Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 Six Months Later: Inflection Point
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- čas přidán 23. 03. 2022
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The XF 33/1.4 is indeed a next generation Fujifilm APS-C coverage lens, but Fujifilm has reached an inflection point: EVERY new lens has to be a home run, and they now need a high resolution body to extract every bit of their lenses' potential -- STAT.
CORRECTIONS (sigh):
1) the Summilux TL 35/1.4 is just UNDER four times the price of the XF 33/1.4;
2) only the 60 megapixel full frame cameras have more than twice the megapixels of the X-T4, while the Nikon Z7 II, Panasonic LUMIX S1R, Leica SL2 and Sony a1 have just UNDER twice the megapixels; and
3) around the 12:40 mark I misstate (and maybe I do it again later) the X-T4's sensor resolution as 24, rather than 26 megapixels.
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The prediction in this entire post is astonishing and humbles me entirely. The XT-5 released and with the proper specs lives up to your statement about needing something that can pull everything out of the lens. I’m on the XT3 but well said on everything. I loved your photographs and insight. Thank you. I have picked up the lens.
😊🖖🏻
Exactly what I was about to type.
This lens, more than any I've ever owned, captures the look of the world how I see it through my eyes.
Again, this episode will gently guide us through the important concepts necessary to build on our experience and technical grounding to rise our photography to a more advanced level. Thanks Hugh!
My pleasure, Slai!
That collection you shared at 4.45 on was Incredible! a great collection of what i call fujifilms lifelike effect ...love your work Hugh.
I love the XF 33mm F1.4. It is a solid lens to have for X-shooters. I consider it a 'must-have' workhorse. It is a small lens and not very expensive. It delivers great photos.
I agree with your points. As an ammerture I initially start shooting X-Pro then X-T for the control and the ability use jpg without post processing, but from time to time I envy the raw optical performance from full frame systems and ability to print big, even though I don't realy print that big.
I’m a fairly new shooter. I have an X-T4 and the 23/35/50 f2 trio, all bought used. No major complaints and I’m not in the market for anything new anytime soon. BUT…I’ll be paying close attention to what Fujifilm shows us in May. I want to see that things are moving forward if I’m ever going to make more investment in the X mount. And ideally they’ll make strides that won’t also make my current gear obsolete. If I’m underwhelmed, I’d lean towards selling it all for a Z6ii and 50/1.8 and moving on from there.
I'm firmly a hobby photographer. As such, I do appreciate lighter, smaller and more affordable options. Fuji delivers in that regard.
It helps me to have no need to nail sports and wildlife shots for money. If they want to go into that direction, I hope Fuji will bring their new tech not only to the SLR styled bodies, but also to the X-E line.
The RF setup is the more compact one anyway and offers the better ergonomics for 2/3 of the users (both right eye and hand dominant).
The alternatives to the X-E line are Fujis own X-Pro (I have no real use for the OVF) , the Sony A7C (bigger lenses, don't like the grip), the Sony 6x00 (which lenses?) and Leica (price).
May can’t come soon enough… not just because I am really interested to see what Fujifilm announce, but because I desperately need a work camera/lens with more resolution/edge sharpness - and a disappointing announcement will probably mean I sell up my Fujifilm work gear and enter into the Sony or Nikon ecosystem.
You are so right, this is an inflection point for Fujifilm. A massive year for them.
Very interesting thoughts for me as a Fuji user. I sold my Nikon D7200 in 2021after only 3 years of shooting with and switched to the Fuji XT-30. While it left a very slight bitter aftertaste - I didn't want to fall into the gear-trap and buy new stuff, hoping it would make my photos better - the switch to mirrorless was a good decision and ultimately that is what made me do it. At that time, full frame was out of my budget, there weren't many Nikkor Z lenses I was interested in and full frame was just out of my budget. I chose Fuji based on how it felt to operate the camera, I liked the menus, the functions, how quickly I got used to it while testing it out and the other options, some Sony a6x00, Canon and Nikon APS-C DSLMs just weren't right. Since the beginning, I always wanted to have a fast 50 mm prime lens, the style really grew on my and I like it on my analog camera. Right now, there are so many lenses in that range available for Fuji that it's kinda difficult to choose one. My favorite is the 33 mm f1.4 but there's one problem, and that's exactly what you said in the video. Full frame nowadays (especially with Nikon having so many more lenses) is way easier to reach than two years ago and if I look at what gear I have, a full frame setup (Nikon Z5) would have cost me less than 500 € more. And while I enjoy the photos of my Fuji, full frame is still really desirable. My fathers Z6 is phenomenal, so much better in low light and just the pure quality of the photos is amazing, really a step up from my Fuji. So the questions I'm asking myself are: Is buying a 33 mm 1.4 worth it right now, when Nikon's 50 mm 1.8 is actually cheaper? Should I switch to Nikon in, let's say, 2 years? See, I don't want to spend my time and money on researching, analyzing and buying gear. It would be better to just go out there and use the stuff, rather than thinking about switching again. The actual amount of time I spend using the camera is embarassingly small, so that's something I should work on, first. Still, I don't want to miss even more events with family and friends where a 50 mm prime would be perfect, so I have to buy something... One could also argue that it doesn't make sense to switch if I'm not unhappy with what I got, but with lenses like the 33 mm and a possible switch to a bigger Fuji camera, I would sort of move on a parallel path to full frame with not a lot of money between those systems, which kinda seems like a waste of money to me.
As an xt3 user, I'm waiting to see the xh2 at the May event. I just bought an xe3 to keep as my fuji but I may send up switching to full-frame. The z5, z6, a7c, and Lumix s5 offer tremendous value and the lenses are better priced as well. RF mount is still a rich man's mount IMO. I find it hard to justify an $800 - $1000 prime when the Z mount, E mount, and L mount offer such fantastic primes for far lower.
