A few people have raised concerns over reliability and bad autofocus at night. In terms of reliability, I have had no issues and I just throw this thing into my bag without any caps. Of course time will tell and there will be a long term review on my blog in 6-12 months. As for low light autofocus.... honestly... I had 0 issues on an XH2s. Same as daytime tbh. I will try again tho and pay extra attention
The OG version I think was more sensitive. For me, I put a hood on it that I think pressed .. even lightly.. against the lens and ended up getting AF issues. Samy’s, via Fuji, repaired for $177. Keep in mind I’ve used the 27 for an almost a decade and only had this one issue. Just give the part of the lend that comes out ‘room’ in case your camera gets turned on in your bag.
Two things: 1. Seemed to me on my X-T30 that the autofocus performance on the 27mm was markedly slower and less reliable than on my x-t5, so others may complain if not using newer cameras. 2. If you have a lens hood, it is physically moved by the autofocusing, which plausibly impacts/loads the focus motor performance (i got a lens hood, tried it a few times, didn’t find it worth it, and because of the way it attaches, it is less a protection and more seemingly a lever to cause damage)
I love this lens paired with my X-E4 - they've gone all over the world with me. Light, unobtrusive, and enjoyable to use. Like a digital version of those mid-century compact 40mm rangefinder film cameras.
I also have this combination. The perfect X100 alternative. Would be nice if Fuji also made a 23mm pancake. For my GFX 50sII I also have the 50 f3.5 pancake which matches the 27mm
@@Aj_crud Me too also. I preordered on the 1st day. Waited 2 1/2 months and then said enough is enough. Waited a year for the X100V before Fuji stopped manufacturing that Gödel and canceled my order. I’m not waiting a year for the VI. Bought a Sony A7C with 35mm lens for less than the VI. Clearly Fuji doesn’t want my business. So be it. I voted with my wallet. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
The 27mmF2.8 came alive for me on the X-T5 after rarely using it on my x-t30. The autofocus got faster and feel like the noise bothers me less, not sure why. Lovely
Almost got sucked into the x100vi hype and tried to get one, but even in Tokyo they were sold out. When senses were regained I got the 27mm + 90mm instead. Killer kombo, and the 27 has a permanent temporary new home on the xt5. Like you say, pocketable (almost).
As a M43 system user, I havd the Panasonic Lumix 20mm 1.7 almost permanently on my OM5 iii. It's versatility is excellent and fits into almost every pocket.
Totally agree Roman. It's a great combination with my X-T5 for a walk around/family lens. I initially bought the lens for its size but the image quality has blown me away (for what it is).
I would suggest the TTArtisan 25 f/2 when compared to Voightlander 27 f/2 on manual focus and keeping both kidneys. Otherwise, for auto focus, the TTArtisan 27 f/2 is brighter, lighter and a fraction of the price (ok, lacks weather sealing but whatever)
Hey! i just picked up a X-E2 its my first camera ever. I haven't received mine yet, how do you like yours? I ordered a 35mm Fuji XC lens as my first lens since everyone says everyone need a nifty fifty as their first lens.
@@freshandsaltyjohnny Love the - E2 Has the same sensor as my beloved X-T1, which I sold and immediately missed!! The X E2 is smaller, pretty much pocketable, so I take it everywhere. The film simulation options are incredible too. Check out Fuji Weekly. Absolutely top notch first camera, my first Fuji was the X-E1. So, above all enjoy 😁
I’m not sure if Fuji corrected this issue in the design, but with the older non WR version, the autofocus motor mechanism is very fragile and breaks easily, especially if screwing a filter into the threads. Found this out the hard way. Just be careful with that if you get it. Otherwise it’s a great lens and I enjoyed it while it lasted.
Interesting to see this comment. As I was watching the video one of my thoughts was about how the heck the engineers designed motors to fit in such a tiny space. Your comment to me makes a lot of sense. I'm guessing it wasn't an easy task to engineer nor to implement.
@@VincentTse I got mine on sale, so it cost more to repair than I bought it. I’m putting off the repair for now and shooting with other lenses instead. Really miss how light it made my X-T1 though, very nearly a pocketable setup
Thank you for nice video Roman. I absolutely agree about size topic. XT5 is being pocketable with this lens, and I always take it outside. Basically, 27mm pancake lens makes XT5 and XPRO2 pocketable and inspiring you to take more photos around. Cheers !
I had both versions of this lens a few years ago, back when the first version was us$60 and the WR version was us$200. I ended up selling both due how much better the 35mm f2 was for low light, silent autofocus and bokeh rendering, and it wasn’t significantly bigger or heavier to make a difference to me. Now that the 27mm f2.8 is even more expensive than the 35mm I’d be even more comfortable choosing the 35mm f2 over it. Sure, it’s a little tighter but I just take a step back to get the same composition 😅
I love, Love, LOVE this lens!!! Small and easy to pack and haul around all day. Let your legs do the scene adjustment! I got it with my X-E4 when the hype train was in bullet mode on the X100V. I just couldn't get a camera that I couldn't change lenses on though so I got this as a kit. With this and the 33 mm for night walks, and the 16-80mm as a zoom, I don't feel like I really need anything else when taking the camera on a trip. BTW, I think I got one of the last X-E4s in my area before Fujifilm stopped production.
