16 55 is my go to lens , particularly when travelling. Yes it is heavy but easily managable. "A bag full of primes" best describes the 16 55. A perfect match for my xh2. Merry Xmas .
It's such a good landscape lens, you stop caring about the extra bulk and weight in your bag/pack on a hike. You nailed the description of the way it handles light, and the transitions in high dynamic range scenes, I suspect it's their nano-gi coating or another. A person could be happy with the 16-80, 18-55 or one of the third party options, but after trying a lot I've come back to this gem and go-to lens
I agree! It was well worth carrying it knowing it would perform well at the top of a mountain 🙃 thank you so much for this and I’m glad you agree, yes i think you are right it would be the nano-gi coating, it just gives such a wonderful and soft finish. Yes there are lots of lenses out there, but you are right, there is something about this one that makes it a but of a gem ☺️
So glad I found you and this review, love your work the samples are excellent. I'd seen a few reviewers say the lens was like having 4 primes but none that demonstrated it so beautifully. Also great to know that even a little one like you does not mind it's weight too much. Thank you until the next
Aw thank you for this, it is super kind and lovely to read. I have to say I still love my prime lenses but this lens is fantastic for taking out and still getting exceptional shots. It is definitely a keeper in my camera bag and I use it lots! Hehe yes, even a little person like myself and I don’t mind the weight - it’s worth it! And thanks again ☺️
Great video, Victoria! I have the X-H2s with the Fujifilm 18-120 f/4 as my primary travel and every-day lens. I previously had a full-frame Canon kit with their 24-70 f/2.8. I've missed the sharpness and dreamy look of the premium lens, even though I'm generally very happy with my Fuji kit. I have been planning to pick up a used 16-55 f/2.8 at some point. I'll probably wait until later in 2024, when the holiday deals are on. Seeing this video really confirms the great results that can be achieved with this camera and lens combo. Your photos and videos are absolutely stunning! Keep up the amazing work!!
RAIN BAD, REVIEW GOOD! 😁 This lens is legendary, they call it a "Prime Zoom" for a reason. It's a zoom with prime qualities. Great review. ☺ You've had an amazing year and I'm sure there's plenty more to come in 2024. For now, Merry Christmas to you and Erik! 🎅🎄
Hehe thank you! The rain shall not stop me! 😅 I can understand why it has been given that name as it is a fantastic lens. I still love my primes but I am very happy to have this lens in my collection 🙃 Thank you, fingers crossed for 2024! And merry Christmas and have a wonderful new year 🙃✌🏻🎄❄️
I love this lens! I use it mainly for my photo reports (portrait photos, family photos, etc.) paired with the 50-140 f/2.8, this duo of lenses works wonders; but I admit that since I have the 56mm f/1.2, I prefer to use it for portraits and family photos. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Victoria.
Have only two Fuji native lenses, 16-55 & 50-140 f2.8. Though the weight sometimes gets on my nerves, I never regret buying these two. And I have not seen other Fuji lenses built like these two, and the old 16mm f1.4 of course. Impeccable quality.
I think they are both fantastic lenses! and if you only have to carry the one - or two then the weight doesn't get too heavy. Yeah there is something lovely about holding old quality lenses, they are beautiful 🙃
Used a 16-55 for a few years now and mated to an X-Pro2 which for me it works well with. I have a Peak Design 6L bag and the X-Pro2, 16-55, and a 70-300 fit in snugly but manageably. Thanks and best to Eric from Archie the dachshund.
Thank you for your kind words and i’m glad you enjoyed the video! Happy new year and so great to read you are watching this all the way from New Zealand 🙃✌🏻
Hi, I'm a primist also. I really want a Zoom but shied away from the 16-55, the obvious choice, but a huge heavy zoom that trombones a lot. But now, after listening to this, umm, I'm reconsidering.
Long time no see Victoria. I apologize that I haven't been active on your comment sections as of late, reason being that I went back to shooting my D850 and an older Canon DSLR I recently picked up. Like you, I am a Prime geek but honestly this XF16-55mm has always been on my radar. I still have my Fujis so this review is still of interest to me, and when I decide to get a proper mid range zoom for my Fujis this lens is one I’ll most likely get as it covers Most situations out in the wild. ...You know what, while watching this I realized that I actually miss seeing your lovely gorgeous self 🥰and your work. Glad to see your dedication to your art and videos are going strong. Happy Holidays and a Great New Year to you and Erik. Stay Beautiful and Wild... and happy shooting :)
Hello! And not to worry 🙃 I am with you on being a prime geek (I still am) but I am very happy to have the option to change if I want to and know this lens works really well. But whatever you choose, I hope you just have fun and enjoy what you do. I have to say this 2nd part made me go “awwwww” out loud. That is so lovely and kind of you to say, you have made me smile. Thank you again and I wish you all the best for a merry Christmas and a lovely 2024. Stay wild and stay free ☺️✌🏻🎄❄️
Hi - I really enjoyed your video. I never gave this lens any serious thought until you mentioned how it rendered highlights with a degree of softness. I love lenses that do that. Are there any others that do the same? I know the 35mm 1.5 and 56mm 1.2 do much the same. As do the lenses on the X100 series of cameras...
