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| Fujifilm Product Photograph (click to enlarge) |
Of most interest is the firmware update for the X-T2. As an X-T2 lover, any improvements that Fujifilm makes to that camera is of great interest to me. In this case, the two improvements they mention are faster focus tracking and better being able to follow focus on smaller objects. As I am also considering buying a new flash unit for my X-T2, the improvements in utilizing 3rd party units is also of interest.
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| Fujifilm Product Photograph (click to enlarge) |
The second piece of gear of interest is the new Fujinon XF80mm F2.8 LM OIS WR Macro lens. Wow! That is a mouthful! I have interest in a good quality macro lens which can focus to life size and has image stabilization. They claim 5 stops of image stabilization in this new lens and that sounds reasonable when compared to some of their other lenses. This lens may fill the bill. Its 62mm filter thread gives me an idea of its size. However, and this is a huge caveat for me, I'm equally in love with IBIS as I am with my Fujifilm gear. If Fujifilm doesn't introduce IBIS in the the successor to the X-T2, I probably won't buy anymore lenses. Now this is just me. I love my Fujifilm gear, but I'm almost 66 years old and I have to admit I'm not quite as steady as I used to be when photographing in any position other than the traditional "standing up facing forward and looking through the viewfinder" position. IBIS is a real help, even with wide angle lenses, when getting down to shutter speeds of 1/15th sec. and slower and when I'm holding the camera high, low, or at a strange angle. Hopefully, IBIS is in the cards as rumored.
As for the X-E3? I'm not really interested for a couple of reasons. First, it looks really small. Really small doesn't work well for me. I like a little size and heft in my cameras. I think the manufacturers went overboard in making cameras too small. What you saw were the companies making and selling grips to attach to make the cameras a bit larger for their customer base. Not everyone wants tiny cameras. I like a good solid, comfortable grip on the camera.
Second, one of the main reasons I love my X-T2 is because of the knobs and dials. The X-E3 seems to get rid of some of them and depend more on menu items, swiping the LCD and so on. That doesn't really appeal to me. I don't think I would want to go back and forth between knobs and dials on my X-T2, then switch over to an X-E3 with LCD swiping, then back to knobs and dials, etc. Too much to remember when shooting quickly. This all being said, I love the idea of touching the LCD to select a specific focus point, touch to focus and touch to focus/expose. I have that on my Olympus E-M1 Mark II and I will say, when on a tripod, it works really well. The Auto mode is also interesting. Previously, there was no way to switch my X-cameras over to full auto (everything at once). I have one of my three custom settings on my E-M1 MKII set for full auto (Custom Setting C3)so I can just hand the camera to someone to take a photo and it is all but guaranteed to come out well. Interesting that they would include that feature. I will be interested to see how this camera is accepted in the marketplace.
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| Fujifilm product image (click to enlarge) |
I'm sure the X-E3 is a wonderful camera but I think the X-T20 would be more to my liking if I were looking for a backup or less expensive camera. However, I was very surprised by the price of the X-E3. I think that at the price quoted it is a real bargain, especially with the 24mp sensor and the latest processor.
I'm also intrigued with Fujifilm's introduction or a RAW converter. I haven't had time to look into it yet, but I'm interested in where they are going with this. I'll look into it over the weekend and probably write about it in the future after it is released and I have used it.
Another interest I would have is the upcoming Fujifilm XF8-16mm f/2.8 lens. That is very attractive. The combination of the 8-16, 16-55 and 50-140 makes a pretty powerful triumvirate. I'm anxious to see if it has IS (I'm positive it will), if weather sealed, etc. Again, buying additional lenses may depend upon IBIS in a future body. If Fujifilm did, in fact, include IBIS in a new flagship body, they wouldn't have to go back and redesign their prime lenses or zooms that don't already have it. Lots of money to be saved.
No criticism of my for Fujifilm gear or this new stuff as well. Fujifilm is still innovating, developing great products of excellent quality and utility. Right now my Fujifilm gear fully meets my needs. I'm thankful for a company such as Fujifilm to employ a philosophy of continuous improvement through analysis of real world photographer feedback of which we all benefit. Thank you Fujifilm for all you do for us!
(No, I don't get anything from Fujifilm. I'm just loving their gear and the images their gear allows me to make.)
Thanks for looking. Enjoy!
Dennis A. Mook
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Dennis: like you, I've no interest in the X-E3. I don't own an X-T2 (yet) so the 80mm macro rises to the top of my curiosity. It looks really good and early reviews say it's fantastic, but it's heavy and lacks a tripod mount which seems like a poor decision to me. And, it's $1200! By contrast, the Olympus 60mm macro is currently on sale for $349!
ReplyDeleteDoug, thanks for the additional information. And...I can attest to how well that tiny, and I mean tiny, Olympus 60mm macro performs! Excellent lens.
DeleteI thought a tripod mount should at least have been optional so if you wanted one, the lens would accept one as an accessory.
Dennis: I just checked the weight of other lenses. Fuji 80mm = 25+ ounces... Olympus 60mm = 6+ ounces. That's a huge difference when spending several hours in the field! After seeing g your image comparisons between the Em1 II and X-T2, I'm beginning to wonder if Olympus (or Panasonic with the GH5) is in my future. I do love the Fuji 100-400, though. It's a remarkable lens, but the Panasonic 100-400 gets good reviews, too.
DeleteDoug, what many don't realize is that it is the size of the sensor that governs the size of the lenses. Look at the Sony A7 series. As small as those full frame mirrorless cameras are, the lenses are huge compared to a m4/3 system's lenses. Lenses have to cover the image circle of the sensor so sensor size is the controlling factor. Mirrorless cameras may be smaller due to not having a pentaprism and mirror box, but only when you get to m4/3 do you see a real difference in size and weight. It's all physics!
DeleteYou mention getting a flash for your XT2. I just got a $120.00 Godox TT685 for my XT2 and have been thoroughly amazed with its performance. I also have a EM1 MkII with the Oly FL900R flash that was nearly $600.00 but that just got replaced "and is about to hit eBay" with an Oly version of the Godox because the Fuji version worked so well. Long note to just say the Godox units are WELL worth a look and come with the benefit of radio communications!
ReplyDeleteE., thank you for your comment. That is the exact flash I've been researching. Good to know that it performs well and you find it a worthwhile purchase.
DeleteAnd some real fun begins when you add the X1T radio controller. I'm using that on camera with the flash in my left hand outside with HHS for creative control in portraits. I'm refining the process but so far it works really well. Probably would be easier with a voice activated light stand though.
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