The Fujifilm X-Mount system isn’t just one of the best mirrorless systems on the market right now. It’s also one of the most adaptable and affordable lens series ever created.
Expertly combining the sophisticated technical features of a DSLR, the portability of a Micro Four Thirds system, and the vibrancy of traditional Fuji film cameras, the X-Mount is a phenomenal system for any photographer.
We’ve put together this list of the best Fuji lenses around so that you can select the one that best suits your style.
Whether you’re a newly minted Fuji shooter or a seasoned professional who has been with the system since its vintage film days, you can take advantage of one of the market’s most surprisingly diverse yet consistently outstanding lens ranges.
If you’re new to Fuji lenses, you may be surprised to discover that Fuji’s lenses are some of the most capable and versatile on the market today.
Top 10 Fujifilm Lenses
Ranking | Lens | Dimension | Weight | Lens Type | Maximum Minimum Aperture | Review | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R | 2.8 x 2.9 x 2.9 in. | 14.2 oz. | Prime Lens | 56 / 56 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#2 | Fujinon XF35mm F1.4 R | 4.1 x 6.3 x 3.8 in. | 14.4 oz. | Standard Prime | 35 / 35 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#3 | Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR | 4.2 x 3.3 x 3.3 in. | 1.44 lbs. | Zoom Lens | 55 / 16 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#4 | Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR | 4.3 x 5.4 x 5 in. | 11.2 oz. | Prime Lens | 23 / 23 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#5 | Fujinon XF 50-140mm f/2.8 | 11.1 x 7 x 4.9 in | 3.9 lbs. | Prime Lens | 2.8 / 50 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#6 | Fujinon XF 90mm f2 R LM WR | 4.1 x 3 x 3 in. | 1.19 lbs. | Prime Lens | 90 / 90 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#7 | Fujinon 10-24mm f/4 R OIS | 3.43 x 3.07 x 3.07 in. | 0.9 lbs. | Zoom Lens | 10/ / 24 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#8 | Fujionon 55-200mm | 4.65 x 2.95 x 2.95 in. | 1.28 lbs. | Zoom Lens | 200 / 55 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#9 | Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 | 0.91 x 2.4 x 2.4 in. | 2.75 lbs. | Prime Lens | 27 / 27 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#10 | Fujinon 14mm f/2.8 R | 2.28 x 2.56 x 2.56 in. | 0.52 lbs. | Prime Lens | 14 / 14 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
#1. Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R
- Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.9 x 2.9 in.
- Weight: 14.2 oz.
- Lens Type: Prime Lens
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 56/56
- Focus type: Stepper Motor
- The good parts: Gorgeous optics, quiet and precise autofocus, smooth manual focus mechanism, outstanding image quality
- The not-so: Some focus hunting in low light, expensive
There’s a reason this lens is legendary among portrait photographers: the 56mm focal length is ideal for portraiture.
This is simply one of the best 56mm lenses that Fuji has ever made.
When it was released, this lens won many a seasoned portrait photographer over to the X-Mount system.
Built to last forever, yet lightweight as a kit lens, the 56mm offers a premium in lifelong, daylong usability. Plus, it looks gorgeous and feels fantastic, both in your hand and around your neck. With its sophisticated all-metal design, its impeccable hardware, and its gloriously colorful output, this tried-and-true classic can make a believer out of anyone. What’s not to love?
What do reviewers say about it?
When the most common testimonial about a lens is that it single-handedly drew a seasoned photographer into a new camera system, then you know it must be good. Dozens of accomplished portrait photographers cite the 56mm as the reason that they switched to the X-Mount camera system from their former DSLR.
One of the qualities that portrait photographers noted was the 56mm’s surprising unobtrusiveness. This lens is short, compact, and elegant. It’s perfect for snapping photos of a shy or timid subject. Its autofocus motor is also quite soundless, which makes this lens ideal for intimate portrait and video shoots.
What’s good?
Images produced with this lens aren’t just sharp. They’re tonally rich, beautifully vivid, and wonderfully dynamic. Even when it’s wide open, the 56mm delivers stunning images with all the detail and delicacy you would expect from a high-end premium lens.
This lens is also a pleasure to use, with a nearly silent motor, silky smooth manual focus ring, and swift autocorrect system. A rounded seven-blade diaphragm ensures not only precision and clarity, but also a gorgeous, film-like gloss on every image.
To top everything off, the 56mm’s low-light performance is simply exquisite. It excels at squeezing every last bit of light from a darkened scene, bringing out rich details that you might not even be able to see with the naked eye.
What could be better?
A few buyers have commented that the 56mm tends to hunt for focus, especially in low lighting conditions. It also struggles to cope with very low light, and will sometimes produce blurriness or softness in shadowy settings.
While this doesn’t seem to be a universal problem—or one that will bother anyone most of the time—it might be cause for concern if you depend heavily on a sharp autofocus to nail your shots.
The 56mm is also a bit pricy, like many of the lenses you’ll find here, although it’s usually still far cheaper than a comparable DSLR lens.
#2. Fujinon XF35mm F1.4 R
- Dimensions: 4.1 x 6.3 x 3.8 in.
- Weight: 14.4 oz.
- Lens Type: Standard Prime
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 35/35
- Focus type: Autofocus
- The good parts: Stunning optics, soundless operation, weatherproofed design, great looks, weatherproofed body
- The not-so: Cheap lens hood, lack of sharpness in some situations
One of the most deservedly famous lenses in Fuji’s X-Series lineup, the astonishing XF35 gives the world’s best portrait lenses a run for their money.
This marvelous piece of engineering was one of the three flagship lenses released with the X-Pro 1 system in 2012, when Fuji drove the cutting edge of mirrorless innovation. No wonder so many professional photographers still won’t leave the house without this lens in their bags.
Its 53mm equivalent focal length produces an enviable balance of precision and delicacy. But these images also boast a soft, mystical charm that few lenses can fully capture.
While it may not be as sharp or spry as some of the newer Fuji lenses on this list, the 35mm’s magical penchant for capturing light and movement recalls the vintage 35mm film camera days. But don’t worry, you won’t need to sacrifice any of the modern comforts to which you’ve grown accustomed.
What do reviewers say about it?
Reviewers praised the 35mm as a top-tier walkabout lens for any type of photographer. They loved its compact, lightweight body and its sleek, elegant silhouette, which looks fantastic on any Fuji camera body.
They also appreciated its weather-sealed body and durable, rugged design. While the 35mm can’t be technically advertised as waterproof, it’s as close to totally weather-resistant as you can possibly get.
Nearly silent operation and an elegant, unobtrusive appearance made this lens a hit among both stealthy wedding pros and street photographers looking to capture those blissfully candid moments.
What’s good?
The 35mm has an innovative mechanical design: its lens groups move closer together as you focus, quickly and effectively minimizing chromatic aberrations at any length.
It’s quick to focus, pleasantly soundless, and precise enough to stop any subject in its tracks.
Stopped all the way up to 5.6, the 35mm renders impressively crisp details and accurate colors. But let’s be honest. If you invest in an f/1.4 lens, you’ll be itching to see how it performs wide open.
Thankfully, the 1.4 aperture displays a soft, luscious vignette that puts every other lens of its length to shame.
What could be better?
The lens hood included with the 35mm is made of thin plastic. Mounted on this lens, it looks flimsy and amateur. It even wobbles a bit. This feels even cheaper when compared to the excellent build quality of the lens itself.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the 35mm isn’t a great fit for every photographer. As mentioned above, its unique optical design tends to prioritize character and color over clarity.
If you pride yourself on delivering consistently tack-sharp images—or if your job demands it—then you’ll want to spring for one of the more modern lenses on this list. For sheer artistry and flair, however, the 35mm simply can’t be beat.
#3. Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR
- Dimensions: 4.2 x 3.3 x 3.3 in.
- Weight: 1.44 lbs.
- Lens Type: Zoom Lens
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 55-16
- Focus type: Linear Motor
- The good parts: Excellent versatility, beautiful bokeh and detail, short minimum focusing distance, fabulous optics, fast autofocus mechanism
- The not-so: Expensive for a zoom lens, no internal image stabilization
If petite primes aren’t your style—or if you just hate swapping back and forth to find the perfect focal length for the occasion—then this 16-55mm marvel might be your ideal companion.
