Exploring the Best Fuji Travel Lenses

Choosing the right camera and lenses is a crucial decision for any photographer, especially when it comes to travel photography. Fujifilm’s X-Series cameras have gained a reputation for their exceptional image quality, versatility, and stylish design. In this article, I have explored five popular Fujinon lenses and discussed their key features, recommended uses, and alternative options. Additionally, I’ve highlighted four Fujifilm X-Series cameras, discussing their pros and cons. By understanding the strengths and limitations of these cameras and lenses, photographers can make an informed choice to capture stunning travel photos that reflect their unique vision.

Key Criteria for a Travel Lens

When choosing lenses for travel, there are three main criteria that I consider. The lens should be lightweight to avoid the discomfort of carrying heavy gear during long hours of travel. It should also be versatile, serving multiple purposes rather than being specialized for one specific task. Lastly, the lens should be necessary for capturing specific situations or subjects, such as wildlife photography. Ideally, the lenses I recommend meet at least two of these criteria if not all three.

Why I Chose Fujifilm

When I initially embarked on my photography journey, a friend who studied Film in college strongly recommended Fujifilm as a starting point. One major advantage of Fujifilm is their focus on mirrorless cameras, which are smaller and lighter compared to bulky DSLRs. Given that my images would primarily be displayed on a blog rather than billboards, the difference in megapixels between Fujifilm and more expensive options like Canon didn’t matter much. This allowed me to save a significant amount of money while still having a lightweight camera that fits comfortably in my day bag.

The Importance of a Wide-Angle Lens

For travel photography, I consider a wide-angle lens to be an essential tool. It allows me to capture a broader perspective and fit more into the frame compared to a standard lens. Whether it’s expansive landscapes, tight indoor spaces, or low-light situations, a wide-angle lens proves invaluable. It may require getting closer to the subject to achieve the desired framing, but the versatility it offers makes it indispensable.

Recommended Fujifilm Lens: Fujinon XF 16mm f1.4

One lens that always accompanies me on my travels is the Fujinon XF 16mm f1.4. With its wide-angle capabilities, it fulfills the needs of a traveler’s photographic arsenal. Landscapes, tight indoor spaces, low-light photography, astrophotography, and architecture are all well-suited for this lens.

The wide-angle lens is particularly useful in various travel scenarios. It enables capturing stunning mountain landscapes, and impressive architectural structures such as churches or parliament buildings, and creating Instagram-worthy shots of people within their surroundings. Additionally, it’s ideal for those “follow me” style portraits that benefit from a wider perspective.

Unique Features of the Fujinon XF 16mm f1.4

This lens stands out for its close focusing ability and wide aperture. It allows for achieving a shallow depth of field and bokeh (blurry background) even with a wide-angle lens, which is not commonly found. The wide aperture also makes it an excellent choice for night photography, including capturing stars and the aurora borealis (northern lights).

By considering the key criteria for a travel lens and highlighting the Fujinon XF 16mm f1.4 as a versatile and indispensable choice, I provide recommendations based on my personal experience and expertise.

Exploring Fuji’s Wide-Angle Lens Alternatives

Instead of zoom lenses, prime lenses offer a lightweight and compact alternative. Fuji is renowned for its prime lens selection, and opting for primes can result in significant cost savings if you don’t necessarily require the f1.4 aperture and are willing to compromise on sharpness.

• 16mm f2.8 WR: An affordable alternative to the 16mm f1.4, released in 2019. This lens is weather resistant, compact, and consistently receives positive reviews;
• 14mm f2.8: With a wider angle of view, this lens is suitable for astrophotography or capturing the beauty of the northern lights. However, it lacks weather resistance;
• 18mm f2.8: This affordable and compact wide-angle lens does not offer weather resistance.

Zoom Lens Options

Fuji offers a range of wide-to-mid-range zoom lenses. Although there are other options available, the following lenses are considered the most modern and of the highest quality. Price points also vary across the range.

