I got this, the week it came out! I was super excited about the macro, but one day at the park I just feel in love with it. It has that wow factor. Macro shots or just using it as a regular shooter it's amazing.
I bought it last week, and I'm also amazed with the results - totally different point of view you get with this lens. I have it practically all the time on my x-t5, combined with 16-55 and 70-300. 35f2 I barely use... Big thanks for the review. 🙏 Greetings from Germany
I just picked up the 35F2 as my all purpose never take off lens. I didn't even consider that the 30mm could satisfy that need as well, with some macro versatility. I'll need to do some thinking... lol
I use the 35 1.4 a lot especially indoors. It's my favorite lens. I recently bought a 60 2.4 for macro and I am amazed how sharp it is. Really like it and will sell my 50 2.0.
I think you missed the point of the time setting in focus bracketing. In macro photography we often use a flashlight and the time setting is there to give the flash time to recharge between shots. When shooting without flash there is no problem with a setting of 0 or 1s, it doesn't change anything with other settings.
@trowawayacc no it is there to give the flash time to recover. Depending the flashlight used you can dial in more or less recovery time between shots(flashes).
I love your enthusiasm, I wasn’t interested on the subject of the video but I’m like “ he’s always fun so I’ll watch “, keep it up with your personality!
I bought the 30mm macro because I loved my 27mm f/2.8 lens, but was always bumping up against the minimum focus distance which is too long because of the pancake design. The 30mm gives me close to the same focal length with the same maximum aperture, but with virtually NO limitation for close focus. I gain so much and only lose the compactness of the pancake. 80% of my shots are in the normal range, but when a subject cries out for a tight shot, I'm glad that this lens is on the camera. No regrets on this purchase.
I have this lens on my wishlist for quite some time. Eventually I hope to get my hands to one. Just wish Fujifilm Auto focus bracket was actually more auto, less hands on for super quick focus bracketing, and in body stacking would be nice too. 😎👍
Hmm, I don't know. My Sigma 's 18-50mm 2.8 close focusing distance is insane and it can get more insane with extension tubes, and also there's almost no focus breathing (which can help for focus stacking) so I don't think I need another prime..
I enjoyed it to start with, for the size and versatility if nothing else. But over time the niggles and weaknesses of the design have meant I take it with me but don't use it. 30mm isn't great for macro, you need to be really close to get true macro, and even stopped down to f8-11, focus stacking is a must. Which makes this quite a contradictory lens: easy to use, easy to live with everyday lens that you can mount and forget, yet if you want to use the unique feature, you have to get rather technical. And I find it's indeed very sharp at close focussing distances, but at normal to wider pov it gets quite soft to the extent I'm not sure it's nailing focus even. And the borders and corners never really get very sharp. Some of this is high level complaints for what isn't a top tier Fuji lens after all. But the lack of sharpness at certain distance to subject (yes stopping down helps a little, but we already start at f2.8, sometimes the sun doesn't shine), and requirements for any kind of macro for me make this a slower 35 f2. A shame, I really wanted to like this lens a lot more than I do.
hi @lEveleigh . contemplating on getting this lense. but i'm not sure because of its compromising image quality when being used as a walk around lens. i will not deny that the versatility is what attracts me. Though for me to purchase one, I have to sacrifice two lenses from my collection which could be a combination of the 27/2.8ii, 35/2, & 50/2. Although the first two should be the obvious choices, I love the 27/2.8 so much that I couldn't grasp ridding of it. So I 'm thinking of selling/trading-in my f2 fujicrons for it. Still, I'm very hesitant because I might become frustrated with the 30/2.8's flaws overall and realizing that I need the short telephoto f2 lenses all along. The 50 f2 was so rarely used that I had to be intentional in using it the last few days if it's justifiable to sacrifice it over the 30 2.8. That said, the results were quite interesting. I also tried a macro filter diopter on it and it gets more interesting such that you don't need to place the lense that's really close enough to cast a shadow and eventually forget about the 30/2.8. I often shoot street, family portraitures, travel, and food. And the versatility is attracting such that you can shoot close-ups of food, things, eyes and faces, etc. So, I won't deny that I'm still thinking about it and the price offered is alluring as well... US$450 in very mint condition.
@@nathanielngosywell I still have it! In a similar boat. It's a lens in a focal range that is quite crowded, since I have the 23 1.4 WR, 33 1.4 WR and 16-55. So as you can probably guess I got this as a lightweight alternative and because the 33 doesn't focus very closely. But I also recently picked up a used sigma 18-50 for half the price that also focuses close up. I wanted to see if it could replace both the 16-55 and 30 for me and had a shoot out between the 16-55, 18-50 and 30 focussing on the mid range. The 18-50 is an interesting alternative option. There's really not much in it. For both I find stopping down to f4 is a must unless you can't to optimise sharpness and contrast. As a walk-around I found the 30 was more prone to ghosting, but the 30 is much better for close focussing. It's not the sharpness per se, but the distortion which the 18-50 has a lot of up close at any focal length - which rather limits this "feature". If I was just after a walk-around prime around 30mm, I'd rather pick the 35 f2, 33 1.4 or even 35 1.4 which has a pretty handy minimum focus distance. However for being able to get really close the 30mm is the one to go for. But I think this should be the primary reason for getting it, because you do food, stamp, watch, coins, negative scanning, that kind of thing. That's just not me. Unfortunately the 16-55 was clearly better than both as I was hoping to have an excuse to change to the 18-50! But I do think I will sell the 30mm
I've no hesitate to buy since it was released. It's still stick on my X-E4 since then, not the sharpest but very versatile, very fun, very happy purchased!! 😄
Just throwing it out there, but 35mm F2 with a tiny extension ring in your bag? - extra stop of light, nicer portraits/low-light, more portable and cheaper :P - I'd love to see a comparison of that actually!
