One of the privileges I have running FujiRumors, is that I get to (virtually) meet thousands of Fujifilm X shooters every year.
I get all sorts of questions, feedback, ideas, feature requests and more.
I really try to do my best to answer you all, and one of the things I really enjoy, is that I can give additional exposure to Fujifilm X and GFX shooters out there, by sharing roundups like this.
Sure, it’s a hell of a work, but I feel it’s a nice way I can give back something to the FujiRumors community, which is always so numerous and wonderfully active here.
The content to share is still massive, so I stepped a bit on the gas, and, in addition to the mixed zone I have shared recently, here is another dedicated Fujinon lens roundup… and more will come.
The Fujifilm X-A7 is actually a lovely little entry level camera launched just almost a year ago and hit the market about 11 months ago.
But now it is already marked as discontinued at BHphoto here, it’s on low stock or backordered at Adorama here and it’s unavailable also at AmazonUS here (where you might find some via third party only) and FocusCamera.
For a long time, the Fujifilm X-A line was an absolute best seller in Asia, especially in Thailand. In fact, pushed by the X-A line, Fujifilm was able to outsell all other camera brands (Canon included) and reach an incredible 50% mirrorless market share.
the camera is going to be replaced already and we will soon get a Fujifilm X-A8
the X-A line lost its magic appeal in Thailand and sold terribly bad
Looking at the Fujifilm X-A line release timeline, we can see that there was a successor about ever 16 to 18 months. If Fujifilm would stick with that, then the Fujifilm X-A8 should come in early 2021. So in my opinion, it’s a bit too early to discontinue the X-A7, but maybe Fujifilm doesn’t think so, or they are really going to replace the X-A7 earlier than expected.
More likely in my opinion is that the X-A line just lost its magic in Asia, especially in Thailand, and that it fell victim to the rise of smartphones and to COVID-19.
Fujifilm managers said in March 2018 to dpreivew: “In Thailand, our market share for mirrorless is over 40%.”
Fuji Guys Billy said in February 2017, that “Fujifilm is Nr.1 brand in Thailand“. He does not specify if DSLR is included, but it seems from the video he is including DSLR cameras, too.
in 2016 a source told me that “Fujifilm was the best-selling MILC in 2015, outselling all the Canon interchangeable lens cameras (DSLR and those EOS-M lines) combined“
a Manager said to Spanish website in 2016, that ““there is a little known fact: in Thailand, for example, X-A series outsells Canon!”
Guys, if you want a fast lens with huge glass elements and at the same time fast autofocus thanks to powerful AF motors, then it’s clear that the lens won’t be the lightest around. At least not until Fujifilm can break the law of physics and revolutionize lens design.
Of course, when zooming in a lot into the image, the 61 megapixel have an advantage in terms of resolution. But I guess if resolution is what you need, then why just be happy with 61 MP when you can get 102 megapixel with the Fujifilm GFX100 ;).
Then they compared the depth of field between the XF56mmF1.2 and the FE85mmF1.4 and the Sony blurs the background a bit more. Warwick says he should have used the XF56mmF1.2 APD version to get results even closer to the ones you get with the Sony 85mmF1.4.
A bit more dynamic range for the Sony, but the APS-C sensor hold up very well.
APS-C systems are generally smaller and more affordable.
Georges ends up saying that after looking at the samples, there is a difference between FF and APS-C, but it is a lot smaller than he would have expected.
Warwick ends up saying that Fujifilm wants to keep the APS-C system smaller and lighter, and for that purpose APS-C is better as it allows for smaller lenses. He also speaks for X-Trans, which he says has advantages over Bayer (which FujiRumors explained here, but we also talked about disadvantages in the same post).
Warwick concludes that “smaller and lighter means you are going to use it also more“.
George ends up saying, it all comes down to personal preferences as each system as its Pros and Cons (which we highlighted in this article).
If you are a regular FR-reader, you’ll know already quite a bit about the upcoming Fujinon XF50mm f/1.0, such as the final price tag, and if you were fast enough, you’ll also have seen some sample images taken with the 50/1.
Now, thanks to a kind source, it’s time to unveil the official Fujinon XF50mm f/1.0 announcement date: September 3!
Of course there will be an epic FujiRumors live blogging, so stay tuned on FujiRumors.
One of the main critics to the Fujifilm system, and that we often read here in the comments on FujiRumors, is that despite Fujiiflm cameras becoming great video tools, not all Fujinon lenses are suitable for video.
It seems that Fujifilm felt pressed enough by your critics that they now decided to release a dedicated video explaining which Fujinon lenses are best for video.
The criteria they consider are:
Autofocus
Breathing
Stabilization
And here are the lenses Fujifilm officially recommends:
Fujifilm also mentions that with those zoom lenses, you do not have to worry about AF motor noise.
But honestly, if you are seriously into video, you are probably going to use an external microphone anyway. For example, I filmed my online teaching lessons for my students (during COVID-19 lockdown) with the XF23mmF1.4, which isn’t the most silent, but I used my Rode Smartlav+ Mic Lav, so I couldn’t care less about how noisy the AF motor is.
For those wanting a unique look and feel, Fujifilm recommends to use primes, such as the:
The Fujinon XF80mmF2.8 Macro allows you to captures scenes with a different perspective.
That was it already. So you are basically best of with the 3 zooms mentioned above. Although I feel that the list could have extended and included the XF16-55mmF2.8.
I feel that the currently most comprehensive “Fujinon lenses for video” testing has been made by Philip Bloom. You should definitely check it out here, but keep in mind he used an older firmware, and not firmware 1.02, which, as FujiRumors reported exclusively, improved AF with lenses using DC motors (such as the XF56mmF1.2).
Telephoto prime lens is designed for FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras and provides a 600mm equivalent focal length.
Manual focus catadioptric optical design telephoto lens with fixed f/8 aperture, which is compatible with select camera focus peaking systems and in-body multi-axis advanced image stabilization systems.
Multi-layer anti-reflection coating for efficient light intake and reduced flare, plus high-reflectivity silvered coating and a protective antioxidant layer on the back side of mirrored surfaces for long performance life.
Minimum focusing distance of 45.27″ and magnification 0.4x can capture small objects, while the 400mm focal length reduces the possibility of casting a shadow on the subject
Catadioptric design and construction creates a smooth and unusual donut-shaped bokeh
Wide focus ring provides smooth rotation range of 270°