• 16-55mm f2.8 WR: Considered the highest quality wide-to-midrange zoom lens in Fuji’s lineup, this lens is weather resistant but slightly heavier. When paired with the latest Fuji camera bodies, it can be bundled as a kit lens for a great value;
• 10-24mm f4: Regarded as an excellent choice for landscape photographers, this lens provides versatility due to its zoom capabilities. However, the f4 aperture may not be sufficient for low-light situations. It does include optical image stabilization (OIS) to assist with handheld shots;
• 16-80mm f4 WR: Fuji’s newest zoom offering as of January 2020. Reviews for this lens are mixed, with many waiting for firmware updates to address key focus issues. It features optical image stabilization (OIS).

Why I Chose the 16mm f1.4

Out of the available options, I opted for the 16mm f1.4 lens due to specific requirements. I wanted to capture low-light photos of subjects like the northern lights and stars while maintaining a flexible focal length that is not excessively wide. While the other lenses can also capture low-light images, using them may require longer shutter speeds, which can result in star movement. Additionally, the weather resistance of the 16mm f1.4 allows me to use it in various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and winter, which is essential for my needs.

The Outstanding Fujinon XF 35mm f1.4 Lens

Having owned the Fujinon XF 35mm f1.4 lens for a few years now, I can confidently say that it remains my favorite among all the lenses in my kit, despite acquiring new ones.

Renowned Lens Performance

It’s not just me who holds this opinion; many people consider the Fujinon XF 35mm f1.4 lens as the benchmark for lens quality. Its exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and overall stunning image quality make it stand out. With this lens, even an ordinary subject can appear magical in photographs. It’s truly remarkable.

Versatile Usage

I use this lens for everything, and it remains my all-time favorite. During my trip to Japan, I paired it with a low-end camera that lacked a viewfinder, forcing me to compose shots solely using the LCD screen. Despite these limitations and shooting in JPEG instead of RAW, I captured numerous breathtaking photos in Japan.

Lens Superiority

These impressive results highlight the fact that the lens plays a more significant role in achieving great shots than the camera itself. While having both is ideal, especially in challenging conditions like low light or fast-moving subjects, in 90% of travel situations, it’s the lens that truly shapes the image’s quality.

Drawbacks and Modern Alternatives

While the Fujinon XF 35mm f1.4 lens offers exceptional image quality, it’s important to be aware of its limitations due to its age. The autofocus speed may be slower compared to more modern lenses, and the focusing mechanism can be louder as well. These factors can be a concern, particularly in fast-paced or low-light situations where quick and silent focusing is crucial.

However, it’s worth noting that Fujifilm has addressed these drawbacks with newer versions of the lens. The Fujinon XF 35mm f2 lens, for example, provides improved autofocus performance with faster and quieter focusing capabilities. It also maintains a high level of image quality while offering a more compact and lightweight design.

Ultimately, the decision between the Fujinon XF 35mm f1.4 and its modern alternatives comes down to personal preference and priorities. If you prioritize exceptional image quality and don’t mind the slower autofocus and noise, the f1.4 lens can still deliver remarkable results. On the other hand, if faster and quieter autofocus is a priority for your shooting style, you may opt for the more modern versions like the Fujinon XF 35mm f2 lens. Regardless of the choice, both options offer excellent image quality and can capture stunning photographs during your travels.

Fujinon XF 23mm f2 WR: Versatile and Weather-Resistant

When I planned my trip to Iceland, I knew I needed a weather-resistant lens, so I added the Fujinon XF 23mm f2 WR to my kit. While I already owned the 16mm lens, I wanted something that would cover the in-between focal lengths effectively.

This lens offers several key advantages. It boasts fast and quiet autofocus, making it ideal for both snapshots and video shooting. Additionally, its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around. Of course, its weather-resistant construction ensures that it can be safely used in rainy or snowy conditions.

Versatility and Natural Perspective

The 23mm focal length holds a special place in photography, as it is considered one of the most versatile options on a crop sensor. This focal length closely matches the perspective of the human eye, resulting in natural-looking photos that capture scenes as we perceive them.

Low-Light Capabilities and Alternative Options

Despite having a maximum aperture of f/2, the Fujinon XF 23mm lens performs well in low-light situations. While it may not offer the wider aperture of f/1.4 lenses, f/2 is still more than sufficient for many low-light photography scenarios.