Designed to take your boring kit lens to the next level, this powerful X-Mount zoom adapts effortlessly from portraits of your kids to gritty street shots to sweeping nature panoramas.
A true “jack of all trades”—yet a master of many—this rugged 21mm equivalent lens was marketed as a flagship zoom lens for the X-Mount camera system. For the most part, it lives up to (and sometimes even exceeds) that illustrious reputation.
If you’re looking for a lens that can adapt to any situation yet continually deliver the same peerless optics, then you’ll certainly want to take this one out for a spin.
What do reviewers say about it?
The reviews are in. If you love capturing unique images and diving into new situations, this is the lens for you. Reviewers loved its dynamic contrasts, gorgeous colors, and stunningly rich details. Beyond admiring the 16-55mm’s stellar optics, many reviewers also praised the “wow factor” of its exquisite bokeh.
They also loved its shallow minimum focusing distance—generally, around one foot—which is perfect for shooting flowers, food, animals, and anything outdoors. Reviewers were particularly impressed by how little the 16-55mm weighed down their camera, despite its wide focal range and wealth of technical features.
What’s good?
A breathtaking seventeen optical elements in twelve groups—including three extra-dispersion elements and three aspherical elements—bring out unbelievable depth and vitality no matter the subject.
Fuji’s innovative Nano-GI and HT-EBC (High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating) lens coatings alter the refractive index between lens elements for ghosting- and flare-free images.
The 16-55mm’s speedy linear motor autofocus system whirs quietly in the background, locking in crisp, clean details on every shot. Paired with a lovely, rounded nine-blade diaphragm, each element works overtime to produce absolutely gorgeous images. Although the 16-55mm isn’t truly waterproof, its 14-seal, fully weather-resistant design keeps out dust, moisture, and cold.
What could be better?
The 16-55mm doesn’t feature the rock-solid internal stabilization that makes many of Fuji’s prime lenses so dependable. On a lens that is otherwise so technologically advanced, the omission of a fully integral stabilization system feels cheap.
This lens is also quite expensive, especially when there are several Fuji kit lenses on the market that cover basically the same focal range. You’ll probably end up spending as much on the 16-55mm as an equivalent DSLR lens, which probably isn’t the reason why you wanted to invest in a high-end or budget mirrorless camera system in the first place.
#4. Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR
- Dimensions: 4.3 x 5.4 x 5 in.
- Weight: 11.2 oz.
- Lens Type: Prime Lens
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 23-23
- Focus type: Autofocus
- The good parts: Gorgeous optics, fast and quiet autofocus, lightweight design, elegant appearance, comfortable grip
- The not-so: Softness at some focal lengths
A much more compact, unobtrusive, and affordable alternative to the classic XF 23mm lens, this updated version retains the same stunning image quality you’ve come to expect from prime lenses in the X-Mount system.
Its effective 35mm focal length isn’t just ideal for portraits—it’s also a treat for fast-paced street photography, close-ups of animals and plants, and even some landscapes.
Shoot with this lens for a few days. You’ll wonder how you made do without its superb optics, across-the-board sharpness, and effortless focusing action. Although it isn’t without its flaws, the 23mm is still one of the most versatile, flexible lenses on the market.
What do reviewers say about it?
Even reviewers migrating from the world of DSLRs were shocked by the clarity and color of images produced on the 23mm. They loved how easy it was to use, how nice it felt in the hand, and (most importantly) how exquisitely their images turned out.
A few reviewers offered a helpful and handy tip. If you’ve already invested in the Fuji 18-55mm kit lens, then the 23mm might be a redundant addition to your collection. Since the 18-55mm is already such an excellent lens—which is especially shocking at its low price point—it delivers the same level of sharpness.
However, other reviewers insisted that the 23mm’s lightweight construction and powerful prime focusing were worth the additional investment even if you’re happy with your kit zoom lens.
What’s good?
With the XF23mm in your hands, sharpness is the name of your game. Ten elements in six distinct groups, along with two specialized aspherical elements, deliver wonderfully colorful clarity from edge to edge.
Its sleek metal design looks great on any camera. Its focus rings boast a perfectly smooth, deliciously tactile action.