Nice review! Pretty sure the aperture ring (and maybe focus ring) is plastic, but doesn’t really make it feel less premium. Got mine from eBay for 350 quids and can’t be more happy with it. Think I’ll get an X-E3 or X-Pro2 for it to make a permanent home, currently I have it on an X-H2, but I want something lighter on me when I’m just stoping by Sainsbury’s 😂
I highly recommend the Voigtlander 27mm F2, which is as small as the Fuji, faster and sharper IMO. Great build quality, manual focus but super easy to focus. Fantastic lens!
I wanted the 18 version of this but the focus throw was wayyyy too short. It went from infinity to 1m in under a cm of rotation. I like 2.5m and 5m for 18mm on aps-c. 1m seems like a portrait lens. How is the focus throw on the 27?
Bought this lens with the Xe-4 as a kit. I think I actually prefer it to my X100v plus I get the option of dropping on either the XF18-55 or XC50-230 (another cheap under rated lens). Thanks for the video. 👍
@@snapsbyfox I have both and they are legit all I really use on my Sony. I sometimes used the 50 1.2 but I ended up selling it because it was too heavy lol
I gave up looking for a new one and went with the TTArtisan 27mm AF lens and it's been great. It's very fast to focus and silent unlike the Fuji lens; downside is vignetting but post can fix that or shoot at f/5.6-8. It's metal not plastic, but a light alloy.
This lens together with the x-e4 is great fun. I was able to buy them both in Bangkok last year. I haven't used anything else for street photography since then.
Sorry it took you so long to purchase this lens. Hard to believe you had to go to Japan to find one. Congratulations. I recently purchased a used version of this lens. 27mm seems like a strange focal length. Squarely between the 23 & 35mm focal lengths. These are my two favorite focal lengths as a street photographer. I purchased this lens as a compromise between these focal lengths. One or two steps backwards or forwards focuses this lens. The major feature of this lens, for me, is its size & weight. I put this lens on the XE1 and it it pocketable in a jacket. This lens is perfect for Fuji’s smaller bodies. Overall I’m satisfied with this lens. I would have preferred an aperture ring. Can’t have everything. Enjoy your new lens. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
My most used lens of late has been the budget TTArtisan 27mm at least until I get my X100VI. Love the size and 40mm is very usual. It has quieter Focus motors in it
I use the 27mm and the 18mm f2 on my x-e2. I use the 18mm more because I don't have stabilization and the f2 is necessary indoors. The aperture ring doesn't get accidentally spun as easily on the 27mm. On my x-h2 I usually use bigger lenses. On the x-s10 these pancakes are great
I have this lens and it spends a lot of time on my X-T30ii. I find it's performance excellent and agree with your summary, most other reviewers have been unjustifiably snooty about it.
As a Canon shooter, my 28mm f2.8 lived on my 7D Mark II - the end result is a similar focal length. It's SO good. The sharpness, the bokeh, the field of view. It's Excellent. It's so Good for street!!
Hello mate. Thanks for the video, as always. I'm off to Japan in a few weeks, and definitely plan on seeing Mt.Fuji That view you showed half way through the video. Do you have a name of the location/path I would need to take to get there......? Appreciate it..
First of all, I love this lens so much, because of how compact it is. I always carry this lens with my X-E4....But it is also very fragile, a few weeks ago my lens motor is just broken out of blue, after 3 years since X-E4 first launch. I don't like how the lens focus with its part moving out of the lens body, which gave it quite highly risk to be broken. So should be very careful especially while the lens operates. I paid for the repair about 101 Euro here in Germany, but it's fine.
6:39 my brother in Shinkansen, why would you put text in front of a MT. FUJI shot?! This lens looks like the perfect companion for the black X-T2 I managed to buy in my first ever trip to Japan two weeks ago. Wish I had it, but the XF 16-80MM F4 really saved the trip since I had no more budget for a lens and it was hard to get cheap primes there.
You said it perfectly: image quality does not equal a quality image! Yes, the lense has to do a good job for whatever photo you're taking BUT the story you're trying to tell does not depend on the image quality itself. Thanks for pointing that out, it's obvious but often ignored.
And yet will they make us a WR mark II of the 18f2? No. It's time to bring back old Fujifilm. I miss when we were bullied for owning poor man's Leicas. 😂 Thinking about it, and it's the same with the 18, why didn't they just make the lens housing like a half cm longer and have the focusing done internally for WR? The maximum extension is so minimal that it could have been completely internal. 🤔
Does a step-up ring work for this or does the focus motor get in the way? e.g. getting a 39mm to 58mm step-up ring, or do you need to get an extension filter of the 39mm because of the focus motor? (Perhaps a 39mm UV filter and then step up from there?)
I have this lens and I have an impression that it's dull... I can feel it holds the camera's potential. It doesn't have any character. Its only and main plus is its weight. I have a ricoh GR III and it's a much better compact option to me. However, after watching your video I will give this lens another try, and if my opinion doesn't change, I'll sell it.
I've been trying to purchase this lens for years but it's always out of stock. I also tried to purchase the X100vi without success. Instead, I got the Voigtländer 27mm, and Voigtländer 18mm pancake lenses for my XT2. Almost an X100vi replacement (minus the magical leaf shutter & flash sync speed capability of the x100vi). I'm debating an upgrade to an X-T5 or X-H2/X-H2s. I'm intrigued by the better EVF and build quality of the XH bodies, but concerned about the size/weight. Maybe it's ok with the small lens like you show. However, I also have the 16-55.