The photos and videos look amazing! I so badly wanna try this lens. It feels like it’s great for both portraits and landscape. Thank you for the review! Loved it
Hi Victoria. Great review. Got this lens and love it. Never owned a prime so pleased you gave it a fab review. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and Erik. 🍾🥂🌲
Thank you for your kind words now and throughout this year. I really appreciate it. I’m also glad you love this lens too, it is a fab one. Merry Christmas and happy New Year! 🥳🎄❄️
The 16-55 was a permanent fixture on my XH2S until one day the camera took a tumble landing directly on the lens*crunch* While it was at Fujifilm being repaired I had to go back to using my primes (16F2, 23F1.2, 35F2, 60mm macro) It was like a breath of fresh air feeling a light camera again. I thought after the lens came back from the repair I would just sell it but then I got into a couple scenarios where it was so crowded with no where to put the camera down to change the lenses. So it meant changing them with the bag over my shoulder as I was getting bumped into. I kept needing to change the lenses to get the compositions I wanted.Then I ended up with specs of dust on the sensor from the constant changing of the lenses. Well after the the 16-55 came back from repair it went right back onto the camera. I also have to say after the repair the lens seems sharper than it was new :)
Great review, waiting delivery of my X-H2S and 150-600mm looks like the 16-55 f/2.8 could be my next purchase. Enjoy the festive break and a prosperous 2024. Looking forward to seeing more from you in 2024 🎉
Hello! I am so glad you have this lens and enjoy it! I use the Polar Pro Maglock system CPL and Mist for this but I do also use Urth filters too which are fantastic! 😀
Thanks for this review! Always appreciate your honest reviews. I've been wanting this lens for awhile and it's definitely going to be my next lens purchase. Can't beat the versatility and results even if it is big. :)
You do such wonderful reviews. A good balance of some equipment talk with such nice aesthetic production to show what it's truly all about. Wow. If you like this lens, you'll love the XF50-140mmF2.8 too. The contrast and colour in this lens can be wonderful, with even a tad greater image quality all around! The F2.8 is more effective at the longer focal lengths, but you'll be run off your feet for self-shot work with this one. And it's even bigger (though with a safer internal zoom), but it has a tripod foot for weight balance. If you find UK winter miserable (although you make it look like a wonderland), you can come to Australia -- please don't mind the fires, storms, floods, heatwaves, cranky snakes & mozzies. Your cute doggy woggy won't be able to come 😞
I couldn't agree with you more Victoria. I feel this lens is among the best in Fujifilm's lens line up. It rivals the best primes and offers the flexibility to carry one lens to get the job done. It renders images nicely with a balance of softness, contrast and sharpness without being too clinical. If this were the only lens I could own with my Fuji kit I would not go wanting. I have used this lens for portrait work as well and the autofocus speed and precision keeps up with action shot too. There is a weight penalty but if you want great optics you can't cheat physics. If one were to knock this lens it would be the lack of stabilization. Never a problem for me. BTW you should do shampoo commercials because you have beautiful hair :). Thank you again for your inspirational reviews...simply natural and authentic.
Thank you for the review Victoria, I’m new to Fujifilm having just moved from Canon really excited to try out some of the lenses you have been reviewing. BUT the big question is? What have you named the lens? Happy new year to yourself and Eric. Also great work with the editing Eric you must be exhausted, treats and a nap for you little one. 😀
Thank you for your words! And happy new year! Hehe this is made me chuckle, I have not named her yet but I need to think of something big like “big bertha” or something! 😅 and thank you, Erik does a brilliant job and gets all the treats ☺️✌🏻
I love the versatility of this lens but will it perform well in low light or night photography? Should I get 23mm f1.4 or 56mm f1.2 primes instead of this lens? If you have to choose any one, which one would you go with?
