The Fujifilm XF10-24 is one lens I always lusted after. I also almost bought it, but at the end went for the smaller and much cheaper Samyang 12mmF2.
Regarding the XF10-24, I remember how it was launched just a two months before Fuji’s first weather sealed camera, the Fujifilm X-T1. At that time, here on FujiRumors I already told you that a the WR X-T1 would come in January 2014. So, when Fujifilm decided to launch the XF10-24 in November, we all hoped it would be weather sealed… but it wasn’t.
Now, I know that there are tons of X-shooters out there enjoying this lens day after day. But if you are like Jim, and bring it out into some really tough conditions, then you might be interested to read to rest of the story :)
Why That Fujinon XF 8-16mm WR Can’t Come Soon Enough
Now, Jim is completely in love with the X-system. He loves the image quality, the form factor, the size, the usability, the dials… just everything. He says it “fits my style of photography”
But he also says that “photography is adventure” and that it is “completely unaccetable” that the only wide angle zoom lens in the Fuji system is not weather sealed.
In fact, after a while shooting in the very wet and humid waterfall envoriment, he couldn’t take pictures anymore, because “the lens gets wet and causes a lens communication error“. He says this is not the first time it happens to him. That’s why he owns two of these lenses and changes them, when one stops working. And once at home, he has to dry the lenses.
Jim apparently reads FujiRumors, since he knows about the XF 8-16mm F2.8 WR lens, which will come in early 2018 (I’ve shared the first rumor back in May 2016 (!) here). But he said he’s not sure he can wait that long for the XF 8-16. Hence, despite him loving Fujifilm’s image quality and usability, he is considering to switch to another brand.
At our immense future APS-C lens poll, with over 11,000+ voters, the XF 8-16mm F2.8 WR is the most wanted out of the 30 lenses in the voting-list.
Just a curiosity, on the way back, he uses a Beta version of an App, called “The Really Good Photo Spots“, which I think he’s developing right now. Based on your location, it shows you the best spots to photograph in your area.
Of course, Jim is using the XF 10-24 in an enviroment it is not planned to be used (rainy/wet conditions). But if he wants to get the shot he wants with a Fuji camera, then he currently has no other choice than to go with the XF10-24. The next widest weather sealed lens in the Fuji line-up is the XF 16mmF1.4…. and evidently not wide enough for certain landscape photography.
So, Jim might do well to switch, because Fujifilm currently does not offer the lens he needs the most… unless he is willing to dry his two XF 10-24 for a few more months, until the XF 8-16 will be out.
Or, maybe, just use a plastic bag around your lens in the meantime ;)
And What About You?
So what about you? Do you own the Fujinon XF 10-24mm F4 OIS? Did you have the same experience as Jim? Are you also waiting for the weather sealed XF 8-16mm F2.8 WR or are you just fine with the Fujinon XF 10-24?
Feel free to drop you thoughts and considerations in the comments :)
UPDATE: Interview with Fujifilm Manager about the MK lenses. They talk about and show also the Fujifilm X-mount version. The manager says that the price can’t be very different from the E-mount version and that they try to come out with X-mount version within this year (2017). More at newsshooter (thanks to the FR-reader for sharing the link in the comments).
A kind FR-reader (thanks) dropped me the link to a nice read for the weekend.
But before I share it, just allow me say a quick (but big) “thank you” to all FR-readers, who share with FR the interesting Fuji-stuff they find on the web.
You make it possible that FujiRumors is always the first to break the news and rumor, and also the first to share links in live bloggings and much more. I don’t know any other way to return you guys the favor you do to me, other than keep this blog running with enthusiasm, joy and dedication.
I’m so positive, motivated and full of energy like never before. So thanks so much to everybody for your help and support :)
At the end they visit the very best place of all the tour… but read further below, to discover what it is :)
The tour starts at the Fujifilm Omiya Headquarters, where Jon talks with a Fujifilm manger about the Fujifilm GFX 50s. and especially about the new Cinema MK lenses, the MK18-55mm F2.9 and MK50-130mm T2.9. As we already reported here, X-mount version of the lenses will come by the end of the year 2017.
A curiosity, why Fujifilm called their new cinema lenses “MK” lenses:
“M for Movie, Manual, Mobility, Marvelous, Multiple-use! Also, perhaps it can be said that in Video you “take the shot.” In stills, you “take” a photograph. But in movies, you “make” a film. You are a film maker. So MK.”
Then they continue to the Fujifilm Taiwa Factory:
“More than 1,000 people work in the vast Fujifilm Taiwa Factory, assembling X-series and GFX cameras, components and other products. A new, dedicated area has been set up for a highly skilled team to build Fujinon MK lenses.”
Regarding the MK lenses, they say:
“The philosophy of the MK lenses is affordablity for independent productions. To keep the cost down and the manufacturing yield high, Fujinon has combined techniques from their experience in high-yield manufacturing (still cameras and lenses) and high-precision, high-end lens crafting. The trick seems to the their use of molded, composite lens barrels and mechanical sub-assemblies. Traditionally, these components have been milled on CNC machines from metal. Advantages of composites include speed of manufacturing, resistance to temperature variations in the field, and advanced structural possibilities.”
And what’s the best way to end a hard day visiting factories and interviewing Fujifilm managers? Right, get a good Whisky :). So the tour ends at the Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Sendai Distillery.
Instax SQUARE SQ 10 (hybrid instant camera) – Pictures can be selected and printed after shooting. – About 50 sheets can be saved in the built-in memory. It can also be stored in micro SD. – Expected release date: May 19, 2017 – Mass store sales price: around 31,860 yen (including tax)
Ok, I knew it… not much time to take care of my hang-over after my birthday party yesterday. Anyway, lots of coffee, and I’ll be fit in time for the live blogging on April 19 :)
In the meantime, nokishita just confirmed the announcement of GF110 and GF23 on April 19, as well as Instax Aquare SQ10.
They also mention the INSTAX SQUARE WW 1 (Square film).
Just a little leak for you guys to give you a better idea of the size of the upcoming Instax Square SQ10 prints.
Interesting to note, the original image (which I had to cover to keep the source of the leak anonymous) was printed in black and white. This can mean that there will be also a monochrome Instax Square film (like the monochrome Instax Mini film). But consider that the Instax SQ10 will be a hybrid digital/film camera, so it might be possible to transfer images taken with the camera to the Instax Square SQ10 printer, and print it from there, just like we do with a regular Instax Share Printer.
The big announcement party for the new GF 110mm F2, GF 23mm F2 and Instax Square will start soon (April 19).
I’m ready… feel free to join the Live Blogging here on FujiRumors :)