Aside from its intimate focal length, one other element makes the 23mm perfect for off-the-cuff street photography: its inner-focus, stepper motor autofocus system. When paired with a modern camera, the 23mm’s autofocus is swift and almost entirely soundless. It dials in focus in a satisfying .005 seconds.
What could be better?
As mentioned above, the 23mm suffers from a bit of softness when it’s dialed to its largest aperture or focusing at very close range. Standing less than two or three feet away from your subject? Expect to see a noticeable decrease in image quality. It’s not enough to put the lens out of anyone’s consideration, but it might frustrate photographers who place a premium on sharpness and clarity.
#5. Fujinon XF 50-140mm f/2.8
- Dimensions: 11.1 x 7 x 4.9 in.
- Weight: 3.9 lbs.
- Lens Type: Prime Lens
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 2.8/50
- Focus type: Autofocus
- The good parts: Tough materials, ergonomic design, incredible sharpness, rock-solid internal stabilization
- The not-so: Flimsy lens hood, bulky and weighty design, expensive
Did you know that it’s possible to find a premium, professional-grade telephoto lens for your mirrorless camera? Until recently, many people doubted that the Micro Four Thirds camera system could ever support a telephoto that rivalled DSLRs—but the Fujinon XF 50-140mm put them all to shame.
The 40-150mm is waterproof, dustproof, and weatherproof. It is built like a tank and immensely comfortable to use, yet nearly as fast and sharp as a prime lens. That’s an enviable resume for a lens with such a broad focal range.
If you don’t leave the house without a telephoto, then this is the best way to round out your dream Fuji kit.
What do reviewers say about it?
Reviewers were amazed by the edge-to-edge sharpness that the 50-140 consistently delivers, praising its precise autofocus mechanism and excellent optical design. They were blown away by the internal stabilization, which opens up many opportunities in low light and bad weather.
Buyers were also amazed by the 50-140mm’s build quality. They shared stories of this lens withstanding sand- and snowstorms, weathering nasty floods, and escaping from drops without a scratch.
Those who had migrated from a DSLR said it fills the hole left in their kit by giving up their beloved 70-200mm lens. If you can’t live without your big telephoto zoom, then this is the best one that money can buy.
What’s good?
An entirely internal autofocusing mechanism teams up with a powerful Triple Linear Motor for quiet, accurate autofocus experience. Mount the 40-150mm on a camera with phase detection autofocus. You’ll be stunned at how much more silent and speedy it becomes.
The 40-150mm features 23 optical elements in 16 groups, including five ED elements and one Super ED element to ensure rich colors and immaculate detail. It delivers the same excellent image quality that you’ve come to expect from premium Fuji glass, without any aberrations or color flaws to speak of.
If you’re shooting at a distance, you’ll need best-in-class image stabilization to keep your photos clean and sharp. The 50-140 boasts a state-of-the-art gyro sensor and drift-cancelling algorithm that make handholding this lens surprisingly easy.
What could be better?
The 40-150mm is quite bulky and heavy, even when compared to similar DSLR lenses. Is your primary motivation moving to a mirrorless system with portability and unobtrusiveness? Then this may not be the right lens for you. (In that situation, however, a telephoto lens probably isn’t the best choice in the first place).
There’s also no built-in lens hood. The one included is a little flimsy. It’s easy to see why this is one of the most common complaints levelled against the 40-150. While the lens hood is fairly durable itself, the threads don’t align smoothly with the lens body.
That means you’ll sometimes waste valuable time screwing (and re-screwing) the attachment onto your camera.
#6. Fujinon XF 90mm f2 R LM WR
- Dimensions: 4.1 x 3 x 3 in.
- Weight: 1.19 lbs.
- Lens Type: Prime Lens
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 90/90
- Focus type: Stepper Motor
- The good parts: Excellent optics, durable design and materials, silent autofocus mechanism, versatile focal length
- The not-so: Subpar weather resistance, slightly imprecise focusing action
Its 135mm equivalent focal length is wonderfully adept at shooting close-up portraits, yet equally ideal for sports photography and wide landscape shots.
Photographers of all skill levels and genres adore this lens for its versatile focal range and its advanced feature set. They love its ability to craft uniformly entrancing images in any lighting.