It is a fantastic lens! So to answer your questions, yes it is great in low light and a lot of these pictures in the review were taken in low light. Now, if you were looking at doing astro photography (like I do sometimes), my first choice would be my primes because of that wider aperture - just my preference. the 56mm would be too narrow angle of view but the 23mm or even 16mm would both be a grand option. Hope this helps! 🙂
I rented this lens a while ago and was also very happy with the image quality. However I was scared by the weight and since I am also a prime lens guy I gave it back. I absolutely love your style of photography. Really looking forward to follow your channel in 2024
Glad i’m not the only one! It is a pretty heavy set up, I think one of those tripods with the arm/lever would be better but I don’t have one of them. I will look into it 😄
Місяць тому
i been thinking a lot about getting a zoom lens, coz prime is good, but if u dont have 2 camera bodies with 2 different lenses u may get in situations that u miss the shot, and being honest, after watching ur video i am also considering the xh2
Great review no guff just straight to the point. Most Fuji people know that this lens is the business, I’ve just ordered one because it falls between my favourite prime lengths and it’s still fast so it’ll become my go to always on the camera lens. So it’s a bit of chunky monkey but I think we can live with that, your video shows the lovely images this lens takes and that’s the most important thing 🙂.
Funny! I also prefer prime lenses, but I fell in love with the 50-140mm. It is my absolute favourite lens of all times and I also use it for portraits. I bought the 16-55mm last year and I love it too. I thing that Fuji makes the best lenses anyway.
I have looked at a lot of reviews about this lens. Reviews with dozens of diagrams and boring comments. "And if you look closely at the top corner of the test image, you can see a slight shading and a minimal drop in sharpness when the aperture is open." I look closely and see nothing. Eh, it's so boring and shows how technically oriented some photographers are. With this technical infatuation, the fun of photography must be lost if I always have to think about the fact that I have optical errors in the peripheral area at certain apertures. But honestly, if that's the case, you can't even see these flaws in "normal" photos. Then you look at such test reports ad nauseam, fight against falling asleep and then I often wait in vain for practical examples. How refreshing your reviews are. They are not scientific, but have a lot to do with your feelings. Yes, and I want to see the practical examples because they inspire me and I can see what is possible with the lens. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much for this comment, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! And everything you have mentioned is why I started this channel, I found reviews so difficult to watch and not to the point. Too much technicalities when I just wanted to see how it performs and how it feels being used. I loved your point about, where is the fun in photography is we are so hooked on the technical aspect - and this is so true! It just seems everything is about perfection rather than the enjoyment or the heart that goes into it. I’m really glad that you have found my reviews refreshing as that was the approach I really wanted to take. So thank you very much and welcome to my channel 🙂🙏🏻
Thanks for the nice review! If you can do without the aperture ring, the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 is also a nice, at about half the price and weight. The 16-55 will certainly have a better build quality, but in terms of image quality it's close. Have a great Christmas!
Thanks. I try to go back to this lens. I have a question. I use Kase filters but find the metal lens front covers are not very magnetic. What are you using?? Lovely pics!!
Thank you! I have the polar pro mist and cpl filter and it has a magnetic base plate (i imagine similar to the Kase ones) and then you leave that fitted but just swap the filters. They have been great but are solid, sometimes the magnets are too strong but they work well! 🙃
Hi i really enjoyed your POV of this lens. I am in a delima if I want to get this lens due to the weight. But after watching your review i am convinced to get one. Just curious if what is the brand of the filter and fikter thread that you are usungbon this lens?
Nope, mostly on my own or with my dog. But the fun fact was, no one else was out, I always find I am hiking on my own. Plus I was never that far away from my equipment so all good 🙂✌🏻
I have a troubled relationship with this lens. While it is still my workhorse lens in the studio (I shoot LOADS with it and LOVE the results), I have completely taken it out of my outdoor photography kit simply because of how much I dislike the soap bubble effect I get when the light is coming in through foliage. I don’t know if anyone else has that experience but for me it just became a deal breaker and I ended preferring going for a less flexible prime than coming home after a trip with pictures that I was less than happy with because of the way the lens renders in certain situations.
Re the soap bubble bokeh of light going through foliage. Yes, I experienced that within my first forty shots with this lens. I don't know why, but it gave me a nostalgic timeless 1970's feel. It's kind of magic, it expresses the vibrant life giving of sunshine. It can be distracting, so I guess you need another lens in that scenario, or try what a polariser might do. For a subdued lit background it's nice and smooth. It's all about lighting and applying the tools as always I guess.
A lot of the landscape shots I do it MF, so set your camera up on a tripod and make the most of a narrower aperture and MF. If it is the handheld work and subjects I just use a spot focus or the eye detection setting which also tracks a person. But I don’t always use this, spot focus is ok too 🙃
Hello! I thank you for your work and wonderful videos. soon I want to buy my first camera and lens. I decided on the camera, but not the lens. I'm choosing now from two - 23mm f/1.4 (prime) and 16-55mm (which is a zoom lens). I watched your videos about these two lenses and I know the strengths of each, but I still want to ask your advice - which of these two should I choose if I want to photograph nature, landscapes and myself against their background? Thank you!
