fujifilm

Exploring the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f3.5 – 4.8 USD OIS Lens

fujifilm, Lenses, opinons, thoughts, photography, pictures, street, Travel, war

Photography enthusiasts looking for a versatile telephoto zoom lens may find a perfect companion in the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm. This lens is designed for the Fujifilm X-series mirrorless cameras and offers a 35mm equivalent focal length of 83-300mm, making it suitable for a wide range of subjects from portraits to wildlife photography.

One of the standout features of this lens is its optical image stabilization system, which claims to provide a benefit of 4.5 stops. This feature is particularly useful when shooting in low light conditions or at the long end of the zoom range, where camera shake can be more pronounced. The stabilization allows photographers to shoot at slower shutter speeds without compromising on sharpness.

The lens construction includes two extra-low dispersion elements, including one Super ED element, which helps to reduce chromatic aberrations and produce clear, sharp images with accurate colours. The build quality of the lens is also noteworthy, with an all-metal barrel and an aperture control ring that adds to the tactile experience of shooting.

Autofocus performance is another area where the XF 55-200mm lens excels. It uses a pair of linear stepper motors for quick and near-silent autofocus, which is beneficial for both stills and video shooting. The relatively fast maximum aperture of F3.5-4.8 also allows for more control over depth of field and helps to isolate subjects from the background.

Despite its range and capabilities, the lens remains relatively compact and portable, which is a significant advantage for photographers who travel or hike with their gear. It’s not weather-sealed, so some care is necessary when using it in adverse conditions.

In terms of pricing, the lens offers good value considering its performance and build quality. It’s positioned as a premium option in the Fujifilm lens lineup and competes favourably with similar lenses from other manufacturers.

For those invested in the Fujifilm X system, the XF 55-200mm lens is a solid choice that delivers excellent image quality and versatility. Whether you’re capturing distant landscapes or intimate portraits, this lens is capable of producing stunning results that will satisfy both amateur and professional photographers alike.

For more detailed reviews and sample images, you can visit various photography websites and forums that provide in-depth analysis and user experiences with this lens. Exploring these resources can help you make an informed decision if you’re considering adding the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm to your photography kit.

Exploring the 7Artisans 50mm f0.95 Lens on a Fuji XE2: A Photographer’s Delight

cameras, fujifilm, Lenses, opinons, thoughts, photography, pictures, street

Photography enthusiasts, gather around as we dive into the world of bokeh and low-light performance with the 7Artisans 50mm f0.95 lens mounted on the classic Fuji XE2. This combination is not just about capturing images; it’s about embracing a unique photographic experience.

The 7Artisans 50mm f0.95 lens, often praised for its affordability and solid metal build, brings a new dimension to the Fuji XE2. With a maximum aperture of f0.95, this lens promises to transform the way you capture portraits and low-light scenes. The wide aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, creating that dreamy bokeh effect that makes your subjects pop against a smoothly blurred background.

But what truly sets this lens apart is its manual focus, which offers a tactile and engaging experience. It’s a return to the roots of photography, where the photographer is in complete control. The pleasure of focusing with this lens is often highlighted by users, noting its good throw and the ability to keep up with moving subjects like a slow-moving cat. This level of control is perfect for those who love to take their time, crafting each shot with precision and artistic intent.

The lens’s 13 aperture blades contribute to a pleasing round bokeh, enhancing the aesthetic quality of your photos. And while it’s not a macro lens, the minimum focus distance of about 18 inches allows for decent close-ups, adding versatility to your shooting repertoire.

Now, let’s talk about the Fuji XE2, a camera that has won the hearts of many photographers for its compact size and retro design. When paired with the 7Artisans 50mm f0.95 lens, the XE2 becomes a powerhouse for street and portrait photography. The camera’s classic design, combined with the lens’s modern optical performance, creates a synergy that’s both visually appealing and functionally impressive.

Some users have compared the 7Artisans 50mm f0.95 to other lenses in its category, noting that it holds its own in terms of brightness and optical quality. It’s even been said to be a tad brighter than some of its competitors, which is quite a statement considering its price point. The 7Artisans 50mm f0.95 is not without its quirks, such as some optical flaws like vignetting and chromatic aberration when wide open, but these are often considered part of the lens’s character rather than detriments. For those who enjoy the artistry of photography and the tactile experience of manual focusing, this lens offers a unique opportunity to explore creativity at a relatively low cost.

In conclusion, the 7Artisans 50mm f0.95 lens on a Fuji XE2 is a match made in photography heaven for those who appreciate the art of manual focusing and the beauty of a large aperture. It’s a setup that encourages you to slow down, compose thoughtfully, and immerse yourself in the creative process. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or someone who’s just starting, this combo is sure to inspire and delight.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera, attach that 7Artisans lens, and step into the world where every shot is a potential masterpiece. Happy shooting!

Zoom or Prime Lens

cameras, Fujichrome, fujifilm, Lenses, opinons, thoughts, photography, street, Travel, viltrox

If you are into photography, you might have wondered whether you should get a zoom lens or a prime lens for your camera. Zoom lenses and prime lenses differ by how long their focal points are. Prime lenses have a unifocal lens (usually between 12mm to 5200mm), while zoom lenses have a variable focal length. This means that prime lenses are better for portrait shots, while zoom lenses are ideal for general photography.

In this blog post, I will explain the pros and cons of each type of lens and help you decide which one is best for your needs.

