Alwin Kok

ArtraLab Nocty-Nonikkor 50mm f1.2 is a pretty new lens to the market. It was announced in early October 2024. While some may view it as a bold imitation for photographers looking for a Nikon Noct-like experience at a more affordable price, I see it as an opportunity for photographers a chance to experience a taste of that legendary optical character using other systems to mount a beautifully designed lens on their cameras.

Besides the Fuji X-mount, it is available in Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount.

Design and Build Quality

Like the ArtraLab 24mm f1.7 and 35mm f1.4, the first look at this vintage aesthetic lens shows that the design is strongly inspired by classic Nikkor lenses. Similar design elements include colorful aperture values (for your information, they are painted by hand) and the manual focus ring design, which remains with the “blocky rectangular and stripe-like pattern.”

Left: ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 with lens hood
Right: ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 without lens hood

Speaking of the aperture ring, it is still clicky and it is an enjoyable experience.

At 560 grams, this lens is heavy by all means and it is probably the heaviest manual lens I have tested thus far. As for lens handling, it might not be the most comfortable for small hands. However, it comes with a pretty small filter size, only 52mm. And, it shares the same filter size as the 23mm and 35mm as well. This is a surprise for me.

*Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f2. 1/400″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic Negative* . 6-Point stars filter
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/120″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, I have mixed feelings about this lens. During the day, wide-open shots tend to be soft, lacking in contrast and sharpness. The sharpest part of the image is at the center. I’m not saying this is inherently good or bad, as some photographers actually prefer these characteristics. However, I don’t personally fall into that camp.

*Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/950″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f2.8 1/80″ . ISO 200 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/90″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

If you prefer sharp images, the image quality improves as you increase the aperture value. In my opinion, the results from f2.8 are more usable.

*Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 500 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 400 . Nostalgic Negative* . Black Mist 1/2 filter
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 500 . Nostalgic Negative* . 6-Point Stars filter

However, this lens performs quite well at night. The image quality at f1.2 is more usable than that in the day. To my surprise, vignetting is pretty mild and isn’t that obvious in most situations. Chromatic aberration is also controlled quite well. One good surprise is how well the background blur renders. Somehow I feel that it gives a good moody rendering and not those hard and harsh background blur.

*Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 160 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 200 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f5.6. 1/4400″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

As for the sun star, it is okay. Nothing impressive or to shout about. The lines are fine, but not well-defined.

Focusing

The focus throw is likely longer than what I’ve experienced, with about 200° of rotation from end to end. While it feels a bit “extended or far,” the benefit is a more precise and controlled focus. This is something I appreciate, though I also find it a bit “tiring” after prolonged use.

*Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f2. 1/80″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 200 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 640 . Nostalgic Negative*

Nevertheless, I love the dampness of the manual focus ring. It just weighs nice to rotate.

As for lens breathing, it is pretty significant between MFD and infinity. For videographers who wish to use this lens for videography purposes, please take note.

*Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f4. 1/250″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f2. 1/600″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Minimum Focus Distance (MFD)

The 35cm MFD was a pleasant surprise for me—much shorter than I expected for lenses of this focal length. It allows the photographer to get closer to the subject for more intimate shots. However, it’s worth noting that the image softness is even more pronounced when shooting wide-open.

*Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/2200″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/340″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Oh yes, the lens protrudes at its maximum length when it is at MFD.

ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 at infinity (left) and at MFD (right)

Price Point

At 545 USD, it is priced cheaper than the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 (629 USD). (And even cheaper if you buy from B&H – 398 USD). But it is more expensive than most third-party autofocus lenses like Sirui Sniper 56mm f1.2 (279 USD) and Meike 55mm f1.4 (200 USD).

*Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 1000 . Nostalgic Negative* . Black Mist 1/2 filter

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/500″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative* . Black Mist 1/2 filter
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 160 . Nostalgic Negative*

Others

This lens comes with an unusual metal lens hood. There is a small silver screw-like knob that requires loosening and tightening after you have positioned it to your desired position. The rear lens cap is a nice gesture to the Fuji X logo.

ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 lens hood with silver screw-like knob

ArtraLab also sent me two filters to try out: a Black Mist 1/2 and a 6-Point Stars filter. Both are magnetic, which eliminates the need for the usual screwing and unscrewing method—just attach or remove them easily with a simple snap. Another great feature is that, since the lenses share a common 52mm filter thread, I can use these filters across multiple lenses.

Left: ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 with Black Mist 1/2 filter
Right: ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 with 6-Point Stars filter

Who is this for?

This lens is designed for those who appreciate vintage and nostalgic aesthetics. Plain and simple.

*Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 200 . Nostalgic Negative* . Black Mist 1/2 filter

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/500″ . ISO 2500 . Nostalgic Negative* . 6-Point Stars filter
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic Negative* . Black Mist 1/2 filter

The 75mm focal length (in 35mm equivalent) is versatile, making it suitable for a range of genres, including portrait, street, product photography, and more.

Conclusion

This lens has a nostalgic charm, and I really appreciate its look, design, and build quality. it gives a very distinctive look, unlike others in this modern generation of lenses.

*Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/500″ . ISO 2500 . Nostalgic Negative . 6-Point Stars filter*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 1000 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f2. 1/1250″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

However, it doesn’t quite perform as well as I had hoped. When it comes to image quality, I have mixed feelings. While I’m not fond of the softness in wide-open shots during the day, this lens truly excels in low light and indoor settings.

*Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f2. 1/140″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 160 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/5400″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

If you’re after a lens with personality and aren’t solely focused on technical perfection, the NOCTY-NONIKKOR 50mm F1.2 is definitely worth considering.

Thank you for reading.

Disclaimer:
1. All the shots taken here are shot by me.
2. Most of the shots are straight out of the camera with some shots edited via In-Camera Raw Processing.
3. The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment.
4. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me.

If you like my works, please follow me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:

https://www.instagram.com/alwinkok_

https://www.instagram.com/alwin.portraits

If you have a Facebook account, feel free to join Fujifanboys FB group.

If you like my content and you want to show some support and keep this blog alive, you can buy me a coffee here.

Reviews

Brightin Star 35mm f0.95 (Silver Edition) – New Color, New Charm

November 21, 2024November 20, 2024 Alwin Kok

Every now and then, some manufacturers want to extend the longevity of their product line-up to maintain its popularity. The usual way is to release a new color. For example, TTArtisan 27mm f2.8. They released the black version in 2022, then the yellow edition in 2023, and now the silver version in 2024. Another good example is Ricoh GR3. It has a few editions, and the recently announced HDF edition gives a little hardware change to boost the photographers’ choices.

Intro

Brightin Star has just launched a new silver version of its popular 35mm f0.95. If you hesitated to buy it before due to the black color, this silver option adds a fresh appeal, making it a great choice for you now.

Image Quality, Build Quality & Design

The image quality remains the same and if you are curious about it, you can click on link from the previous paragraph to understand more about this lens. As for built quality, it is no difference from the black color variant.

The silver color gives a totally different vibe to the original black color. The striking yellow bold brand logo has become subtle. This may be a good thing for someone wants to lay low yet wants a different color to differentiate this lens with the other he/she owns. Apart from that, the aperture numberings and markings are now in black with focusing distance numberings in red.

Brightin Star 35mm f0.95 Black & Silver Edition

Brightin Star 35mm f0.95 Black & Silver Edition (rear)

Price Point

It is now 169.99 USD, slightly cheaper than when I reviewed it. Do you think it is a good time to get it?

Others

What’s fascinating about this lens is the lens cap. Both front and rear.

The front lens cap now comes with a minimalistic font indicating it’s a “35mm f0.95” lens and followed by the brand itself. Again, all wordings are in black.

The rear lens cap comes with a frosted plastic material. I think this is the first time I am seeing something that is so interesting. Of course, the name “Brightin Star” can be seen on the rear lens cap.

Conclusion

This lens is an ingenious design from Brightin Star’s design team. They did not simply “color change” the lens and then sell it to potential photographers. I can see that they put effort and thought into this edition of the lens.

This lens is a cleverly crafted creation by Brightin Star’s design team. They put in more than just a “color change” and clearly invested time and effort into this particular version of the lens.