Well it didn't take long to sub this channel. Soulshine ...is exactly what I'm looking for as a new photographer who is confident he can see deep into reality simply needing the tools required to capture what he sees and the inference needed to find and assimilate infomatics ...is exactly why I'm here. This channel stands out in front from all the other affiliate link click fishermen out there ... style and character. I think I've learned more on this one video than all the others product overview vids I've found so far. Thank you!
Happy to be of service - welcome!
@@3BMEP While blessed with your attention sir, do you mind if I ask what display monitor you are using in the bat cave to analyze your images? And perhaps list of attributes (order of importance) regarding tools for display monitoring and reviewing images. It be much appreciated .. please
@@hobonickel840BenQ SWC 321, Apple Studio display. My primary concerns are mundane: consistency, legibility, reliability, connectivity, ease of use. I used to lean more on the BenQ, but since colors differ so much across viewers’ displays, color per se is less important to me (it has to be close enough and I do calibrate, but since I’m mostly a B&W shooter anyway…). 😊
Good morning from sunny Florida.
I enjoy your videos a lot. The cadence and calmness in your videos are amazing.
As a compliment and not an insult, you are my Jeff Goldblum of the photography world (zen, intelligent and eccentric in a good way).
Hold that thought, now to my comments on the 33 1.4, the lens is fantastic, sharp and a steal for what it is.
I just ordered the 18 1.4 based on your previous review and set of images you did.
keep up the good work. I wish I could get you to become a fuji person (reviewer) only but they say you cant cage a unicorn (if that is a saying). lol
No offense taken - Jeff Goldblum is a wonderful actor. As for the rest: 1) enjoy! And 2) 😊🙏🏻🖖🏻
You took the words right out of my mouth.
Your choice of music is impeccable.
😊🙏🏻🖖🏻
The only problem I really have with Fuji is the auto focus. If they can fix this I’ll stick with them, if they can’t I may move on!
Build quality needs a little improvement too. Otherwise I love the XT4, 18 1.4, 50 F2 could be faster on the auto focus. 90 F2. I’m still not sure whether I want to get the 33 1.4 or the 23 1.4? 🖖
As far as just moving to another system because of pixel peeping, not likely. I think most photographers worry too much about specs and not enough about their image!
It will be interesting to see the results when the proper X-H2, X-E5 and X-T5 are released. Also, the mark 2s of the GFX 100/100S. Many of those are likely coming this year.
Hugh! You give such a well articulated differential that leaves all other camera channels in the dust. You're also one of the few that takes Nikon so seriously, which in turn makes me take them seriously. I still shoot Fuji, but if ever I were to switch, I do think Nikon has reached the top of the list for systems.
My opinion is still that Fuji offers the most affordable, feature rich HYBRID system as long as you're okay with lower MP counts and not-as-shallow DoF. That margin is getting slimmer by the year, but I think the XH2 will re-cement that fact (hopefully!).
😊🙏🏻🖖🏻
Huge, This is simply a comment to express my gratitude since the people who watch your videos will be able to make better purchasing decisions according to their personal needs because the degree of attention to detail you provide is so well-described that it absolutely outweighs all other camera channels.
Glad you enjoy it, Albert! 🙏🏻😊🖖🏻
This lens just arrived and I can tell it's going to be an interesting challenge. None of that fancy atmospheric distortion and easier 'scene encompassing' of shorter focal lengths. Less bokeh than the 56mm lenses.
With the 33mm (50mm equivalent), I'll have to get great at finding genuinely interesting vignettes amongst all the noise on my street walks. I'm looking forward to it. It feels unpolluted by gimmicks.
As an aside, with the new firmware onboard my X-T5, this lens has terrific autofocus. It accurately tracked a faraway flying bird that I could barely even see on my backscreen and took sharp pics.
Interesting review, as usual. Any idea what the sweet spot is with the 33mm? Thanks
I love these videos for how well thought they are. I hate these videos for how well thought they are. As someone who shoots on Nikon Z6 and carries daily an X100V with a TCL attached, I have two weeks to decide whether I want to sell my X100V and get an X-Pro3 with the 33mm f/1.4 or just get the Z 50mm which I stupidly sold (there was a plan to go for holy trinity, but crisis hit). And trust me, your videos make the decision damn hard.
Thanks for this Hugh. If you could buy the XT5 body with old lenses or the 33mm 1.4 lens with the XT3 body which would you choose? Many thanks Karin
Maybe I missed it but did you use the "Enhance..." > Raw details on the .RAF files? It usually results in the Fuji files looking like they would if LR's regular demosaicing worked properly. Even better than if you were to use C1.
Hugh, thank you for everything you do on this channel. You raise a multitude of valid points. I've been using Canon's 1DX Mki's for years and have been very happy with them. Non the less things have moved on and I've dipped my toe in the water with an XT4 with a 33mmf1.4 and the 100-400 for sports. My initial findings for low light gigs with the prime are that it's a little noiseier but I get more keepers due to better auto focus. For portraits the fuji is superb requiring a fraction of the work the Canons did in post. I'm shooting motorcycle racing tomorrow and we'll see how it stands up. The biggest current issue for me I'd that as customers budgets seem to be shrinking on a daily basis I can't justify spending £25k to update my Canon gear as the EF range becomes slowly obsolete. I'm hoping the XH2 will be a worthy replacement for the 1DX Mki which will mean I can replace my entire canon system for less than £10k whilst recovering some value from selling on my old gear. I await May 22 and the XH2 with baited breath as currently my only other option is to switch to an adapted R6. John Isle Photo Isle of Man UK.
