Lens Recommendations for a new X-Pro 1 Kit

[Michael W]

Hello all. Long time since my last post on RFF. I've just taken the plunge to return back to the world of rangefinders, this time with a new Fuji X-Pro 1. The special Fuji is offering in the UK for the Body, Xf-18, xf-27, and leather case for $920 US shipped was just too good to pass up. Not sure why they're not making this offer in the US, but even with shipping from the UK it's still a sweet deal. I've been thinking about picking up one for a long times, and at this price I see no downside.

In any case, I've read the reviews on the lenses in the kit, the 18mm f2 and 27mm f2.4 pancake seem to be well received for what they are, but was wondering what other lenses users would recommend to round out the kit. The 35mm 1.4 seems like an obvious choice, even though it's not that far off from the 27mm in focal length, but I really like the idea of a fast lens and also having the aperture ring on the barrel.

What would users here recommend for a longer option? The 56mm is very well reviewed but also a bit pricey vs the 60mm which seems affordable but has mixed reviews especially regarding AF issues? Have recent firmwares dealt with the AF issue on the 56mm? Is the 56mm really that much better to justify almost double the price?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Michael

 

[rhl-oregon]

My original (new) kit was the XE1/35 1.4. Still the main X lens I use, having also owned the 18, 60, and 55-200. If you like a fast 50 on film cams, the 35 1.4 is the clear choice.

For what it's worth, I kept the 60 2.4 because I have gotten great results with it as a deliberative lens--AF matters little then, and I don't mind switching to manual focus by wire, bc I've used it on one camera or another for 6 years.

 

[tomtofa]

Never used the 56 - have you checked out the lenstip and fujivsfuji sites? they should give you some good comparisons. The AF on the 60 may be an issue (it is on the 35 for me - noisy and a little cumbersome compared to other, especially newer Fuji lenses). But it's sharpness, bokeh, and close focus are real advantages for the price. The 18-55 is not as good as either at the long end, but it does a very good job, and has many other focal lengths, at which it also does a good job.

A lot depends on how wide an aperture you want, and how close you like to shoot. They'll all be good stopped down a little; the 60 will give a nice soft background opened up, and the 56 will put more of the background into softness . . .

By the way, the 27 is actually pretty nice. 40 is a useful FOV, and the character reminds me a little of the CV 35 2.5 - sharp, clear, neutral. And it makes a really small carry around kit. The 35 can't be compared to the 27 - it has a completely different feel and character - not quite a Summilux, but in that direction. I usually use it in manual with back button focus to avoid the slightly intrusive AF. So even though they're close in focal length, they don't really compete, for me anyway.

 

[MikeWebb]

+1 re 27 and 35 not competing. I tend to start each day with the 27 on and then switch when I need to.

 

[nongfuspring]

Another hand up for the 35, it's pretty phenomenal and would be first on my list. I also recommend the 23mm 1.4, I've had a few chances to play with it and it is very good; a little large compared to the other lenses but smaller than I anticipated from the photos online. The 18 is nice if you're wanting something compact and versatile.

For 50mm and longer I generally prefer adapted SLR primes for true manual focus and character, but YMMV.

 

[Chiaroscuro]

Hello all. Long time since my last post on RFF. I've just taken the plunge to return back to the world of rangefinders, this time with a new Fuji X-Pro 1.
Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Michael

I hadn't thought of it as a rangefinder ;-)

john

 

[mfunnell]

My X Pro-1 is not my primary camera system, so take this with a grain of salt. I've found the 35mm/f1.4 lens excellent and the 18-55OIS also very good (and quite a cut above other makers 'kit' type lenses). While some of Fujifilm's ever-expanding stable of lenses look quite appealing, they're not really for me for the uses I have for the system (others' uses most likely vary a lot from mine). For my use the combination of 35 plus 18-55 plus flash and spare battery is pretty much ideal. I had thought about the 23mm as well, but for me it ends up as one too many lenses (and too physically large a lens) for my purposes.

...Mike

 

[_lou_]

I also recently acquired an X-Pro1 and for me the initial offering (18, 35, 60) is the best option. Later lenses were not meant to be used with the OVF, which is where the XP1 shines, so in order to follow the design philosophy of this camera, those 3 lenses cover pretty much every of my needs (which are not immense I must say). They also keep the cost of the kit to a reasonable level.

 

[mfunnell]

Later lenses were not meant to be used with the OVF, which is where the XP1 shines

To be fair, the 18-55 works very well with the OVF, else I wouldn't use it.

...Mike

 

[kyte]

Depending on situation...

AF lens kit: 18+35 or just 23

MF lens kit: Focal Reducer + R28 + R50

For longer focal length. I think the 60 is hard to beat for price and weight. I find AF is fine in good light

 

[Frontman]

My favorites are the 35/1.4, and the 14/2.8. I also had the 18/2, but seldom used it. The 35/1.4 is a stellar performer, and that is the lens which I used most. The 14/2.8 was my choice for shooting indoors, or in tight places. I saw no need in buying any other lenses, the only extra was an L mount adapter so I could shoot with old screwmount lenses. That was lots of fun.