yea, I didn't see the point of getting this as well, the F2 is smaller and a lot cheaper, and comes in silver color, I am sure if you go down a stop the quality would be quite close to the 2.8
@@thomasemory4352 you can get 1:1 macro with any lens with a long enough tube extender, have a look at other videos on UA-cam investigating this, you can have a tube extender that’s a metre long and gets 10:1 from even a kit lens (that’s literally what they do in the video). But how much resolution the glass can render is the question. An extension tube exaggerates any lens imperfection. So a comparison could make an interesting video.
I have this lens with my 80mm too. I take this lens (30mm) when out with family so I don’t miss a macro shot but can also grab those family moments. I love the 80mm and is my go to macro lens but with this lens I have more options and versatility
You nailed it with this review Chris. I've been using the 11mm extension ring with my 23mm/F2. The combination works fairly well but suffers from myopia for distance shooting. I'm sold - when I save up enough money that is! Great review.
Man I love your energy and enthusiasm. I can tell you are passionate about photography and it gets me stoked to start shooting pics when my xs20 arrives
I can see why you love it; I really enjoy lenses that are small and stay out of the way. Huge zooms and so on can be nice, but just don't seem very inviting to be walking around with!
Personally, I'd suggest getting the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Macro lens, if you're being serious about macrophotography. It's sharper, 2x magnification, has a more reasonable working distance, even at 2:1, and it's much cheaper. The fuji lens only really makes sense with its autofocus if you need it to double as a “normal” lens as well.
@@williamaungleyraud actually easier to focus stack without the autofocus imo. just give a little push on the focus ring, take a shot, do another one, spin the focus a bit more take a shot, way quicker than trying to move the focus point and letting autofocus decide.
How does it work for video. I'm new to photography. I love my Xt4 camera. By the way I've been off work and have spent two weeks watching UA-cam videos and learning how to use my Fujifilm camera. I teach martial arts and am filming videos to sell to the public. So I needed a great camera. That you so much for teaching me about my camera.
Hi,it is also a great lens for street photography..combined with the xt5 ,it does have ( in my opinion) a character of its own. I also own the Ricoh griiix( roughly the same equivalent) , so my pov on both cameras is the same. Do not have to adjust that section in my pov- pathways in my brain😉. Combined with the macro it is lovely. .
I replaced my 35mm f2 with this one. I lose a stop of light and it's a bit chonkier, but I do like having that 1:1 macro handy when I go out on my walks.
Hey, really enjoying your videos! I made this specific comment just to say I liked and subscribed, for the content obviously, but also for the fact that you included the lens in the title instead of going for annoying secretive clickbait! :)
I am very glad to see you so positive and cheerful! However, I have little idea that fix 2.8 will become my favorite. Macro photos can be taken with transitional macro rings, the result is no worse. Even autofocus works well there. For other purposes, there is 35 mm / 2.0. And the most beautiful Tamron 17-70 / 2.8 Perhaps it's a matter of personal preference. Thank you, Chris!
0:20 shout-out to the super versatile ThinkTank Mirrorless Mover 25i. It has been a lifesaver for me on one-man-band shoots. Taking on roles as camera and lens storage on shoots as well as a Zoom H1n based mini audio rig bag with my Boya Wireless receiver. Perfect for the Fujicron primes too and it comes with a robust top handle that has consistently taken on more weight than I would use it for if I was babying my camera bags.
This sounds a whole lot like how I treat my 80mm f/2.8. Weight & size aside, it makes a great prime, a great macro, and toss in one of the MCEX tube extenders and macros dive in even closer. I'll have to rent one of these 30mm macros and see if it needs a permanent spot in the case. Heck, it might mean parting with my 33mm f/1.4! (but I'm skeptical)
TL;DR: with an X-T3 and 18-55 due to arrive next week, I'll be adding this lens ASAP. From my own experience, I love the overall utility of a lens like this. I also enjoy doing true macro work. I used a Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 Distagon CF on a Sony a9. It's not a true 1:1 macro: minimum focus distance is 9.45" and magnification is 1:3.3, so about 1/3 life size. It's a bit of a cannon, though: huge, though well balanced and not too heavy. Sony's execrable ergonomics were the sticking point as far as day-long comfort in hand. The 40mm Batis was my most used lens in Vietnam and Thailand in 2019. I had an 85mm Batis, which I used hardly at all and few of the images really spoke to me: I prefer the 135mm focal length (or, perhaps a bit oddly, 75mm). I also had an 18mm Batis, which I bought because I had specific compositions in mind from previous trips to Vietnam: I got those images, plus a few more I hadn't reckoned on in VN and in Thailand. But that 40mm handled dang near everything day-to-day: street photography, portraits, landscapes, food photography, etc.