Thanks Hugh, for articulating so eloquently what I was trying to say to my colleagues the other day, who for some reason also happen to be Fuji shooters. This is indeed the inflection point for the Fuji X system, and a lot is riding on what they reveal to the community in May 2022.
Fuji taught me photography with its mechanical dials. I had access to other brands when I started out a couple years ago, but could never get my head around the exposure triangle because from my perspective, the cameras settings were locked behind inscrutable dials, screens and menus. Fuji’s tactile experience was an epiphany for me. I first picked up an XT3 for its hybrid abilities, since my day job is producing videos, and later an X-Pro 3 to hone photography. For my personal growth and enjoyment, I require nothing else.
But for work, it’s quickly become a different story. Of late, full-frame bodies and glass are approaching the size and weight of APS-C, and for professional applications where performant autofocus, unlimited recording and robust I/O are becoming must-haves, it has become increasingly difficult for me to ignore the alternatives. My manager doesn’t care about the shooting experience, character, or nostalgic colours. They only care about high quality media assets delivered in the most efficient turnaround time.
As a video-shooter primarily, I’m not moved by megapixels. But if the upcoming Fuji offering isn’t as least as capable as the GH6, WITH autofocus on par with current industry leaders, I will have to give up on my dream of going strictly Fuji for everything and be content to keep at least one Fuji in my kit for my personal enjoyment. Paired with an Instax printer, life is good.
By comparison, the Sony ecosystem will feel sterile - but I’ve noticed with approval that quite a few of their native lenses come with pretty good aperture rings, and with some self hypnosis, I might come to believe that an A7IV paired with an appropriate G or higher compact prime would feel exactly like an XS10 + XF 16 1.4 in the hand, albeit somewhat heavier. But not by a lot. Heh.
In any event, like you, I’m waiting to see what Fuji shows us in May.
Thanks for such a thoughtful addition to the conversation! 😊🖖🏻
Xh2s has arrived. So what decision have u made??
@@mahakaal9977 Oh dear, how to answer this…
the XH2s is a great accomplishment for Fuji, but it’s not the video camera that I need. I had hope that Fuji might create something with cinema features to rival the GH-series and Black Magic Pocket line. And while they seem to have delivered on the dynamic range, codec options, basic I/O and even autofocus up to a point, they’ve stopped just short of adding the professional video assist tools that would’ve made it a no-brainer for people who don’t want to have to rig up their cameras with extra bits. I’ll be here waiting for the rangefinders with X-Trans 5 to make their appearance, one of those will likely be an insta-buy for me on the photo side of things.
Funny thing is, I wound up going with the Canon R5C (heh). I don’t love it. It doesn’t beckon to me like my X-Pro 3. But when it’s time to get work done, it’s a stealthy workhorse that shoots internal 8K raw and 45mp stills while drawing next to zero attention to itself, as long as you don’t rig it up.
In the end, camera bodies are control surfaces, and for work, you’ve got to pick the one that lets you get things done as efficiently as possible. Right now the R5C body allows me leave all my other cameras behind, which means less weight and stress and general “futzing”. It even lets me simulate internal NDs via adapter, even though that limits me to EF lenses, which is fine. I’m curious to see if Sony or even Fuji will consider creating a similar form factor, because if you look away from the poor battery life, the R5C gets many things very right.
@@mrbankole do u shoot in canon raw lite ? it takes a lot of space in the memory card. Prores raw or blackmagic raw takes much less space in the card. Even Nikon has come up with n-raw which takes very less space compared to canon raw lite. Are comfortable with canon raw lite ? R5c doesn't have Ibis too.. how do u manage with lack of stabilization when u don't rig up the camera R5c ?
@@mahakaal9977 I don’t want to stray too far from the main premise of the discussion, so brief answers
1. I primarily shoot in XF-AVC for talking head and documentary b-roll which is the optimal codec for this setup for reasons anyone who shoots Canon cinema knows. I only break out the raw codec when I’m shooting footage for licensing, which is for seconds at a time.
2. I put the camera on a tripod, and when I go handheld, I shoot with stabilized lenses (RF 35 1.8 and EF 24-105 F4 Mk II). I’m not a vlogger, and I don’t need to shoot any particularly epic or cinematic b-roll. If anything, I aspire to Phillip Bloom’s locked off style.
I think they need the higher megapixel better performing focus etc. as you mentioned to stay competitive with new buyers, but they would always sell the medium format to existing x-trans shooters looking for maximum printing capabilities as you mention at the end of the video. Great video. 👍
🙏🏻😊🖖🏻
I hear what you are saying but kinda don't want more mpx on apsc if its gonna screw up the high iso and video perf. I'd rather they go with the same or lower mpx and improve those two qualities. I guess if we can have our cake and eat it too, then its all fine.
Also, I think the some fuji's are getting too heavy. If they are going to get heavier and closer to FF size, the most substantive improvement they can do to the X-T line for me would be to give it a bigger grip lol (the lighter cameras don't need it as much but give they actually made the grip worse for the xe4 vs the previous ones...).
I think for high mpx croppers, high DR pushers, and high IQ peepers, fuji made those gfx cameras just for that group, to compete with the upper line high mpx FF. Nowadays their aps-c line is one of the least expensive ways of getting 4k/60 internal (M43 and the Panasonic S5 aside, but the autofocus...) and it competes with more moderate mpx FF (the kind that more focus on burst and autofocus perf, vs high resolution).
