Fujifilm has one of the expansive steady of lenses you would want for its illustrious X-mount cameras and it simply obtained two extra. This time, it selected to broaden its lineup on reverse sides of the focal size spectrum. There’s a $1,199 XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II and a $3,000 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR wildlife prime lens to go with the already widespread telephoto zooms. These had been pre-production lenses and as such, we’re restricted in what we are able to assessment. No picture high quality assessments or definitive statements might be made concerning the picture traits of the optics however that doesn’t imply that there’s a lack of worth in getting a primary have a look at these thrilling new lenses. The brand new XF 16-55mm f/2.8 II is considerably lighter and smaller than the unique. Quite the opposite, I can nonetheless glean so much concerning the lenses by way of dealing with and common efficiency, and can have the ability to have expectations prepared for when the manufacturing fashions arrive for full assessment. Moreover, the primary main enchancment with the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 II is one thing that you just solely should really feel to know. Fujifilm XF 16-55 f/2.8: A Legend Changed Fujifilm drastically lower the burden of the brand new model from 23.1 ounces (655 grams) all the way down to 14.5 ounces (410 grams) which represents an enormous change to the dealing with of this quick, general-purpose zoom. Regardless of the decrease weight, the brand new 16-55mm remains to be weather-sealed and solidly constructed, and I discovered the barrels to haven’t any extreme play or wobble. Strolling round with the brand new 16-55mm was a noticeably extra compact and handy expertise than the older lens provided and it feels way more balanced in hand when it’s mounted on skilled our bodies just like the X-T5 and X-H2. Fujifilm even managed to cut back the filter thread diameter all the way down to 72mm from the bigger 77mm we noticed earlier than. The filter thread is now a smaller 72mm dimension. There may be nonetheless a picture stabilizer within the lens and linear focusing motors.
In low-light conditions the 16-55mm makes quite a lot of sense. The picture stabilization coupled with the quick aperture gives the quick shutter speeds required. The handbook focus ring and aperture are clean and really feel good to the contact, and the lens nonetheless has picture stabilization and linear focusing motors. The aperture ring can now even be set for a clean flip with out click on stops if desired and there’s a customizable button as nicely. If Fujifilm lower something out of the older design aside from weight, I couldn’t discover it. The XF 16-55mm is a perfect lens for common pictures once you want the sooner f/2.8 aperture. From hands-on expertise I can say that the 16-55mm f/2.8 II focuses shortly and quietly and from what I noticed within the photographs I took, bokeh additionally seems to be clean and nice. The unique 16-55mm f/2.8 is a succesful lens and was capable of accommodate the upper decision 40-megapixel sensors. Nevertheless, Fujifilm says that this new model ought to ship even higher sharpness outcomes and can future-proof the lens as nicely. The brand new 16-55mm f/2.8 II now has a declickable aperture management. A really cooperative bee was gracious sufficient to permit me to shoot some macro pictures, and this lens isn’t going to win any close-up awards. You may get about 1:5 life-size replica out of the brand new 16-55mm which is okay in a pinch. The macro capabilities of the brand new 16-55mm should not something particular. Fortunately this bee gave me loads of time to get shut.
Bokeh and sharpness will probably be excessive on my record of issues to check when the manufacturing variations arrive however I’m assured they may carry out nicely. Fujifilm has additionally made it clear that this new 16-55mm f/2.8 II is aimed squarely on the hybrid picture/video market. I will probably be curious to check out lens respiration traits however the lighter weight of the lens means that will probably be a lot better to be used on a gimbal. I believe videographers will probably be ready with bated breath to search out out extra. I recognize how compact and helpful the brand new 16-55mm was. Professional lenses don’t should be heavy or unbalanced anymore. Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6: A GFX Lens Involves APS-C The brand new 500mm f/5.6 carries the illustrious Fujinon identify and must be even simpler to foretell relating to total picture high quality as a result of it’s an virtually actual copy of the 500mm for the GFX line of cameras, albeit with a smaller X-mount bayonet as an alternative. The burden and dimension are very related as is the presence of the big 95mm filter thread, though the APS-C model shaves off roughly 40 grams bringing it all the way down to 47 ounces (1335 grams), and sports activities a vibrant silver-grey look as an alternative of the black livery of the GFX model. The brand new 500mm appears and looks like a GFX lens, as a result of it’s. The 500mm focusing motor had no drawback maintaining with these birds in flight.
I used to be very impressed with the 500mm for GFX and had a good time capturing wildlife with it. It was glorious within the heart of the picture and had respectable nook sharpness too, regardless of the big picture circle it needed to undertaking. If this new lens is mainly the identical optical system it must be almost ideally suited optically because the APS-C sensor will solely use the sharper and clearer mild from the central a part of the lens. The 500mm controls are intensive and can completely please most wildlife shooters. The 500mm turns into a 750mm field-of-view equal on APS-C our bodies. The attain is right for wildlife. Sadly, the majority of the lens is retained in its utility right here with a smaller sensor, and to some extent, that’s unavoidable because of the lengthy telephoto vary. Regardless of this, the general expertise didn’t really feel unwieldy and the lens nonetheless handles properly on the APS-C our bodies. Focus was very immediate and the general design is clearly made for tough environments and demanding conditions. I just like the customizable lens buttons, giant and clean handbook focusing ring, and 5.5-stop picture stabilizer. The lens foot is lower for dovetail tripod mounts and might be eliminated if you wish to slim down the burden even additional. The dimension are similar to the GFX model together with the controls and 95mm filter threads. I tamed this Canada Goose. Nicely, perhaps it was simply used to people as a result of it got here fairly shut. I appreciated the tight pictures, although. I’ve quite a lot of testing to do when the reviewable lenses arrive. Nevertheless, we are able to already say that the brand new 16-55mm f/2.8 is appreciably smaller and lighter than the outdated model, and we are able to predict that the 500mm f/5.6 goes to be as exceptionally good because the GFX model. My solely actual questions are going to be concerning the flare resistance, sharpness, and bokeh high quality, of the brand new 16-55mm f/2.8 however simply having it in hand and feeling how mild it’s has me very intrigued to dig additional.