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 35mm f0.95 @ 35mm . f0.95. 1/320″ . ISO 800 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 35mm f0.95 @ 35mm . f0.95. 1/320″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 35mm f0.95 @ 35mm . f0.95. 1/320″ . ISO 1000 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 35mm f0.95 @ 35mm . f0.95. 1/320″ . ISO 640 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 35mm f0.95 @ 35mm . f0.95. 1/320″ . ISO 400. Nostalgic Negative*

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 35mm f0.95 @ 35mm . f0.95. 1/320″ . ISO 200 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 35mm f0.95 @ 35mm . f2. 1/320″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 35mm f0.95 @ 35mm . f0.95. 1/950″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 35mm f0.95 @ 35mm . f0.95. 1/320″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 35mm f0.95 @ 35mm . f8. 1/1000″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Thank you for reading.

Disclaimer:
1. All the shots taken here are shot by me.
2. Most of the shots are straight out of the camera with some shots edited via In-Camera Raw Processing and Capture One.
3. The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment.
4. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me.

If you like my works, please follow me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:

https://www.instagram.com/alwinkok_

https://www.instagram.com/alwin.portraits

If you have a Facebook account, feel free to join Fujifanboys FB group.

If you like my content and you want to show some support and keep this blog alive, you can buy me a coffee here.

Reviews

Meike 33mm f1.4 – Checking All The Boxes, Again?

November 11, 2024November 9, 2024 Alwin Kok

When it comes to the 33mm focal length (or 50mm in full-frame equivalent), there aren’t many options available. Unlike the 50mm to 56mm range, which is well-represented by nearly every brand, the 33mm/35mm focal length seems to lack strong competition in the market.

Meike likely recognized this gap in the market and released their 33mm f1.4 to attract more attention from photographers like us.

Intro

There are some teases for this lens from the company and rumors before it’s official announcement in August 2024.

Prior to this lens, Meike released the quite impressive 55mm f1.4, which I tested and really liked. I often recommend it to anyone looking for a compact and lightweight portrait lens. Because of my positive experience with that lens, I have high expectations for the Meike 33mm f/1.4.

Before I move on, I want to express my gratitude to the wonderful team at Meike for providing this lens for my review. I sincerely appreciate their ongoing support.

Design and Build Quality

If you have the Meike 55mm f1.4, then you will be treated with many familiarities with this lens. It shares the same design language, same build quality, and same handling experience.

*Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f5.6 . 1/1100″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/105″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f2.8 . 1/750″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

This 55mm filter-size lens comes with an aperture ring. It still has the same stiffness and same clickiness level applied to the aperture ring. The stiff level is strong enough to prevent accidental change in aperture value. This can be a beneficial thing for me, but definitely not so much for the videographer.

*Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/1100″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/160″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*
*Right: Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f2 . 1/90″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

The lens still uses a plastic build, but it doesn’t feel cheap. Holding it feels quite solid, and it doesn’t attract fingerprints easily. While I’m not sure how much weight was shaved off to bring the total weight down to 314 grams, I believe Meike must have carefully considered this balance during the design process.

*Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/3200″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/900″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/8000″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Image Quality

The Meike 55mm f1.4 gives me a very satisfying result. A result that has decent image quality, good level of contrast, and good chromatic aberration control. The Meike 33mm f1.4 follows the same. After knowing that it does not produce any soft unusable result, I am very happy to use this lens wide-open.

*Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/2200″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/3500″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*
RightL *Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/2500″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Vignetting, however, is still present at wide-open. In my opinion, it is acceptable as I am totally fine with a small level of vignetting but not too heavy too disturbing to the overall viewing experience.

When comes to sun stars, it is just fine. The lines are not well-defined or detailed. Just fine soft lines. Of course, it does introduce some flares too.

*Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f16 . 1/320″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Focusing

Focusing is snappy in most scenarios but sometimes I do encounter the lens is not able to focus on any object at wide-open in bright outdoor and well-lit indoor environment.

*Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f8 . 1/680″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/250″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/110″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

This could be a bug or just the copy I have and it only happens if I shoot at f1.4 and did not encounter similar behaviour in any other aperture values. I hope there will have a firmware update to address the focusing issue at wide-open.

*Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/5400″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/80″ . ISO 1000 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/2700″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

If you are concerning about lens breathing, this lens has actually one of the good minimal lens breathing among the third-party manufacturers.

Minimum Focus Distance (MFD)

40cm minimum focus distance is not the shortest. Using XF33mm f1.4 as a benchmark, it’s 30cm and Sirui 33mm f1.2 shared the same MFD as the Meike 33mm f1.4.

*Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/80″ . ISO 800 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/1600″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

In most scenarios, short MFD does not really impact to my day-to-day shoots. Just that occasionally I wish it can close up more when I wish to do close-up shots. Nevertheless, I am glad that the image quality does not reduce significantly when taken at MFD.

Price Point

229.99 USD is what it is selling at this time of posting. It is about 3.5 times cheaper than the XF33mm f1.4 (799 USD) but comparable with the other third-party lenses like Viltrox 33mm f1.4 (279 USD) and Sirui 33mm f1.2 (279 USD).

*Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/1400″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/80″ . ISO 2500 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/6400″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Others

It has the USB-C port located at the rear lens to allow easy firmwares upgrades in the future. And similar to the Meike 55mm f1.4, this lens does not come with any weather sealing or weather resistance.

Who is this for?

With this price point, it is easy to recommend new photographers who plan to buy their first prime lens. For the professional, this can be a good getaway lens to enjoy the love of photography.

*Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f8 . 1/480″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/210″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/80″ . ISO 1000 . Nostalgic Negative*

Conclusion

This lens may not be perfect in every aspect, but it offers solid performance for its price. In my view, Meike made a smart move by introducing this focal length to expand their lineup. I love how compact the lens is and how usable the image results are. Most importantly, I enjoy using it a lot. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly option without breaking the bank.

*Fuji X-T5 . Meike 33mm f1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/340″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Alongside the Meike 55mm f1.4, the Meike 33mm f1.4 is one of the best lenses to complement it. What’s still missing, though, is a 23mm focal length (or perhaps even 22mm, given the 55mm and 33mm in the lineup) to complete a “Trinity” of lenses from Meike. While there’s no official word from the manufacturer yet, we can only hope they’ll eventually release this focal length to round out the set.

Thank you for reading.

If you like my works, please follow me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:

https://www.instagram.com/alwinkok_

https://www.instagram.com/alwin.portraits

If you have a Facebook account, feel free to join Fujifanboys FB group.

If you like my content and you want to show some support and keep this blog alive, you can buy me a coffee here.

Reviews

Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 – The First AF Lens

October 29, 2024October 28, 2024 Alwin Kok

The 50mm focal length (equivalent to 75mm in full frame) or similar focal length is a favorite among both manufacturers and photographers, showcasing its popularity. Most brands offer one or two standout lenses in this category. However, the real question is: Can this lens differentiate itself from the competition?

Intro

Before I proceed, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Brightin Star for sending this lens over for my review. Having said that, the review is based on personal experience and zero influence from the manufacturer.

This is Brightin Star first first-ever autofocus lens. It’s a great deal for the manufacturer and I am always happy to see more and more third-party lenses joining the Fuji family. This gives us one more option to choose from.

Design and Build Quality

At a glance, the striking yellow brand label is prominently marked on the lens body, and it resembles somewhat similar to a red badge brand. Nonetheless, it easily gives everyone a good impression of the brand. Oh yes, it comes with metal-built quality, which adds a touch of premium quality.

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4. 1/1500″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Left: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4. 1/2500″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*
*Right: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f2 . 1/400″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Despite the presence of a textured half ring where the aperture ring would typically be located, this lens does not actually have one. I found myself attempting to rotate the “ring” only to discover that it was not present.

It’s a pity to see them missing out on the aperture ring. I was informed that by implementing the aperture ring, the height of the lens will be increased by at least 2cm. I guess the engineers behind this lens have some consideration and come out with this decision. Probably we might see one with the aperture ring someday?

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4. 1/150″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

With the weight of 445 grams, I can feel the weight when I hold the lens in my hand but it feels well-balanced when I mount it on my X-T5.

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4. 1/80″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Left: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4. 1/2500″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*
*Right: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4 . 1/400″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

It comes with a 58mm filter. I am glad that it comes with a small filter size, which does not require photographers to cough out a huge amount of money for a larger filter size.