I am curious if this is a curved or flat field lens? As that focal length would lend itself well as a flat field for photographing flat artwork such as paintings, documents, etc. All of my old Nikor and Canon 50mm Macro lenses had this feature. And as I photograph artwork now and again I have been looking for a Fuji flat field lens, as I am currently using my Nikon old manual focus 50mm macro with an adapter, but it’s not wide enough for larger artwork with my crop sensor Fuji.
I get great results focus bracketing with 0s interval and can not recommend to go super slow! When I use a flash, 1s is fine, but with constant light and electronical shutter I experienced no problems with 0s interval. Especially if you have the possibility that your subject changes a tiny bit by time, choose a faster interval. Is there any reason that you got bad results with the 0s interval that are specific to this lens? Also I get great results with auto and never bother with manual.
Hi Chris, thank you for your content and videos. I have an XT-5 (moved away from 7 year old Canon full frame in April ) and wanted a good all round lens so opted for the 16-55 2.8. I'm now considering a second lens - I am lucky enough to love in an area of outstanding natural beauty and that is what rekindled my love of photography - so landscape and nature photography are probably my top priority but like most photographers I what to shoot street, portrait, family and a bit of everything. If I were to go macro would you recommend the 30mm over the 80mm? I'm guessing with the 30mm I'd have a light walk around versatile enough for macro + daylight street etc but is the optical quality of the 80mm superior for macro - from what I see the 80mm resolves the full 40mp but the 30mm doesn't? Cost is always an issue but I opted for body only + 16-55 because I didn't want to compromise optical quality and go for a kit lens. Sorry for the rant but I value your opinion and wanted to give you enough info. I could just aim for the trinity of lenses over time and in that case would probably go for the 50mm - 140mm - if money were no object!! Thanks in advance
Nice video, Chris! You lost with the stacking instructions, though,... I love the Hal 9000 thing in your background. Where did you get it? Thanks and cheers.
I love the size, weight, build quality, and images from this lens. I know the feeling of wanting to keep it on your camera all the time. I really do love it. That said, no matter how I configure my custom AF-C settings, and even with the range limiter, plenty of light, exposure adjustments, etc. I find it is very very slow to find focus when working near the minimum focus distance. It's excellent everywhere else, but it hunts and hunts when working up close in my experience. A limiter switch would have made this a much better lens design, but it needs something else to be a great macro lens. Maybe a firmware update will improve it? But I'm going to keep trying and see if I can unlock its secrets, and have an 80mm on the way to compare it with.
Have just bought one only to find out that it is not compatable to use with the JJC film adapter system for camera digital scanning -- anyone recommend any other camera scanning product - thanks.
Chris… I KNOW you’ve been VERY busy… but back in November you promised us your complete review, along with your recommendations for the X-T5 shortly after the holiday break. Any chance since we are about to move into May you could produce that for all of us…your humble followers?
Already have both Silver XF35mm F2 & 60mm f2.4 and as soon as I saw this one, I thought it may be an awesome alternative to have one lens making all the job instead of these two. But I'm still not sure, and unfortunately I don't have any store to try it. I love my 35mm, and I can't go out without a proxi-macro lens, we never know when we'll have some bugs / flowers / .. to shoot.
Sometimes my XT-4 and XF80 are a bit large to carry around - I have an X-A7 which is tiny... I might sell the X100F I've not used much lately while they're going for a lot and grab the 30mm macro to stick on the X-A7 as a more portable camera. A big part of the X100 series I've always loved is their close focus ability, about 10cm from the front of the lens, like a smartphone. All similar sized lenes from Fuji cannot get that close for their other bodies. Thanks for the nice review :)
Nice video, I confirm the amazing features of the 30mm macro. A tip: I will go to Porto (Portugal) and bring the 16-80 with xt5 and the Ricoh gr3. I am undecided on which second lens to bring, whether the 14mm or the 30mm. What would you bring?😀
Great videos, Chris. You keep making your fabulous videos and I’ll keep watching and learning and enjoying your work. I feel the same about your assessment of the lens. Just the best all around "normal" prime lens plus the bonus of focusing close. I'm also looking to want to use the lens for film scanning using either the Skier or Negative Supply film scanning systems which need a macro lens that has 1:1 magnification. Do you or anyone in this list have any opinions or suggestions re using the lens for this situation? Thanks for any help. Tom Lewis
Great review! This 30mm macro lens has a diameter of 43mm. Most of the flash rings on the market come with a minimum adaptation ring of 49mm. What would be your recommendation? Thank you !
Finally, I was waiting for this and the Viltrox 75mm. How does it compare to the 80mm macro? Besides the ois and weight. I still really want the 80 just can't bring myself to pay for it.
Hey John! I’m so sorry for the delay in seeing this… I get so behind lately in managing my YT account and am trying to get help. But seriously, thank you so much for your kind donation!! This means a lot to me and really helps out the channel!!! You ROCK!!! Thanks again and all the best to you!!!