Interesting stuff. I have just bought an X-T3 to learn photography on, with the 18mm f/1.4 XF lens... I will grow with it and that's the main thing. Resisting the "need" to update with the rate of the technologies and the manufacturers is exhausting -- especially if you're not rich. There may come a time when the difference between these things is so stark or my perception and skill so as to detect them, so heightened, that I'm left with no choice. But for now, I need to wring what I can and absorb the skill from what surely will be an "dated" tool.
Excellent mindset - enjoy! It’s a superb lens!
A well spoken excellent review that gave me confidence. I’ve ordered the lens and am waiting, and hope to use it a a lightweight prime on my new XT-5. I have the brilliant 16-55 but want to reduce weight on travels. This lens reviews very well, but your realistic appraisal has given me greater confidence I’ve chosen thoughtfully. Will use in my home country Australia, but will rejoice in it when travelling.
Enjoy!
Perfect description.
Fujifilm should also return to their Kaizen driven firmware improvement policy, which is dead for a long time now.
They haven't released even a single relevant firmware update since the X T4 was released. Just boring bug fixes. No improvements. Sacrificing everything to a strict cost saving policy.
Thanks so much, I’m considering the new 33mm and the 23mm for purchase to use on my X Pro 3 and my XT-4. I’d like to try them out at my local shop but both are presently on back order….
Very much this. Fuji really sold their own X-H1 short, because they wanted to sell X-T4s. I understand that, but for those who paid the original high price, their 'flagship' body support ended rather quickly.
I'm happy with my X-H1s, but yeah.. no longer feeling the Kaizen love :-(
Exactly, that is what used to set them apart from the competition. Adding Nostalgic neg to X-T4, X100V would be a great return to that attitude but I'm not holding my breath...
I pray 🙏 sigma brings their i-series to Fuji, not only they match the aesthetic of the Fuji bodies but would bring incredible performance and little flaws when mounted in crop sensor camera. The 65mm f2 is such an incredible little lens!
Fascinating, Hugh, not to mention timely as I've been thinking about many of the points you've mentioned lately.
I've been a Fujifilm shooter for almost eight years now. Beyond the analog-inspired ethos, the short path between vision and execution, and the lovely film simulations, Fujifilm has been a "Goldilocks" system for me: Lighter, more compact, and more affordable than full -frame in most cases, while providing better performance (for my particular needs at least) than m4/3. It's a sweet spot, and it's a blast to use.
I never questioned the image quality until recently when I acquired a Z6 with the Z 24-70mm f/4 S and the Z 50mm f/1.8 S and did some side-by-side comparisons with my Fujifilm X-S10 and a variety of Fujifilm zooms and primes, and saw exactly what you demonstrated in this video: The Z6 images - particularly with the Z 50mm f/1.8 S - are better in every measurable way, and not by a small margin.
Of course there are other differences between the two systems, and I'm not suggesting this is an apples-to-apples comparison, but consider that my specific Nikon set up cost me $200 less than an X-T4 with the 16-80mm f/4 and the 33mm f/1.4, and we're on pretty level ground price-wise. Yes, I know the Z6 has been de-throned by the Z6II whereas the X-T4 is still Fujifilm's flagship body, but since you can still buy the Z6 brand new, I think the comparison is valid. Set them side by side and at least with these particular lenses, the difference in size and weight is negligible.
Jim, thanks for sharing such a rich, experience-based perspective. Clearly, I think you nailed it! 😉🖖🏻
@@3BMEP - Thank you, Hugh. As the gap in size, weight, and price between Fujifilm and its full-frame rivals closes and the gap in resolution and image quality widens, Fujifilm needs to up their game quickly to compete. It will be interesting to see what the X-H2 brings to the table, and it needs to be more than what OM Systems brought with the OM-1, a camera that represents a substantial upgrade for current m4/3 users, but offers little reason for anyone to switch systems. But that's another story ;-)
I agree! I had an X-T3 until I used a Z6. I was blown away at how good the Z6 images were. And for size comparison the Z6 body is almost the exact same as the X-T3/4 sans the grip.
@@stevemphoto right? 😊
@@stevemphoto - When I discovered Fujifilm in 2014, I was shooting Nikon DSLRs as my main system. I regarded Fujifilm as a supplement: Something different, light, fun, and creative, and it delivered on that promise 100% (and still does). My X100S went everywhere with me.
It wasn't until the X-H1 came out that I finally made the full jump to mirrorless, including the red badge zooms. That setup was as bulky as my D610 and 24-70, but I didn't make the move to trim things down, so I didn't mind.
I tried the Z6 on a bit of a whim (Hugh, your video on the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S might have been responsible...) and wasn't sure what to expect, but I sure didn't anticipate the difference in IQ. Within a few days, the X-H1 and f/2.8 zooms were up for sale to fund the purchase of the Z.
I've since made peace with keeping two systems. My Fuji X-T1, X-S10, and X100F are wonderful cameras and the Fujifilm glass is great. The film simulations make it possible to create some beautiful OOC images that simply aren't possible with any other system.
There are a few things Fujifilm does better and a couple of nits to pick with the Z6 (like, why can't I get a histogram AND a level at the same time, and why is there no way to lock the joystick so the focus point doesn't get knocked around?) but the Z's ergonomics are so good, and the image quality - especially with the Z glass - is just so good.
You should try to speed up the cuts in the future. They are smooth but very noticeable around your hair, slightly less on the face. I'm looking at the one around 2:29 as an example.