 

[kknox]

For a super compact kit the 27mm is small and gives you an aprox a 40mm. Not to expensive. I love the 35 1.4, and use my 14mm a lot.

 

[Out to Lunch]

I like the smaller wide lenses the best with the Fuji X line-up. The younger 56mm and 16-55mm are LARGE. I"m still using them though...

 

[macjim]

I normal use the 35 mm f1.4 all the time. I have the 18 & 60 mm lenses but rarely use them and only use the 60 more than the 18. I'd get the kit zoom that comes with the X-T1 as its worth having as a backup or an all day lens.

<UIImage: 0x157893f0>, {27, 22}

 

[Michael W]

Thanks to all who replied! Seems a pretty clear consensus that the 35mm 1.4 is must have, so I'll be picking up one of those this week. I also like the suggestion of using legacy lenses for the longer end, and I have a nice set of Nikkor primes (ie 50mm, 55mm micro, 105mm, and a few zooms and wider primes) that I have been using with my Lumix GH2 for video work. Truthfully, I didn't even realize when I orderd the X Pro-1 that it would be a good match with the my old Nikkors, and now I'm really looking forward to giving them a go on the X Pro-1. I have used them for stills occasionally on the GH2, but there is no focus peaking and legacy glass needs to be run in full manual without the option of either aperture or shutter priority.

 

[willie_901]

I hadn't thought of it as a rangefinder ;-)

john

Of course it's not a rangefinder.

At the same time with the OVF one can use/operate it to emulate how one uses/operates a RF. And strangers don't notice a X-Pro1 with the 18 or 27mm Fujinons as they didn't react to a RF camera.

When I switched form digital to film I did not enjoy carrying a small DSLR/lens and could not tolerate the m4/3 cameras. The X100, and then X-Pro 1 made me feel as though I was using a RF again. Thank you Fujifilm.

(Out of courtesy I won't elaborate on how come I didn't buy a M8/M9... but it had nothing to do with money.)

 

[willie_901]

Michael W

I'm late to the party, but I agree with those who recommended the 35/1.4.

The 23/1.4 is worth consideration as well. It is an excellent lens. But besides the cost. It has a push/pull mechanism for manual focus use and is a bit large. I use a third party hood.

You may know Fujifilm will release a XF 35mmF2 R compact/lightweight lens later this year. This will lower the 35/1.4 used lens prices.

 

[MaxElmar]

For "rangefinder-style" shooting (and good value) you can't go wrong with the original 3 XF lenses - 18, 35, and 60. The 18-55 zoom is great when you need OIS. The 27mm is outstanding for "going light" - I would be in heaven with a F2 version of this lens w/aperture ring. The zoom is very solid and a little faster than most, but all the primes are amazing - especially in the middle even wide open. The newer, faster lenses are probably even better - but bulking up a bit.
The 14 is astonishing, but expensive even used. I got a Samyang/Rokinon 12/2 that I think is the "bees knees" - the value king - and I'm not the only person who thinks it's a better lens than the Zeiss 12. All these lenses focus quickly and accurately on my old X-E1 - doing the all the firmware updates (camera AND lenses) are essential maintenance in the modern era.

 

[Paul Jenkin]

I used to have the X-Pro1 with 18 and 35. Both fine lenses but I have never been a particular fan of the 28mm "view". I traded by X-Pro kit to buy an X-T1 / 18-55 and 55-200 for my wife and she loves it.

However, I missed the X-Pro1 and jumped back into the system again yesterday with a new (but heavily-discounted) body and a 10-24 and a 23. That seemed like a radical move as 23 is covered twice (three times if you include the 18-55 I can borrow from my wife). However, the 10-24 will be my landscaping lens whereas the 23 will be my walkaround travel and street lens.

I love the 35 as an optic but prefer a "35mm" lens as an all rounder and the output from the 23 I've seen to-date is, in my opinion, exactly what I'm looking for. When we travel, I'll be able to pair the X-Pro1 with a MF film rig and have the best of both worlds - especially as I like the X-Pro1's low-light files and auto-ISO function.

I know I'll eventually probably buy a 56 or maybe an adapter and use a 50mm M lens for head-and-shoulders portraits. However, for now, I'm looking forward to using the combo I have, for their respective strengths.

 

[narsuitus]

The special Fuji is offering in the UK for the Body, Xf-18, xf-27, and leather case for $920 US shipped was just too good to pass up.

If that special Fuji offering had been made in the US, I would have taken it and purchased a 35mm f/1.4 as a third lens.

However, since it was not offered, last January, I purchased the 23mm f/1.4 and the 56mm f/1.2. My third lens will be the new 16mm f/1.4. When I need a long telephoto or a macro lens, I use a Nikon F to Fuji X adapter to mount one of my Nikon lenses.

https://flic.kr/p/r24W1V