Last Updated on 03/24/2018 by Mark Beckenbach
What are the basics: the essential lenses every Fujifilm Photographer could use in their art?
Photography is a wonderful thing; pick up any camera and any lens and with that you can capture the world, for just a moment, to be preserved as long as the medium which holds it survives. It is a timeless, though under appreciated, a gift to the future. But if you are new to photography, or maybe just new to having a dedicated camera (upgraded from your smartphone, for example) you may be wondering what lenses you need for your new Fujifilm camera.
Well, it’s just your luck that this post is all about that; the essential lenses for your Fujifilm camera system. So, if you are ready, let’s jump on into it…
The biggest rule of photography is that there are no rules. As long as you have captured the image you were attempting to capture, then you did it right – regardless of what some mouth breather screams at you through the clanking of his keyboard echoing off the walls of his mother’s basement. So take the following list of ‘essential’ lenses as some suggestions, because there are many, many options out there that you could use to create your art and pursue your passion. These are essential only in that most photographers will find a good use for them in their work.
OK, so with that disclaimer out of the way, let’s get going on this look at the essential lenses that virtually every Fujifilm photographer should have.
Fujifilm 35mm F2 R WR
There is a reason that 50mm lenses are so popular: they are incredibly versatile and incredibly affordable. The Fujifilm XF 35mm F2 R WR is not as affordable as other 50mm (or 50mm full frame equivalent) lenses on the market, but it is none the less still an excellent choice for any Fujifilm kit. The only reason we don’t recommend this lens for your kit is if you happen to already have the Fujifilm 35mm F1.4.
[amazon_textlink asin=’B016S28I4S’ text=’Get a Fujifilm 35mm F2 R WR’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’91335df8-2899-11e8-86df-ef8a4f9ee53a’] (Read our Review)
Fujifilm 50mm F2 R WR
The chances are that you are going to be taking pictures of people, be that professionally in a portrait setting, or be that your kids as your family makes their way through life. Regardless of the reason, one of the top lenses you will want is a solid portrait lens with a good aperture, and the XF 50mm F2 is just that sort of lens.
[amazon_textlink asin=’B01MS6WINK’ text=’Get a Fujifilm 50mm F2 R WR’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9812bf65-289a-11e8-b73c-ebf5cbff8bd9′] (Read our Review)
Fujifilm 23mm F2 R WR
Fujifilm has a really solid prime lens lineup, and the 23mm F2 is no exception to that list. Given its 35mm full frame equivilency, the 23mm F2 offers an excellent combination of versatility and compactness making it an incredibly popular lens for those looking to keep their kits small and compact.
[amazon_textlink asin=’B01KNXOCO8′ text=’Get a Fujifilm 23mm F2 R WR ‘ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’b2646b31-289a-11e8-8059-a19d6141bdac’](Read our Review)
Fujifilm 16-55mm F2.8
Sure… It’s big (for a Fujifilm lens), It’s heavy (again, for a Fujifilm lens), and its not exactly cheap (comparead to other Fujifilm glass). But for those who need the versatility of a standard zoom lens, there really is no better option right now for the X-Series than the 16-55mm F2.8.
[amazon_textlink asin=’B00RSQTDMA’ text=’Get a Fujifilm 16-55mm F2.8′ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c7ffec23-289b-11e8-b741-370ef42f8de9′] (Read our Review)
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So, there you have it, our picks for the essential lenses for every Fujifilm photographer. Depending on your specialty you could add or subtract options on this list. For example, a sports photographer likely has little use for the 35mm lens, but has a ton of use for a 70-200mm or a 300mm prime. Alternatively, a wedding photographer may find this list to be pretty dead on.
The moral of the story is to know what you want to shoot and let it guide your decisions when it comes to lens purchases. It makes no sense to go out and buy a lens you are never going to use, or never going to use to its full potential. So think about what you want, why you want it, why you need it, and how you will use it. If you can’t come up with an answer for each of those questions then chances are you don’t need that lens.