Image Quality

My experience with Brightin Star 35mn f0.95 was positive and so I have a high expectation for this lens. I am glad that this lens did meet my expectations. The image quality is great at wide-open.

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4. 1/250″ . ISO 1250 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Left: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4. 1/125″ . ISO 640 . Nostalgic Negative*
*Right: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4 . 1/80″ . ISO 3200 . Nostalgic Negative*

The sharpness at wide-open is great but still falls behind the XF56mm f1.2. When comes to contrast, it seems to be slightly lacking too. I do not worry much about it since it can be done via post-edit. Nonetheless, vignetting and chromatic aberration are well-controlled.

When it comes to the background/foreground blur rendering, it is not the best rendering. But at least it is not something dramatic, nor is it messy.

One observation I’ve made is that, despite having the lens hood attached to the front, some flares are still able to penetrate and reach the glass. It’s uncertain whether this is due to the way I shoot, but it’s worth being aware of. However, the flare does not significantly diminish the quality of the captured image. It retains a good level of contrast on the subject while adding a unique character to the shot.

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f16. 1/80″ . ISO 160 . Nostalgic Negative*

When it comes to the sun star result, the line is not the sharpest nor the lines are well-defined. The result is pretty dull in my opinion.

Focusing

This lens is equipped with a Stepper Motor (STM), and the focusing is considerably snappy for so many glass elements inside the lens. I have no issue with focusing on both bright days and well-lit environments. For low-light situations, I do experience occasionally a little slower autofocus performance. But it’s not a deal breaker for me.

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f5.6. 1/350″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Left: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4. 1/80″ . ISO 250 . Nostalgic Negative*
*Right: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4 . 1/170″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

In terms of eye-AF for portrait photography, the combination with the X-T5 performs well. It achieves a high success rate, with only a minimal number of out-of-focus results.

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4. 1/125″ . ISO 3200 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Left: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4. 1/125″ . ISO 800 . Nostalgic Negative*
*Right: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f2 . 1/100″ . ISO 2500 . Nostalgic Negative*

I also encounter a few times when the focus is off when the focus box is already in green. I think this can be fixed by future firmware updates.

The focus breathing is a surprising minimum and I think this helps for videography.

Minimum Focus Distance (MFD)

It has a 50cm MFD, which is a little fall-short as compared with XF50mm f2 (39cm), Yongnuo 50mm f1.8 (45cm), but slightly better than Meike 55mm f1.4 (61cm), and Sirui 56mm f1.2 (60cm).

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4. 1/80″ . ISO 160 . Nostalgic Negative*

The MFD is just nice, and it is nothing to shout about. At least, the focus distance since any further than the competitions. In my observation, the image quality still preserved well with a minimal amount of softness is observed at wide-open. No sign of losing in contrast.

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4. 1/80″ . ISO 200 . Nostalgic Negative*

Price Point

It is priced at 299 USD. This is an attractive yet competitive price point for getting this amazing glass. Taking references from other similar focal length lenses like Sirui 56mm (279 USD), Yongnuo 50mm f1.8 (299 USD), Meike 55mm f1.4 (200 USD), Sigma 56mm f1.4 (529 USD), TTArtisan 56mm f1.8 (158 USD) and lastly XF50mm f2 (449 USD), this newly launched lens is actually quite reasonable.

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f2. 1/4000″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Left: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4. 1/240″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*
*Right: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4 . 1/200″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Others

It comes with a USB-C port right at the rear of the lens mount, like many other third-party manufacturers do. This is mainly for future firmware updates.

USB-C port at the rear lens. (Love the black chrome color)

According to Brightin Star, this lens does come with waterproofing, drip proofing, and dust proofing. Also, it comes with an anti-fouling fluorine coating that allows the stains that fall onto the lens to be easily removed. This surprised me, and I consider it to be a bonus point.

You might have noticed that there is something on the lens hood. It comes with a different lock release mechanism. When the lens hood is in the forward position, you need to press the button to detach it. However, this design only works one way, the lens hood is not able to lock when placed in the reverse position.

Who is this for?

We all know this focal length is suitable for the portrait genre, but this focal length is also suitable for the street genre, product genre, and journalism/documentary genre as well.

*Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f2. 1/80″ . ISO 160 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Left: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f1.4. 1/160″ . ISO 400 . Nostalgic Negative*
*Right: Fuji X-T5 . Brightin Star 50mm f1.4 @ 50mm . f2 . 1/6000″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

If you are new to Fujifilm and looking to start building a collection of prime lenses, this lens is both affordable and reliable for long-term use.

For seasoned photographers looking to experiment with third-party lenses, this could be the next lens to consider, as long as you are willing to accept that it lacks an aperture ring.

Conclusion

I have to emphasize again that this is Brightin Star’s first autofocus lens. Although it is not the perfect lens everyone is looking for (such as missing aperture ring and weight), the decent image quality and price tag is something worth considering.

In my opinion, image quality should be the higher priority among all functionalities, and I think the engineering effort for this lens deserves good praise. Nevertheless, this is a worthy lens, and I am already looking forward to their next autofocus lens.

Thank you for reading.

If you like my works, please follow me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:

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Reviews

Fujifilm X100VI – A subtle Upgrade. A Big Improvement

August 19, 2024August 19, 2024 Alwin Kok

It’s been four years since I’ve had my X100V in hand. Specifically, I first picked up this gem on 27 February 2020, and time has truly flown by. While this camera has been a faithful companion, my fully occupied full-time work and remaining time spent testing out other lenses has given me little time to devote to it. However, whenever I do get the chance, I ensure that the moments spent with it are of the highest quality.

Intro

The X100V successor was announced on the 20 February 2024 X-summit Tokyo. But before the announcement, Fujifilm had already teased us with 2 teasers. So it is not much of a surprise and those who know already expected what camera is coming up for the announcement. So what remains unknown are the guts of the camera.

Design and Build Quality

The build quality is premium, which has always been the case since the X100 era. You can tell by holding the camera and feeling how nicely the camera is engineered and crafted.

Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f5.6 . 1/900″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f4 . 1/750″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/80″ . ISO 3200 . Reala Ace

As for design, it is pretty much the same as its predecessor, X100V, which is also very similar to each iteration.

This is exactly what Masazumi Imai San intention is. He wants other people to identify the camera as an “X100” camera but cannot tell which generation this X100 camera is from as far as 3 meters away.

Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/5800″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f5.6 . 1/1800″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f5.6 . 1/750″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

On paper, the X100VI is actually 2mm thicker than its predecessor. Because it is now 2mm thicker, he also designed the handgrip to be 0.5 mm deeper than the X100V, which he deemed that this is the best comfort grip for this 521 grams gear.

The first is the noticeable color change for the viewfinder selector. It has changed from red to silver/black color that goes according to the silver/black or of the camera.

Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/80″ . ISO 320 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/340″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/80″ . ISO 640 . Reala Ace

From the back, the “drive/delete” button has shifted more closer for easier reachability for the right thumb. I do not have problem reaching the button back then but Fujifilm might have considered photographers who have smaller hands.

Lastly is the tripod mount. It has shifted away from the center and a few millimeters towards the edge of the front camera.

Handling & The Shutter

The handling of the camera is identical to the X100V, it is great in my opinion. Unfortunately (or fortunately to some?), I did not feel any different from the deeper 0.5mm handgrip. For photographers who prefer a deeper grip will have to purchase an additional hand grip.

Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f5.6 . 1/280″ . ISO 125 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/2400″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/1900″ . ISO 125 . Reala Ace

Speaking of leaf shutter, it still stay with the camera and it is part of the X100 tradition.

Sensor and Processor

X-Trans CMOS sensor 5 HR and the X-Processor 5 are the core of the X100VI. If you follow Fujifilm, this is the third camera using this setup (according to the announcement date). In short, no need to explain further how capable is this 40-megapixel sensor and the processor that handles it.

Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/1900″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f4 . 1/480″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f5 . 1/400″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

I have also shared my experiences with the sensor on both X-H2 and X-T5.

Image Quality

Surprise surprise. Fujifilm is using back the same lens from X100V which is a re-designed lens from the predecessors like the X100F, X100T, X100S, and the OG X100. Since Fujifilm is using back the optic from X100V, does this mean that Fujifilm has already well-planned way before launching X100V?

Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/600″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f5.6 . 1/80″ . ISO 640 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/15″ . ISO 400 . Reala Ace

Combined with the latest generation sensor and processor, the image quality is still great. It has met my expectations. The sharpness and contrast are fantastic and well-balanced across the frame. Chromatic aberration is nowhere to be found and I am not expecting that to happen. A little vignetting can be seen, but it is not affecting me at all. Probably already been processed for jpeg but nonetheless, I am pleased with the results.

Pairing up with Wide Conversion Lens and Tele Conversion Lens is good and surprisingly still maintains the same image quality. At least I do not see any drop in image quality.

It comes with a 10cm minimum focus distance. This pretty much helps the photographer to have the option to get closer to the subject if he/she needs it.

Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f5 . 1/15″ . ISO 160 . Reala Ace

Performance

It shares the same “snappy” with occasionally focus pulling like its predecessor but it does not happen frequently. The focus hunting does come when there is a lack of contrast or low light condition and I think it is acceptable for my usage. Overall, it doesn’t impact my X100 series shooting experience.

The eye-AF tracking performs identically to the other cameras that use X-Processor 5.

IBIS

It is a marvel of engineering for Fujifilm engineers to be able to pack a 5-axis IBIS system that is capable of providing up to 6 stops. Impressive work there.

Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 0.6″ . ISO 125 . Reala Ace

As for practicality, it can help to support up to x seconds handheld for my shaky hands. What do you think?

Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 0.7″ . ISO 125 . Reala Ace

For me, I can hold the camera as slowly as 0.6 seconds with one hand and still achieve a very decent success hit rate.

Battery Life

It is using back the same NP-W126S battery. My first thought was that the battery was not going to last. I was wrong. The battery life is improved. Though not by a margin, it is slightly better than the predecessors. I think it has to do with the new X-Trans 5 processor that makes the battery life even more efficient.

Left: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/210″ . ISO 400 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/120″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

In my test, I can take approximately 450 shots on average with some photos transferred to the phone. While it is slightly lower than X-T50, it is still not an issue for me. Just bring more batteries. My way of shooting is simply to turn on, shoot, and turn off.

Feedback

The battery is what most people are concerned about for this model and since NP-W235 is missing, I hope to see the successor of X100VI have the NP-W235 instead of NP-W126S. Meanwhile, we will just need to bring an extra battery or two and put it inside our pockets.

Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/80″ . ISO 500 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 19mm . f2 . 1/180″ . ISO 125 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f16 . 1/320″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

Fujifilm chose to keep the 4-stop built-in ND filter in this generation. What I hope to that Fujifilm will make one more built-in ND filter and allow photographers to choose between 4 stops and 8 stops (for example only) for their shoot. Probably even better for a videographer?

Price Point

At 1599 USD, it is pretty expensive and is 200 USD more than its predecessor. But with all the newest technologies from Fujifilm packed into this compact package, I think I can accept it.

Others

After 5 generations of the X100 series, this is the first that is made outside of Japan. Does that mean the build quality is no longer on par with the predecessors?

Left: Fujifilm X100VI with TCL
Right: Fujifilm X100VI with WCL

If Fujifilm did not inform us about where it is made from, I think everyone assumes this generation is still made in Japan. It is so hard to differentiate by just physical touch. This is not the first product that Fujifilm made outside of Japan and I believe Fujifilm does set a certain standard for the other country makers to follow the protocol and quality control set by Fujifilm. If someone is having this concern, I think don’t worry about it.

Who is this for?

This camera can be for everyone and anyone. From a hobbyist to a professional photographer, a parent who wants to capture every moment of his/her kids, a person who loves to have a memorable gathering or someone who just wants to have a camera with a “one lens fits all” concept, or even travelers.

Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/15″ . ISO 3200 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/2500″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/3800″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

In my own words

X100 series is a unique product and it holds a special place in my heart. In my opinion, it is still one of the best “Every Day Camera” options. If I have ever had difficulty in deciding what lens to bring out to pair with my X-T5, then the X100 camera will be the only choice. I do not need to think, just grab it and go.

Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f5.6 . 1/120″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 33mm . f2 . 1/80″ . ISO 1600 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 19mm . f2 . 1/15″ . ISO 320 . Reala Ace

X100 VI is the latest and it is the best X100 series yet. No doubt getting one might be a problem now. But if you pick it up from the retail dealer (not scalpers), spend a good time with it. Give yourself a good time admiring its look, hold it up, and feel it. Then power up, click the shutters, and snap some shots. Listen to the shutter “clicks” when you press down the shutters. It gives a good serene experience in return. A good camera to slow down my pace and wander the street through the viewfinder.

Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f5.6 . 1/2500″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/80″ . ISO 320 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X100VI . 23mm f2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/6000″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

Conclusion

As my title suggests, it may seem like a minor upgrade but it turns out to be a great improvement over the X100V. I love it and I hope I can spend more time with it in the future. I also understand that it is totally a challenge to take one from official retailers but I urge potential buyers not to buy from scalpers. I hope serious photographers will get one on their hands.

Thank you for reading.

If you like my works, please follows me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:

https://www.instagram.com/alwinkok_

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Disclaimer:
1. All the shots taken here are shot by me.
2. All of the shots are straight out of the camera with some edited via In-Camera Raw Processing.
3. The photos are resized to 30% of the original size except for cropped ones. If you wish to see the original file, contact me and I will be happy to share it with you.
4. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me.
5. The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment.

If you like my content and you want to show some support, you can buy me a coffee here.

Reviews

XF16-50mm – The Replacement of the Legendary Kit Lens

July 19, 2024July 19, 2024 Alwin Kok

The XF18-55mm f/2.8-4 is undeniably one of the most standout lenses in Fujifilm’s X-mount lineup. Even Chris and Jordan of Petapixel agreed too. It is also my very first lens with my very first X-Mount camera.

So Fujifilm has given us it’s successor: XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 R LM WR. Do you think it is a worthy one?

Intro

The long-waited premium kit lens was announced together with the X-T50 at the X-Summit Sydney 2024. The focal lengths (in full frame equivalent) is 24mm to 75mm and it is no stranger to us. This focal length was first ever introduce to us in 2013 in a form of XC16-5mm f3.5-5.6 OIS (version II was updated in 2015).

As stated in the name of this lens, the aperture value is variable throughout the lens. This means it’s maximum aperture is f2.8 at 16mm and f4.8 at 50mm.

Before I dive in further, I want to extend my thanks to Ms. Carmen, Marketing Manager at Fujifilm Singapore, for lending the XF16-50mm for review. As of the publication of this review, the lens unit has been returned to Fujifilm Singapore.

Design and Build Quality

When I first saw this lens at the launch event, I was impressed by its size. Visually, it is very similar to the XF18-55mm in size. In terms of built quality, it is the same as the new generation XF lenses. Solid and well-built.

At 240 grams, it feels light on the hand, and due to its compact size, it is easy to hold too. Here comes the first thing that I like about the lens. It is internal zoom, which means it does not protrude when I zoom in and also does not feel “lost balance” when I use the lens at tele. Fujifilm has developed several internal zoom lenses, such as the XF8-16mm f2.8, XF18-120mm f4, and XF150-600mm f5.6-8. Another benefit of having internal zoom is for videographers but I am not about the small aperture value at 50mm.

*Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 50mm . f4.8 . 1/800″ . ISO 125 . Reala Ace*

Left: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 16mm . f5 . 1/250″ . ISO 250 . Classic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 16mm . f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 2000 . Reala Ace*

It comes with an Aperture Mode Switch, which allows the photographer to choose if he/she wants to control the aperture by himself/herself or leave it to the camera to decide for you.

A little bit more about the aperture ring. Unlike Fujifilm prime lenses, it does not have aperture values labeled on the ring. It is simply a “controller” that continues to rotate regardless of whether it has reached its maximum or minimum aperture value, in either direction (clockwise or counterclockwise). The aperture ring is clicky and less stiff than the one on the prime lenses. Anyway, you need to take note of the aperture value before you shoot as you might accidentally rotate the aperture ring without noticing.

*Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 43.2mm . f4.5 . 1/850″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace*

*Left: Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 40.8mm . f4.3 . 1/140″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace*
Right: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 50mm . f4.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 640 . Reala Ace*

So yes… Did I mention it’s a 58mm filter size?