Hello I use the 27mm with aperture from Squerhood had no problems so far very great lens, I have now also switched to Voigtländer Ultron 27mm / f2.0 is Manuel, smaller, bright makes a lot of fun, super focal length still own the xf 23mm / f2.0 use the 27s to 90%
Thank you for the review Roman! I bought it in a kit with the XE4 for 1100€, where the lens was basically a steal. So if anybody can get their hands on a kit with e.g. the X-T30II, no 400€ price tag involved....no brainer! Would I have bought the lens for 400 quid? Not sure. But it is a really nice lens, as you said, a perfect walk-around lens to document your life. Maybe even just use Recipes and jpg and convert your camera in a point-and-shoot. That said, it needs some getting used to when you're coming from classical 23 (35mm ff eq) or 35mm (50mm ff eq) lenses.
I've been using this on my xt5 for a while even the ttartisan 27mm isn't that bad I've owned both. In real terms a bit on vignette on ttartisan. I've a drawer full of top drawer f1.2s f1.4s etc I struggle to put the others on the xt5. With Lens blur tool in lightroom. I must of been lucky with my copy of the ttartisan its practical in my use at f2.8
I have the older version of this lens. As far as i am concerned it has no serious faults. It's not as good with head and shoulder shots as the 35mm lens. But very good for street photography. Otherwise its a jack of all trades. The TTArtisans 27mm lens has a strong vignette and less quality at F2.8. If you're happy with F4 and the price is a major factor the TTArtisans could be an option. Just my opinion.
Enjoyed your video, as it confirmed many of the reasons why I bought this lens about 18months ago. Re the price here in Brasil they sell for R$1750 which is around £260 new 2nd hand will be cheaper. The auto focus is fast, I know this as I was shooting a building around town on a busy road and the cars passing kicked in the auto focus 😁 I was using the 18-55 for shots around town and I tended to get a negative vibe when shooting people. But this is less provocative. I bought it after a trip to Peru as I was very much like you on your hike except I was at 4000m+ and at times the only camera I wanted to carry was my phone, an XT 3 and a 10 -24 was not great. You mentioned the X100V hmmmmm I feel this camera is the greatest example of the power of online influencers😅 Last year I found a used XE 1 in good condition and the 27mm paired with this is good for many situations. Image quality..... Well as I am not shooting to print at 19m X 10m I think it's good enough and as you say a slightly off focus perfectly framed shot is preferable to a boring shot that has crisp edges at 400%😁
I wanted one in Dec 21. I was in Thailand so went to Big Camera. They said no problem but it comes with this, an XE 4, Oh! I went, see u in 10 mins, looked up review on XE 4 and went oooooh! Came back and bought both for less than £1000! Now I think I did quite well! Other camera is XH1
I rather like the TTArtisan 27mm. Although it does feel a little plasticy (is that a word?), I’m very happy with the photos I’ve been getting. I wonder if Fuji is planning to update this lens and that’s why it’s not in stock outside of Japan.
I had the 27mm f2.7 WR for a while and ended up selling it. I liked the picture quality and size but couldn’t live with the noisy focus motors and external focus movement of the barrel. I wish they could keep internal focusing and make it quieter. I am happy to use the f2 primes instead even if they are a bit bigger. I lately have been using the 30mm f2.8 macro more as it is just a bit wider than 35 f2, and has some great versatility as a macro.
To be honest I hate this lens. I bouht it, I tried to love it for three weeks and ended up hating it and selling it to a guy with X-M1. I love 18mm f2 - really hope that Fuji will realease a second edition with better AF and STM motors.
Great! I just got myself the Voïgtlander 27mm f/2 and I'll never look back to the Fujifilm one. Mounted on my X-E4 and there I go with my pocked-size Leica-like beauty.
I tried to buy one but as usual out of stock. I grabbed the 27mm TTartisan version for only £150, all metal build and for me a great little lens paired with my XT30II. Im off to Japan later in the year so might try to upgrade to the Fujifilm version then 👍
I love your videos. very informative and always great to watch. thank you! completely off topic, and pls, no offence meant:... i think your glasses are a bite too wide 😊
Hey do you use recipes for your pictures or do you edit them in post? If you use recipes, could you perhaps name them underneath the photos in your videos? I believe that many viewers would appreciate this very much. Otherwise, keep on pumpibg out these cool and informative videos. Thank you so much❤
If you pair it with a Fujifilm xs20 it becomes pocketable! - I have a few focal lengths from the big sexy 18mm to this little guy and I can’t get enough with the pancake ! 🥞
It’s a Great Lens! I use it everyday on my Xpro 3 and it never disappoints me. I think you also made a really good Point for using it at Night. I use it a Lot at Night time, and it just shows that you don’t need that fancy f 0,95. You can make it work. I think the 27mm fills up a Space for a lot of different things to shoot, once you get used to it! Great Video 🫶🏻
I really wanted to like this lens, the size and the build quality but apart from street photography I dont think its suitable for anything else. Its not wide and its not tight with a fast aperture for portraits. I find myself always wanting to step back when using it as a daily carry and sometimes there isnt the room to step back. I cant understand why Fuji doesnt offer a similar sized 23mm pancake, this just doesnt do it for me but the current 23mm f2 is too big so I'm left with this compromise.
