Category : Uncategorized

 

 

For some time we have known that Fujifilm was going to release this lens, and now we know the release date, September!  The real question is where does this lens fit into 0ur camera systems?  Based on the early reviews of the prototype, it looks like it will be a stunner!  If, in fact, it is, then it opens some very interesting doors!

 

Let’s talk focal lengths.  24mm to 122mm is a near perfect range for 90% of general photography.  I can imagine carrying this lens, a much wider lens, say the 14mm f 2.8, and then the 100-400 to cover all the longer focal lengths.   I can’t imagine traveling with out the Fujifilm 80mm Macro f 2.8, so when knowing close-up work in on the menu, that will have to come along.  It sounds like the 16mm to 80mm will focus very close all the way down to .25 of life-size, so that might solve that issue for all but extreme close work!

 

The bottom line is that this new lens will be wonderful for those of us that are trying to pair down their kit.  I can’t wait!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join Jack Graham and Bill Fortney and third, to be named, X-Photographer for this incredible summit in Moab Utah!!!!!   February 26th – March 1st, 2020

https://jackgrahamphoto.com/workshops/

 

Also this fall a few spots are still available for these great Graham/Fortney Events:

 

 

Again to register for these great events contact:   https://jackgrahamphoto.com/workshops/

 

Lastly the stars are really aligned this fall for the Great Smoky Mountain Nature Phototgraphy Sunmmit!  Please join us for this affordable and fantastic event!!!

 

 

 

Get out this fall or next spring and jon us for all the fun!!!!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

 

 

From the beginning of the digital age we have been on a quest for more resolution!  Why?  In the early years it was simple, digital could not be taken seriously until it was as capable as film.  Some early predictions were that it would take 25 mega pixels to accomplish that.  By the time cameras reached 12 mega pixels it was clear that the dye was set.  At around 24 mega pixels we had almost more resolution than we could ever need.  So then it was 36 megapixels, then 42 mega pixels, then 50 mega pixels and now for the first time Fujifilm is offering a 100 + mega pixel camera for less than $10,000.

 

The question is;  if you are a self respecting, serious or even pro photographer, how far up the mega pixel scale do you need to go???  I am going to answer this question for myself and hopefully it will give you some ideas about your own choices.  I will say that this is just my thinking based on the way I work and what I do with my work.

 

I am a photo generalist; I shoot mostly for the sheer thrill of doing it.  I have been  professional photographer in the sports arena, medical, travel, newspaper and magazine photojournalist, landscape, nature and close-up photographer.  I teach workshops and have had over 7,000 students.  I wrote about photography and faith, and have published 5 coffee table books, and over a dozen eBooks.

 

I want explore this comparison in terms of three factors:  ADVANTAGE, COST, and UTILIZATION.

 

(1) Advantage:  The Fujifilm GFX 100 is clearly the most capable camera ever produced. (period)  Highest resolution, image stabilized, high frame rate and a world class viewfinder all in a body about the size of a Nikon D5!!!!  In second place is the GFX 50s and 50R, less resolution but still a ton.  Half the resolution but less than half the price.  The X-T3 is one of the finest 24/26 mega pixel cameras on the market, with world class video capability at a bargain price.

 

(2) Cost:  Simple; the GFX 100 is just a dollar or two shoot of ten grand.  The GFX 50S and 50R  are $5,500 and $4,00 respectively.  the X-T3 comes in at $1,500. You know how much you need and what you will be buying and what you can afford, it’s just that simple.

 

(3) Utilization:  If you need 100 mega pixel and it can work for you financially, then you know what you have to do.  If you need a larger amount of mega pixels but can’t afford a GFX 100 then the GFX 50S or 50R is your ticket to ride.  If something around 26 mega pixels is all you need and you enjoy lenses that cost half or less than the GFX lenses you’ve found your sweet spot in the X-T3.  I have made 4′ X 6′ (that’s feet)  prints from the X-T2 (24 mega pixels) !!! Do they look as good as they would from a GFX 100?  Of course not, but at reasonable viewing distances, they look very good indeed, no one ever complains!

 

Bottom Line:  Once again; While I find the Fujifilm 50 and 100 mega pixel cameras to be phenomenal, I don’t want to carry their weight, (both cameras and lenses), and I like the broader range of lenses available for the X-System cameras.  For the kind of work I do the X-System is my cup of tea.  If you need more, thank goodness Fujifilm has provided us great tools at very reasonable prices considering their capabilities!  The choice is yours and it is good to have options!!!

 

This is what I do and the X-System does not let me down in any way!

 

 

I rest my case!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

 

 

I got an email and I thought I should answer it for everyone;

“We know you own almost every one of Fujifilm’s lenses, why do you carry the ones in this case, and not others?”  W.K.  Pittsburgh

 

First and importantly this is the case I will use when I fly to locations to do landscape, travel, nature and closeup work. I will start from the widest and go to the longest lenses.

 

The XF 10-24 f4.  This is my go to wide angle zoom.  It covers an effective range of from 15mm to 36mm. It is razor sharp and has Image stabilization.

 

Next is the XF 16mm f 2.8.  A very compact part of the Fujicron lens line.  Compact, super sharp and very easy to carry.

 

My most used lens is the  XF 18-135.  It is very sharp, and focuses close.  Among the most versatile of Fujifilm’s lenses I could travel with only this one lens if I had to!

 

In a Tenba lens pouch I carry the XF 23mm f 2, XF 35mm f 2, and the XF 50mm f 2.  These compact lenses cover all the mid range focal lengths from 35mm to 75mm.  Like all the Fujicrons (my term), these are all extremely sharp!  They work perfectly for travel work.

 

For closeup work I cary the Fujifilm 80mm Macro f 2.8.  This is the sharpest Macro lens I’ve ever used even sharper than the legendary Nikon 200mm Macro.

 

My long lens is the XF 100-400 which is an effective 150mm to 600mm lens, this is further stretch with TC-14 Teleconverter to an effect 840mm!  The 100-400 is exceptionally sharp and the Image stabilization works remarkably well.

 

I own the  16mm f 1.4, but it is larger than the f 2.8, I have the 18-55 and 55-200 both of which are great for travel, but didn’t make the cut for this bag.  The 56mm f 1.2 is incredible but large and the 50mm f 2 is still remarkable and compact!

 

So that is why I outfitted this bag with those lenses!  My two bodies are the Fujifilm X-H1 and the X-T3.

 

In the fall, when it becomes available I may replace the 18-135 with the new 16-80 f 4, after I test it and see if it can replace the 18-135.

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim