With a growing range of high-quality primes and zooms, the Fujifilm X-series lens range has a lot to offer

The arrival of the X-Pro1 in 2012 heralded the start of Fujifilm’s X mount and the beginning of the XF lens range. The concept is pretty straightforward: to deliver lenses that are both lightweight and compact, have a fast maximum aperture and provide excellent image quality, allowing sharp detail in every corner of the frame. There is no quibbling about finish, either, with lenses sporting aluminium barrels and exteriors that provide a premium aesthetic and a satisfying overall feel.

The first three lenses launched in support of the X-Pro1 were the XF 18mm f/2 R, XF 35mm f/1.4R and XF 60mm f/2.4 R Macro options that offer wide, standard and macro shooting respectively (the 60mm is also a popular choice with portrait photographers). Since then, though, the range has grown steadily, and while perhaps not as comprehensive as others, it offers some of the best-quality optics out there for compact system camera users.

The XF 14mm f/2.8 R is an excellent choice for landscapes. The XF 23mm f/1.4 R replicates the popular 35mm focal length on an X-series camera, making it a versatile choice for numerous shooting situations. Want an ultra-fast portrait lens? You’ve got the choice of two in the shape of the XF 56mm f/1.2 R and XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD, with the latter offering an apodisation filter to produce even smoother bokeh.

Turning our attention to Fujifilm’s line-up of zooms, don’t discount the XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS as an inexpensive kit lens at £460. The 18-55mm f/2.8-4 is a cut above the typical plastic offerings you get elsewhere, thanks to the faster variable maximum aperture, finish and, most importantly of all, image quality. If that’s not quite enough, check out the new XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR – a fast standard zoom with weather sealing to protect against moisture and dust, and a perfect match for the X-T1.

The fast 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom has always been a popular choice for a lot of photographers, and the XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR offers a similar range on an X-series body, with the world’s first Triple Linear Motor for quiet and fast AF, and sophisticated built-in image stabilisation.

Third-party options

Zeiss’s small range of dedicated CSC Touit lenses are available for the X-mount, with 12mm
f/2.8, 32mm f/1.8 and 50mm f/2.8 macro options, while Samyang offers a growing number of manual-focus-only prime lenses.

Mount adapters

Fujifilm offers an M-mount adapter for use with Leica M-mount lenses. This adapter has electronic contacts for added functionality, as well as a host of presets and detailed image-correction settings (you may need to update the firmware on your camera to take advantage
of this). X-Pro1 users will also be able to take advantage of a brightframe in the optical viewfinder, which will change according to the defined focal length.

What’s missing?

With only a few gaps left to fill in the range and a strong roadmap for the future, there’s plenty of choice for most photographic disciplines. That said, those looking for super-telephoto lenses will be left a little wanting.

Top Fujifilm X-series lenses

XF-14mm-2.8-R

XF 14mm f/2.8 R – £650

A perfect lens for landscape photography thanks to its outstanding sharpness

XF-23mm-f1.4-R

XF 23mm f/1.4 R – £540

A versatile moderate wideangle lens for street, documentary and general shooting

Fuji-XF-35mm-1.4-R

XF 35mm f/1.4 R – £390

A standard fast prime that’s suited to various applications

Fuji-XF 56mm-f1.2-R-APD

XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD – £1,100

With an ultra-fast maximum aperture, this lens is ideally suited to portraits

Fuji-XF 60mm-f2.4-R-Macro

XF 60mm f/2.4 R Macro – £425

This lens offers 1:2 close-up shooting, while also doubling as a handy portrait optic

Fuji-XF-10-24mm-f4-R-OIS

XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS – £750

This ultra-wideangle zoom is perfect for landscapes

Fuji-XF-16-55mm-f2.8-R-LM-WR

XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR – £900

A fast standard zoom that is perfect for a range of subjects, from landscapes to portraits

Fuji-XF-50-140mm-f2.8 R OIS WR

XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R OIS WR – £1,250

A fast telephoto zoom for action, wildlife and portraits

Zeiss-12mm-f2.8-E-touit

Zeiss 12mm f/2.8 E Touit – £750

A high-quality Zeiss optic for landscapes and architecture

Samyang-12mm-f2-NCS-CS

Samyang 12mm f/2 NCS CS – £330

This manual-focus-only fast prime is ideal for landscapes and low-light conditions