This is a thoughtfully crafted design, executed with tough-as-nails materials and phenomenal glass. It rounds out the package to produce a perfectly balanced lens. Although it comes at a premium price, this just might be the most impressive portrait lens Fuji has to offer.
What do reviewers say about it?
When reading reviews of the 90mm, you can sense how much Fuji photographers adore this lens. They adored its incomparable edge-to-edge sharpness, its charmingly creamy bokeh, and its swift autofocus.
It’s rare to find a lens that so many purchasers, of various skill levels and interests, refer to as their favorite. Many reviewers commented that pairing the 90mm with a middle-of-the-road focal range—such as a 50mm or 56mm—makes the perfect travel camera kit.
They praised its tough, rugged hardware and raved about how easy it is to snap impeccable images in any conditions.
What’s good?
With an equivalent focal length range of 137mm and a two-foot focusing distance, the 90mm is perfect for handling both full-body portraits and other subjects at a distance. The 11-element, eight-group optical design—paired with a Super EBC coating—does wonders for reducing aberrations, ghosting, and flares.
Action photographers will appreciate that this lens can focus in less than 0.14 seconds. Despite its powerful focusing action, the incorporation of a magnetized Quad Linear Motor autofocus system means that the 90mm operates in near silence.
It’s perfect for videos and candid shooting situations that require a more delicate touch.
What could be better?
Manual focus devotees might find the 90mm’s focal action lacking, especially since twirling the ring adjusts the internal motor rather than engaging each lens element.
That means less direct and less precise control over your focus range. That might interfere with the more delicate long-distance shots with which the 90mm would otherwise excel.
Although the 90mm is fully weather-sealed, it’s still prone to admitting moisture and small particulates like dust and lint. This is disappointing in a lens that claims to be fully weatherproofed, especially if you intend to use it in rough weather.
#7. Fujinon 10-24mm f/4 R OIS
- Dimensions: 3.43 x 3.07 x 3.07 in.
- Weight: 0.9 lbs.
- Lens Type: Zoom Lens
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 24/10
- Focus type: Stepper Motor
- The good parts: Durable design, premium optics, great internal stabilization system, beautiful bokeh
- The not-so: Distortion in some areas, no weather resistant sealing, subpar low-light performance
Now you’ve seen plenty of lenses for portrait and street photographers. You may be wondering when landscape photographers get their recommendation.
Which lens is best for those of us who love tossing our lenses into a rucksack, getting up at the crack of dawn, and striking out into the wilderness? What Fuji gear should you buy if you’re obsessed with capturing vivid shots of the stars?
Landscape and astroscape enthusiasts, don’t fear. Fuji hasn’t left you out in the cold. The 10-24mm is the answer to your prayers, and maybe even your permission to take the plunge into a mirrorless system.
Its 15-36mm equivalent focal length is versatile, yet exceptional at any distance—perfect for the photographer who wants to do it all!
What do reviewers say about it?
If you ever return home after a long nature shoot only to be disappointed by blurry shots and watery colors, then reviewers of the 10-24mm have some great news for you: this lens is brilliant at correcting all your mistakes.
They appreciated its rock-solid stabilization system, its impeccable color fidelity, and its distortion-busting optical design.
Reviewers confirmed that this lens is perfect for any photo that requires a wider view. Everything from architecture and group portraits to sweeping landscapes and stunning nighttime shots looks incredible when shot on the 10-24mm.
What’s good?
This just might be the best ultra-wide X-mount lens on the market today. The clarity and brilliance of the images it produces are without equal. Its optical stabilization cleans up camera shake, while a clever focusing internal mechanism keeps lens length steady for quicker, sharper zooms.
Like most Fuji lenses, the 10-24mm’s best quality is its optical brilliance. A seven-bladed, rounded diaphragm produces a pleasantly shallow depth of field and a glossy, colorful bokeh. No matter what you prefer to shoot, this lens will make it look absolutely amazing.
A complex HT-EBC coating reduces lens flare, ghosting, and any other chromatic aberrations. In addition, four aspherical elements and three ultra-low dispersion elements ensure luminous, delightfully sharp image quality.
What could be better?