I literally didn’t see as many cars as I’d hoped in Japan. Went to liberty walk and bought the pin of the orange and green FD coincidentally, only to see it showed up the day after 😢 I’m so sad about that, but glad my fave photographer got some pics of it!
Just got this for a trip to Spain. Shooting a wedding here, but didn't want to walk around with all the big fast glass. It's barely left my camera all trip except the 18 came out to play in some tight spaces.
Yes it’s a very interesting lens use mine with my x pro2 imo a dream combo even though the x pro 2 is old … the camera has something about its behavior, and for a reason I don’t know its the only digital camera which I like to use with ridiculous high ISO, so to speak, the noise artifacts are adding something mice to the picture….
A rare commodity in Canada too. May have to look into a Viltrox version. I'll have to keep searching, as it's a nice to have lens & not a need lens. Have to check my lineage to see if I know anyone in Japan............Thanks for the video.
Would love another video on this lens - how to get best from it, what are the best shots/scenarios to use it for, and which shots/scenarios a different lens would be better. Thanks! I love this lens with my xt30ii but not sure I’m getting the best out of it?
I am not much of a photographer.. but my only lens atm is the 27mm gen 1. I've been perfectly happy with it. I can picture a scene with it or more of a potrait. Rarely I have missed a tele or even less a wider field of view.
I've had the first gen 27mm for quite a while, but for quite some time I struggled with it, only keeping it because of the weight. But at some point it kind of clicked and in the last few years I've been enjoying it a lot, now feels very natural to shoot with the 40mm equiv. Now I need to do the same with 28mm equiv...
Thank you for the comprehensive review. I managed to grab a copy of this lens on the used market here in the USA (and yes, I paid the premium). Like you, I was looking for something small and compact in preparation for a trip to Europe. Slapped this on an XT-5 the day it arrived and hustled to the beach near my home. With a little patience, I quickly learned to care less about the motors and occasional focus hunt. The lens renders gorgeous images (IMHO) for storytelling.
I got the 27mm as a bundle lens when I purchased my X-E4. It's a good size for pocketing but I've found it a focal length that I don't enjoy as much. It's also mega noisy if you wish to take a quick video and don't turn off autofocus -a rode lapel mic gets around that, but it's still quite clunky. I've found the best lens pocketable combo for the X-E4 at least to be my vintage Jupiter- 3 lens on a m-39 converter. It's small, and gives lots of vintage character to the images, if you can get on with the manual focusing.
Thank you soooo much for this. 40mm full frame equivalent is my favourite walk around focal length. I have it on my Leica M 262. I had the equivalent) on my micro 4/3 system back in the day. I have the 56, 33 and 16 with my X-T5, but I'm excited to see Fuji do this focal length.
A few people have raised concerns over reliability and bad autofocus at night.
In terms of reliability, I have had no issues and I just throw this thing into my bag without any caps. Of course time will tell and there will be a long term review on my blog in 6-12 months.
As for low light autofocus.... honestly... I had 0 issues on an XH2s. Same as daytime tbh. I will try again tho and pay extra attention
The OG version I think was more sensitive. For me, I put a hood on it that I think pressed .. even lightly.. against the lens and ended up getting AF issues. Samy’s, via Fuji, repaired for $177.
Keep in mind I’ve used the 27 for an almost a decade and only had this one issue. Just give the part of the lend that comes out ‘room’ in case your camera gets turned on in your bag.
Two things:
1. Seemed to me on my X-T30 that the autofocus performance on the 27mm was markedly slower and less reliable than on my x-t5, so others may complain if not using newer cameras.
2. If you have a lens hood, it is physically moved by the autofocusing, which plausibly impacts/loads the focus motor performance (i got a lens hood, tried it a few times, didn’t find it worth it, and because of the way it attaches, it is less a protection and more seemingly a lever to cause damage)
I love this lens paired with my X-E4 - they've gone all over the world with me. Light, unobtrusive, and enjoyable to use. Like a digital version of those mid-century compact 40mm rangefinder film cameras.
I also have this combination. The perfect X100 alternative. Would be nice if Fuji also made a 23mm pancake. For my GFX 50sII I also have the 50 f3.5 pancake which matches the 27mm
Very much under rated the XE series
Yes, I use mine with my XE2. I also have a Canonet 40mm rangefinder. They often travel together. Almost identical size, weight and feel.
@@TarrelScot cannonet that's a blast from the past, very capable little camera
@@stevepaint Agree! The XE-3 is a little miracle.
27mm + XE4 for street photography. Killer combo 👌
I fitted one of these to an X-T30ii - great lightweight carry! Cancelled my order for the X100VI
Me too!!
@@Aj_crud Me too also.
I preordered on the 1st day. Waited 2 1/2 months and then said enough is enough. Waited a year for the X100V before Fuji stopped manufacturing that Gödel and canceled my order. I’m not waiting a year for the VI. Bought a Sony A7C with 35mm lens for less than the VI. Clearly Fuji doesn’t want my business. So be it. I voted with my wallet.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
haha same!!
The 27mmF2.8 came alive for me on the X-T5 after rarely using it on my x-t30. The autofocus got faster and feel like the noise bothers me less, not sure why. Lovely
Almost got sucked into the x100vi hype and tried to get one, but even in Tokyo they were sold out. When senses were regained I got the 27mm + 90mm instead. Killer kombo, and the 27 has a permanent temporary new home on the xt5. Like you say, pocketable (almost).
