In this video, I will be discussing the four Fuji lenses that I personally use and why I believe they are essential for any beginner Fuji user who wants to enhance the quality of their footage.
When I started, I often wondered why anyone would need so many lenses. But as I began to learn more about the different types of lenses available, it became apparent how each lens can help to capture specific elements in a scene or create artistic effects.
For example, a wide-angle lens has a shorter focal length and allows you to capture more of the scene in one frame, while a telephoto lens has a much longer focal length and can be used to get closer to the action.
There are many opinions about lenses, but they are primarily based on the users’ needs and experiences.
In this video, I will describe the features of the lenses I use and how they can assist in capturing various types of shots.
One thing I want to clarify is that the purpose of this video is not to go into crazy detailed technical information about each lens.
I’ll save that for future videos.
Instead, I’ll be discussing their practical use in real-life situations.
Fujinon XF 18-55mm Kit Lens
First up is the Fujinon XF 18-55mm lens, which is commonly referred to as a “kit” lens.
This was my first lens and one that I highly recommend if you’re just starting out.
Normally a kit lens is a low-quality build that typically has a plastic construction and a maximum aperture no wider than f/4 or f/3.
Not the case with the 18-55mm!
It has a focal length range equivalent to 27-84mm, a durable metal construction, and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, making it suitable for various shooting scenarios.
I use it mainly for videos but will use it for photos from time to time.
The video quality is very sharp and creates a real cinematic look when zoomed in at 24mm-35mm.
It has an optical built-in image stabilizer that helps minimize camera shake and a fast autofocus system, letting you capture your desired shot quickly and accurately in run-and-gun situations.
One thing to note is that the aperture changes as you zoom in since it’s not a constant aperture.
I don’t think this is a dealbreaker, but it’s worth taking into account.
Also worth noting is that it is not weather resistant.
Although I have used it in light rain without any issues, it is advisable to either cover it up with a bag or use an umbrella to avoid any moisture getting in.
Finally, its compact and lightweight design makes it compatible with many popular gimbals available on the market.
Overall an excellent all-around lens to get started with.
FUJIFILM XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR
This is an ultra-wide angle lens zoom lens that I use for all my real estate and landscape photography.
Like most all Fuji lenses, it has a durable solid metal construction but is not too heavy and can be used with a gimbal even though it does have OIS
The AutoFocus feature is reliable and doesn’t miss very often.
In situations where 10mm is too wide, it is able to zoom in to 14mm.
The image quality is good overall and doesn’t step too far into fisheye territory.
The lens does however have some barrel distortion at 10mm which may not be the best for shooting videos, particularly if you’re filming people.
Another limitation it has for video is due to its F/4 aperture.
While this may not be a concern for shoots in daylight, it can be challenging for poorly lit environments.
Unlike the 18mm-55mm, the 10mm-24mm lens is weather resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use in a variety of conditions.
End of the day, it’s a good lens to have when you need to capture a lot of area in a limited space.
Fujinon XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR
Moving in the other direction is the 50-140mm OIS
I got this lens mainly for photos especially sports events where I need a fast telephoto lens that was crisp and reliable.
This lens doesn’t disappoint it’s a perfect fit for capturing distant and fast-moving subjects and is worth the higher price tag of $1599.
The images are very sharp, and the auto-focus blows me away.
I’ve recently started to use it for video as I love the fact it has a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture which creates a gorgeous Bokeh
Like the other lenses it has an OIS On/Off switch
It has a very sturdy construction. But also a lot heavier than the previous two lenses weighing in at 2.19lbs.
It’s also twice the length (7.87″)
The weight coupled with the length is why a mounting foot is included.
It does an amazing job in low-light situations and is definitely one of the best lenses Fuji offers, with a flexible focal length that can be used for capturing portraits.
This lens can handle 90% of the work needed for taking portraits, capturing action, and photographing landscapes, making it the ideal lens to carry around if you could only choose one.
16mm prime lens
I got this lens mainly for the purpose of filming in car and real estate videos.
I needed something that would well in low-light situations and capture a wide field range without looking distorted.
And this lens did not disappoint.
With a 24mm full-frame equivalent) it’s able to capture wide-open shots without any barrel distortion right down t
Compared to other Fujifilm lenses, this lens can also capture the smallest details in close-up shots as it has a closer minimum focus distance of 15 cm.
Solid metal construction– this includes the aperture ring and clutch-pull manual focus ring.
One thing to pay attention to is the pull clutch ring that enables switching between manual and autofocus modes.
It features an aperture ring that’s clearly marked from f/1.4 down to f/16 and then on to Auto.
Works great for both video and photos plus has full weather sealing so works great for those that love to shoot street or landscape photography regardless of the weather conditions.
In addition, has image stabilization and a solid lens to have in your camera bag.
The drawback, it is a prime lens meaning no zoom function so if you need a close you have to get closer up.
It’s a great lens for BROLL but have used it for filming two-person interviews where I needed to capture more in smaller areas.
As with all wide-range lenses, there’s always the risk of image distortion, but none with this lens.
So if you’re looking for a wide-angle lens that does really well in low-light situations, I highly recommend the 16mm.
Conclusion
Having the right lenses for your Fuji camera can make a world of difference.
With these four lenses in your camera bag, you can capture a wide range of high-quality photos and videos in just about any genre or style.
If you’ve had experience using any of these lenses, please leave a comment below.