Thank you for your comment! Both of these lenses that you have mentioned are my favourite but my top lens is the 23mm f/1.4 LM WR, it is always on my camera first. It is a great camera! But if you want an all rounded lens to do a bit of everything then I would go for the 16-55mm 🙃🙃
@@wildandfreevictoria Any reason why you choose the 23mm f/1.4 LM WR over the 18mm f/1.4 LM WR? Wouldn't the latter be more suitable for filming yourself? :)
Just had a mooch at your camera specs, and it looks like you can do film emulation, in camera, like bleach bypass and others. Do you ever play with these or would you save such things when editing in Resolve? BTW I think Erik really really loves the camera. I’m a Panasonic Fanboy 😊
Hmm this is a good question. I think if you utilised a gimbal tripod head mountain it would be fine as it sits on the foot mount of the lens. Handheld maybe it might feel chunky but then again, you would always have a hand on the lens as it is a big lens - regardless of the body. So maybe it would be ok, best to try it out and see how it feels for you 🙂
I started with the 16-55, sold it and got 3 primes, after going professional I only kept 1 prime and bought a 16-55 again. It's just too continent after understanding different focal lengths (plus I have to clean my sensor less haha)
This is pretty much what happened to me too. I bought it, sold it and stuck with primes, that has been me for years. Then got it now again and love it! So it’s funny how we change in photography and grow in different ways. So thank you for your comment, I resonate with it a lot! - and cleaning the sensor! Ha! 🙃
Fujifilm needs to make a new and lighter version. Not only of this but also of 50-140mm. They are just as heavy and large (often heavier) than the full-frame 24-70/105mm f/4 and 70-200 f/4. Especially the 50-140, which weighs almost the same as a full-frame 70-200 2.8.
That's what the 16-80 and 70-300mm exist - to give you small, lightweight options that still have excellent optics and useful features. If you don't like big glass, avoid the pro grade lenses - which is what the red badge and some of the prime lenses are.
16 55 is my go to lens , particularly when travelling. Yes it is heavy but easily managable. "A bag full of primes" best describes the 16 55. A perfect match for my xh2. Merry Xmas .
I have several fujinon lens and thinking to get this lens. Your comments really help. Thanks and merry Christmas from Indonesia.
It's such a good landscape lens, you stop caring about the extra bulk and weight in your bag/pack on a hike. You nailed the description of the way it handles light, and the transitions in high dynamic range scenes, I suspect it's their nano-gi coating or another. A person could be happy with the 16-80, 18-55 or one of the third party options, but after trying a lot I've come back to this gem and go-to lens
I agree! It was well worth carrying it knowing it would perform well at the top of a mountain 🙃 thank you so much for this and I’m glad you agree, yes i think you are right it would be the nano-gi coating, it just gives such a wonderful and soft finish. Yes there are lots of lenses out there, but you are right, there is something about this one that makes it a but of a gem ☺️
Love the quality of the photos and video you got with this lens. Definitely a keeper.
Thank you so much! Yes I love it, it is firmly staying with me 🙂✌🏻
So glad I found you and this review, love your work the samples are excellent.
I'd seen a few reviewers say the lens was like having 4 primes but none that demonstrated it so beautifully. Also great to know that even a little one like you does not mind it's weight too much. Thank you until the next
Aw thank you for this, it is super kind and lovely to read. I have to say I still love my prime lenses but this lens is fantastic for taking out and still getting exceptional shots. It is definitely a keeper in my camera bag and I use it lots! Hehe yes, even a little person like myself and I don’t mind the weight - it’s worth it! And thanks again ☺️
It's the one lens I've never parted with. It's amazing for photo and video. Your work is wonderfully done. Thank you for your work.
I can see why, it is a brutal lens! Thank you very much for your kind words, i really appreciate it 🙂
Great video, Victoria!
I have the X-H2s with the Fujifilm 18-120 f/4 as my primary travel and every-day lens. I previously had a full-frame Canon kit with their 24-70 f/2.8. I've missed the sharpness and dreamy look of the premium lens, even though I'm generally very happy with my Fuji kit.
I have been planning to pick up a used 16-55 f/2.8 at some point. I'll probably wait until later in 2024, when the holiday deals are on.
Seeing this video really confirms the great results that can be achieved with this camera and lens combo. Your photos and videos are absolutely stunning!
Keep up the amazing work!!