Are you still using and loving this lens?I bought one after watching your video and loved it in many ways. I returned it though, after one week. The AF often struggled to nail focus, at times very badly, taking several seconds to get focus. Other times it focused quickly and accurately as expected. Is it possible I got a defective lens? One other peeve, it had a very loose aperture ring. Many times it accidentally moved and unknowingly I shot at f16 instead of the expected f2.8 9for example). I love the idea of this camera. I am thinking of buying another one, hoping the focus is better and aperture ring somewhat stiffer. Can you give me your thoughts on this?
So basically, if I have XF 16-80mm lens, I don't need some 35mm prime, I can just get 30mm Macro and have the best versatility with less lenses? I can have maco lens that even works as a regular lens for average photos(depends what average is for someone), and if I want to just go further in zoom and landscaping, I can just switch to 16-80mm, and if I want some macro while still able to have regular photography I can just switch to Macro 30mm, instead of getting more lenses that specialize in their own field?
Love my 30mm macro and getting some amazing results even prefer it to my 80mm macro! My only criticism is that the aperture ring, on my sample, is a little loose. Thanks for a great video. Best wishes. Terry
@@ickebins6948 hi, it is smaller, a great deal lighter and thus easier to carry in the field but the 80mm allows you to be further away from the subject so they both have a place to play.
I thought a long time about this lens vs the 33mm. In the end, I bought the 33mm for the 1.4 and sharpness, and I don't regret it. However, I still fantasize about this 30mm...
I'm facing the same decision, I'm leaning towards the 33mm 1.4 for the speed and image quality (best possible image quality for the X-T5?). Problem is, I'm only into wildlife and macro photography so I'm still considering the 30mm.
@@gdfswonder636 After using the 33mm for several months now, I've learned it's not as perfect as I thought it would be. It has character. For that reason, I love shooting it. These days, I basically take it out at sunset for low light and fancy flaring, plus it has good sunstars. But I have to tell you it doesn't do that great up close (at MFD). If you love macro, get the 30mm. I often still yearn for it. Right now I'm shooting the 56mm v2 and cropping in for close shots, since it's very sharp, but having the 30mm would still be my first choice for that.
Can I use this lens for video recording at 4k for just reels? I currently have the h2s and need about 3feet of room to shoot before my subject. Any advice?
Hey there…. I have a completely off topic question. I have the XT5 and when I hook it up to an external monitor, the image displayed on the external monitor has a little bit of the top and bottom cut off. How do I fix it to display the full image onto the external monitor?
Try the sigma 18-50 2.8, it is small and the minimum focus distance is really great. Plus you get the versatility of a zoom with a constant max aperture.
I got this, the week it came out! I was super excited about the macro, but one day at the park I just feel in love with it. It has that wow factor. Macro shots or just using it as a regular shooter it's amazing.
I bought it last week, and I'm also amazed with the results - totally different point of view you get with this lens.
I have it practically all the time on my x-t5, combined with 16-55 and 70-300.
35f2 I barely use...
Big thanks for the review. 🙏
Greetings from Germany
I just picked up the 35F2 as my all purpose never take off lens. I didn't even consider that the 30mm could satisfy that need as well, with some macro versatility. I'll need to do some thinking... lol
I use the 35 1.4 a lot especially indoors. It's my favorite lens.
I recently bought a 60 2.4 for macro and I am amazed how sharp it is. Really like it and will sell my 50 2.0.
The xf60mm also has got one of the best bokeh I've seen at this price point.
I think you missed the point of the time setting in focus bracketing. In macro photography we often use a flashlight and the time setting is there to give the flash time to recharge between shots. When shooting without flash there is no problem with a setting of 0 or 1s, it doesn't change anything with other settings.
If the issue is light then 5s lets the cámara shutter recover? I don’t know….
@trowawayacc no it is there to give the flash time to recover. Depending the flashlight used you can dial in more or less recovery time between shots(flashes).
@@Aviopicalso to allow for any micro vibrations from the shutter to settle, if e.g. on a tripod
@@brownbear100 If you shoot with a flash you don't worry about "micro vibrations" because the shutter speeds are at around 1/125 to 1/250 of a second.
I love your enthusiasm, I wasn’t interested on the subject of the video but I’m like “ he’s always fun so I’ll watch “, keep it up with your personality!
Thank you for the pains you take to make your reviews informative and also infectious
I bought the 30mm macro because I loved my 27mm f/2.8 lens, but was always bumping up against the minimum focus distance which is too long because of the pancake design. The 30mm gives me close to the same focal length with the same maximum aperture, but with virtually NO limitation for close focus.
I gain so much and only lose the compactness of the pancake. 80% of my shots are in the normal range, but when a subject cries out for a tight shot, I'm glad that this lens is on the camera.
No regrets on this purchase.
Great review, Chris. Thanks for the focus stacking bracketing info! Very helpful.
I have this lens on my wishlist for quite some time. Eventually I hope to get my hands to one. Just wish Fujifilm Auto focus bracket was actually more auto, less hands on for super quick focus bracketing, and in body stacking would be nice too. 😎👍
in body stacking would be a dreaaammm
It's CRAZY that you can focus on object from that small distance, even for macro lens it's so cool! Thanks for the video, now I want this lens too))
Hmm, I don't know. My Sigma 's 18-50mm 2.8 close focusing distance is insane and it can get more insane with extension tubes, and also there's almost no focus breathing (which can help for focus stacking) so I don't think I need another prime..