Same thing happened to me. I eventually went with the 27mm and 56 1.2
As a M43 system user, I havd the Panasonic Lumix 20mm 1.7 almost permanently on my OM5 iii. It's versatility is excellent and fits into almost every pocket.
My LUMIX 20/1.7 shares residences between the GX8 and 85. The PL15 lives on the GX9.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
I think you've made the case for taking the gondola *up* the mountain and walking back down!
Great video BTW.
where's the fun in that haha
X-Pro 3 with the 27mm has been my everyday for over a year and I think it’s worth it just for the size. Great video as always and thanks for sharing.
Totally agree Roman. It's a great combination with my X-T5 for a walk around/family lens. I initially bought the lens for its size but the image quality has blown me away (for what it is).
I would suggest the TTArtisan 25 f/2 when compared to Voightlander 27 f/2 on manual focus and keeping both kidneys. Otherwise, for auto focus, the TTArtisan 27 f/2 is brighter, lighter and a fraction of the price (ok, lacks weather sealing but whatever)
Recently got my XT30-II and loving it with the pancake lens. Its so easy to bring around.
Thank you Roman, I'm glad you said what you said as I just picked one up for my XE2! Really useful video, thank you 😊
Hey! i just picked up a X-E2 its my first camera ever. I haven't received mine yet, how do you like yours? I ordered a 35mm Fuji XC lens as my first lens since everyone says everyone need a nifty fifty as their first lens.
@@freshandsaltyjohnny Love the - E2 Has the same sensor as my beloved X-T1, which I sold and immediately missed!! The X E2 is smaller, pretty much pocketable, so I take it everywhere. The film simulation options are incredible too. Check out Fuji Weekly. Absolutely top notch first camera, my first Fuji was the X-E1. So, above all enjoy 😁
Been waiting for a video on this! Love the perspective on the lens.
I’m not sure if Fuji corrected this issue in the design, but with the older non WR version, the autofocus motor mechanism is very fragile and breaks easily, especially if screwing a filter into the threads. Found this out the hard way. Just be careful with that if you get it. Otherwise it’s a great lens and I enjoyed it while it lasted.
Thanks for the heads up!
Interesting to see this comment. As I was watching the video one of my thoughts was about how the heck the engineers designed motors to fit in such a tiny space. Your comment to me makes a lot of sense. I'm guessing it wasn't an easy task to engineer nor to implement.
I got mine repaired once, same reason of using a third party lens hood.... I still have the official lens filter now
@@VincentTse I got mine on sale, so it cost more to repair than I bought it. I’m putting off the repair for now and shooting with other lenses instead. Really miss how light it made my X-T1 though, very nearly a pocketable setup
@@charliejg For sure. It’s such a small motor that any extra force would probably strain the motor too much for it to bear.
my first ever fuji lens, compact and sharp 👍🏼
Can anyone recommend a 27mm equivalent for the APS-C xt-30?
Thank you for nice video Roman. I absolutely agree about size topic. XT5 is being pocketable with this lens, and I always take it outside. Basically, 27mm pancake lens makes XT5 and XPRO2 pocketable and inspiring you to take more photos around. Cheers !
I had both versions of this lens a few years ago, back when the first version was us$60 and the WR version was us$200. I ended up selling both due how much better the 35mm f2 was for low light, silent autofocus and bokeh rendering, and it wasn’t significantly bigger or heavier to make a difference to me. Now that the 27mm f2.8 is even more expensive than the 35mm I’d be even more comfortable choosing the 35mm f2 over it. Sure, it’s a little tighter but I just take a step back to get the same composition 😅
I love, Love, LOVE this lens!!! Small and easy to pack and haul around all day. Let your legs do the scene adjustment! I got it with my X-E4 when the hype train was in bullet mode on the X100V. I just couldn't get a camera that I couldn't change lenses on though so I got this as a kit. With this and the 33 mm for night walks, and the 16-80mm as a zoom, I don't feel like I really need anything else when taking the camera on a trip.
BTW, I think I got one of the last X-E4s in my area before Fujifilm stopped production.
Nice review! Pretty sure the aperture ring (and maybe focus ring) is plastic, but doesn’t really make it feel less premium. Got mine from eBay for 350 quids and can’t be more happy with it. Think I’ll get an X-E3 or X-Pro2 for it to make a permanent home, currently I have it on an X-H2, but I want something lighter on me when I’m just stoping by Sainsbury’s 😂
I highly recommend the Voigtlander 27mm F2, which is as small as the Fuji, faster and sharper IMO. Great build quality, manual focus but super easy to focus. Fantastic lens!
Was going to say this, too. Definitely.
Just bought a vintage Pentax 28 2.8. For £35 Lovely
Agreed!
I wanted the 18 version of this but the focus throw was wayyyy too short. It went from infinity to 1m in under a cm of rotation. I like 2.5m and 5m for 18mm on aps-c. 1m seems like a portrait lens. How is the focus throw on the 27?
But it’s manual focus!!
Bought this lens with the Xe-4 as a kit. I think I actually prefer it to my X100v plus I get the option of dropping on either the XF18-55 or XC50-230 (another cheap under rated lens). Thanks for the video. 👍
My 40mm 2.5 is easily my most used lens out of all of my Sony glass. 40mm is life
Yes. 40 2.5 lives on my A7Cii.
tbh that's the one lens that would make me switch to Sony. And the 24-70 mk2
@@snapsbyfoxthis won’t help.. but the Sony GM 24-70 II is stunning.