RAIN BAD, REVIEW GOOD! 😁
This lens is legendary, they call it a "Prime Zoom" for a reason. It's a zoom with prime qualities. Great review. ☺
You've had an amazing year and I'm sure there's plenty more to come in 2024. For now, Merry Christmas to you and Erik! 🎅🎄
Hehe thank you! The rain shall not stop me! 😅
I can understand why it has been given that name as it is a fantastic lens. I still love my primes but I am very happy to have this lens in my collection 🙃
Thank you, fingers crossed for 2024! And merry Christmas and have a wonderful new year 🙃✌🏻🎄❄️
Thank you, I have just bought the and you’ve just confirmed for me just how good it is, great video x
Aww love this! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! it is a fantastic lens! 🙂
I love this lens! I use it mainly for my photo reports (portrait photos, family photos, etc.) paired with the 50-140 f/2.8, this duo of lenses works wonders; but I admit that since I have the 56mm f/1.2, I prefer to use it for portraits and family photos. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Victoria.
Your passion and love for photography and your gear was what caused me to subscribe. Love your personality too. Keep shooting.
I really appreciate this, how lovely to read. Thank you so much and happy shooting too ☺️✌🏻
Have only two Fuji native lenses, 16-55 & 50-140 f2.8. Though the weight sometimes gets on my nerves, I never regret buying these two. And I have not seen other Fuji lenses built like these two, and the old 16mm f1.4 of course. Impeccable quality.
I think they are both fantastic lenses! and if you only have to carry the one - or two then the weight doesn't get too heavy. Yeah there is something lovely about holding old quality lenses, they are beautiful 🙃
Used a 16-55 for a few years now and mated to an X-Pro2 which for me it works well with. I have a Peak Design 6L bag and the X-Pro2, 16-55, and a 70-300 fit in snugly but manageably. Thanks and best to Eric from Archie the dachshund.
Hi Victoria Wishing you and your adorable dog Eric a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year.
Aw thank you! Merry Christmas and happy new year as well ☺️✌🏻🎄
Totally enjoy your videos,that smile and cheeky smile is amazing.
Wishing you a very special New year 2024.
Maungaturoto New Zealand.
Thank you for your kind words and i’m glad you enjoyed the video! Happy new year and so great to read you are watching this all the way from New Zealand 🙃✌🏻
Hi, I'm a primist also. I really want a Zoom but shied away from the 16-55, the obvious choice, but a huge heavy zoom that trombones a lot. But now, after listening to this, umm, I'm reconsidering.
Happy Christmas and have a wonderful Nee Year!
Thanks for the awesome Erik footage at the end of the video. ❤️😀
Thank you and Merry Christmas and have a very happy new year!
Hehe Erik always has to make a main feature in the videos ☺️🎄✌🏻
Long time no see Victoria. I apologize that I haven't been active on your comment sections as of late, reason being that I went back to shooting my D850 and an older Canon DSLR I recently picked up.
Like you, I am a Prime geek but honestly this XF16-55mm has always been on my radar. I still have my Fujis so this review is still of interest to me, and when I decide to get a proper mid range zoom for my Fujis this lens is one I’ll most likely get as it covers Most situations out in the wild.
...You know what, while watching this I realized that I actually miss seeing your lovely gorgeous self 🥰and your work. Glad to see your dedication to your art and videos are going strong.
Happy Holidays and a Great New Year to you and Erik. Stay Beautiful and Wild... and happy shooting :)
Hello! And not to worry 🙃 I am with you on being a prime geek (I still am) but I am very happy to have the option to change if I want to and know this lens works really well. But whatever you choose, I hope you just have fun and enjoy what you do.
I have to say this 2nd part made me go “awwwww” out loud. That is so lovely and kind of you to say, you have made me smile. Thank you again and I wish you all the best for a merry Christmas and a lovely 2024. Stay wild and stay free ☺️✌🏻🎄❄️
@@wildandfreevictoria You as well, and happy to share the smiles 😊
Hi - I really enjoyed your video. I never gave this lens any serious thought until you mentioned how it rendered highlights with a degree of softness. I love lenses that do that. Are there any others that do the same? I know the 35mm 1.5 and 56mm 1.2 do much the same. As do the lenses on the X100 series of cameras...
The photos and videos look amazing! I so badly wanna try this lens. It feels like it’s great for both portraits and landscape. Thank you for the review! Loved it
Aww thank you so much! You are always very kind ☺️ and yes it is a great lens for a bit of everything to be honest 🙃 have a merry Christmas! 🎄
@@wildandfreevictoria thank you!! Merry Christmas to you too 🎄
Hi Victoria. Great review. Got this lens and love it. Never owned a prime so pleased you gave it a fab review. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and Erik. 🍾🥂🌲
Thank you for your kind words now and throughout this year. I really appreciate it. I’m also glad you love this lens too, it is a fab one. Merry Christmas and happy New Year! 🥳🎄❄️
The 16-55 was a permanent fixture on my XH2S until one day the camera took a tumble landing directly on the lens*crunch* While it was at Fujifilm being repaired I had to go back to using my primes (16F2, 23F1.2, 35F2, 60mm macro) It was like a breath of fresh air feeling a light camera again. I thought after the lens came back from the repair I would just sell it but then I got into a couple scenarios where it was so crowded with no where to put the camera down to change the lenses. So it meant changing them with the bag over my shoulder as I was getting bumped into. I kept needing to change the lenses to get the compositions I wanted.Then I ended up with specs of dust on the sensor from the constant changing of the lenses. Well after the the 16-55 came back from repair it went right back onto the camera. I also have to say after the repair the lens seems sharper than it was new :)
Wishing you and Eric a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year.