Image Quality

This lens is designed to resolve the X-Trans CMOS sensor 5 HR and I think Fujifilm keep their promise.

As a zoom lens, the image quality from this lens is pretty great. It has good sharpness and contrast across all focal lengths. Vignetting is well-controlled and chromatic aberration is nowhere to be seen. This is what I have expected from Fujifilm.

*Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 32.3mm . f5.6 . 1/125″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace*

Left: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 16mm . f2.8 . 1/100″ . ISO 2500 . Reala Ace*
Right: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 50mm . f4.8 . 1/150″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace*

However, the rendering of the background/off focus blur varies as you zoom. That’s because it is a variable apertures lens. But it is still able to give a good amount of separation between the off-focus and subject. This is normal for a variable zoom lens as oppose to prime lens.

As for sun star, it is there if you need it in your shot but the result is not the finest one out there in the market.

*Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 50mm . f22 . 1/80″ . ISO 125 . Reala Ace*

Focusing

Since it comes with a Linear Motor, I am not expecting a poor autofocus performance from this. I was not disappointed. Although it is not as instantaneously focused and locked onto the subject as fast as the prime lenses, it is still pretty decent for a zoom lens. The autofocus is snappy across all focal lengths. Even when it is under a low-light situation, it’s performance is slightly poor but still very good for day-to-day use.

*Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 35.3mm . f3.9 . 1/80″ . ISO 1600 . Reala Ace*

Left: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 50mm . f4.8 . 1/5400″ . ISO 125 . Reala Ace*
Right: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 16mm . f5 . 1/210″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace*

Minimum Focus Distance (MFD)

What I like about this lens is the MFD. It comes with a fixed 24cm. Meaning the MFD does not change when you change your focal length. This also means that this lens is capable of shooting at a close-up of an object. It is even closer than Sigma 18-50mm at 50mm (which is at 30cm).

*Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 50mm . f4.8 . 1/300″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace*

*Left: Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 16mm . f2.8 . 1/300″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace*
Right: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 50mm . f4.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 200 . Reala Ace*

However, the lens optics do exhibit some loss in image quality, leading to softer and less contrasty results. But it looks fine if you don’t pixel-peeping.

Price Point

It is priced the same as the XF18-55mm (currently not in stock in B&H) at 699 USD. Do you think the price is steep? I think it is a little steep for a kit lens but on second thought, it is a premium one. That’s probably explain why.

*Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 18.5mm . f5 . 1/340″ . ISO 125 . Reala Ace*

Left: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 40.8mm . f4.3 . 1/640″ . ISO 125 . Reala Ace*
Right: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 33.3mm . f3.8 . 1/900″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace*

As of this point in time, the lens is only available as a kit lens (at least in Singapore).

Others

Like most new generation Fujifilm lenses, it does come with weather-resistant.

Another point to note is that this lens does not come with an Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Is it important? Yes and no.

*Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 34.3mm . f3.9 . 1/835000″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace*

Left: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 50mm . f4.8 . 1/900″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace*
Right: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 36.3mm . f4 . 1/640″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace*

Yes if your camera is not equipped with In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS). Unless you are fine with higher ISO under low-light situations, you might struggle to take steady shots at 50mm due to low shutter speed.

*Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 50mm . f4.8 . 1/1000″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace*

Left: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 27.9mm . f3.6 . 1/1250″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace*
Right: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 35.3mm . f3.9 . 1/400″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace*

No, if your camera is already equipped with the IBIS like the X-H2S, X-H2, X-T5, X-S20, etc., then the IBIS will help out for steady shots at low shutter speed.

Who is this for?

This is a good lens for a beginner to pick up and it is a very versatile lens that covers most genres. It’s also beneficial for photographers to identify their most frequently used focal length before delving into more specific options.

*Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 18.5mm . f3 . 1/100″ . ISO 640 . Reala Ace*

Left: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 23.4mm . f4 . 1/600″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace*
Right: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 50mm . f4.8 . 0.8″ . ISO 800 . Reala Ace*

Also, it is good for travelers who prefer to keep their setup as light as possible and as minimal as possible; like pairing up with the new camera, X-T50.

Conclusion

It is a small and also an all-propose lens. During my testing period, it is delightful to use together with the X-T50. However, is it timed correctly for its launch? I’m uncertain. Nowadays, there are plenty of third-party lenses available, such as the Sigma 18-50mm and Tamron 17-70mm. The XF16-50mm might face tough competition in winning over photographers’ favor.

*Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 50mm . f4.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 2500 . Reala Ace*

Left: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 32.3mm . f3.8 . 1/1500″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace*
Right: *Fuji X-T50 . XF16-50mm f2.8-4.8 @ 50mm . f5.6 . 1/80″ . ISO 400 . Reala Ace*

Having said that, I am not saying it is a bad lens to pick up. I would advise photographers who are interested to visit a camera store and try it out before deciding which lens suits them best. The XF16-50mm is a good replacement for the XF18-55mm but it doesn’t hold the same place in my affection that the XF18-55mm does.

Thank you for reading.

If you like my works, please follow me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:

https://www.instagram.com/alwinkok_

https://www.instagram.com/alwin.portraits

If you have a Facebook account, feel free to join Fujifanboys FB group.

If you like my content and you want to show some support and keep this blog alive, you can buy me a coffee here.

Reviews

Fujifilm X-T50 – Small Camera With A Big Gut

July 15, 2024July 14, 2024 Alwin Kok

Many are aware that the X-T30II, released in 2021, is not a true successor to the 2019 X-T30, and there have been no indications of a potential upgrade in this mid-range category during these years. At one juncture, I even considered the possibility of this series being discontinued.

Now, the much-anticipated X-T50 has finally arrived. Does it represent a significant improvement over the X-T30?

Intro

X-T50 is the fifth iteration of the X-T double-digit series. It was announced at the X Summit Sydney 2024 in May.

X-T(xx) series has always been the little brother of the X-T(x) series. They share something similar, but also something different to set them apart. This is no different for this generation. But the gap is sort of getting closer.

Fuji X-T50 . XF30mm f2.8 WR @ 30mm . f2.8 . 1/2500″ . ISO 125 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X-T50 . Rokinon 35mm f1.2 @ 35mm . f1.2 . 1/1400″ . ISO 125 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X-T50 . Meike 55mm f1.4 @ 55mm . f1.4 . 1/3000″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

Before continuing, I want to extend my thanks to Ms. Carmen, Marketing Manager at Fujifilm Singapore, for lending the X-T50 for review. As of the publication of this review, the camera unit has been returned to Fujifilm Singapore.

Design, Build Quality, Handling & The Shutter…

X-T50 still gives a nostalgic feel like its predecessors but takes a different camera design approach. The camera is more rounded now and has a deeper hand grip design. Some photographers might dislike it, but I love this design.

Fuji X-T50 . Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 @ 10mm . f2.8 . 1/4700″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X-T50 . Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 @ 18mm . f2.8 . 1/4000″ . ISO 125 . Classic Negative
Right: Fuji X-T50 . Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 @ 18mm . f2.8 . 1/100″ . ISO 125 . Classic Negative

With the deeper hand grip design, the ergonomic handling is way better than its predecessors. I remember I felt that I always needed an additional hand grip to make myself feel more secure in those days. Just to let you know, my little pinky still hanging out but the handling now feels more secure with this X-T50.

Having said that, mounting bigger lenses like XF70-300mm or XF56mm f1.2 WR still has the common problem of heavier lenses over the camera body which makes the balancing of the camera handling experience off. I suggest getting an additional hand grip for better balancing. If you are using compact lightweight lenses, it handles perfectly fine.

Fuji X-T50 . X27mm f2.8 WR @ 27mm . f2.8 . 1/100″ . ISO 400 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X-T50 . XF30mm f2.8 @ 30mm . f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 800 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X-T50 . Meike 55mm f1.4 @ 55mm . f1.4 . 1/80″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

It has a 2-way tilt screen (like the X100V/VI) with 1.84 million dot resolution and a 2.36 million dot electronic viewfinder (EVF). A little disappointed with the EVF as it still uses the same resolution as the X-T30II but is still usable. On the bright side, it has improved 3-inch screen resolution from 1.04 million dot resolution.