I have the GM 35 1.4 on the way. I was told I HAD to try it.
@@snapsbyfox I have both and they are legit all I really use on my Sony. I sometimes used the 50 1.2 but I ended up selling it because it was too heavy lol
My first lens together with my XT5. I love how it fits on my daily dumpling bag and not heavy to bring. ❤
Its quite noisy. And I remember my x100v....that stopped me from buying into the x100vi. It just doesnt feel premium with this noise. 😂
I gave up looking for a new one and went with the TTArtisan 27mm AF lens and it's been great. It's very fast to focus and silent unlike the Fuji lens; downside is vignetting but post can fix that or shoot at f/5.6-8. It's metal not plastic, but a light alloy.
Awesome! The "Vlog" parts,
for example at the beginning, which camera were they recorded with?
this plus the 18f2 and the xc 50-230 make up my travel kit. The 27 is the favourite of the lot and gets the lions share of the time on the xe4.
Go for Viltrox 40mm F2.5 ($ 168) or the more expensive Sony G 40mm F2.5 + any FF camera (Nikon ZF, Sony A7C2).
This is why I use the 18-55 lens 98% of the time for street photography.
What is the name of the rope camera strap you are using?
This lens together with the x-e4 is great fun. I was able to buy them both in Bangkok last year. I haven't used anything else for street photography since then.
This is a daylight lens, autofocus in the low light is bad
Sorry it took you so long to purchase this lens. Hard to believe you had to go to Japan to find one. Congratulations.
I recently purchased a used version of this lens. 27mm seems like a strange focal length. Squarely between the 23 & 35mm focal lengths. These are my two favorite focal lengths as a street photographer. I purchased this lens as a compromise between these focal lengths. One or two steps backwards or forwards focuses this lens. The major feature of this lens, for me, is its size & weight. I put this lens on the XE1 and it it pocketable in a jacket. This lens is perfect for Fuji’s smaller bodies.
Overall I’m satisfied with this lens. I would have preferred an aperture ring. Can’t have everything.
Enjoy your new lens.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Honestly, your photos are so good, you could be taking them with a potato lens and they would still look great.
even better with a sweet-potatoe lens ;-)
My most used lens of late has been the budget TTArtisan 27mm at least until I get my X100VI. Love the size and 40mm is very usual. It has quieter Focus motors in it
Disagree with the sharpness of this lens. It's very very very sharp. Great video anyway 🙏
I use the 27mm and the 18mm f2 on my x-e2. I use the 18mm more because I don't have stabilization and the f2 is necessary indoors. The aperture ring doesn't get accidentally spun as easily on the 27mm.
On my x-h2 I usually use bigger lenses. On the x-s10 these pancakes are great
If you only have to pick one prime, would it be the 27mm 2.8 or the 35mm f/2 ?
I throw my 27mm on my X-S10 and it’s a great small kit.
I have this lens and it spends a lot of time on my X-T30ii. I find it's performance excellent and agree with your summary, most other reviewers have been unjustifiably snooty about it.
WOULD YOU GET THIS OVER THE VOIGTLANDER 27MM F2?
I recently purchased a second hand one! It's sitting on my X-A3 taking it to Japan next month hoping to upgrade to a XT3 for this lens there.
I use a 40mm on my full frame camera and I can confirm it is the perfect walk around lens.
First fixed lens ever back in 2014 paired with X-M1. Still using it today !
As a Canon shooter, my 28mm f2.8 lived on my 7D Mark II - the end result is a similar focal length. It's SO good. The sharpness, the bokeh, the field of view. It's Excellent. It's so Good for street!!
The Canon equivalent for this is the 40 2.8 pancake (on a FF that is).
xe3 and the 18 and the 27. 95% of the time.
I was thinking of picking up a lens in Japan and this was on my list! Thanks so much for the review!
Hello mate. Thanks for the video, as always.
I'm off to Japan in a few weeks, and definitely plan on seeing Mt.Fuji That view you showed half way through the video. Do you have a name of the location/path I would need to take to get there......? Appreciate it..
I think it’s Kawaguchiko Tenjozan park.
yep that's it just head to Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and take the trail just to the right
Hello Roman …..What’s your thoughts about XT30 ll with 27mm combo for Streetphotography and everyday shooting ?
First of all, I love this lens so much, because of how compact it is. I always carry this lens with my X-E4....But it is also very fragile, a few weeks ago my lens motor is just broken out of blue, after 3 years since X-E4 first launch. I don't like how the lens focus with its part moving out of the lens body, which gave it quite highly risk to be broken. So should be very careful especially while the lens operates. I paid for the repair about 101 Euro here in Germany, but it's fine.
6:39 my brother in Shinkansen, why would you put text in front of a MT. FUJI shot?!
This lens looks like the perfect companion for the black X-T2 I managed to buy in my first ever trip to Japan two weeks ago. Wish I had it, but the XF 16-80MM F4 really saved the trip since I had no more budget for a lens and it was hard to get cheap primes there.
or you can just buy viltrox 23mm f/1.4. faster lens, use high mp fujis so that you still can digital zoom into 27mm perspective
You said it perfectly: image quality does not equal a quality image!
Yes, the lense has to do a good job for whatever photo you're taking BUT the story you're trying to tell does not depend on the image quality itself.