Thank you very much and the same for you, have a merry Christmas and a happy new year! 🙃✌🏻🎄
Great review, waiting delivery of my X-H2S and 150-600mm looks like the 16-55 f/2.8 could be my next purchase. Enjoy the festive break and a prosperous 2024. Looking forward to seeing more from you in 2024 🎉
Hi Victoria, thanks to your review, I bought the lens too! Love your channel! Do you maybe want to tell me which filter you used? Thanks! Suzanne
Hello! I am so glad you have this lens and enjoy it! I use the Polar Pro Maglock system CPL and Mist for this but I do also use Urth filters too which are fantastic! 😀
❤
Thanks for this review! Always appreciate your honest reviews. I've been wanting this lens for awhile and it's definitely going to be my next lens purchase. Can't beat the versatility and results even if it is big. :)
Just worked out I've had mine for 7 years now thru the XT2, XH1 and now XH2, my fave, well apart from the 50-140 which may be even better
You are a true fan! 7 years and going strong! That sounds like a good line up of gear as well 🙂🙂
You do such wonderful reviews. A good balance of some equipment talk with such nice aesthetic production to show what it's truly all about. Wow. If you like this lens, you'll love the XF50-140mmF2.8 too. The contrast and colour in this lens can be wonderful, with even a tad greater image quality all around! The F2.8 is more effective at the longer focal lengths, but you'll be run off your feet for self-shot work with this one. And it's even bigger (though with a safer internal zoom), but it has a tripod foot for weight balance. If you find UK winter miserable (although you make it look like a wonderland), you can come to Australia -- please don't mind the fires, storms, floods, heatwaves, cranky snakes & mozzies. Your cute doggy woggy won't be able to come 😞
I couldn't agree with you more Victoria. I feel this lens is among the best in Fujifilm's lens line up. It rivals the best primes and offers the flexibility to carry one lens to get the job done. It renders images nicely with a balance of softness, contrast and sharpness without being too clinical. If this were the only lens I could own with my Fuji kit I would not go wanting. I have used this lens for portrait work as well and the autofocus speed and precision keeps up with action shot too. There is a weight penalty but if you want great optics you can't cheat physics. If one were to knock this lens it would be the lack of stabilization. Never a problem for me. BTW you should do shampoo commercials because you have beautiful hair :). Thank you again for your inspirational reviews...simply natural and authentic.
Wonderful video and you’ve definitely sparked an interest in this lens for me. I enjoy your channel.
Thank you for your kind words, i really appreciate it! 🙃🙃
All the best for 2024 👍
Thank you ☺️
Thank you for the review Victoria, I’m new to Fujifilm having just moved from Canon really excited to try out some of the lenses you have been reviewing. BUT the big question is? What have you named the lens? Happy new year to yourself and Eric. Also great work with the editing Eric you must be exhausted, treats and a nap for you little one. 😀
Thank you for your words! And happy new year! Hehe this is made me chuckle, I have not named her yet but I need to think of something big like “big bertha” or something! 😅 and thank you, Erik does a brilliant job and gets all the treats ☺️✌🏻
I love the versatility of this lens but will it perform well in low light or night photography? Should I get 23mm f1.4 or 56mm f1.2 primes instead of this lens? If you have to choose any one, which one would you go with?
It is a fantastic lens! So to answer your questions, yes it is great in low light and a lot of these pictures in the review were taken in low light. Now, if you were looking at doing astro photography (like I do sometimes), my first choice would be my primes because of that wider aperture - just my preference. the 56mm would be too narrow angle of view but the 23mm or even 16mm would both be a grand option. Hope this helps! 🙂
I rented this lens a while ago and was also very happy with the image quality. However I was scared by the weight and since I am also a prime lens guy I gave it back. I absolutely love your style of photography. Really looking forward to follow your channel in 2024
I love this lens too. Have a great day. Terryx
Glad you agree and thank you 🙃
Hi!
I love XF16-55 too!
But unfotunately I can't get the potential of it...
I'm going to take beautiful photos with XF16-55 next year!
Glad you agree! And I hope you can get great shots with it next year 🙃✌🏻
I have a hard time balancing that set up on my tripod as well. I don't think anything is wrong with your tripod. It's just a heavy duo.