(In comparison to X-T5, it is 3-way tilt 3-inch screen with 1.84 million dot resolution and 3.69 million dot resolution EVF.)

Fuji X-T50 . XF27mm f2.8 @ 27mm . f2.8 . 1/100″ . ISO 2000 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X-T50 . Rokinon 35mm f1.2 @ 35mm . f1.2 . 1/2500″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X-T50 . XF30mm f2.8 @ 30mm . f3.2 . 1/3000″ . ISO 125 . Reala Ace

As compared to X-T5, the mechanical shutter seems to be “heavier” in the X-T50. Probably due to the size of the camera body, I can feel the shutter movement more than the X-T5. It is not a deal breaker for me but just my observation.

Sensor and Processor

The X-T50 comes with the X-Trans CMOS sensor 5 HR and the X-Processor 5, which shares similarities with X-H2, X-T5, and X100VI. I think I do not need to explain how good is it with this combination.

Left: Fuji X-T50 . Brightin Star 35mm f0.95 @ 35mm . f2 . 1/3500″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X-T50 . XF70-300mm f4-5.6 @ 300mm . f7.1 . 1/2000″ . ISO 640 . Reala Ace

Image Quality

While the image quality is subjective to the lenses I have mounted on, it is the same as what I have expected from the X-Trans CMOS sensor 5 HR and the X-Processor 5.

Fuji X-T50 . TTArtisan 56 f1.8 @ 56mm . f1.8 . 1/170″ . ISO 320 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X-T50 . TTArtisan 25mm f2 @ 25mm . f2 . 1/850″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X-T50 . Brightin Star 35mm f0.95 @ 35mm . f2 . 1/6000″ . ISO 250 . Classic Negative

The image quality is exceptionally great if you pair up with the new generation of Fuji lenses. In short, you will not be disappointed with the results.

Performance

In general, the performance is pretty close to its elder sibling. The tracking system behaved the same. I have no issue with eye-AF tracking, train tracking, and bike training during my test. They pick up and lock up as they should be.

Fuji X-T50 . Rokinon 35mm f1.2 @ 35mm . f1.2 . 1/420″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X-T50 . Meike 55mm f1.4 @ 55mm . f5.6 . 1/750″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X-T50 . XF18-55mm f2.8-4 @ 55mm . f4 . 1/160″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

IBIS

Not surprised that Fujifilm implemented the IBIS but what surprised me is that Fujifilm did not skim down on the IBIS compensation. The IBIS in the X-T50 shares the same 7-stops of compensation like the latest X-H2S, X-H2, X-T5 and X-S20.

Fuji X-T50 . XF23mm f1.4 WR@ 23mm . f1.4 . 1/15″ . ISO 500 . Reala Ace

In layman’s terms, the IBIS works very well. If you read about it in my other reviews. It can achieve similar results with a similar lens setup. In my daily life, I do not encounter any blurred results unless it is intended.

Battery Life

While it still uses the NP-W126S battery instead of the bigger NP-W235 battery, I managed to squeeze about 550 shots on average. (In my test, I switch on the camera to shoot, switch off when not in use, and transfer about 50 photos.) According to CIPA, it is about 305 shots.

Left: Fuji X-T50 . XF18-55mm f2.8-4 @ 48.4mm . f4 . 1/80″ . ISO 320 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X-T50 . Yongnuo 50mm f1.8 @ 50mm . f1.8 . 1/600″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X-T50 . Yongnuo 50mm f1.8 @ 50mm . f1.8 . 1/200″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

I understand that it is not an impressive number based on today’s standards. But battery is always not an issue in my opinion. The batteries are not bulky or difficult to keep inside my camera bag so I always bring 3 – 4 batteries everywhere I go.

Feedback

40 megapixels provides ample resolution, especially for RAW files, which is substantial. Looking ahead, I hope Fujifilm considers offering photographers the option to choose between small, medium, and large resolution settings for RAW files, similar to what they currently offer for JPEGs.

Fuji X-T50 . TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 @ 35mm . f1.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 320 . Reala Ace

Price Point

At $1399 USD, it competes in a price range where other brands offer cameras with larger sensors, which is worth considering.

However, I always advise photographers to thoroughly research their purchase because they’re investing in a system, not just a brand. Consider not only the initial camera cost but also the investment in lenses and their availability. It’s important to focus on what lenses are currently available from both the manufacturer and third-party suppliers, rather than relying on future promises or aspirations.

Right: Fuji X-T50 . TTArtisan 56mm f1.8 @ 56mm . f1.8 . 1/90″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X-T50 . Yongnuo 50mm f1.8 @ 50mm . f1.8 . 1/220″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X-T50 . Yongnuo 50mm f1.8 @ 50mm . f1.8 . 1/100″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

The X mount system has evolved significantly, offering a wide range of lens options today, including a variety of third-party offerings.

Others

There are a few more things that set the X-T50 and X-T5 apart and here are some of them. The first one is a single SD card slot against dual. The second one is X-T50 comes with a pop-up flash while X-T5 doesn’t has one. The last one is the mechanical shutter, where X-T50 can only go as fast as 1/4000s whereas 1/8000s on X-T5.

Mic-in port, USB-C port and mini-HDMI port

There is one very bold change that I did not mention earlier and it is the Drive mode dial. It has been replaced by the new Film Simulation dial. While I am not sure if everyone loves this new change, I enjoy using it. It gives me an instantaneous switch of film simulations at ease.

I know we can switch film simulations via the “Q” function, but switching the film simulations via the dial is an enjoyable process.

The dial also has three additional custom/programmable FS positions, allowing you to assign to Pro Negative, Eterna, standard Monochrome, and Sepia film simulations. For “C” function, basically allows you to control the film simulations via the “Q” function and also allows you to use your customized film simulations.

Fuji X-T50 . XF70-300mm f4-5.6 @ 300mm . f5.6 . 1/900″ . ISO 320 . Reala Ace

One small feature that further endears me to the camera is its design: the “play” button is noticeably more prominent than the “delete” button. This not only makes it easier to distinguish between the two but also enhances the satisfaction of pressing the buttons.

Lastly, it does not come with the 4 ways selector buttons.

Who is this for?

It is a good mid-range camera. If you are holding on to the first three generations of this series (X-T10, X-T20 and X-T30), I think X-T50 is a good upgrade. No doubt it is priced higher than the predecessors, but I think it is a good investment for years to come. Oh yes, you can continue to use the same NP-W126S battery.

Fuji X-T50 . XF35mm f1.4 @ 35mm . f2 . 1/3200″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

Left: Fuji X-T50 . XF18-55mm f2.8-4 @ 18mm . f4 . 1/1100″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace
Right: Fuji X-T50 . XF18-55mm f2.8-4 @ 55mm . f4 . 1/125″ . ISO 125 . Reala Ace

If you are new to photography and want to use Fujifilm as your camera, the X-T50 is a good camera to allow you to explore. Although the X-T30II is still in the available in the market, I believe that the X-T50 is a better investment to choose from.

Conclusion

I initially believed it might share the same configuration as the X-S20, but that assumption proved incorrect. Fujifilm has not compromised on the internals; instead, they’ve maximized the potential of this sensor and processor, offering more photographers the opportunity to experience it.

Right: Fuji X-T50 . Viltrox 27mm f1.2 @ 27mm . f1.2 . 1/800″ . ISO 250 . Reala Ace

Fuji X-T50 . Viltrox 75mm f1.2 @ 75mm . f1.2 . 1/210″ . ISO 250 . Classic Chrome

In my view, the X-T50 stands out as a capable mid-range camera for photography. Its compact size and only weighs slightly over 440 grams makes it ideally suited for use with compact to mid-size lenses, which, in my opinion, generally fulfills the needs of most photographers.

Thank you for reading.

If you like my works, please follows me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:

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Reviews

Sirui 56mm f1.2 – The First Attempt (III)

July 1, 2024June 30, 2024 Alwin Kok

This is the last of the Sniper lenses I have with me. By now, if you have read the first two lenses, I guess you should know my opinion of this series. Anyway, I still need to finish sharing my opinion of this focal length.

Intro

This is the third lens introduced by Sirui together with the 23mm f1.2 and 33mm f1.2. In summary, they started with crowdfunding from one of the popular platforms and this Sniper series succeeded.