Ugh, I love my fuji gear, though I went from X-t30 to x-t3 and now miss the smaller size. The only thing I feel is lacking is the fancy af performance that comes with Sony and Canon. I'm hoping that future Fuji bodies deliver better af - that's what will determine if I jump ship
I agree with all of your points. Unfortunately for me, I really like the range finder style of camera in terms of usability and looks. So jumping up to better image quality in that genre requires a much bigger investment. The new Pixii camera seems interesting but it is still crop so you can't have that lightweight 35mm anymore. At this point I am waiting to see what sort of resolution performance we get out of these new fuji sensors. Though by the time the X-Pro4 is released I may have jumped shipped to Leica already. I rented the M10M recently and fell in love with the experience and the files. Think I may just keep the fuji for color and pick up the monochrome for B&W.
Very interested to see how the new Voigtlander X mount 23mm performs though.
Thanks again Hugh for another video. I always enjoy listening to your point of view.
XF 33mm F/1.4 is what makes the X-mount system really appealing to me. XF 33mm can focus much closer, has less loCA, and softer looking bokeh than most FF 50mm F/1.8 lenses whereas the difference in achieving shallow DOF is only 1/3 stop difference which is negligible. My personal choice for daily photography has been A7C + 55mm F1.8, but I'm considering switching to X-S10 + XF 33mm.
Interesting switch, agreed!
@@3BMEP Oh btw, I forgot to mention that I do agree with your point in this video - that Fujifilm has to give us a new flagship body that can match the latest FF bodies which are getting so small, feature-rich, and even cheaper as well. When I compared X-T4 with my S5, A7III, and A7C, I felt like it has to offer more or get smaller. A much lighter and cheaper X-S10 (or X-E4) seems to be a better match for XF 33mm F/1.4 or 18mm F/1.4 for now.
@@3BMEP Nikon 35mm 1.8 has nervous Bokeh as per many reviews I have seen
@@phaselead_dj maybe lumix 35mm f1.8 has soft Bokeh like Fuji lenses possess. Nikon z 35mm 1.8 shows nervous bokeh. Canon has focus breathing. Sony 35mm 1.8 I don't know
I actually thinking of getting the Sony a7c and the 55mm f1.8 to shoot workout videos, but I have a XT5. The XF33mm new ain’t cheap.. hence, I’m thinking about the Viltrox 33mm 🤔
Can you please make a video and talk about the issue of the new samyang 12mm af f2 lens. Concerning the problem with the ibis when used in combination with the x-s10. Because for some reason, the ibis stops working. Fujifilm and samyang are not doing anything to fix this, but maybe if we get enough people talking about it, they will address the problem. Thank you.
Hi, any chance that you will review the new Fui 23/1.4 WR and 50/2.0 WR on a XT5?
Call me sick, but I traded in my 50-140mm for the 33mmf1.4. I simply wasn’t using the big slug. The 33 attached my XE4 is a pocket powerhouse for city walks in London, Lincoln, Edinburgh. (A powerhouse to me anyway). Ref your vid on the ‘pocket’, the 33mm just makes into the Barbour bellow pockets to keep that convenience label.
Excellent! 😊👍🏻🖖🏻
how is the ovf with a square hood?
I ordered the xc35. Pricing is important!
Great Review thank you. XT4 26.1 MP…😉
Love your videos and I’m patiently waiting for my new 33mm. BTW are you Jeff Goldbloom’s brother from another mother? 😊 That’s a compliment!!
😜😊🖖🏻
I recently bought the X-S20 to pair with that lens. I hope it's a good match!
It is!
Thanks Hugh for yet another interesting analysis. As much as I like Fujifilm, I’m afraid you’re right. As I see it, their higher end APS-C is not only under attack from full-frame, but as far as hybrids are concerned also from the new M43s. The GH6 is a far more capable hybrid camera than any Fuji so far and its handheld 100MP hi-res mode is no less than stunning. Other than that, Fuji has no comparable lenses that can match the f1.7 10-25 and 25-50. As for IQ, the M43 format is actually much closer to APS-C than full-frame is.
The upcoming X-H2 might revive the X-mount for a while, but it’s sensor will most likely be a cut-down from a Sony full-frame sensor that will soon also arrive in full-frame options with the benefit of a larger sensor. It will be a challenge for Fuji to keep the X-H2 under $2,300 and away from full-frame territory. I also hope the X-H2 will get more love from Fuji than the X-H1 which they stopped supporting altogether after 2,5 years. By the way, perhaps the new sensor was already showcased in the OM-1…? So, for the first time Fuji might see competition from both larger and smaller sensor options. It’s like being caught between a rock and a hard place…
The OM-1 sensor might not be a cut from the same design Fuji is getting. Rumours are that Sony is making a 90ish or 100MP A7R5. That would coincide with Fuji's claims that the new lenses resolve 40MP resolution because 40x2.32 (surface area) = 92.8MP. The current 26mp is a cut from the 61MP A7R4 sensor, at least in terms of pixel pitch, if not an exact cut with a different filter array. If the next A7R5 is 80MP, a ff version of the OM-1, then perhaps the XH2 will be somewhere around the 34MP range. Could be possible, who knows.
@@professionalpotato4764 there are rumors about two versions of the XH2. One with a stacked sensor of around 26MP aimed at video usage and one with 40+MP BSI-CMOS sensor aimed at stills photography. We have to wait and see. The X-Trans color array filter is indeed different from the standard Bayer sensor that Sony produces. However, it is a small difference for Sony in otherwise the same manufacturing process. Apparently Fuji is still willing to pay the ‘specialty fee’ for this. The basic underlying sensor is the same (as also for the GFX100(S).
@@jacobh5817 Yeah. That's what a local Fuji tech staff was telling me too. There were also other things he mentioned like 30fps mechanical shutter, potential ProRes raw for the 26mp model etc. Sounds too good to be true, but we'll find out soon enough.