The 10-24 does display some mild distortion at either end of its focal range, so it’s not ideal for photos of faces or figures. For the same reason, it doesn’t perform well in low light or capture fast-moving subjects as sharply as a standard Fuji prime lens.
It also doesn’t boast the same level of build quality and weather resistance as many of the other lenses on this list, which might be a deal-breaker in a lens that is primarily used for landscape photography. While the 10-24 might technically be sturdy enough to withstand a rainy or windy day, it’s not guaranteed to block out the elements.
#8. Fujinon 55-200mm
- Dimensions: 4.65 x 2.95 x 2.95 in.
- Weight: 1.28 lbs.
- Lens Type: Zoom Lens
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 200/55
- Focus type: Stepper Motor
- The good parts: Flexible focal range, fantastic optics, rugged ergonomic design, onboard image stabilization, impeccable sharpness and clarity
- The not-so: Softness in some areas, comparatively slow autofocus mechanism
Ready to venture beyond the kit and invest in a premium zoom lens? Then the Fujinon 55-200 is your dream come true. This optically solid, impeccably styled model can easily accommodate a whole range of subjects, from intimate portraits to detailed macro shots to sweeping landscapes.
This lens isn’t just versatile; it’s precise, too. One of the 55-200mm’s most frequently praised attributes is its short minimum focusing distance, which allows you to get up close and personal with any subject.
If you’re looking for an exceptional all-in-one lens with uniformly outstanding optics, then this just might be the one for you.
What do reviewers say about it?
Reviewers fell in love with the 55-200mm’s outstanding design, with many labeling it one of the most optically outstanding Fuji lenses ever made. They admired its smooth and lovely bokeh, its game-changing sharpness, and its outstanding aberration reduction.
Many purchasers also said that its optical image stabilization was the best they had ever encountered in a zoom lens, whether mirrorless or otherwise.
Although the 55-200mm is a sturdy lens fashioned from heavy-duty materials, most reviewers were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and balanced it felt in their hand.
What’s good?
A hefty maximum aperture, speedy dual linear motors, and tightly balanced optical stabilization feature combine for razor sharp resolution with barely any flaws. The 55-200mm boasts top-notch, premium glass, with two ED elements and one Super ED element to control aberrations and ghosting at extended focal lengths.
The aforementioned image stabilization feature is one of Fuji’s finest, allowing you to set shutter speeds up to 4.5 times slower than the situation would normally demand. When your lens can normally focus in less than half a second, that’s an impressive set of specs.
What could be better?
Although it’s tack-sharp at 55mm, this lens gets progressively softer and murkier toward the longer end of its focal range. A few reviewers have also complained that its focus ring is too stiff to accommodate quick adjustments.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the 55-200mm isn’t very fast. In fact, its aperture only opens to f/3.5. That means it might struggle to keep pace if you’re constantly shooting action sports photos and portraits of kids.
While this might be limiting in some scenarios, this lens’ ISO is so robust that your low-light performance probably won’t suffer much.
#9. Fujinon 27mm f/2.8
- Dimensions: 0.91 x 2.4 x 2.4 in.
- Weight: 2.75 lbs.
- Lens Type: Prime Lens
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 27/27
- Focus type: Micromotor
- The good parts: Gorgeous lightweight design, unique focal length, powerful autofocus mechanism, great optics
- The not-so: No internal stabilization, loud autofocus mechanism
A slim and elegant wide-angle lens, the Fujinon 27mm delivers similar optics to its workhorse 18mm sibling while forgoing that lens’ shortcomings. Although this 41mm equivalent packs a powerful optical punch, it weighs in at lighter than an orange—so mounting this lens on your camera feels like adding nothing at all.
We love the 27mm because it can basically transform your high-end X-Mount camera into a point-and-shoot without compromising image quality. It’s a bizarre and unusual focal length, nestled between the photojournalist’s darling 35mm and the street photographer’s dream 50mm.
But since it boasts the same angle of view as the human eye, the 27mm can deliver supremely authentic and vivid shots.
What do reviewers say about it?
Reviewers were huge fans of the 27mm’s naturalistic focal length and slick, low-profile design. They said it was perfect for portraits, nature shots, and even architecture photography.