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f1.2. 1/750″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f1.2. 1/250″ . ISO 640 . Nostalgic Negative*

Design and Build Quality

For some reasons, the “white ceramic coating” or simply white plastic seems to be the worse built quality among the three colors. Having said that, it still far better than the Meike 85mm f1.8. That’s my opinion. As part of the Sniper family, it shares many similarities such as filter size (58mm), no aperture ring and no weather resistant. Also they share the same length as well. This is beneficial to videographers who need to mount on a gimbal.

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f5.6. 1/55″ . ISO 3200 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f2. 1/125″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f2. 1/160″ . ISO 400 . Nostalgic Negative*

At 419 grams, the weight of this lens feels okay. Although it may seem heavy, it is evenly distributed. Like its siblings, it comes with a lens hood. The difference is that it comes with a round lens hood instead of a petal-shaped lens hood.

Image Quality

Optically, it shares a lot of similarities with the Sniper family. At f1.2, the image is soft and lacks contrast. Coupled with it are the mild vignetting and strong chromatic aberration. Of course, everything gets better when stopping down. For my acceptance, f2 is the minimum f-stop for sharpness and contrast.

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f1.2. 1/220″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f2. 1/80″ . ISO 160 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f2. 1/80″ . ISO 500 . Nostalgic Negative*

The rendering of the background blur is not as smooth as I expected. Somehow it looks kind of hard and unpleasant. Or maybe it is something that I don’t appreciate?

Focusing

It comes with a Stepper Motor (STM). The focus is okay. It is not as snappy as the XF56mm f1.2 WR (just using it as a benchmark). Probably quite average among the rest of the 56mm focal length.

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f1.2. 1/240″ . ISO 125. Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f2. 1/80″ . ISO 160 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

On average, I do encounter some pull-push effect before focus is locked on my subject. Not every time, but encounter it quite often. Hard to catch the behavior here but fail to do so. I hope the future firmware provides some remedies.

Also, the manual ring is different from the typical manual ring, this one can do a 360° rotation angle electronic focus ring. For photography per SE, I think it might help with precision focusing but I believe this benefits videography more.

Minimum Focus Distance (MFD)

For a typical 85mm (in full frame equivalent), what is your expectation for a MFD for this focal length?

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 200 . Nostalgic Negative*

To share some examples of what other 56mm lenses MFD are: TTArtisan 56mm f1.8 is 50cm, XF56mm f1.2 WR is 50cm, Meike 55mm f1.4 is 60cm and Sigma 56mm f1.4 is 50cm.

Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f1.2. 1/180″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative

The MFD of this lens is 60cm. Not quite on par with the average one but not any worse. The image quality, fortunately, isn’t degraded any worse too.

Price Point

At 279 USD (discount from the usual price at $349 USD from it’s official store), it is a good price point for a f1.2 autofocus lens. Or 799 USD for the 3 lenses.

For a quick comparison, XF56Mm f1.2 WR is priced at 999 USD, Meike 55mm f1.4 is priced at 199.9 USD, Sigma 56mm f1.4 is priced at 479 USD, and Viltrox 56mm f1.4 is priced at 299 USD. Is the price attractive?

Others

Like all other Sniper lenses, it comes with an USB-C port for future firmware update.

Also, it comes with a circular lens hood but mounting and dismounting it gives a quirky noise that always makes me think that I am breaking it anytime with a little pressure. Probably I have a bad copy of the lens hood?

Lastly, it has a thin lens cap (similar to its siblings) which gives me some problems when removing the lens cap from the lens. That’s because the pinch-to-release area is too narrow for big fingers (like mine) to pinch and remove the cap without any level of struggling.

Who is this for?

This 85mm (in full frame equivalent) focal length is suitable for the portrait genre. But not only that, this lens is also suitable for product shots, street, documentary, etc.

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f1.2. 1/4000″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Left: *Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f1.2. 1/300″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: *Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f2. 1/80″ . ISO 500 . Nostalgic Negative*

If you are a new photographer and have a limited budget, this lens together with its siblings forms good trinity lenses for a starter. Only if you are acceptable with its not-so-perfect image quality.

Conclusion

We do not lack any third-party autofocus lenses for Fujifilm. If you are looking for a “complete set” of third-party lenses, there are a few brands that I can think of at the moment; Sigma and Viltrox.

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 56mm f1.2 @ 56mm . f10. 1/125″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Considering the price point, I find this lens acceptable, especially since it’s an f1.2 prime rather than the typical f1.4. However, I may have overestimated its capabilities. Nevertheless, I’m eagerly anticipating the release of their “Mark II” Sniper lenses, hoping for significant improvements in this series.

Oh yes, Sirui has launched another 2 new Sniper lenses, the 16mm f1.2, and the 75mm f1.2.

Thank you for reading.

If you like my works, please follow me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:

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Reviews

Sirui 23mm f1.2 – The First Attempt (II)

June 17, 2024June 17, 2024 Alwin Kok

I have recently shared my opinion about the Sirui 33mm f1.2 and this is the second lens from the Sirui Sniper series.

Intro

To keep things short, this series was first introduced via a crowdfunding platform and, they were successfully funded as expected.

Design and Build Quality

The aluminum alloy or silver color (in my opinion) option seems to be less fancy than the white and black/carbon fiber one. The color is also duller and less reflective than the silver XF lenses.

It is plastic-made build quality. Not the worst one but it’s also not the best plastic build either. However, the 380-gram lens is well-balanced on hand but I can feel the weight. This lens also shared the same 58mm filter size as the Sirui 33mm f1.2.

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f1.2. 1/1700″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f1.2. 1/2700″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f1.2. 1/90″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

And yes, it comes with a petal-shaped lens hood and metal rear mount.

Since it comes from the Sniper family, missing the aperture ring is one of them. (There are more similarities later.) It comes with an electronic manual ring, which means it comes with a 360° smooth rotation angle.

Image Quality

At f1.2, softness and weak contrast are pretty obvious. In my opinion, sometimes I am unsure if I have nailed the shots with such an image quality. While there are photographers who might like this level of softness, I can’t accept it. I would probably close one eye if this lens were to be released a few years back. For my personal acceptance, f2 is the base with f2.8 for better results.

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 1000 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Left: Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f2.8. 1/1100″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*
*Right: Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f1.2 . 1/160″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Vignetting at the corners is acceptable but the chromatic aberration is obvious for wide-open shots.

The foreground/background blur rendering is not my favorite. It seems to be “hard” or I should say the transition is not as smooth as I am expecting it to be.

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f2. 1/140″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Focusing

Focusing performance is fast and silent due to the Stepper Motor equipped with this lens. The performance seems to be better than the 33mm version. If compared with the XF23mm f1.4 WR, it is not that snappy fast and locks the subject fast. I do not experience a lot of push-pull focusing issues.

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f2. 1/105″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Left: Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic Negative*
*Right: Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f1.2 . 1/2700″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

Minimum Focus Distance (MFD)

For a 35mm (full-frame equivalent) lens, the MFD is 30cm. For a quick comparison, XF23mm f1.4 WR is 20cm, Sigma 23mm f1.4 is 25cm and the classic XF23mm f1.4 R is 28cm.

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 160 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f1.2. 1/1000″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

If you don’t really need to care about shooting as close to the subject as possible, then this lens is fine. The good thing is that the image quality won’t get worse, even at wide-open.

Price Point

279 USD (from B&H) is considerably a good price point for a f1.2. For reference, XF23mm f1.4 WR is about 810 USD, Viltrox 23mm f1.4 mk II is at 299 USD, and, Sigma 23mm f1.4 is priced at 550 USD.

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f2. 1/8″ . ISO 3200 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Left: Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f2. 1/80″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic Negative*
*Right: Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/80″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic Negative*

If you are buying as a bundle with the other 2 Sniper lenses in the Sirui official store, the deal might be even better if there are promotions.

Others

I am glad to see the USB-C port made available for future firmware updates.

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f2.8. 1/80″ . ISO 250 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Left: Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f1.2. 1/2000″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*
*Right: Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f5.6 . 1/125″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*

This 35mm (in full frame equivalent) shares some similarities with the other Sniper lenses. For example, the lens hood gives a very clicky feel that deems the hood can be broken easily when mounting it front-facing. Another example is it comes with a very thin lens cap with very narrow pinch-to-release space. This gives a good challenge for big fingers to pinch the lens cap.