Prime Lenses: The Pros

One of the main advantages of prime lenses is that they are usually sharper, faster, and cheaper than zoom lenses. Sharper means that they produce images with more detail and clarity. Faster means that they have larger maximum apertures (such as f/1.4 or f/1.8), which allow more light to enter the lens and create a shallow depth of field. This is great for isolating your subject from the background and creating a beautiful bokeh effect. Cheaper means that they are more affordable than zoom lenses of similar quality.

Another benefit of prime lenses is that they are smaller and lighter than zoom lenses, which makes them easier to carry around and use. They also force you to be more creative and move around to get the best shot, rather than relying on the zoom ring to adjust your framing.

Prime Lenses: The Cons

The main drawback of prime lenses is that they are less versatile and convenient than zoom lenses. You can’t change the focal length of a prime lens, so you have to switch lenses if you want a different angle of view or magnification. This can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially if you are shooting in a fast-paced or changing environment. You also have to carry more lenses with you if you want to cover a wide range of focal lengths.

Another disadvantage of prime lenses is that they may not suit every situation or style of photography. For example, if you want to capture landscapes, wildlife, sports, or events, you might need a zoom lens that can cover a wide or long focal range and give you more flexibility and reach.

Zoom Lenses: The Pros

The main advantage of zoom lenses is that they are more versatile and convenient than prime lenses. You can change the focal length of a zoom lens by simply turning the zoom ring, which gives you more options and controls over your composition and framing. You can also capture different perspectives and effects with one lens, such as wide-angle shots, telephoto shots, or macro shots (if your zoom lens has macro capabilities).

Another benefit of zoom lenses is that they are more suitable for certain situations and styles of photography. For example, if you want to capture landscapes, wildlife, sports, or events, you might need a zoom lens that can cover a wide or long focal range and give you more flexibility and reach. You can also react faster to changing scenes and subjects without having to switch lenses.

Zoom Lenses: The Cons

The main drawback of zoom lenses is that they are usually heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than prime lenses. Heavier and bulkier means that they are harder to carry around and use, especially for long periods. They also tend to attract more attention and may not be ideal for discreet or candid photography. More expensive means that they cost more than prime lenses of similar quality.

Another disadvantage of zoom lenses is that they are usually slower, less sharp, and more prone to distortion and vignetting than prime lenses. Slower means that they have smaller maximum apertures (such as f/3.5-5.6 or f/4-5.6), which limit the amount of light that enters the lens and create a deeper depth of field. This can make it harder to shoot in low-light conditions or achieve a shallow depth of field effect. Less sharp means that they produce images with less detail and clarity than prime lenses. More prone to distortion and vignetting means that they may cause some curvature or darkening at the edges of your images, especially at the wide or telephoto end of their range.

Conclusion

So which type of lens is best for you? It depends on your personal preference, budget, and style of photography. You might prefer a prime lens if you value sharpness, speed, affordability, and portability over versatility and convenience. If you value versatility, convenience, flexibility, and reach over sharpness, speed, affordability, and portability, then you might prefer a zoom lens.

Of course, you don’t have to choose one over the other. You can have both types of lenses in your camera bag and use them according to your needs and mood. The best way to find out which lens type suits you best is to try them out yourself and see what works for you.

Nikkor 50mm lenses

Uncategorized

If you are looking for the sharpest 50mm lens from Nikon, you might be wondering which one of the three models you have is the best choice. The 50mm f1.4D, the 50mm f1.8D and the 50mm f1.8G are all popular lenses that offer good performance and image quality. However, there are some differences between them that might affect your decision.

The 50mm f1.4D is the oldest and most expensive of the three. It has a fast aperture of f1.4, which allows you to shoot in low light and create a shallow depth of field. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as lower contrast, more chromatic aberration and more distortion than the other two lenses. It also lacks an autofocus motor, which means it will not autofocus on some Nikon cameras that do not have a built-in motor.

The 50mm f1.8D AF is the cheapest and lightest of the three. It has a slightly slower aperture of f1.8, but it still performs well in low light and produces a nice bokeh. It has better contrast, less chromatic aberration and less distortion than the 50mm f1.4D, but it also lacks an autofocus motor and has a noisy and slow autofocus mechanism.

The 50mm f1.8 AFS G is the newest and most advanced of the three. It has a silent wave motor (SWM) that enables fast and quiet autofocus on any Nikon camera. It also has an aspherical element that reduces spherical aberration and improves sharpness across the frame. It has the best contrast, least chromatic aberration and least distortion of the three lenses, but it also has a higher price tag and a larger size than the 50mm f1.8D.

So, which one is the sharpest? The answer depends on several factors, such as your shooting conditions, your camera model, your aperture setting and your personal preference. However, based on some tests and reviews, the general consensus is that the 50mm f1.8AFS G is the sharpest of the three at most apertures, especially at wide open and stopped down to f5.6 or f8. The 50mm f1.8D AF is slightly less sharp than the 50mm f1.8AFS G, but still sharper than the 50mm f1.4D at most apertures. The 50mm f1.4D is the least sharp of the three at wide open and only becomes comparable to the other two at smaller apertures, such as f11 or f16.

Of course, sharpness is not everything when it comes to choosing a lens. You might also consider other aspects, such as color rendition, flare resistance, build quality, weight, size and price. Ultimately, the best lens for you is the one that suits your needs and budget.

The images here were taken with the Nikkor 50mm f1.4D at between f4 and 5.6 certainly not my sharpest lens.

I own and use all three of these lenses and IMO the cheapest of the bunch gives me the best result for the way I make pictures.