An alternative to the Fujinon XF 23mm f2 WR is the 23mm f1.4 lens, which provides a slightly wider angle and excellent low-light capabilities. However, it’s important to note that the f1.4 lens is not weather resistant, limiting its usability in certain conditions.

Fujinon XF 50-140mm f2.8 WR LM OIS + 2x Teleconverter: Powerful Zoom Capability

The Fujinon XF 50-140mm f2.8 WR LM OIS lens combined with the 2x teleconverter is a powerhouse when it comes to zoom capabilities. This lens is specifically designed for photographers who require a versatile telephoto range to capture subjects at a distance, making it ideal for wildlife photography, sports events, and any situation where you need to bring distant subjects closer.

Unleash the Power of Telephoto

The XF 50-140mm lens itself offers a focal range of 50mm to 140mm, allowing you to capture subjects with remarkable clarity and detail even from a distance. Its maximum aperture of f/2.8 ensures excellent low-light performance and enables you to create beautiful bokeh effects, isolating your subject from the background with a pleasing depth of field.

Extend Your Reach with the 2x Teleconverter

The 2x teleconverter is an additional accessory that can be attached to the XF 50-140mm lens, effectively doubling its focal length. With the teleconverter in place, the lens becomes a 100-280mm f5.6, providing an even greater zoom reach. This is incredibly useful for getting closer shots of wildlife, capturing action on the sports field, or any scenario where you need to magnify distant subjects.

Considerations: Size, Weight, and Price

It’s important to note that the XF 50-140mm lens, along with the teleconverter, is larger and heavier compared to other Fuji lenses. This is due to its robust construction and advanced optical elements required for its impressive zoom capabilities. While it may be bulkier, the image quality and versatility it offers are well worth the trade-off.

It’s also essential to consider the cost of the teleconverter. Teleconverters are specialized optics that maintain the quality of the lens while extending its reach. However, they come at an additional cost, similar to that of a smaller lens. It’s important to evaluate your photography needs and budget when deciding whether to invest in a teleconverter.

Alternatives: Fujinon XF 100-400mm f4 and 55-200mm f3.5-f4.8

If you require an even more extensive zoom range, the Fujinon XF 100-400mm f4 lens is an excellent alternative. It provides a focal range of 100mm to 400mm, making it ideal for capturing distant wildlife and sports action. However, it’s worth noting that the XF 100-400mm lens is larger, heavier, and more expensive than the XF 50-140mm.

For those seeking a more affordable and lightweight option, the Fujinon XF 55-200mm f3.5-f4.8 lens is a great choice. While it doesn’t offer the same reach as the XF 50-140mm or 100-400mm lenses, it still provides a decent telephoto range and delivers excellent image quality. However, it’s important to consider that the XF 55-200mm lens is not weather-resistant and cannot be extended with a teleconverter.

Choose the Right Lens for Your Photography Needs

When selecting a telephoto lens like the XF 50-140mm f2.8 with the 2x teleconverter, it’s essential to consider your specific photography requirements. Evaluate the subjects you frequently shoot, the level of zoom you need, and factors such as size, weight, and budget. By choosing the lens that aligns with your needs, you can capture stunning images with ease and precision.

Fujinon XF 27mm f2.8: Compact and Low Profile

The Fujinon XF 27mm f2.8 lens is a fantastic choice for photographers seeking a compact and inconspicuous option. Its pancake design, which earned it the nickname “pancake lens,” makes it incredibly flat and lightweight. This lens is ideal for situations where portability and a low-profile setup are essential.

Perfect for Street Photography and Portability

Street photographers will appreciate the 27mm focal length, which provides a natural field of view similar to the human eye. This makes it suitable for capturing candid moments and documentary-style shots. Additionally, its compact size and low weight make it a great choice for photographers who want to carry their camera everywhere without feeling burdened.

Sharp Landscapes and Discreet Shooting

The Fujinon XF 27mm f2.8 lens is also excellent for capturing sharp landscapes. Its wide aperture of f/2.8 allows for great depth of field control and low-light performance, ensuring crisp and vibrant landscape shots. Furthermore, its discreet appearance makes it an ideal choice for situations where you want to blend in and not draw attention to your camera gear.

