Hope the XH2 is good to you. All the new LM WR primes are excellent. Shot an event with the 23mm f/1.4 and it performed excellently in very challenging lighting. Not to mention the images looked fantastic, and I have “just” 26MP. That said it would have been a great occasion to have the 16-55 on hand, which I may pick up some day.
I bought the 'sister' 23mm a few months ago, having also considered this one. But I was ultimately more interested in the 35mm ish equiv. FF FOV. What also helped was the closest focus of the 23mm, which gives 0.2x. I do love a short focusing distance on any lens. Would definitely recommend you trying the 23mm LM WR, if you can. I do find the IQ stunning on the X-T5, even if my testing is.. let's say not quite as rigorous as yours ^_^
Speaking of lacking hardware features, I'm quite interested in those leaked samyang primes for Fuji X. Function button, declick switch, even the focus distance display on some makes me pray they have decent optics cause that's some features otherwise sorely missed in the Fuji X library.
Very nice review, as usual. I have been using it with my xt3 and am generally very happy with it. Would you say that its sweet spot is around f5.6? Thanks
You have the absolute best reviews for Fujifilm lenses! Do you plan to also review the 18mm F/1.4 R LM WR? I watched both the 23mm and the 33mm but it looks as if you haven't had a chance to do the 18mm yet.
I don't have that review currently scheduled, though I would be open to reviewing. The problem for me is that I have enough content for months already produced and scheduled and have requests from company to do reviews on a daily basis. I just don't have time to fit in much more!
Outstanding review as always! Dustin, I’m considering a foray into the Fuji System… after looking at the various bodies out there, it seems like a great system for our entire family (6 kids who love their Finepix Bridge Cameras). I may be starting with the X-H2…. What lenses would you recommend? Indoor lowlight (Birthdays, Holidays etc.), Wildlife (Birds), and a good overall Prime for landscape bokeh? Thanks! Have truly appreciated your input over the last several years… Oh, my daughter is curious if the “Keg Shed” is a Sauna? :D. Thank you!
Both the new 23mm F1.4 and 33mm F1.4 are excellent prime lenses. I'm finding the XF 18-120mm F4 to be a very nice general purpose zoom. Tamron's 150-500mm is a good option for wildlife. The new 8mm F3.5 is a very compact, optically sound extreme wide angle.
Dustin, I used to live right next to Pembroke City Hall and Anthony's is one of my favorite restaurants of all time! So weird to see that in your video. Small world.
Nice review Dustin. I just picked up this same combo a few months ago and it's my first Fuji kit. My test results were very similar to yours. I'm very happy with camera. BTW...I agree with on the lens hood, It just seems "Cheezy" compared to the build quality of the lens. Fuji offers a metal lens hood as a separate purchase, which I feel should be included.
I consider this lens a "must-have" for Fuji X-shooters. It is solid. It is sharp. It is an F1.4. AF is great. This is a small and light lens compared to what I usually have on my cameras. I don't consider it to be expensive at $800. (Go buy a new Zeiss lens sometime).
Great review, Dustin. Already own the 18m f/1.4 and I'm sure this one will be just as fantastic. I only wish that Fuji would release a high quality 27mm f/1.4, which is a focal length that I find more versatile and useful. But since they released the mark 2 version of the 27mm f/2.8 not that long ago, I doubt this will happen. F/2.8 is kinda slow for a prime, and although it supposedly resolves 40MP, I can testify that it is no match for the 18mm f/1.4.
@@DustinAbbottTWI more than considered: I own it! And you’re right; it’s fantastic. But sometimes, when I shoot at social events with a lot of people moving around, shooting MF can be a bit awkward, in particular if you need to shoot at lower apertures en DOF is small. If I have the time to shoot, the Voigtlander is a clear favorite! But thanks for the tip, though; appreciate it!
I don't get the suggestion to add de-click function to aperture rings. I can't see why anyone would want this and it would certainly add mechanical complexity for no benefit. I love the simple quality of this lens and the refreshing lack of added crap.
You obviously don't prioritize video, as this is a priority for video shooters. The truth is that this is becoming the standard on other platforms, and Fuji runs of the risk of losing their reputation for having premium lenses.
Nice review (as usual) ;) You'll surely also want to get the 23mm LM WR. I'm using both (23&33 LM WR's) on the X-T5 and they are both outstanding. The 23mm might even be slighlty sharper than the 33 (if that's even possible!). The Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 is also quite amazing on the 40mp sensor, very sharp center at 1.4 and very good corner to corner at f/2.8, excellent by f/4. Right now after testing several lenses on the X-T5 I'm finding these 3 above mentioned lenses my favorites along with the 70-300mm. Happy Shooting ;)
@@DustinAbbottTWI I don't dive deep in to testing like you do though, but just shooting these lenses I mentioned all the distant branches and leaves in the images I've taken look nice and detailed/sharp. Honestly, I am quite blown away with the XT5 and this 40mp sensor. Awesome camera!