Thanks for weighing in! 🖖🏻
Hughes, excellent thoughts (always); thank you for the insights!! Question; do you have any thoughts regarding the Lumix f/1.8 primes?
They offer very good optics in a consistently small, lightweight barrel at a reasonable price. Sharpness, depending on the usual factors, ranges from very good to excellent; ditto CA; but focus breathing control and autofocus performance are on par with the best out there. They are the best value primes in L-mount for video performance, even if I prefer Sigma’s I-series for stills.
@@3BMEP Hugh, thank you for the perspectives!! The Sigma 24mm f/3.5, Lumix 50mm, Voigtlander 90mm f/2.8 are my primary L-Mount lenses. Just wondering where I should standardize lenses (and the V90mm goes well with my 24mm Elmar-M and 50mm Summicron-M, so I won't sell the V90mm). Too many good choices, although the Sigma 45mm and 90mm lenses have my interest... Thanks again, and take care!
You were right on Facebook, this was an interesting video.
😉🖖🏻
Concur Hugh! Fuji APC definitely needs refreshing. The new lenses are very good (18 and 23 in my hands) but the new sensor should make them shine. But totally agree that autofocus in particular and other features will make or break the system. I think the GFX system will remain very valid for some time to come for the purposes it’s best at. But the APC system is the driver and the GFX will also be impacted if Fuji can’t wiggle its rear end in the right direction
Ico!! 🥰
I don't care about the megapixels. I do care about fast and accurate AF. I almost hate to say it as Fuji has been my re-entry to photography king for over twelve years now, but, they have been sorely lagging in the autofocus department for....ever and I've been secretly visiting Canon R5 CZcams videos and calculating prices for my Fuji gear vs Canon. Come on Fuji!
I absolutely love my 35mm 1.4 for 90% of what I do (portraits and studio) but I hate the af performance when I shoot faster action or kids. If this 33mm has the same character and bokeh (and sharpness) of the 35, with faster focus, I’ll likely be saving to buy it. Does it have the “magic” of that old 35? Who knows. Maybe that’s a myth.
Great review, I actually use my 16mm 1.4 for portraits, although I’d love to try the new 33mm 1.4.
16 is a great focal length for dramatic environmental portrait. 🖖🏻
I think you should re-do this test with 40 Mega pixel X-T5
I would love to go head to head with you one afternoon / evening on this lens in Manhhattan street photo against my X-H1 with Metabones and Zeiss 50mm f1.7 (35mm f1.1)
Agree at many points but i still shoots at fujifilm, just when i takes this camera i have insperation to create.
Ich habe bestellt , und ich kann kaum warten 👍☕️
Viel Spaß!
I'll rent a GFX100s for an indoor studio shoot,
I'll rent a high end R3 or A1 for sport shoot,
I'll shoot a wedding with Fuji or any other brands,
I'll document my everyday life with a smaller camera like Fuji,Leica or any other point and shoot film camera,
Goal is shoot with whatever is needed for the project, full frame, 30fps bla bla bla, since when that's the deciding factor when it comes to photography?
Are you gonna bring a Sony A7IV with 70-200mm GM, 135mm GM just to document your everyday life?
Are you gonna shoot your latte drink with a 70-200mm GM at a coffee shop just to upload to Instagram?
I'll bring a full profoto lighting setup to shoot that coffee if I have to
Do you think this lens on the XT5 is the closest you can get to a Leica Q body?
A thus-far imaginary X-E5 with the XT5’s sensor would be even closer.
I enjoyed Fuji while I had it. My favorite lens was the 56f1.2. It was long but the IQ was beautiful. A lens that is so flawed it’ll probably fail most lab test charts.
Funny how test charts really don’t say much about reality. Looking at that lens at 400% one would think it was a terrible lens. 😅
So is it worth upgrading my 35mm f1.4? I have the XT5 and it feels so slow at focusing.
Definitely. The focus is instant with the X-T5 new firmware, and silent.
I’m not saying I’m the worlds biggest expert in Photography but increasing the megapixels in a crop sensor camera actually won’t do a lot I’ll tell you why it was actually just bring in detail that you don’t want to pick up. When you’re doing portrait work 40 megapixels is actually often too much as you’re picking up stuff on someone’s face that you do not want to pick up. I actually think 26 to 30 megapixels is the sweet spot. The megapixels war as we’ve seen it player over the last two or three years is out of control and it’s not making people a better photographer people are just constantly upgrading their gear for more megapixels megapixels have an advantage in Astro photography and landscape
Great video 👌 although it’s all about megapixel and fast focusing camera wars and debates these days by CZcamsrs but all the famous photographers from the past produced amazing story telling images without all the fuss of the latest and greatest highest megapixels of today!! A Lamborghini or Ferrari is no good in the hands a person who doesn’t know how to drive it to get its maximum potential as is all the latest technology in the latest cameras if the artist carnt use it to produce an image that has any meaning to tell a story by understanding light and composition ??
Hugh….how do you think this lens would work on my XT-2
It’s a great XF lens!