Glad i’m not the only one! It is a pretty heavy set up, I think one of those tripods with the arm/lever would be better but I don’t have one of them. I will look into it 😄
i been thinking a lot about getting a zoom lens, coz prime is good, but if u dont have 2 camera bodies with 2 different lenses u may get in situations that u miss the shot, and being honest, after watching ur video i am also considering the xh2
great review- I think I'm taking the leap- your video clips with music were incredible- side note- you're absolutely gorgeous :)
Thank you very much! So glad you enjoyed it and it’s helped your decision. I love my cameras and lenses! Ah shucks, thanks! 😄
Where did you learn photography? Your work is fantastic!
Aw thank you, i’m all self taught 🙂
@@wildandfreevictoria oh wow! Do you sell/distribute your work outside of UA-cam at all?
Great review, thanks! The only thing I wasn’t clear on was whether or not you loved prime lenses too 😂
Thank you! and I know... could you tell hehe 😜
Love this lens
Glad you do! It is fantastic!
My go to lens on my XT2 … Amazing ❤
Love it! It is such a great lens and i’m glad you agree 🙃🙃✌🏻
Have a wild Christmas Victoria 😁😁😁
Thank you! And have a wonderful wild Christmas too ☺️✌🏻🎄
Love your reviews, great film work with this lens in your review
Thank you so much! Much appreciated 🙃😄
Thank you for the review. How do you see the image quality and color rendering difference between XH2 and XH2S using this lens?
Great review no guff just straight to the point. Most Fuji people know that this lens is the business, I’ve just ordered one because it falls between my favourite prime lengths and it’s still fast so it’ll become my go to always on the camera lens. So it’s a bit of chunky monkey but I think we can live with that, your video shows the lovely images this lens takes and that’s the most important thing 🙂.
Funny! I also prefer prime lenses, but I fell in love with the 50-140mm. It is my absolute favourite lens of all times and I also use it for portraits. I bought the 16-55mm last year and I love it too. I thing that Fuji makes the best lenses anyway.
I have looked at a lot of reviews about this lens. Reviews with dozens of diagrams and boring comments. "And if you look closely at the top corner of the test image, you can see a slight shading and a minimal drop in sharpness when the aperture is open." I look closely and see nothing. Eh, it's so boring and shows how technically oriented some photographers are. With this technical infatuation, the fun of photography must be lost if I always have to think about the fact that I have optical errors in the peripheral area at certain apertures. But honestly, if that's the case, you can't even see these flaws in "normal" photos. Then you look at such test reports ad nauseam, fight against falling asleep and then I often wait in vain for practical examples.
How refreshing your reviews are. They are not scientific, but have a lot to do with your feelings. Yes, and I want to see the practical examples because they inspire me and I can see what is possible with the lens.
Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much for this comment, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! And everything you have mentioned is why I started this channel, I found reviews so difficult to watch and not to the point. Too much technicalities when I just wanted to see how it performs and how it feels being used. I loved your point about, where is the fun in photography is we are so hooked on the technical aspect - and this is so true! It just seems everything is about perfection rather than the enjoyment or the heart that goes into it.
I’m really glad that you have found my reviews refreshing as that was the approach I really wanted to take. So thank you very much and welcome to my channel 🙂🙏🏻
I've been eying it for over a year!
Thank you very much!
Love it! When is the X-S20 review coming!
Thank you! And when I can get my hands on it. I’ll see for the new year what happens 🙃
Thanks for the nice review! If you can do without the aperture ring, the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 is also a nice, at about half the price and weight. The 16-55 will certainly have a better build quality, but in terms of image quality it's close. Have a great Christmas!
Thanks. I try to go back to this lens. I have a question. I use Kase filters but find the metal lens front covers are not very magnetic. What are you using??
Lovely pics!!
Thank you! I have the polar pro mist and cpl filter and it has a magnetic base plate (i imagine similar to the Kase ones) and then you leave that fitted but just swap the filters. They have been great but are solid, sometimes the magnets are too strong but they work well! 🙃
Hi i really enjoyed your POV of this lens. I am in a delima if I want to get this lens due to the weight. But after watching your review i am convinced to get one. Just curious if what is the brand of the filter and fikter thread that you are usungbon this lens?
