simple Anchor Mount is screwed on it as demonstrated by Thomas B. Jones in his X-M5 video.

SmallRig’s accessories, like cages and plates, solve these issue.

For those looking to bulk up the camera for better handling, SmallRig’s options (and other forthcoming accessories from other brands) offer a practical solution. But if you prefer to keep it ultra-compact, as the X-M5 was designed, you might choose to work with its original form (which is what I personally would do).

If I was a vlogger, the one accessory I’d likely consider is the windshield for the microphones. It would help me make the most of the X-M5’s new three-microphone setup and hopefully allow me to rely on the built-in mics as much as possible, reducing the need for external microphones.

Fujifilm X100VI X-Pert Tips Book Available in German

The Fujifilm X100VI X-Pert Tips e-book of Rico Pfirstinger is now available in German.

You can get it at Amazon Germany here or at DPunkt here. Where should you get it?

If all you need is the Kindle version, then you can get it also at Amazon here.

But for most we do recommend you to purchase it at DPunkt here if you want to get it in multiple formats (PDF and ePub). I am not affiliated with DPunkt. I just say it because I think it is the better way to go for most.

There will be also a printed version of the book available by the end of this month.

The English version of the book will be available a bit later and you can pre-order it below.

Fujifilm X-M5 has Better Autofocus than X-S20, but New Firmware is Coming REPORT (+VIDEO)

 

It’s difficult to gauge how well the autofocus of the Fujifilm X-M5 truly performs.

Why?

The real issue is that performance depends on which Beta firmware version reviewers are using.

In the lead-up to launch, Fujifilm frequently updates the firmware for pre-production models, sometimes even multiple times a day.

So, someone testing the camera in mid-September may have significantly different results from someone testing it in mid-October.

And since reviewers aren’t able to re-test everything after every update, any autofocus performance assessment right now should be taken with a grain of salt, as it’s unclear which firmware version was used.

So we can come to a situation in which some might claim that the X-M5’s autofocus is on par with other X series cameras, while others might say it offers the best autofocus performance of any X series camera.

With that disclaimer out of the way…

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **