Reviewing All of My Fujifilm Gear
Discover a comprehensive review of Fujifilm cameras and lenses, including the XT3, XT5, and XH2S bodies, along with popular lenses like the 16mm F1.4 and 50mm F1.0. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of each piece of equipment, from image quality and autofocus performance to video capabilities. Get insights on adapting third-party lenses and tips for both professional and enthusiast photographers using the Fujifilm X system.
Adapting Canon FD Lenses To Fujifilm Cameras (With A Speedbooster)
In my latest exploration, I took the Canon FD 20-35mm f/3.5L lens, a vintage gem, and mounted it onto my Fujifilm XT3 using a Metabones Speed Booster. This setup brings out the nostalgic charm of vintage lenses while making them more versatile on modern mirrorless cameras.
The appeal of these old lenses lies in their character, which offers a unique, timeless look that newer lenses often lack. While they may not match the sharpness and autofocus capabilities of today’s technology, the Canon FD lenses deliver a distinctive aesthetic that many photographers find appealing, especially in a world where the cost of new equipment continues to rise.
Throughout my photo walk, I explored various scenes, from tall grass to urban settings in my hometown, capturing images that evoke memories with their film-like rendering. The Speed Booster not only enhances the lens’s performance by providing a wider field of view and an additional stop of light but also adds a layer of convenience for those who want to breathe new life into their old glass.
While there are some challenges, such as the lack of weather sealing and manual focus, the experience of using these lenses is rewarding. Whether you’re looking to save money or simply want to experiment with vintage gear, adapting Canon FD lenses to the Fujifilm XT3 with a Speed Booster is a satisfying way to achieve a classic photographic look.
If you’re interested in exploring this setup, I highly recommend giving it a try. And as always, feel free to leave any questions or suggestions for future videos in the comments. Catch you at the next one!
The Fujifilm 200mm F2 in 2024
In my latest video, I revisited one of my favorite lenses, the Fujifilm 200mm F2, which I’ve owned for nearly five years. Originally designed for sports photography, this lens offers incredible subject magnification and background compression, making it surprisingly effective for portrait work. I took it out for some portrait sessions, and the results were stunning. The 200mm F2, especially when paired with a 1.4x teleconverter, transforms everyday scenes into dramatic, high-impact images that are usually reserved for professional sports photography.
Despite its weight and size, this lens is a joy to use, delivering crisp, detailed photos even in challenging lighting conditions. If you're interested in seeing how this lens performs outside of its usual sports environment, check out the video for a detailed look at its capabilities in portrait photography. As always, feel free to leave your thoughts and suggestions in the comments.
Taking The Canon 24-105mm F2.8L For A Spin: A Real World Test
Blog Post: The Evolution of Gear Reviews and the Canon 24-105mm f/2.8L
In a landscape saturated with gear reviews, it's easy to lose sight of why many of us started creating content. Initially, gear videos weren't the goal; they became a necessity after navigating countless purchases and the dream of turning a passion into a profession. This context sets the stage for my review of the Canon 24-105mm f/2.8L, a lens that breaks away from the monotony of gear talk because it genuinely solves long-standing problems for professionals.
For years, the Canon 24-105mm focal length has been synonymous with versatility, but it often left photographers and videographers wanting more, especially in low light. The original f/4 version, while functional, lacked the light-gathering capability needed for more challenging environments. Fast forward to today, Canon has redefined this focal range with the 24-105mm f/2.8L, a lens that finally offers the best of both worlds—versatility and light performance.
What sets this lens apart? It’s not just the extra stop of light, but how it impacts the workflow of professionals. For event photographers and videographers, this lens minimizes the need to constantly switch between lenses, streamlining the process and allowing for greater focus on capturing the moment. Whether you're double-slinging cameras at a wedding or covering dynamic sports events like Strongman competitions, this lens adapts effortlessly.
For photographers, the lens addresses the long-standing issue of focal length overlap in the classic trinity setup (24-70mm, 70-200mm). The 24-105mm fills this gap, making it possible to cover a broader range without the need for multiple lenses. This efficiency is particularly valuable in tight quarters, where swapping lenses can be cumbersome and time-consuming.
For videographers, the 24-105mm f/2.8L is a game-changer. Its versatility allows for seamless transitions between wide and medium telephoto shots, even in challenging shooting conditions. When paired with a high-resolution camera like the Canon R5C, the lens can effectively cover an even broader range with digital cropping, making it an indispensable tool for event coverage.
Despite its larger size and weight compared to the 24-70mm, the benefits far outweigh these minor inconveniences. The lens’s construction is a testament to Canon’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible, offering a lens that meets the needs of both photographers and videographers without compromise.
In conclusion, the Canon 24-105mm f/2.8L is more than just an incremental upgrade; it's a lens that could very well redefine the standard kit for professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer, a budding videographer, or somewhere in between, this lens offers a compelling reason to reconsider your go-to gear setup. As we move into an era where AI and innovative lens designs are becoming the norm, Canon is leading the charge with tools like this that genuinely enhance the creative process.
My Favorite Fujifilm Portrait Combo
The Fujifilm X-T5 and 50mm F1 are my favorite camera/lens combo to date. In this video I do a Cherry Blossom photoshoot using this combo and go over its strengths, weaknesses, and compare it to other setups.
Fujifilm’s Best Portrait Lens
Fujifilm has lenses that are staples in every shooter’s camera bag. Some are so popular that even Non-Fujifilm shooters know about them. One lens whose superiority goes unsung is the Fujifilm 50mm F1. Ridiculed by reviewers since day one, the reality is that it stands on its own in both Fuji’s lens lineup and across all camera brands as one of the lightest and fastest portrait lenses on the market today.
The Fujifilm 200mm F2's One Flaw: Its $200 Lens Hood
The Fujifilm 200mm F2 is my favorite lens of all time, but its hood has a weak point: a small plastic wedge holding the metal locking bracket. Three years of use, what broke and how Fuji could fix it.
Fujifilm 8-16mm vs 10-24mm: A Real-World Review for Video
Two months and six paid jobs with the Fujifilm 8-16mm F2.8 vs the 10-24mm F4: weather sealing, autofocus, sharpness, the cheap focus ring, missing OIS, the ND filter problem, and which one I'd buy.