The Latest Fabulous lens…..
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of shooting with the new Fujifilm XF 80mm f 2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro Lens! The new macro lens is abaout 40% larger than the current 90mm f 2 and takes 62mm filters. It will be priced at $1,195. Compared with the 90mm f 2 below!
The question is, is this lens worth twelve hundred dollars? That depends, but first let me share some of the images I made with it and then I will draw some conclusions!
On a 10 point scale:
Optical quality: 11 This the sharpest lens Fujifilm has produced in the XF line, with the possible exception of the 90mm f 2 which may be equally sharp! With each new lens Fujifilm proves that they are among the very best designers and builders of truly exceptional lenses. This macro lens is as good as any I’ve ever shot and I’ve shot all the classics. It is tack sharp right from f 2.8 and with the lens modulation built into the cameras even the defraction at f 22 is minimal. The contrast is that perfect place between punchy and smooth. It works fantastic with the Fujifilm automatic extension tubes and the real plus is it works with the teleconverters, which is a real bonus!
Build Quality: 10 While the lens is substantial, it is not too large and the controls function perfectly. The manual focus ring is smooth and has the perfect touch when manually focusing which you will certainly do in critical work , (or should)!! The OIS is very handy when shooting a moderate to infinity distances. It works great in close too, but you will likely be using a tripod when you get down to 1:4 ratio and closer.
So, is it worth it? It depends, if you do a lot of close-up work it’s a no brainer, I’d say it’s a 12!! If you just do close-ups occasionally, the 90mm f 2 with extension tubes and diopters will serve you well. The 60mm Macro is small, compact and incredibly sharp and half the cost! Do you need a little more working distance and a lens that focuses all the way to 1:1 ratio, without accessories? This would fill the bill, but that’s your call! I know what you’re thinking, will I buy one? Well since I’ve bought every other lens, and do a lot of macro work, I certainly plan to! If you want one though, I would get on a list, I feel it will sell very well and it will take a little while to get one!
Hope that helped!
Blessings,
the pilgrim
This entry was posted on Thursday, September 14th, 2017 at 9:58 pm
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Thanks for the review, Bill. Beautiful images!
I keep trying Lynn, I keep trying!
I’m on the pre-order list but I might change my mind.
Reasons:
1. I have the 50 Touit 1:1 macro, not WR 🙁 – but I have a bag that I can used in pouring rain and the lens stayed dry. The bag did double duty, it was from my Canon 5D days so the bag is so big that I was able to attach a flash to the Fuji camera in this white bag which provides diffused flash.
2. I have the XF16 and XF90 – both close focusing and WR – the larger apertures can further help out with some unique shots.
3. I recently purchased used the “restyled” A-mount Minolta 100mm 1:1 macro (I have tested this lens on a Sony SLT and the AF does work). Being it is an lens from the 90s some of the lens coatings that exists on newer lens are not there but it is Minolta glass with the same optical design as the Sony macro lens. I don’t get WR but with future Fuji cameras I might have IS.
4. I have the Fuji extension tubes which I have found work extremely well on the XF55-200 which also gives me OIS. The tubes are also quite good on the XF90 but lack of OIS demands tripod. Then the question comes into play should I use the Minolta at that point.
5. I do have both of the Fuji tele-converters. So that makes for three macro lens in one with the XF80.
Looking at all of my existing choices I thinking maybe I should spend more time devoted to using these tools to determine if the XF80 is warranted. I have till November to decide so I’m staying on the list for now.
Sounds like a solid plan!
Great images Bill. Added this lens to my wish list.
It’s a good one!
Dream lens for sure. My budget does not currently allow for it, so I’m looking at a used 60 macro, but I’d love the 1:1 and possibility of using tele-converters. Makes it a very versatile lens.
And also, absolutely LOVE the photo of the microphone!