Pal2Tech was one of the guys, who addressed the latest Fujifilm 5th generation gear autofocus issues in his videos.

That’s why he was particularly interested to test the autofocus of the Fujifilm X-M5 versus the one of the Fujifilm X-T5.

You can see with your own eyes his comparison in the video above (just click and it will start at the right point).

This is what Pal2Tech has to say about:

• the focus square on the X-M5 was able to keep with up with him (moving fast around the yard) in a noticeable way
• when he starts to run, the X-T5 box is behind him whereas the X-M5 autofocus box is sticky on his face
• when jumping into frame, the X-M5 locks focus faster than the X-T5
• when moving very very fast all over the frame like crazy, the X-M5 locked focus better than the X-T5
• he track running dogs and and people, and it keeps up with them fairly reliably
• the X-T5 would not have nailed that many images in that order in AF-C for stills
• tracking cars the X-M5 handled very well. Every shot was in focus
• tracking bicycles also worked very well
• the autofocus performance is great and definitely better than the X-T5, even before the X-T5 experienced the AF issues with the May firmware
• Pal2Tech is very impressed by what he saw and he hopes firmware updates will come with same AF to other models

Look guys, Chris from Pal2Tech did put lots of effort into this test.

It’s up to you now to trust him, or maybe trust YouTubers who did not hold the X-M5 in their hands for a single second and looked hours of launch videos to find 2 seconds in which the AF of the X-M5 failed.

Is it at Sony and Canon level?

Well, I feel confident to say very likely not. But according to the most in depth test we could see so far, it is the best autofocus Fujifilm has yet offered on any its cameras.

It seems to be a step into the right direction.

• Fujifilm X-M5
  BHphoto / AmazonUS (silver – black) / Adorama / Moment / Nuzira
• XF 16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II 
  BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Moment / Nuzira
• XF 500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR
  BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Moment / Nuzira

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.

• Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II vs XF16-55mmF2.8 I vs Sigma 18-50mmF2.8 – Specs and Price Comparison
• Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II vs XF16-55mmF2.8 I vs Sigma 18-50mmF2.8 – Size comparison 

Which one would you pick?