Thanks for pointing that out, it's obvious but often ignored.
And yet will they make us a WR mark II of the 18f2? No.
It's time to bring back old Fujifilm. I miss when we were bullied for owning poor man's Leicas. 😂
Thinking about it, and it's the same with the 18, why didn't they just make the lens housing like a half cm longer and have the focusing done internally for WR? The maximum extension is so minimal that it could have been completely internal. 🤔
Does a step-up ring work for this or does the focus motor get in the way?
e.g. getting a 39mm to 58mm step-up ring, or do you need to get an extension filter of the 39mm because of the focus motor? (Perhaps a 39mm UV filter and then step up from there?)
I have this lens and I have an impression that it's dull... I can feel it holds the camera's potential. It doesn't have any character. Its only and main plus is its weight.
I have a ricoh GR III and it's a much better compact option to me. However, after watching your video I will give this lens another try, and if my opinion doesn't change, I'll sell it.
I've been trying to purchase this lens for years but it's always out of stock. I also tried to purchase the X100vi without success. Instead, I got the Voigtländer 27mm, and Voigtländer 18mm pancake lenses for my XT2. Almost an X100vi replacement (minus the magical leaf shutter & flash sync speed capability of the x100vi). I'm debating an upgrade to an X-T5 or X-H2/X-H2s. I'm intrigued by the better EVF and build quality of the XH bodies, but concerned about the size/weight. Maybe it's ok with the small lens like you show. However, I also have the 16-55.
Hello I use the 27mm with aperture from Squerhood had no problems so far very great lens, I have now also switched to Voigtländer Ultron 27mm / f2.0 is Manuel, smaller, bright makes a lot of fun, super focal length still own the xf 23mm / f2.0 use the 27s to 90%
Thank you for the review Roman! I bought it in a kit with the XE4 for 1100€, where the lens was basically a steal. So if anybody can get their hands on a kit with e.g. the X-T30II, no 400€ price tag involved....no brainer! Would I have bought the lens for 400 quid? Not sure. But it is a really nice lens, as you said, a perfect walk-around lens to document your life. Maybe even just use Recipes and jpg and convert your camera in a point-and-shoot. That said, it needs some getting used to when you're coming from classical 23 (35mm ff eq) or 35mm (50mm ff eq) lenses.
I've been using this on my xt5 for a while even the ttartisan 27mm isn't that bad I've owned both. In real terms a bit on vignette on ttartisan. I've a drawer full of top drawer f1.2s f1.4s etc I struggle to put the others on the xt5. With Lens blur tool in lightroom. I must of been lucky with my copy of the ttartisan its practical in my use at f2.8
I have the older version of this lens. As far as i am concerned it has no serious faults. It's not as good with head and shoulder shots as the 35mm lens. But very good for street photography. Otherwise its a jack of all trades. The TTArtisans 27mm lens has a strong vignette and less quality at F2.8. If you're happy with F4 and the price is a major factor the TTArtisans could be an option. Just my opinion.
Enjoyed your video, as it confirmed many of the reasons why I bought this lens about 18months ago.
Re the price here in Brasil they sell for R$1750 which is around £260 new 2nd hand will be cheaper.
The auto focus is fast, I know this as I was shooting a building around town on a busy road and the cars passing kicked in the auto focus 😁
I was using the 18-55 for shots around town and I tended to get a negative vibe when shooting people. But this is less provocative.
I bought it after a trip to Peru as I was very much like you on your hike except I was at 4000m+ and at times the only camera I wanted to carry was my phone, an XT 3 and a 10 -24 was not great.
You mentioned the X100V hmmmmm I feel this camera is the greatest example of the power of online influencers😅
Last year I found a used XE 1 in good condition and the 27mm paired with this is good for many situations.
Image quality..... Well as I am not shooting to print at 19m X 10m I think it's good enough and as you say a slightly off focus perfectly framed shot is preferable to a boring shot that has crisp edges at 400%😁
I wanted one in Dec 21. I was in Thailand so went to Big Camera. They said no problem but it comes with this, an XE 4, Oh! I went, see u in 10 mins, looked up review on XE 4 and went oooooh! Came back and bought both for less than £1000! Now I think I did quite well! Other camera is XH1
I rather like the TTArtisan 27mm. Although it does feel a little plasticy (is that a word?), I’m very happy with the photos I’ve been getting. I wonder if Fuji is planning to update this lens and that’s why it’s not in stock outside of Japan.
I had the 27mm f2.7 WR for a while and ended up selling it. I liked the picture quality and size but couldn’t live with the noisy focus motors and external focus movement of the barrel. I wish they could keep internal focusing and make it quieter. I am happy to use the f2 primes instead even if they are a bit bigger. I lately have been using the 30mm f2.8 macro more as it is just a bit wider than 35 f2, and has some great versatility as a macro.
To be honest I hate this lens. I bouht it, I tried to love it for three weeks and ended up hating it and selling it to a guy with X-M1.
I love 18mm f2 - really hope that Fuji will realease a second edition with better AF and STM motors.
Great! I just got myself the Voïgtlander 27mm f/2 and I'll never look back to the Fujifilm one. Mounted on my X-E4 and there I go with my pocked-size Leica-like beauty.