Alternatives: Fujinon XF 18mm f2.8

If you’re considering pancake lenses, another option to consider is the Fujinon XF 18mm f2.8 lens. The 18mm focal length provides a wider perspective, which can be advantageous for capturing expansive landscapes or architecture. It’s worth considering your shooting preferences and the subjects you frequently photograph when deciding between the 27mm and 18mm options.

Choosing the Right Fujifilm X-Series Camera

When using the Fujinon XF 27mm f2.8 lens, you can pair it with any X-mount compatible camera. The Fujifilm X-T2 and X-T30 are both excellent choices, offering outstanding image quality and advanced features. The X-T2 is a flagship model with weather resistance, durability, and exceptional performance, while the X-T30 offers a more compact and budget-friendly option without compromising image quality.

Invest in Lenses for Long-Term Quality

While camera technology continues to advance rapidly, lenses have a longer lifespan and retain their value over time. Investing in high-quality lenses is crucial as they have a more significant impact on image quality compared to the camera body itself. A top-tier lens paired with a capable camera body will yield impressive results and allow for future camera upgrades without sacrificing lens compatibility.

Start Small and Upgrade Gradually

You don’t have to purchase all your camera gear at once. It’s often wise to start with a camera and lens combination that suits your current needs and budget, and gradually expand your collection as you gain experience and identify specific requirements. This approach allows you to make informed decisions based on your evolving photography style and preferences.

Recommended Cameras: Fujifilm X-T3, Fujifilm X-T30, Fujifilm X-T2

The Fujifilm X-T3 is the latest flagship model in the X-series, offering advanced features, excellent image quality, and superior performance. The X-T30, while slightly less powerful than the X-T3, delivers comparable image quality and features in a more compact and affordable package. The X-T2 remains an exceptional choice, particularly if you can find it at a favorable price, as it still offers excellent performance and features.

Note: Upcoming Camera Model – Fujifilm X-T4

It’s worth mentioning that Fujifilm is set to release the X-T4 soon. If features such as in-body image stabilization (IBIS) or a new flip-out LCD screen are not crucial for your needs, opting for the X-T3 can offer substantial cost savings while delivering the same outstanding image quality. Assess your specific requirements before deciding which camera model best suits you.

Choose the Right Lens for Your Travel Photos

All the lenses recommended in this post are ones that I have personally purchased or extensively used during my travels. As a fellow traveler, I understand the importance of selecting the right gear to capture memorable moments. If you have any questions or need further assistance in choosing the lens that best suits your photography goals, feel free to leave a comment. I’m here to help you capture the travel photos you desire with confidence!

Here’s a table describing the pros and cons of the Fujifilm X-Series cameras mentioned:

Camera Model	Pros	Cons
Fujifilm X-T2	Excellent image quality, weather-resistant, good performance	Older model, slightly less advanced than newer releases
Fujifilm X-T3	Outstanding image quality, advanced features	No in-body stabilization, lack of a flip-out LCD screen
Fujifilm X-T30	Same image quality as X-T2, compact and lightweight	Not weather-resistant, slightly lower performance than X-T2
Fujifilm X-T4	In-body stabilization, new flip-out LCD screen	More expensive than X-T3, may have features you don’t necessarily need

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect camera and lenses for travel photography is a personal and subjective choice. The Fujinon lenses we discussed – the XF 35mm f1.4, XF 23mm f2 WR, XF 27mm f2.8, and XF 50-140mm f2.8 WR LM OIS + 2x Teleconverter – offer a range of focal lengths and features to suit different shooting styles and preferences. Whether it’s capturing the intricate details of a bustling street or the majestic beauty of wildlife, these lenses excel in their respective areas. Additionally, we explored the pros and cons of Fujifilm’s X-Series cameras, providing insights into their capabilities and limitations.

Ultimately, the right camera and lenses for travel photography will depend on individual needs, budget, and creative vision. Fujifilm’s X-Series cameras and lenses offer a compelling range of options, combining superb image quality, innovative features, and stylish design. By carefully considering the recommendations and alternatives discussed in this article, photographers can make an informed decision to enhance their travel photography experiences and capture breathtaking moments around the world.