IMO the 23mm 1.4 LM WR is the best one out of the new holy trinity of Fuji primes. Has the best magnification ratio of all three, same stellar image quality and AF speed, and the most flexible FOV IMO (unless you predominantly shoot in tight spaces). Take 3 steps back for 28mm equivalent framing, and cropping into a 50mm equivalent on the new 40MP sensor still gives you plenty of resolution. Definitely recommend trying the new 23mm before buying the 33mm.
For me the 18, as much as I love 23. The 18 is as sharp wide open in the centre as the 23 at its sharpest around f2.8, and still continues to rocket up the resolution charts from there. Yet it's the 23 that I find is too sharp especially for portrait. It seems the 23 mkii is more focussed on details than being a flattering portrait lens like the mkI. But the 18 balances the extreme sharpness with rendering similar to the 90mm, achieving a Goldilocks balance between sharpness, rendering and consistency across the frame. If the three lenses, though, the 33 is the one I'm indifferent to. No sharper in the centre than the 35 1.4 side by side. Worse minimum focussing distance, and bokeh that is less smooth. It's major selling point is its speed. But that's not something you see in the results. It's got its own look of course. That really puts the 23 in the middle for me. It has the uniqueness and features the 33 lacks, but at the same time lacks that balance the 18 has.
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Hope the XH2 is good to you. All the new LM WR primes are excellent. Shot an event with the 23mm f/1.4 and it performed excellently in very challenging lighting. Not to mention the images looked fantastic, and I have “just” 26MP. That said it would have been a great occasion to have the 16-55 on hand, which I may pick up some day.
Thanks!
I bought the 'sister' 23mm a few months ago, having also considered this one. But I was ultimately more interested in the 35mm ish equiv. FF FOV.
What also helped was the closest focus of the 23mm, which gives 0.2x. I do love a short focusing distance on any lens. Would definitely recommend you trying the 23mm LM WR, if you can. I do find the IQ stunning on the X-T5, even if my testing is.. let's say not quite as rigorous as yours ^_^
You're not the first to recommend it. I'll definitely take a look.
XT5 and the new 23mm. Definite wow factor! I’m loving this combo. Will be buying the 18mm soon as well.
Speaking of lacking hardware features, I'm quite interested in those leaked samyang primes for Fuji X. Function button, declick switch, even the focus distance display on some makes me pray they have decent optics cause that's some features otherwise sorely missed in the Fuji X library.
Agreed.
Very nice review, as usual. I have been using it with my xt3 and am generally very happy with it. Would you say that its sweet spot is around f5.6? Thanks
If you're looking for sharpness across the frame, then sure.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks
Thanks once again for taking the time. Your reviews are trusted and genuine.
Thank you very much.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Credit where due.
Nice review! The autofocus in video works better with the X-H2s and firmware 3.0 or above.
I just bought an X-H2, so here's hoping that improvement shows up in the X-H2 as well.
Thanks, great review! I’m still curious about where your iPad case is from 👍🏼
It is this case: amzn.to/42Y3cAA. There's actually a coupon on it at the moment, so a better deal than I got.
@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks a lot mate!
You have the absolute best reviews for Fujifilm lenses! Do you plan to also review the 18mm F/1.4 R LM WR? I watched both the 23mm and the 33mm but it looks as if you haven't had a chance to do the 18mm yet.
I don't have that review currently scheduled, though I would be open to reviewing. The problem for me is that I have enough content for months already produced and scheduled and have requests from company to do reviews on a daily basis. I just don't have time to fit in much more!
Outstanding review as always! Dustin, I’m considering a foray into the Fuji System… after looking at the various bodies out there, it seems like a great system for our entire family (6 kids who love their Finepix Bridge Cameras). I may be starting with the X-H2…. What lenses would you recommend? Indoor lowlight (Birthdays, Holidays etc.), Wildlife (Birds), and a good overall Prime for landscape bokeh?
Thanks! Have truly appreciated your input over the last several years… Oh, my daughter is curious if the “Keg Shed” is a Sauna? :D. Thank you!
Both the new 23mm F1.4 and 33mm F1.4 are excellent prime lenses. I'm finding the XF 18-120mm F4 to be a very nice general purpose zoom. Tamron's 150-500mm is a good option for wildlife. The new 8mm F3.5 is a very compact, optically sound extreme wide angle.
Thank you sir for reviewing this lens! I've been gushing over it for awhile as well as the Viltrox 75 1.2 🤤😭
Two excellent lenses, for sure.
Dustin, I used to live right next to Pembroke City Hall and Anthony's is one of my favorite restaurants of all time! So weird to see that in your video. Small world.
That's cool. I get those connections every now and then.
How does it compare to the older 35mm 1.4?
I've only reviewed the 35mm F2, so I can't really comment.
Nice review Dustin. I just picked up this same combo a few months ago and it's my first Fuji kit. My test results were very similar to yours. I'm very happy with camera. BTW...I agree with on the lens hood, It just seems "Cheezy" compared to the build quality of the lens. Fuji offers a metal lens hood as a separate purchase, which I feel should be included.
Exactly...particularly at the price of the lens.
I consider this lens a "must-have" for Fuji X-shooters. It is solid. It is sharp. It is an F1.4. AF is great. This is a small and light lens compared to what I usually have on my cameras. I don't consider it to be expensive at $800. (Go buy a new Zeiss lens sometime).