I have it too. A fantastic Lens. Joyeux Noël jeune fille 😛👍
I’m glad you agree! And merci! Have a lovely Christmas 🎄
I've been thinking about this one vs Sigma 18-50 2.8. It's a lot smaller but I'm sure the native lens looks better
Yes some other people have said that is a good lens, i’ve never tried it but i’m pretty happy with the Fuji 16-55mn 🙃
Looking to the shots, I hope you had companionship… I won’t leave +3k of gear a hike away… alone…
Nope, mostly on my own or with my dog. But the fun fact was, no one else was out, I always find I am hiking on my own. Plus I was never that far away from my equipment so all good 🙂✌🏻
I have a troubled relationship with this lens. While it is still my workhorse lens in the studio (I shoot LOADS with it and LOVE the results), I have completely taken it out of my outdoor photography kit simply because of how much I dislike the soap bubble effect I get when the light is coming in through foliage. I don’t know if anyone else has that experience but for me it just became a deal breaker and I ended preferring going for a less flexible prime than coming home after a trip with pictures that I was less than happy with because of the way the lens renders in certain situations.
Re the soap bubble bokeh of light going through foliage. Yes, I experienced that within my first forty shots with this lens. I don't know why, but it gave me a nostalgic timeless 1970's feel. It's kind of magic, it expresses the vibrant life giving of sunshine. It can be distracting, so I guess you need another lens in that scenario, or try what a polariser might do. For a subdued lit background it's nice and smooth. It's all about lighting and applying the tools as always I guess.
Can you tell us which Focus Settings your Alps Photos used? i have a XS20, would be a great help for me as a Beginner. Thanks!
A lot of the landscape shots I do it MF, so set your camera up on a tripod and make the most of a narrower aperture and MF. If it is the handheld work and subjects I just use a spot focus or the eye detection setting which also tracks a person. But I don’t always use this, spot focus is ok too 🙃
Hello! I thank you for your work and wonderful videos. soon I want to buy my first camera and lens. I decided on the camera, but not the lens. I'm choosing now from two - 23mm f/1.4 (prime) and 16-55mm (which is a zoom lens). I watched your videos about these two lenses and I know the strengths of each, but I still want to ask your advice - which of these two should I choose if I want to photograph nature, landscapes and myself against their background? Thank you!
Thank you for your comment! Both of these lenses that you have mentioned are my favourite but my top lens is the 23mm f/1.4 LM WR, it is always on my camera first. It is a great camera! But if you want an all rounded lens to do a bit of everything then I would go for the 16-55mm 🙃🙃
@@wildandfreevictoria Any reason why you choose the 23mm f/1.4 LM WR over the 18mm f/1.4 LM WR? Wouldn't the latter be more suitable for filming yourself? :)
Just had a mooch at your camera specs, and it looks like you can do film emulation, in camera, like bleach bypass and others. Do you ever play with these or would you save such things when editing in Resolve?
BTW I think Erik really really loves the camera.
I’m a Panasonic Fanboy 😊
Love to hear your thoughts on x100v how does it compares to interchangeable counterparts.
If I can get my hands on it I’ll definitely share my thoughts 🙃
Is it to heavy and bulky for the X-T5 ?
Hmm this is a good question. I think if you utilised a gimbal tripod head mountain it would be fine as it sits on the foot mount of the lens. Handheld maybe it might feel chunky but then again, you would always have a hand on the lens as it is a big lens - regardless of the body. So maybe it would be ok, best to try it out and see how it feels for you 🙂
Have you tried the Tamron 17-70mm for x mount? It’s an excellent lens. Made me sell the kit lens 18-50mm. Weather sealed and OIS
I started with the 16-55, sold it and got 3 primes, after going professional I only kept 1 prime and bought a 16-55 again. It's just too continent after understanding different focal lengths (plus I have to clean my sensor less haha)
This is pretty much what happened to me too. I bought it, sold it and stuck with primes, that has been me for years. Then got it now again and love it! So it’s funny how we change in photography and grow in different ways. So thank you for your comment, I resonate with it a lot! - and cleaning the sensor! Ha! 🙃
any chance of a review of the xh2s.
There is already one on my page :) there will be one of the XH2 coming out in the new year :)
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Fujifilm needs to make a new and lighter version. Not only of this but also of 50-140mm. They are just as heavy and large (often heavier) than the full-frame 24-70/105mm f/4 and 70-200 f/4. Especially the 50-140, which weighs almost the same as a full-frame 70-200 2.8.
That's what the 16-80 and 70-300mm exist - to give you small, lightweight options that still have excellent optics and useful features. If you don't like big glass, avoid the pro grade lenses - which is what the red badge and some of the prime lenses are.
Are you a fujifilm abasador?
Unfortunately i am not, i am just a very big fan of Fujifilm stuff. I buy all my own gear too 🙃✌🏻🦖
I was not a big fan of this lens; I didn't think it was sharp.
That’s a shame, maybe give it another try. I found it sharp and fantastic 🙃
@@wildandfreevictoria Hi Victoria, i had two copies maybe its just me, but it wasn't for me, so I stuck with my primes, which I love