I enjoyed it to start with, for the size and versatility if nothing else.
But over time the niggles and weaknesses of the design have meant I take it with me but don't use it.
30mm isn't great for macro, you need to be really close to get true macro, and even stopped down to f8-11, focus stacking is a must. Which makes this quite a contradictory lens: easy to use, easy to live with everyday lens that you can mount and forget, yet if you want to use the unique feature, you have to get rather technical.
And I find it's indeed very sharp at close focussing distances, but at normal to wider pov it gets quite soft to the extent I'm not sure it's nailing focus even. And the borders and corners never really get very sharp.
Some of this is high level complaints for what isn't a top tier Fuji lens after all. But the lack of sharpness at certain distance to subject (yes stopping down helps a little, but we already start at f2.8, sometimes the sun doesn't shine), and requirements for any kind of macro for me make this a slower 35 f2.
A shame, I really wanted to like this lens a lot more than I do.
I agree. Other than the $ I don't understand the excitement.
hi @lEveleigh . contemplating on getting this lense. but i'm not sure because of its compromising image quality when being used as a walk around lens. i will not deny that the versatility is what attracts me. Though for me to purchase one, I have to sacrifice two lenses from my collection which could be a combination of the 27/2.8ii, 35/2, & 50/2. Although the first two should be the obvious choices, I love the 27/2.8 so much that I couldn't grasp ridding of it. So I 'm thinking of selling/trading-in my f2 fujicrons for it. Still, I'm very hesitant because I might become frustrated with the 30/2.8's flaws overall and realizing that I need the short telephoto f2 lenses all along. The 50 f2 was so rarely used that I had to be intentional in using it the last few days if it's justifiable to sacrifice it over the 30 2.8. That said, the results were quite interesting. I also tried a macro filter diopter on it and it gets more interesting such that you don't need to place the lense that's really close enough to cast a shadow and eventually forget about the 30/2.8.
I often shoot street, family portraitures, travel, and food. And the versatility is attracting such that you can shoot close-ups of food, things, eyes and faces, etc. So, I won't deny that I'm still thinking about it and the price offered is alluring as well... US$450 in very mint condition.
@@nathanielngosywell I still have it!
In a similar boat. It's a lens in a focal range that is quite crowded, since I have the 23 1.4 WR, 33 1.4 WR and 16-55.
So as you can probably guess I got this as a lightweight alternative and because the 33 doesn't focus very closely.
But I also recently picked up a used sigma 18-50 for half the price that also focuses close up. I wanted to see if it could replace both the 16-55 and 30 for me and had a shoot out between the 16-55, 18-50 and 30 focussing on the mid range.
The 18-50 is an interesting alternative option. There's really not much in it. For both I find stopping down to f4 is a must unless you can't to optimise sharpness and contrast. As a walk-around I found the 30 was more prone to ghosting, but the 30 is much better for close focussing. It's not the sharpness per se, but the distortion which the 18-50 has a lot of up close at any focal length - which rather limits this "feature".
If I was just after a walk-around prime around 30mm, I'd rather pick the 35 f2, 33 1.4 or even 35 1.4 which has a pretty handy minimum focus distance.
However for being able to get really close the 30mm is the one to go for. But I think this should be the primary reason for getting it, because you do food, stamp, watch, coins, negative scanning, that kind of thing. That's just not me.
Unfortunately the 16-55 was clearly better than both as I was hoping to have an excuse to change to the 18-50! But I do think I will sell the 30mm
I've no hesitate to buy since it was released. It's still stick on my X-E4 since then, not the sharpest but very versatile, very fun, very happy purchased!! 😄
I have tested mine for astrophotography and found it works great also with infrared too
Just throwing it out there, but 35mm F2 with a tiny extension ring in your bag? - extra stop of light, nicer portraits/low-light, more portable and cheaper :P - I'd love to see a comparison of that actually!
yea, I didn't see the point of getting this as well, the F2 is smaller and a lot cheaper, and comes in silver color, I am sure if you go down a stop the quality would be quite close to the 2.8
You can’t get 1:1 macro with an extension ring and the 35mm f2
@@thomasemory4352 you can get 1:1 macro with any lens with a long enough tube extender, have a look at other videos on UA-cam investigating this, you can have a tube extender that’s a metre long and gets 10:1 from even a kit lens (that’s literally what they do in the video). But how much resolution the glass can render is the question. An extension tube exaggerates any lens imperfection. So a comparison could make an interesting video.
I have this lens with my 80mm too. I take this lens (30mm) when out with family so I don’t miss a macro shot but can also grab those family moments.
I love the 80mm and is my go to macro lens but with this lens I have more options and versatility
You nailed it with this review Chris. I've been using the 11mm extension ring with my 23mm/F2. The combination works fairly well but suffers from myopia for distance shooting. I'm sold - when I save up enough money that is! Great review.
Man I love your energy and enthusiasm. I can tell you are passionate about photography and it gets me stoked to start shooting pics when my xs20 arrives
Such a great review as I was very interested in this lens! Thank you for the knowledge about focus stacking as a bonus!
I can see why you love it; I really enjoy lenses that are small and stay out of the way. Huge zooms and so on can be nice, but just don't seem very inviting to be walking around with!
Such a great review and explanation of bracket focus. Thank you.