Fair points. I really liked this one as well.
Great review, Dustin. Already own the 18m f/1.4 and I'm sure this one will be just as fantastic. I only wish that Fuji would release a high quality 27mm f/1.4, which is a focal length that I find more versatile and useful. But since they released the mark 2 version of the 27mm f/2.8 not that long ago, I doubt this will happen. F/2.8 is kinda slow for a prime, and although it supposedly resolves 40MP, I can testify that it is no match for the 18mm f/1.4.
Have you considering the Viltrox Pro AF 27mm F1.2? It's an amazing lens.
@@DustinAbbottTWI more than considered: I own it! And you’re right; it’s fantastic. But sometimes, when I shoot at social events with a lot of people moving around, shooting MF can be a bit awkward, in particular if you need to shoot at lower apertures en DOF is small. If I have the time to shoot, the Voigtlander is a clear favorite! But thanks for the tip, though; appreciate it!
sigma 30mm 1.4 for fujifilm review please
I've just purchased an X-H2 (I'm awaiting its arrival), so I should be able to do more X-mount reviews in the future.
have you reviewed the xf18 1.4?
I don't believe so.
@@DustinAbbottTWI it's well regarded, even sharper some say than the xf33 1.4. Please review the xf18 1.4 if you can.
I have the 33 1.4 and the 18 1.4. The 18 1.4 is equally excellent.
@@davidbrighten2572 which camera body do you use them on?
@@M.Redsky I use the xf 18 1.4 and 33 1.4 on the X-T5 (fantastic), XPro3 and Xpro2. The 18 1.4 resolution on the 40mp sensor rivals my Leica Q2.
So tempting but I LOVE my Fujifilm 35mm f1.4 oh so much
Fair enough.
I don't get the suggestion to add de-click function to aperture rings. I can't see why anyone would want this and it would certainly add mechanical complexity for no benefit. I love the simple quality of this lens and the refreshing lack of added crap.
You obviously don't prioritize video, as this is a priority for video shooters. The truth is that this is becoming the standard on other platforms, and Fuji runs of the risk of losing their reputation for having premium lenses.
Thanks for the explanation. You're correct, video is not a priority for me but at least I get where those asking for this are coming from.
Nice review (as usual) ;) You'll surely also want to get the 23mm LM WR. I'm using both (23&33 LM WR's) on the X-T5 and they are both outstanding. The 23mm might even be slighlty sharper than the 33 (if that's even possible!).
The Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 is also quite amazing on the 40mp sensor, very sharp center at 1.4 and very good corner to corner at f/2.8, excellent by f/4.
Right now after testing several lenses on the X-T5 I'm finding these 3 above mentioned lenses my favorites along with the 70-300mm.
Happy Shooting ;)
Thanks for the recommendations.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I don't dive deep in to testing like you do though, but just shooting these lenses I mentioned all the distant branches and leaves in the images I've taken look nice and detailed/sharp. Honestly, I am quite blown away with the XT5 and this 40mp sensor. Awesome camera!
50 pesos! what a nice suprise :)
:)
IMO the 23mm 1.4 LM WR is the best one out of the new holy trinity of Fuji primes. Has the best magnification ratio of all three, same stellar image quality and AF speed, and the most flexible FOV IMO (unless you predominantly shoot in tight spaces). Take 3 steps back for 28mm equivalent framing, and cropping into a 50mm equivalent on the new 40MP sensor still gives you plenty of resolution. Definitely recommend trying the new 23mm before buying the 33mm.
For me the 18, as much as I love 23. The 18 is as sharp wide open in the centre as the 23 at its sharpest around f2.8, and still continues to rocket up the resolution charts from there. Yet it's the 23 that I find is too sharp especially for portrait. It seems the 23 mkii is more focussed on details than being a flattering portrait lens like the mkI. But the 18 balances the extreme sharpness with rendering similar to the 90mm, achieving a Goldilocks balance between sharpness, rendering and consistency across the frame.
If the three lenses, though, the 33 is the one I'm indifferent to. No sharper in the centre than the 35 1.4 side by side. Worse minimum focussing distance, and bokeh that is less smooth. It's major selling point is its speed. But that's not something you see in the results. It's got its own look of course.
That really puts the 23 in the middle for me. It has the uniqueness and features the 33 lacks, but at the same time lacks that balance the 18 has.
I've put in a request to Fuji to look at a 23mm loaner.
Great review - pity about the clipped audio though.
Agreed. Shooting on an unfamiliar camera.
Sometimes people do forget that 40 megapixels on apsc, is equivalent (from a pixel density standpoint) to a 100+ megapixels on full frame.
Exactly. It's a very demanding sensor.
I believe it is 91mp equivalent. Still a lot to resolve.
Not 100 it's like 60 ..1.5 remember
@@nevvanclarke9225 1.5 in length, 1.5^2 in area =>> pixel density of ~90mp ff equiv
@@nevvanclarke9225
No, 1.5x is linear. Pixel density is that value squared, so 2.25x 40 MP APS-C equals 90 MP FF.