I tried to buy one but as usual out of stock. I grabbed the 27mm TTartisan version for only £150, all metal build and for me a great little lens paired with my XT30II. Im off to Japan later in the year so might try to upgrade to the Fujifilm version then 👍
I love your videos. very informative and always great to watch. thank you!
completely off topic, and pls, no offence meant:... i think your glasses are a bite too wide 😊
Hey do you use recipes for your pictures or do you edit them in post? If you use recipes, could you perhaps name them underneath the photos in your videos? I believe that many viewers would appreciate this very much. Otherwise, keep on pumpibg out these cool and informative videos. Thank you so much❤
If you pair it with a Fujifilm xs20 it becomes pocketable! - I have a few focal lengths from the big sexy 18mm to this little guy and I can’t get enough with the pancake ! 🥞
It’s a Great Lens! I use it everyday on my Xpro 3 and it never disappoints me. I think you also made a really good Point for using it at Night. I use it a Lot at Night time, and it just shows that you don’t need that fancy f 0,95. You can make it work.
I think the 27mm fills up a Space for a lot of different things to shoot, once you get used to it!
Great Video 🫶🏻
I really wanted to like this lens, the size and the build quality but apart from street photography I dont think its suitable for anything else. Its not wide and its not tight with a fast aperture for portraits. I find myself always wanting to step back when using it as a daily carry and sometimes there isnt the room to step back. I cant understand why Fuji doesnt offer a similar sized 23mm pancake, this just doesnt do it for me but the current 23mm f2 is too big so I'm left with this compromise.
Love my 27mm. I find it a very versatile focal length. Pair it with an X-pro body for an even more X100-like experience.
I literally didn’t see as many cars as I’d hoped in Japan. Went to liberty walk and bought the pin of the orange and green FD coincidentally, only to see it showed up the day after 😢 I’m so sad about that, but glad my fave photographer got some pics of it!
Just got this for a trip to Spain. Shooting a wedding here, but didn't want to walk around with all the big fast glass. It's barely left my camera all trip except the 18 came out to play in some tight spaces.
Yes it’s a very interesting lens use mine with my x pro2 imo a dream combo even though the x pro 2 is old … the camera has something about its behavior, and for a reason I don’t know its the only digital camera which I like to use with ridiculous high ISO, so to speak, the noise artifacts are adding something mice to the picture….
You can always crop a little but with 23mm (35mm). That's why in my opinion 23mm is the optimal focal length.
I had two faulty 27/2.8 with AF motors getting stuck in off position before giving up
Used Tartisan 27mm F2.8 and my life just got better and better!
A rare commodity in Canada too. May have to look into a Viltrox version. I'll have to keep searching, as it's a nice to have lens & not a need lens. Have to check my lineage to see if I know anyone in Japan............Thanks for the video.
Would love another video on this lens - how to get best from it, what are the best shots/scenarios to use it for, and which shots/scenarios a different lens would be better. Thanks! I love this lens with my xt30ii but not sure I’m getting the best out of it?
I am not much of a photographer.. but my only lens atm is the 27mm gen 1. I've been perfectly happy with it. I can picture a scene with it or more of a potrait. Rarely I have missed a tele or even less a wider field of view.
Is this really that much better than the TTartisans 27mm f2.8? Worth the difference?
I've had the first gen 27mm for quite a while, but for quite some time I struggled with it, only keeping it because of the weight. But at some point it kind of clicked and in the last few years I've been enjoying it a lot, now feels very natural to shoot with the 40mm equiv. Now I need to do the same with 28mm equiv...
Thank you for the comprehensive review. I managed to grab a copy of this lens on the used market here in the USA (and yes, I paid the premium). Like you, I was looking for something small and compact in preparation for a trip to Europe. Slapped this on an XT-5 the day it arrived and hustled to the beach near my home. With a little patience, I quickly learned to care less about the motors and occasional focus hunt. The lens renders gorgeous images (IMHO) for storytelling.
I got the 27mm as a bundle lens when I purchased my X-E4. It's a good size for pocketing but I've found it a focal length that I don't enjoy as much. It's also mega noisy if you wish to take a quick video and don't turn off autofocus -a rode lapel mic gets around that, but it's still quite clunky. I've found the best lens pocketable combo for the X-E4 at least to be my vintage Jupiter- 3 lens on a m-39 converter. It's small, and gives lots of vintage character to the images, if you can get on with the manual focusing.
This is my favorite lens. Period. Makes having an X100 series irrelevant.
The review is super. The what I do having this pancake lens i always using f8 alternating the ISO …..
Nice video. Would you trade this lens for the viltrox 27mm? I have the viltrox but it is huge! I can't justify keeping both.
I'm torn between this 27mm and the 18mm f2 which would be better for me for tighter places.
Finally found one , new, at a camera store next province over. Looking forward to also using it as a travel lens.
Thank you soooo much for this. 40mm full frame equivalent is my favourite walk around focal length. I have it on my Leica M 262. I had the equivalent) on my micro 4/3 system back in the day. I have the 56, 33 and 16 with my X-T5, but I'm excited to see Fuji do this focal length.
I own a XT3 with this lens. Never regreted buying this over the X100F i had on the list. Even now with the VI i am not even tempted to change it!
Yes, but with xt models, preferably 20 and 30.
get a zoom lens
Some days I feel like it’s the best of both worlds and other days the most awkward in-between 😅
I have loved my 1.gen 27 since I bought my first XT camera - the X-T1 back in 2015 - stil a favorite lense together with the 35 ƒ1.4 (the old one) 😀