What are your thoughts on this magical XF18mm f1.4 lens?

@dimitarkotsev9234

Жыл бұрын

I have tested the 23mm version which is pretty close as a field of view and quality. Many people hype these lenses and I cannot disagree that they are very good for what they are intended to do. Ultimately though I find these focal lengths extremely boring and uninspiring - perhaps because they remind me of the output of most smartphones these days. I would say the XF33mm is the best and most balanced of the bunch - it can do almost everything perfectly and it is one of the best lenses I have tested. This is of course a personal perception and not an objective valuation.

@MikeBanom

Жыл бұрын

​@@dimitarkotsev9234 I'm with you though. My first lens for the XF system was the 23mm 1.4. I loved it back then, now, I kind of hate the focal length. I love the 18mm way better. Just as you said, its a personal preference. I'm an odd one. I either like telephoto, or super wide. I don't love the 35-70mm focal length.

@dimitarkotsev9234

Жыл бұрын

@@MikeBanom I appreciate your feedback and replies! By the way I think you will also enjoy the new Viltrox 13 mm for the X-sensor. I have tested it for a couple of weeks and the quality is on par with the new XF LM lenses. And it also provides that special extra wide view that is perfect for travel/landscapes. Of course the 18 mm is better for video/youtube purposes...

@MikeBanom

Жыл бұрын

@@dimitarkotsev9234 So far I have only used native lenses… But I'll see if I can get my hands on a Viltrox!

Very thorough review! Impressive

@MikeBanom

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Hi Mike! Great content - as someone who is currently testing out the GFX system I found your videos immensely helpful! One question - if you could start your kit from scratch right now would you still choose GFX for your main photography system ahead of the new X-sensor? I am a hobbyist and for the price that I currently have the GFX 50SII with GF 63 (as someone who enjoys shooting portraits most at this stage I drool for GF 80 or 110, but can afford non right now) I can actually get an X-H2 with the new 56 1.2 complemented with the 23 or 18 1.4... I love the files coming out of the GFX, but I wonder if the advantages are not marginal at this stage and if I should get the X-H2 instead...

@MikeBanom

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching my videos, and I'm glad you are finding them so helpful! In 2 week I have a video on this very topic… kind of. It will be the GFX100s & GF110 vs the XH2 and XF56mm. Def stay tuned for that. Its funny, I bought the GFX100s last august, because for me personally, the XH1 was not enough. I needed more resolution. If the XH2 came out before I bought the GFX100s… the decision would have been a bit more difficult. Short answer… If you can handle the size of the GFX, it is very big and heavy, and you don't need crazy AF… there is no comparison. The XH2 / XT5 can get close in optimal scenarios, but the depth you get from GFX100s files, is just unparalleled. I tested the GFX100s out on and off for over a year before buying it, and honestly speaking, I didn't even want to use my XH1. it just collected dust. I haven't tried the 23mm 1.4 mk ii yet, but I'm sure it's amazing! The XF18 is so incredible, I am seriously considering picking it up. Maybe after I start making a few $$ on KZread. But that says a lot since I really had no intent on buying any more XF lenses. I think if you already have the GFX… I would stay in that system. You already know the depth and level of detail you get out of the medium format sensor. But also… there is no shame in picking up an XH2 and 18mm… and buying the GF80 or 110 later on ;). You can use the XH2 on days you don't want to lug the GFX!! I rambled a bit. I should make a video on this topic.

@dimitarkotsev9234

Жыл бұрын

@@MikeBanom I will definitely stay tuned for the GFX100s & GF110 vs the XH2 and XF56mm comparison video! Oddly enough I think the GFX 100s/50sII is one of the most comfortable and ergonomic bodies I have ever tested. The X-H2 is not nearly as comfortable to me to hold. The problem for the GFX starts when you mount lenses on it :D Anyway, thanks for your input!

@MikeBanom

Жыл бұрын

@@dimitarkotsev9234 My fav thing about the XH2 was the coating on the body. Super grippy, more so than the GFX! Always happy to have a convo about gear!

I'm still on Team 35mm BUT I love my XF18mm f1.4 for indoor use. So good.

@MikeBanom

Жыл бұрын

Dylan, you own all the good camera bodies and lenses. I am jelly!!!

It’s defo on my wish list as well as the 33mm

@MikeBanom

Жыл бұрын

I'd highly, highly recommend the 18mm! I hear only good things about the 33mm. Never tried it personally.

I just recently got the 23mm f1.4 the first edition and all I can say it OMG OMG. I’m sure this lens is as good.

@MikeBanom

Жыл бұрын

That was my first lens I bought for the xf system! If you think that lens is incredible, this lens is on a whole other planet! Highly recommended!

@MikeBanom

Жыл бұрын

That was my first lens I bought for the xf system! If you think that lens is incredible, this lens is on a whole other planet! Highly recommended!

This lens replaced my 23mm and 16mm f1.4s for events due to the slow AF of the 16mm f1.4 on the earlier bodys, however the XH-2S transformed the AF performance on the 16mm f1.4 and I've now gone back to it and the 23mm peoplesimply look less distortedwith the 23mm, close focus distance on the 16mm is 15cm which makes it more versatile and with its slightly wider field of view a better all rounder and it's still one of Fujis best astro lenes.

@MikeBanom

Жыл бұрын

I could totally see the 23mm being better for people. It's crazy how on the XH1 or earlier the gen 1 23mm 1.4 was hyper slow. The XH2s did revive it! its really snappy, even on the XH2. Only issue with the XH2 is that its simply not super sharp.

@daveboyle5751

Жыл бұрын

True but I think these new lenes are almost to sharp with that clinical digital look to them, another reason I'm using the earlier version on the XH-2S, especially for video. Plus the manual clutch is so much better to use.

@MikeBanom

Жыл бұрын

@@daveboyle5751 That clutch feature is so underrated. I love it! In your opinion, would you consider a clinical digital look to be anti-fujifilm?

@daveboyle5751

Жыл бұрын

@@MikeBanom No I see it in the new Nikon Z glass as well. I used Nikon for 35 years before switching to Fuji for their smaller bodys and prime lens line up, only thing that let them down was their AF performance now almost fixed in the XH-2S. The new Viltrox 75mm f1.2 is the sharpest lens I've ever used so much so I dial back the sharpness in body and in post, we just don't see the world like that.

I like it, but I'm not in love with it. I sold mine shortly afterwards...

@MikeBanom

Жыл бұрын

😲 Why?!?!

@Iamtongue

Жыл бұрын

@@MikeBanom not a fan of the focal length. It's weird to get use to.

@MikeBanom

Жыл бұрын

@@Iamtongue Not really great for portraits, so I can understand! But you also kind of broke my heart.

I confirm amazing Lens!!!! :-)

@MikeBanom

Жыл бұрын

🙌🙌