Lastly, it is not weather-resistance.

Who is this for?

This is my favorite focal length. I would say it’s a very versatile focal length for environment portraits, street, documentaries, journalism, and many others.

*Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f2. 1/80″ . ISO 200 . Nostalgic Negative*

*Left: Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f2. 1/80″ . ISO 500 . Nostalgic Negative*
Right: Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f2 . 1/80″ . ISO 200Left: Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f1.2. 1/1600″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic NegativeRight: Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f1.2 . 1/80″ . ISO 160 . Nostalgic Negative . Nostalgic Negative

If you are a new photographer or you are unsure if this focal length suits your shooting habit or on a tight budget, you can consider this lens as a stepping stone.

Conclusion

This lens together with the other Sniper lenses is a good attempt from Sirui. Compared with the other manufacturers’ lenses I have reviewed, I am a little disappointed with the optical quality Sirui provides with this series.

*Left: Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f10. 1/125″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative*
*Right: Fuji X-T5 . Sirui 23mm f1.2 @ 23mm . f10 . 1/125″ . ISO 125. Nostalgic Negative*

There is a lot of potential in this series. Unfortunately, it is not what I expected for a fast lens. Having said that, I hope to see more improved versions of this series in the future.

Thank you for reading.

If you like my works, please follow me on either one of the 2 Instagram accounts:

https://www.instagram.com/alwinkok_

https://www.instagram.com/alwin.portraits

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If you like my content and you want to show some support and keep this blog alive, you can buy me a coffee here.

Reviews

Ricoh GR III – Still A Good Pocket Camera

June 10, 2024June 10, 2024 Alwin Kok

Ricoh GR III with TTArtisan 28mm optical viewfinder

Ricoh GR3 came out in March 2019, which marked its 5th year in the market. Today it is still going strong and I was told that the camera has been put out-of-stock from the moment it was put up onto the store shelf. What exactly is the charm behind this 5-year-old camera? Why is it still going strong? How can it win my heart from my lovely Fujifilm X100V?

Intro

I once had the Ricoh GX100. I love the compact camera and practically good focal length. I also love the idea of using AAA batteries as an alternative solution if I run out of batteries and a removable electronic viewfinder. How amazing and innovative it was in 2007.

*Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 640*

Left: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 1250*
Right: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 2500*

Before I proceed, I would like to thank the good people from Audio & Photo Distributor for sending me this GR3 for my review. I appreciate their kindness and support. Having said that, they have zero influence on my review.

Design, Build Quality & Handling…

The first thing before I hold the GR3, I admire how compact, sleek, and well-built the camera is. The metal-constructed camera gives a very premium experience when held on hand.

*Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO* 2500

Left: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/100″ . ISO 200*
Right: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 4000*

There is a textured grip that helps to improve the handling of the camera, which does help my big hand to grip slightly better somehow. At 257 grams, it is a lightweight camera. Basically, it is not a burden to carry around.

Sensor and Processor

*Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f5.6 . 1/200″ . ISO 100*

Left: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 2000*
Right: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 2000*

The 24.2 megapixels together with the GR Engine 6 is what the core of this GR3 is. Is 24 megapixels sufficient? My answer is yes. Today, I am using Fuji X-T5, a 40-megapixel camera, and I am underutilized it. That’s because I hardly print and do cropping. Even my beloved Fuji X-T3 is more than sufficient megapixels for my printing needs. Hence, 24 megapixels is more than enough. This is my opinion.

Typically, I shoot Raw with Jpeg and the processor handles well with minimum lag. But it does hold up a little if I shoot in burst mode. For clarity, I am using Sandisk Extreme Pro.

Oh yes, the camera is capable of shooting at a maximum ISO of 102400.

Image Quality

The image quality is awesome. The 18mm (28mm in full frame equivalent) is decently sharp and has good contrast at wide-open. It also preserved a very good amount of details. This is something I am surprised about. Vignetting is pretty minimal and I cannot identify the chromatic aberration, it seems to be close to none.

*Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/1600″ . ISO 100*

Left: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 2000*
Right: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 3200*

The transition from focused subject to blurred background/foreground is okay. It is not the smoothest but not the most harsh that I have seen. No complaint here.

Performance

On an average day, the focusing speed is fine. Not blazing fast or unexpectedly slow. Just fine for a compact camera.

*Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f5.6 . 1/250″ . ISO 200*

Left: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 250*
*Right: Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 2000*

But when it comes to low-light situations, focusing tends to be a little challenging. I get to see more push-pull focusing before it locks onto the subject successfully. if I remember correctly, I have encountered missed focus twice in my testing period.

There are some focus options like zone focus, pinpoint focus, snap focus mode, and Full Press Snap for the photographers to explore and find one that suits them the best.

IBIS

GR3 comes with Sensor-shift shake reduction which is capable of up to 4 stops. How does it perform in my real-world environment? The slowest shutter speed that I can achieve is 1/13 seconds. Anything slower cannot counter my shaky hand.

*Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f8 . 1/320″ . ISO 200*

Left: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 500*
Right: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 640*

Battery Life

According to CIPA standards, it is tested to be approximately 200 shots. During my test, I have an average of 275 shots. For my usage behavior*, it seems to be not too far off from the CIPA standard.

Left: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 1000*
Right: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 1250*

*In most situations, I will power on the camera to shoot and power off when not in use.

Wishlist

All GR series have the standard 28mm focal length with an f2.8 and I hope one day this will change to have a brighter aperture value like f2. Just a hope.

*Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/250″ . ISO 200*

Left: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 3200*
*Right: Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 1250*

Secondly, I think it might be too much to ask for an EVF, so I hope to have a flip screen like the X100V. A flip screen is helpful when I can shoot at waist level and it is a little challenging to do waist-level shots without one.

I think it is also more forgivable to compromise if the camera is slightly thicker but has a flip screen that flushes well with the camera body.

Price Point

966.95 USD price tag stated on the B&H website and I cannot say it is affordable but still cheaper than the X100V (yes, V, not VI). Of course, it is not an apple-to-apple comparison. For direct competition, the Fujifilm X70 was priced at 699.95 USD at launch but it was discontinued.

*Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 1250*

Others

Like all modern cameras, the GR3 also comes with a USB-C port for charging too. What I like about this camera is that it has a lock button that prevents the photographer from accidentally changing the mode dial.

*Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/1250″ . ISO 200*

Left: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/160″ . ISO 200*
Right: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/400″ . ISO 200*

Unlike most cameras, it does come with a small 2GB internal storage which is capable to store an average of 31 shots consist of RAW plus Jpeg.

Lastly, it comes with built-in Neutral Density filter which is capable of providing two stops of exposures. It is very accessible and it comes in handy if one needs one.

Who is this for?

It’s a pocketable camera and it is suitable to be an “Every Day Camera” for any photographer. From casual photographers to professionals, it is a tool ready to capture the moments right from the pocket.

*Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 1600*

Left: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 320*
Right: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 1600*

Conclusion

In these few weeks of shooting with it, I love my experience with this camera. Although I do have some reservations about this camera like the autofocus system and f2.8 lens, I am okay with accepting it because it is so pocketable and it is already 5 years old. I still love my X100V because it still gives me a strong nostalgic vibe. Both cameras target different groups of photographers.

*Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/800″ . ISO 100*

Left: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/320″ . ISO 200*
Right: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/800″ . ISO 100*

This experience allows me to understand why Fujifilm X70 photographers love their X70 a little bit more. It may not have the best autofocus system but it gives a very satisfying result. What it aims to be is a pocketable camera, making it easier for anyone to use and it did them right. Also, it is a very low-profile camera that is suitable for everyone to use for day-to-day causal street shoots, family gatherings, and many others.

*Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f5.6 . 1/320″ . ISO 200*

Left: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/50″ . ISO 3200*
Right: *Ricoh GR III . 18mm f2.8 @ f2.8 . 1/80″ . ISO 2000*

Although the battery comes in a small capacity, I have had no issue using it for the past weeks. If battery is an issue for you, get one more extra. The battery is so small that I am sure it can be kept in your bag somewhere.

While no one knows when the successor of the GR3 will arrive, Ricoh has released a new updated GR3 and GR3x, the GR3 HDF and GR3x HDF. Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing good improvement in every aspect.

Thank you for reading.

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Author: Alwin Kok

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