While this lens might not have the flashiest features around, many buyers claimed that it had captured more excellent photos than any other gear in their kit. Why is that?
Because the 27mm is so small and lightweight, it’s just more convenient to tote around than a giant zoom lens with dozens of advanced features. Put simply, pure convenience and portability set this lens apart from the crowd.
What’s good?
Portable, unobtrusive, and reasonably priced, this is an exceptional lens for capturing photos on the street and on the trail. Think of this lens as a premium, high-performance snapshot machine, perfectly equipped to capture moments as they present themselves.
A high-torque coreless motor drives a precise, powerful autofocus mechanism.
Seven lens elements in five groups, including one aspherical element, ensure that your images will turn out clear and clean. An innovative Super Electron Beam Coating keeps your images free of ghosting and other post-production headaches.
And since the lens is just a little more than half an inch thick, you’ll never think twice about pulling it out to capture a candid moment or a gorgeous trick of the light.
What could be better?
Although its low-light performance is quite solid, the 27mm does not have internal image stabilization like some of the other lenses on this list. That means you’ll need to constantly stay on your guard against camera shake and image blur, even when your lighting is copious.
There are a few unfortunate hardware issues present as well. The 27mm’s autofocus mechanism is also a little louder than you would probably prefer, especially in such an otherwise unobtrusive lens.
You’ll struggle to blend into the background at a candid street photoshoot or subdued formal setting, which will surely make this lens a no-go for some professionals.
#10. Fujinon 14mm f/2.8 R
- Dimensions: 2.28 x 2.56 x 2.56 in.
- Weight: 0.52 lbs. lbs.
- Lens Type: Prime Lens
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 14/14
- Focus type: Micromotor
- The good parts: Outstanding optics, close focusing distance, excellent sharpness, rugged materials, flexible focal length
- The not-so: Expensive, no internal stabilization
We’re closing out this list with a focal length dear to every landscape photographer’s heart: the 14mm. Thankfully, Fuji has outdone themselves with this stunning take on an old favorite.
This beautiful wide-angle lens gives you a stunning view of your surroundings.
With the 14mm, it’s easy to capture gorgeous cityscapes, sweeping interior scenes, and even beautiful views of the stars. And since its minimum focusing distance is just seven inches, you’ll still be able to capture breathtaking details on all your subjects.
Give the 14mm a whirl, and you’ll quickly see why it’s so beloved by both professionals and beginner DSLR users the world over. After that first shot, it’s sure to stay glued to your camera for the next few months–or even years.
What do reviewers say about it?
In the reviews, dozens of professional photographers agree: the 14mm is not only Fuji’s most capable wide-angle lens, but also one of the best they’ve ever used. They especially praised its glowing colors, delightful sharpness, and almost total lack of distortion.
The 14mm’s construction–which is fashioned entirely from metal, yet still remarkably light–also earned wide acclaim for its durability and comfort. The 14mm’s exceptionally quiet autofocus and satisfying focusing mechanism, while not as immediately impressive as its outstanding optics, also won many reviewers over.
What’s good?
With the 14mm’s outstanding optical design, pulling off tricky handheld and low-light shots is a breeze. Ten elements arranged in seven groups, including two aspherical and three extra low dispersion elements, expertly clear away distortions and aberrations. A rounded seven-blade diaphragm lens a classy, elegant tone to every shot.
It’s excellent for shooting at a very shallow depth of field, although its sharpness is consistently excellent across the whole frame, even when you’re stopped all the way down.
But this lens isn’t just sharp. Its colors are vivid, its bokeh is delicate, and its details are crisp. This wide-angle marvel makes an excellent companion to any of the zoom lenses on this list.
What could be better?
To add the 14mm to your lens collection, you’ll need to hand over a considerable chunk of cash. This lens is definitely worth the investment, but if you don’t spend much time yearning for a wide-angle lens, then you might be misplacing your money.
Aside from the high cost, however, there isn’t much to criticize. This lens isn’t as versatile as a zoom lens or even a prime, which is exactly what you should expect from such an extreme wide angle.
The 14mm also doesn’t have internal optical stabilization, so if low-light is non-negotiable for you, then you might want to shop elsewhere.
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