I’ve kind of came to the same conclusion about APSC…..that the smaller form factor trade off just isn’t there when u consider the minimal bump in size to full frame Nikon z bodies and the price !! Yes there are differences in lens sizes but I also shoot manual glass about 50% of the time and it’s tough to look past the difference in 45 megapixels to 26. Speaking of megapixels I’ve decided to kill my lust for more of them and just get the gfx 100s and be done with it. My full frame will be my small form factor set up. And……yes I’ve come to the same conclusion you have on “clinical” modern glass. After you recommending the 50mm F1.8. I can’t go back to character lol. I still use some of my old glass but not nearly as much. The exception being “new old” f glass for my Nikon. The 58mm f1.4 and 85mm f1.4 are a perfect compromise for me. They just render things magically without too many “character flaws”. Back to Fuji….I’ve gone gfx but still have a soft spot for the X system as it brought back the magic of shooting old film cameras and made me shoot differently than I had in years. I just never pick up my XT3 anymore. I’m going with two full frames z7 and z6 and two gfx’s (50r and the 100s). Not sure if I can ever go back to apsc….unless that 40 plus megapixel XH-2 comes out. Then yea….I would be at that point of stupidness all over again. I love Fuji but they really are at a turning point. Without a higher megapixel x mount they will loose momentum. Full frame is just the new sweet spot now. They elevated past niche to main stream but the goal post just moved… they need to innovate. It’s not 2018 anymore when we all said who needs full frame? When many off us fell in love with the form factor, film simulations, and looked past auto focus issues and clunky first generation glass….after all… we had the cool factor. Time goes on, tech improves, peoples taste in what’s “cool”moves on as well. This year is critical for Fuji’s x mount system. You are exactly on point with where Fuji is in 2022. I hope they pull the rabbit out of the hat. APSC is still their bread and butter
Thanks for the thoughtful contribution!
I picked up the Canon 5D3 when it first came out. It was my first FF camera and I loved the image of full frame. But over the years I started to feel something was missing. I ended up getting a X-E2 and last year an X-Pro 2 paired with a speed booster and some great little Zuiko OM glass. This has fuelled my passion for photography again. Not so much for the quality of the images - although the OM lenses do have a certain character and are not corrected in camera - obviously. But for the enjoyment and experience of taking the photo itself. Yes, I still have a mirrorless FF system for professional work. But for everything else I always choose the X-Pro 2. It's just a more fun camera to use. And as I sit here writing this I am looking at a 50x30cm print of Valldemossa I have framed on my wall. It's one of my favourite shot. It's sharp, and all the detail is there, yet it was shot on a Canon 40D. I had to check as I forgot that it was a 10.1Mp APSC sensor.
@@domtomas1178 several of my favorite images were taken with a 10 megapixel M8
Why do you need so many megapixels? Are you printing on billboards? It’s ironic that you bang on about vintage lenses but crave MEGAAAA pixels and MEGA sensors. I bet you’ve got a hoard of gear and never use it!
@@kevrosas1 because I want to print very large. I also like being able to crop without losing too much resolution, I can also use vintage glass then crop out the dark corner or use the 35mm crop mode and still get 60 megapixel files…that I can still crop and still have great resolution. And yea over the weekend I shot with 3 different manual focus lenses. I use my gear and I have a lot of it. I also sell stuff off when I don’t use it or to upgrade gear. I bet you spend a lot of your time criticizing what other people do with gear they worked to acquire and use. Maybe I’m wrong but just a wild guess.
The combos mentioned are so expensive than a XT4 with a 33 1.4
Nikon Z5 with. Nikkor Z 50/1.8 S is less.
@@3BMEP Yeah, if soft 1080p video is good enough then the two megapixels less resolution than an X-T4 is worth it, because bokeh?
The Z5 is a competent stills camera, and I'd like to point out that if I went full frame I'd go Nikon versus the X-H1s I now shoot. That said, it's not quite fair to compare the Z5 to an X-T4 simply because 'full frame' and a great nifty fifty. The more apt comparison would be to the X-S10, which even at $999 has the same image quality as the T4, with again far better video than the Z5. Z6II is a more fair comparison because they're a lot more evenly matched in capabilities across the range, such as 4K60p video. And that fair comparison also makes your very valid point, with which I agree: Fuji better knock it out the park this year, or everyone's gonna get a Nikon.
The kicker for me is that I don't need 40mp or 8K. I'm looking at the 26MP X-H2 because I want better low light performance, don't print bigger than 13x19, and my photos are usually consumed by users on the Socials, which means phones as often as not. And the burst rate will probably be fantastic, for those occasions when I might need it. However if the H2 isn't a knockout, then Nikon will enter the chat.
@@Bolton115 solid points! 🙏🏻🖖🏻
Huge.....Fuji is equal in film/picture quality...and 20% or less the cost.
Leica is great....but it is just so expensive. I love my fuji but if the same price, would go Leica.
Love your images with the 33, they are just gorgeous. I have an XT-3 and the 33/1.4. That lens is by far better than all my other Fuji lenses. Alas, the AF, even with this new lens, is still not as consistent as even the one on my former ancient Canon 5D Mk III. And i have yet to master the intricacies of all the AF modes. The new Fuji cameras really need to fix this. As far as sensor resolution: how can a crop sensor possibly be made equal in every way to a full frame sensor? Won't stuffing 40+ mp into a crop sensor require making the pixels smaller with a concomitant degradation in low light performance, dynamic range and noise?
To your last point: ergo my qualifier (equalized for depth of field, where the APS-C sensor enjoys roughly a one stop advantage, all else being equal). 👍🏻🖖🏻
I didn't know Jeff Goldblum had a CZcams channel
Has Claudia ever done a video with you? If so, link please. If not… link please.
There are just one or two (I keep asking her to do more with me) but here’s her most recent on-camera presence beginning at 8:51: czcams.com/video/_cgIyv_cesk/video.html
@@3BMEP You two are such a great couple. I bet your workshops are great learning experiences and fun too. Being a Las Vegas resident makes them out of my budget. If you ever do a road show, this is the place to do it. Thanks for sharing. Hold that thought.
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Can we stop saying microcontrast? It's not a thing. Contrast is contrast, it is not micro or macro. Mostly agree with this video, love my Fuji, but moving to the X-S10 from the cheaper M50 was shocking when it came to autofocus. They need to fix that. I also found the XF16mmF2 to be a disappointment compared to the Sigma I was using on M mount, and the XF35mmF1.4 was junk compared to the EF-M 32MM.