Personally, I'd suggest getting the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Macro lens, if you're being serious about macrophotography.
It's sharper, 2x magnification, has a more reasonable working distance, even at 2:1, and it's much cheaper. The fuji lens only really makes sense with its autofocus if you need it to double as a “normal” lens as well.
Completely agree.. I have the Laowa on my Fuji.. wanted to add that focusing distance in 1:1 19cm (7.5 inch) much better for insects & ...
Agree as well, the Laowa is fantastic for Fuji macro work. I am always amazed by the macro photos I get..
I have the Laowa too, love it, but sometimes I wish it had autofocus motors 😅
@@williamaungleyraud actually easier to focus stack without the autofocus imo. just give a little push on the focus ring, take a shot, do another one, spin the focus a bit more take a shot, way quicker than trying to move the focus point and letting autofocus decide.
Yup ... better option
How does it work for video. I'm new to photography. I love my Xt4 camera.
By the way I've been off work and have spent two weeks watching UA-cam videos and learning how to use my Fujifilm camera.
I teach martial arts and am filming videos to sell to the public. So I needed a great camera.
That you so much for teaching me about my camera.
I just ordered their 80mm, mainly to scan my 4x5 Negatives and do some macro 1:1 Photography, so DUAL Purpose for my X-PRO3. Thank you for this video.
5:16 That was really kind of you to include the tutorial. Thank you so much!
Mine just arrived. I can't wait to learn to use it. Thank you!!
Hi,it is also a great lens for street photography..combined with the xt5 ,it does have ( in my opinion) a character of its own. I also own the Ricoh griiix( roughly the same equivalent) , so my pov on both cameras is the same. Do not have to adjust that section in my pov- pathways in my brain😉. Combined with the macro it is lovely. .
I replaced my 35mm f2 with this one. I lose a stop of light and it's a bit chonkier, but I do like having that 1:1 macro handy when I go out on my walks.
I do love your video about fuji camera and lens. Thanks for making such a great demo.
Bought mine a few months ago and absolutely LOVE it. Keep up the amazing work!
Hey, really enjoying your videos! I made this specific comment just to say I liked and subscribed, for the content obviously, but also for the fact that you included the lens in the title instead of going for annoying secretive clickbait! :)
Great review, love all your videos and FujiFilm too!
Awesome video Chris!!!
This lens seems amazing, you were as thorough, educational, and entertaining as always!
I so enjoy watching your videos…my only problem is I’m new to Fuji (long time Canon shooter) and you make me want everything you review!!
For macro and even portraiture, I prefer the XF 80mm Macro with OIS. I also own the 35mm f1.4 and the 60mm f2.4 Macro for times I want small lenses.
1984 Olympics is when USA demonstrated their jet packs to the world. I saw this on TV from another country. It was amazing.
I bought this lens when it came out, and I love love love it. Thanks for sharing.
I am very glad to see you so positive and cheerful! However, I have little idea that fix 2.8 will become my favorite. Macro photos can be taken with transitional macro rings, the result is no worse. Even autofocus works well there. For other purposes, there is 35 mm / 2.0. And the most beautiful Tamron 17-70 / 2.8
Perhaps it's a matter of personal preference. Thank you, Chris!
Fuji makes great lenses, my current favorite is the 33mm f1.4, such a great lens, well built, fast, super sharp, and nice bokeh
Helicon Focus has been my go-to for years!!!
0:20 shout-out to the super versatile ThinkTank Mirrorless Mover 25i. It has been a lifesaver for me on one-man-band shoots. Taking on roles as camera and lens storage on shoots as well as a Zoom H1n based mini audio rig bag with my Boya Wireless receiver. Perfect for the Fujicron primes too and it comes with a robust top handle that has consistently taken on more weight than I would use it for if I was babying my camera bags.
This sounds a whole lot like how I treat my 80mm f/2.8. Weight & size aside, it makes a great prime, a great macro, and toss in one of the MCEX tube extenders and macros dive in even closer. I'll have to rent one of these 30mm macros and see if it needs a permanent spot in the case. Heck, it might mean parting with my 33mm f/1.4! (but I'm skeptical)
TL;DR: with an X-T3 and 18-55 due to arrive next week, I'll be adding this lens ASAP. From my own experience, I love the overall utility of a lens like this. I also enjoy doing true macro work.
I used a Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 Distagon CF on a Sony a9. It's not a true 1:1 macro: minimum focus distance is 9.45" and magnification is 1:3.3, so about 1/3 life size. It's a bit of a cannon, though: huge, though well balanced and not too heavy. Sony's execrable ergonomics were the sticking point as far as day-long comfort in hand.
The 40mm Batis was my most used lens in Vietnam and Thailand in 2019. I had an 85mm Batis, which I used hardly at all and few of the images really spoke to me: I prefer the 135mm focal length (or, perhaps a bit oddly, 75mm). I also had an 18mm Batis, which I bought because I had specific compositions in mind from previous trips to Vietnam: I got those images, plus a few more I hadn't reckoned on in VN and in Thailand. But that 40mm handled dang near everything day-to-day: street photography, portraits, landscapes, food photography, etc.
