This is a an awesome deal, considering also that the “old” X-E2 is now basically at the same level of the Fujifilm X-T10, thanks to Firmware 4.00
For a limited time only (exp. March8), at Adorama you can get the X-E2 body with hand grip for $499, while the kit comes with hand grip for $699. Normally the body only costs $699.
Admiringlight posted the Full XF100-400 Review. It seems to be a really astonishing lens, and especially the OIS is incredible, since they say that “I even managed to get a small handful of shots, such as the quick grab below, at an astounding 1/5s handheld: over 7 stops slower than I can normally handhold a lens of this length. It’s simply astounding.”
Sharpness, Bokeh, AF speed and accuracy… it’s all there and they consider it a “seriously impressive optic […] extremely sharp zoom with great bokeh and very few lens aberrations”
Maybe those Photographer, who were able to snap a Rally and a Champions League Soccer game with the XF100-400 were telling the truth, when they said this lens is a great performer. So please don’t blame me for the good reviews… I just report what others say.
Here are the Pros and Cons
Pros
Well constructed lens with good damping on the focus ring
Sealed against dust and moisture
Relatively lightweight compared to similar lenses
Phenomenal optical image stabilizer
Generally quick and quiet autofocus with great accuracy
Excellent image sharpness throughout the focal range
Very pleasing bokeh
Good contrast and color
Good flare control
Low vignetting
Cons
Lens body flexes a bit in the tripod collar, making precise framing on a tripod more difficult
Recently TheCameraStoreTV said in their X-Pro2 review, that Fuji’s new flagship is just not really better than the X-T1 in terms AF-speed (more in terms of AF-handling – Joystick/More AF-Points)
Once again they proof not to be afraid to say what they think… and that’s great we have guys like them out there.
And yet, what TheCameraStoreTV said, doesn’t quite fit with what we could read so far on the web. I’m not saying somebody is wrong. I just notice that there is an inconsistency regarding the AF-speed comments of reviewers so far. So I’ll still wait before making any final conclusions.
In the meantime, here is some new feedback:
AUTOFOCUS
We have already seen, how lab tests of lesnumerique (extremely popular French site) show that in Low Light the AF of the X-Pro2 beats any other mirroless camera. And focus-numerique says it also outperforms some DSLRs! Also Cruz.ae says: “the Fuji X-T1 post firmware 4.0 is already quite fast and reliable, but the X-Pro2 takes it to another level, specially in low ligh“.
And what about AF-C? macleancomms tested it at a Rally in the forest: low light, bad weather and fast cars… can the X-Pro2 deal with it (with 90mm, 50-140 and 100-400)? Here some excerpts:
“I used the 50-140mm f2.8 and with the camera set manually to 1/500 @ f2.8 ISO1600 I took a set of images as the first car came towards me in along the forest track. The X-Pro2 followed the car perfectly, producing a set of eight images all perfectly sharp.
I decided to switch to the XF100-400mm and set the X-Pro2 to 1/250s @ f4.7 ISO2000 with the focal length at 125mm. The results were pretty impressive considering the very poor lighting conditions, the camera only losing the lock on one of the nine shots taken in the sequence.
The X-Pro2 produced some great images in some very challenging light and weather conditions. I ran the X-T1 alongside the X-Pro2 and I have to report that the AF on the X-Pro2 did a better job of following the cars.“
Another one who tested the AF of the X-Pro2 with the XF100-400 is Simone Raso (youtube). He’s one of those photographer that you always see standing on the border of the soccer fields.
This time he took his X-Pro2 and XF100-400 to the game Real Madrid Vs. Rome. Will the X-Pro2 be able to track and focus on the fast and unpredictable movements of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo?
Apparently yes, since Simone Raso says at the end that “at this point, it doesn’t make sense anymore to lug around 10 kg of gear… and I say this without any fear that somebody can contraddict me. You’ll see all the pictures, and judge by yourself.” He worked often at high ISO since he never used a shutter speed slower than 1/500 and the XF100-400 is F5.6 at the long end, “but the X-Pro2 allows me to shoot at ISO 6400, since the files look good… no problems.”
Simone Raso’s video is in Italian and can be seen here on youtube (enjoy the live google translation tool).
Honestly, I can’t think of the X-Pro2 (or any mirrorless camera) being ready to replace a High End DSLR for sports… but apparently there are some guys out there, who are already using it for such a purpose.
Let’s start this week with a curiosity (don’t worry… the rumors and X-Pro2 reviews will follow soon ;) )
If you ever wondered what it means to be an “X-photographer”, what he/she has to do (or not) for Fujifilm, if he/she get’s paid by Fuji and how you become a Fuji X Photographer, then you might check out Nathan Elson’s latest youtube video.
In short: their main goal is to give honest and constant feedback to Fujfilm about their products.
They do not get paid for their feedback by Fujifilm, but they can have a discount on X-gear they purchase and if they need a lens/camera for a limited time, Fujifilm gives them the requested X-gear for free.
And what do you have to do to become an X-photographer? Check it out in this video.
UPDATE: Nathan mentions 3 criteria you should fulfill, in order to become an X-photorapher. #1 is to be a Full Time Pro. This might be valid for Fujifilm NorthAmerica, but it seems that in other countries Fujifilm deals differently with it. X-photographer Dennis Radermacher is not a Full Time Pro (as he tells us on facebook here)
P.S.: And since people now and then ask me if I, Patrick, get paid by Fujifilm: The answer is “NO“! Not a single penny. And not even discount on Fuji gear I buy. And if I have to repair something, I pay full price for it. I don’t get any kind of special treatment. No free sensor cleaning, no invitations to special events, nothing (they don’t really like me ;) )… and it’s good so, because I feel free to write articles like this one.