That said I love the features, IBIS, controls, colors and ergonomics far more.
I question the call on micro-contrast and hue fidelity. Those attributes of the lens are sorely missing in the big player's lens. They simply have far too many elements for it to be possible.
I keep hearing you say a system that costs half as much needs to match these full-frame competitors. It doesn't. I, like many, have a camera for work and a camera for my day to day use. I wouldn't drag the bulk of full lens around on casual hike or weekend getaway...however would I take an xpro 2 and 28mm?...absolutely. I believe your guilty of wanting fuji to be something they themselves don't want to be. A dedicated camera company has to have that offering, fuji has never been that company.
Not clear on which lenses you’re referencing, but I consider the Nikkor Z 1.8 primes in particular to be benchmark lenses.
@@3BMEP I am glad they work for you, but that doesn't change my original statement. When we look at the hobby of photography, many will say the cell phone now dominates the market place. When we look at the nature of images on peoples phones, they are a array of personal moments where the user isn't fixated on any element of photography, they are moire concerned with saving the memory. When we look at the demographic of people who don't photo professionally, we don't see them using their cell phone. This general market of user isn't invested in a $5000 system. They have no reason to be. They arent invested in making 2m prints. They have no reason to be. This is the market fuji has always aimed for. It just so happens some people do use them for professional outputs. If your only trying to fill a double page spread, the sensor output is more than capacable. They make a few red badge lens for these users. Fuji never has been, or ever will be a flag ship camera business. They simply don't need to offer up systems at the cutting edge, they only have to offer up systems that fit well with enthusiasts and their budgets. That is exactly where you find them. When we look at nikon, perpetual loss on loss years with canon only doing slightly better and sony having the lions share of spending because they manufacture the technology for everyone else. Nikor may well make benchmark lens, but that doesn't mean fuji is anyway obligated to compete to stay alive. They could drop their camera line entirely and most likely not see any dramatic change in their overall revenue. Their breakout start camera was their instax range. Its just more proof this idea fuji must compete is not real evidence, its just user hope. That hope lives in users who wont use apsc for their work, no matter who good it is, but also don't want a dedicated MF camera with the addons that sony or nikon can offer. Fuji has been pretty clear they make cameras for people who enjoy photography, In that regard they've achieved what they set out to do.
@@lefthandright01 well-reasoned, David! You may be right, maybe not, but I see much here with which I can agree! 😊🖖🏻
This is Alfredo Guadarrama from Mexico. I think you are great at what you do, but just one comment, could you PLEASE speak a little bit slow for those of us not Americans? Check how Karl Taylor does, Thanks and Rgds from Mexico!!!
Karl has a beautiful British accent, too! I’ve tried to find an appropriately accessible pace for the greatest number of people, but I’m always too fast or too slow! I’ve had people tell me that they simply speed up playback by 50% (!), I’m guessing it can be slowed down as well?
Thanks it is just a bit hard for me because I try to understand not what you way but what you mean, I do not listen, I try to deeply undesrstan what you intend me to get about you experience, thanks for what you do for us, amateur photographers trying to do it better, Alfredo.
More than anything, i watch your vids for your pauses. 😀
😜
Nice video! BTW, with that black shirt and black background, you look like a floating head. lol
Your idea of what Fuji needs to do is just not realistic. You will never get the same sharpness DR or low light performance out of an ASPC censor. Even with 100mp and the sharpest Nikon glass. It’s just a fact. Same thing with Full frame. You will never get the same amount of detail as a GFX100S with the GFX110 out of any full frame setup.
I couldn't help but think your head looks like it's floating - black polar neck + black background
It all depends on the display device - which drives me nuts!
@@3BMEP it’s a good video and I did enjoy watching as always 👍
@@adamcarter6649 👊🏻🖖🏻
I prefer the 35mm 1.4 R just because its smaller... 🤷🏼♂️
Fair enough!
So, once again, an answer to your question: Use the brilliant Fujifilm XF10 and learn to use Photoshop. Not Lightroom or C1 but Photoshop. Simple.
Do you subscribe to the notion that a Fuji is a camera and Sony is a computer?
XT-4 has 26.1 MP not 24📷👍🏼
Yep. Correctly specified initially, misspoke subsequently, corrections noted in show notes at publication. Thanks!
The day I look into kit as deeply as all this is the day i give up.This stuff makes zero difference to the 99% who have zero idea how to photograph.
Not my demographic. 😊🖖🏻
The wording you chose makes it seem like you group yourself into the 99% who have zero idea how to photograph?
The other thing you’re forgetting is that when you go full frame the whole camera is more expensive and the way people are now they’re not wanting to buy big full frame camera’s to go and do Photography they’re wanting to buy smaller crop sensor street cameras to go out into the street and she did not worried about shooting 60 inch prints seriously come on that’s such a small percentage of the people that are doing that. After watching your video and a couple of other videos and without sounding critical you You come across as elitist….. The general photographer out in the street which is probably 90% of us just wants a nice little camera with affordable glass that takes pretty sharp photos that’s what we want we don’t want all that stuff that you talked about. You’re missing the point big time you’re not thinking about common people you thinking about professionals and I’m quite sick of camera manufacturers producing gear for about 2% of the population and forgetting about the 98%. The Z9 by Nikon what amazing camera it probably only about .058% of the Photography percentage will actually own. Tell me what is the point of that?
Seems like you spent most of your time comparing apples with oranges - comparing shots from lenses with different focal lengths and apertures seems, at best, not very helpful.