I am curious if this is a curved or flat field lens? As that focal length would lend itself well as a flat field for photographing flat artwork such as paintings, documents, etc. All of my old Nikor and Canon 50mm Macro lenses had this feature. And as I photograph artwork now and again I have been looking for a Fuji flat field lens, as I am currently using my Nikon old manual focus 50mm macro with an adapter, but it’s not wide enough for larger artwork with my crop sensor Fuji.
I get great results focus bracketing with 0s interval and can not recommend to go super slow! When I use a flash, 1s is fine, but with constant light and electronical shutter I experienced no problems with 0s interval. Especially if you have the possibility that your subject changes a tiny bit by time, choose a faster interval.
Is there any reason that you got bad results with the 0s interval that are specific to this lens?
Also I get great results with auto and never bother with manual.
Hi Chris, thank you for your content and videos. I have an XT-5 (moved away from 7 year old Canon full frame in April ) and wanted a good all round lens so opted for the 16-55 2.8. I'm now considering a second lens - I am lucky enough to love in an area of outstanding natural beauty and that is what rekindled my love of photography - so landscape and nature photography are probably my top priority but like most photographers I what to shoot street, portrait, family and a bit of everything. If I were to go macro would you recommend the 30mm over the 80mm? I'm guessing with the 30mm I'd have a light walk around versatile enough for macro + daylight street etc but is the optical quality of the 80mm superior for macro - from what I see the 80mm resolves the full 40mp but the 30mm doesn't? Cost is always an issue but I opted for body only + 16-55 because I didn't want to compromise optical quality and go for a kit lens. Sorry for the rant but I value your opinion and wanted to give you enough info. I could just aim for the trinity of lenses over time and in that case would probably go for the 50mm - 140mm - if money were no object!! Thanks in advance
Great video, as always🙌🏼
Nice video, Chris! You lost with the stacking instructions, though,... I love the Hal 9000 thing in your background. Where did you get it? Thanks and cheers.
Love all you do for us. Curious if you think this lens would be good for scanning negatives?
My heart dropped when you dropped the lens hood 😅
Great review, any idea how it performs on XT3 or X-E4 cheers
I love the size, weight, build quality, and images from this lens. I know the feeling of wanting to keep it on your camera all the time. I really do love it. That said, no matter how I configure my custom AF-C settings, and even with the range limiter, plenty of light, exposure adjustments, etc. I find it is very very slow to find focus when working near the minimum focus distance. It's excellent everywhere else, but it hunts and hunts when working up close in my experience. A limiter switch would have made this a much better lens design, but it needs something else to be a great macro lens. Maybe a firmware update will improve it? But I'm going to keep trying and see if I can unlock its secrets, and have an 80mm on the way to compare it with.
Have just bought one only to find out that it is not compatable to use with the JJC film adapter system for camera digital scanning -- anyone recommend any other camera scanning product - thanks.
Chris… I KNOW you’ve been VERY busy… but back in November you promised us your complete review, along with your recommendations for the X-T5 shortly after the holiday break. Any chance since we are about to move into May you could produce that for all of us…your humble followers?
It’s going to be my very next video!
I like to use the ttartisan 40mm macro lens a lot and this sounds really good, Thank you for a really good review 😊
Thanks Jani!!! 🙏
How do you guys feel about this vs the TTartisan?
Great video as always 😊
Already have both Silver XF35mm F2 & 60mm f2.4 and as soon as I saw this one, I thought it may be an awesome alternative to have one lens making all the job instead of these two. But I'm still not sure, and unfortunately I don't have any store to try it. I love my 35mm, and I can't go out without a proxi-macro lens, we never know when we'll have some bugs / flowers / .. to shoot.
Watched this video when it came out. It is interesting, what's your opinion of this lens almost a year later?
I have the 33mm and love it but kind of torn since this one seems like a great one too.
FANTASTIC lens, have it now for 2 days.
where can I find the video about focus limiter?
Hallo Chris, thank you for this interesting video! Could you allow me a question: what do you think about the Fujinon 27mm 2.8 R WR?
Sometimes my XT-4 and XF80 are a bit large to carry around - I have an X-A7 which is tiny... I might sell the X100F I've not used much lately while they're going for a lot and grab the 30mm macro to stick on the X-A7 as a more portable camera. A big part of the X100 series I've always loved is their close focus ability, about 10cm from the front of the lens, like a smartphone. All similar sized lenes from Fuji cannot get that close for their other bodies. Thanks for the nice review :)
wow, with the fuji 11mm extension tube it does 1:58 at 5mm or 1:84 at 4mm with the 16mm extension. good luck getting the subject lit though :)
Hi Chris,
An amazing lense. Ironically, The XT-3 gets a firmware update for its manual focus today..
Awesome review. Would you recommend this lens for product photography?
have you tried the XF18mm f1.4? definitely my favorite lens out of all the new lens.
Hi pal2tech! If I already have a 16-55mm fujinon lens, what prime would you recommend to pair with it?
Thanks, getting this one.
As always, top content.
I’m new at fujifilm. All reviews that I saw about this lense were using XT5. Does this lens work well with another model, like XT30 II ?
I enjoyed this video very much.
Nice video, I confirm the amazing features of the 30mm macro. A tip: I will go to Porto (Portugal) and bring the 16-80 with xt5 and the Ricoh gr3. I am undecided on which second lens to bring, whether the 14mm or the 30mm. What would you bring?😀
Bring the wide angle.
Great videos, Chris. You keep making your fabulous videos and I’ll keep watching and learning and enjoying your work.
I feel the same about your assessment of the lens. Just the best all around "normal" prime lens plus the bonus of focusing close.
I'm also looking to want to use the lens for film scanning using either the Skier or Negative Supply film scanning systems which need a macro lens that has 1:1 magnification.
Do you or anyone in this list have any opinions or suggestions re using the lens for this situation?
Thanks for any help.
Tom Lewis
Thanks for your insight
Great review! This 30mm macro lens has a diameter of 43mm. Most of the flash rings on the market come with a minimum adaptation ring of 49mm. What would be your recommendation? Thank you !
Great lens for journal creation.
I think I'll stick to the 80mm Macro and the 18mm for general use.
You sold me. Looks like a fun lens.
Finally, I was waiting for this and the Viltrox 75mm. How does it compare to the 80mm macro? Besides the ois and weight. I still really want the 80 just can't bring myself to pay for it.
Sold. Fuji should pay you a commission for me.
Thanks! Your videos are great!
Hey John! I’m so sorry for the delay in seeing this… I get so behind lately in managing my YT account and am trying to get help. But seriously, thank you so much for your kind donation!! This means a lot to me and really helps out the channel!!! You ROCK!!! Thanks again and all the best to you!!!
Update yes i heard you say that , Isn't that like a 45 mm in ff
Thanks, Chris!
The XT5 sure has a lot of rolling shutter! Was that 4k video footage?
What are the best settings for the Fuji xs10 to use this Fuji xf30 mm macro lens
boys this is good for video too? af tracking works and eye detection?
Are you still using and loving this lens?I bought one after watching your video and loved it in many ways. I returned it though, after one week. The AF often struggled to nail focus, at times very badly, taking several seconds to get focus. Other times it focused quickly and accurately as expected. Is it possible I got a defective lens?
One other peeve, it had a very loose aperture ring. Many times it accidentally moved and unknowingly I shot at f16 instead of the expected f2.8 9for example).
I love the idea of this camera. I am thinking of buying another one, hoping the focus is better and aperture ring somewhat stiffer. Can you give me your thoughts on this?
Forgot to mention, I used the lens on an X-T5. And focus issues were much worse going from a closeup to longer range shot.
is it worth getting for just a walk around - as I can't make my mind up between the 30mm, 27mm or the 23mm
Nice video, I’m thinking buy it for wedding video, Can be a good option ?
what lens do you recommend for someone who has no experience in photography and planing to learn on an X-T5?
So basically, if I have XF 16-80mm lens, I don't need some 35mm prime, I can just get 30mm Macro and have the best versatility with less lenses? I can have maco lens that even works as a regular lens for average photos(depends what average is for someone), and if I want to just go further in zoom and landscaping, I can just switch to 16-80mm, and if I want some macro while still able to have regular photography I can just switch to Macro 30mm, instead of getting more lenses that specialize in their own field?
Great video. I’d probably get it if I didnt already have the 33.
Love my 30mm macro and getting some amazing results even prefer it to my 80mm macro! My only criticism is that the aperture ring, on my sample, is a little loose. Thanks for a great video. Best wishes. Terry
Having the 80mm, what is better with the 30mm?
@@ickebins6948 hi, it is smaller, a great deal lighter and thus easier to carry in the field but the 80mm allows you to be further away from the subject so they both have a place to play.
Have you done a video on the 18-120 lens?
I thought a long time about this lens vs the 33mm. In the end, I bought the 33mm for the 1.4 and sharpness, and I don't regret it. However, I still fantasize about this 30mm...
I'm facing the same decision, I'm leaning towards the 33mm 1.4 for the speed and image quality (best possible image quality for the X-T5?). Problem is, I'm only into wildlife and macro photography so I'm still considering the 30mm.
@@gdfswonder636 After using the 33mm for several months now, I've learned it's not as perfect as I thought it would be. It has character. For that reason, I love shooting it. These days, I basically take it out at sunset for low light and fancy flaring, plus it has good sunstars. But I have to tell you it doesn't do that great up close (at MFD). If you love macro, get the 30mm. I often still yearn for it. Right now I'm shooting the 56mm v2 and cropping in for close shots, since it's very sharp, but having the 30mm would still be my first choice for that.
@lychgator Thx for the feedback.
Can I use this lens for video recording at 4k for just reels? I currently have the h2s and need about 3feet of room to shoot before my subject. Any advice?
Fujifilm 30mm f2.8 Macro and Zeiss Touit 32mm f1.8 for Fuji X... Which one you would prefer?
Hey there…. I have a completely off topic question. I have the XT5 and when I hook it up to an external monitor, the image displayed on the external monitor has a little bit of the top and bottom cut off. How do I fix it to display the full image onto the external monitor?
Try the sigma 18-50 2.8, it is small and the minimum focus distance is really great. Plus you get the versatility of a zoom with a constant max aperture.
7:32 does importing fuji raw files in helicon change the quality of the image when stacking then transferring to Lightroom to edit ?
Question? How do i put the Picture leveler on my X-T5? i cant seem to find it :(