Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Mirrorless Cameras => Topic started by: SZRitter on May 28, 2013, 11:26:37 am
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So, I am contemplating switching out of Nikon to Fuji.
I am no longer shooting sports with my personal gear, so the AF tracking is not all that important to me. Mostly it will be used in environmental and studio portraits, still life, vacation, landscapes and the likes. Also, maybe a little talking head video (24fps is just fine).
I'm just not happy with the D7000. Carrying it is huge, and to be honest, it's not very fun to shoot. I love shooting my X10 and Yashicamat, so I thought the X-E1 + a couple of lenses would more than likely suit me.
So, does it sound about right? I should note, I love cameras that feel like cameras, and seem to be a little more free/creative with the smaller cameras.
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I have used a Fuji X-E1 system for portraits, some fashion/professional work as well as a bit of travel photography.
It pretty much replaced my Nikon system (for the moment at least). If you do not need fast AF, tethering or certain lenses unavailable for the Fuji, the X-E1 is almost perfect. It is small, does not get in the way, and seems to generate less of a barrier between the subject and the photographer than a large camera, which is particulary nice for environmental portraits.
In terms of lenses, the 35mm Fuji lens draws very nicely (I know this is subjective), there is a plethora of old lenses to get a particular look, and manual focus works fine as long as the subject doesn't move despite the lack of focus peaking. Personally, I like the Voigtlander 75mm 1.8 for portraits, with a tripod for shallow depth of field images.
I cannot really comment on landscape photography or video, but I have a feeling there might be better options for that.
I hope this helps,
Martin
Update (8/13): The Fuji is great for portraits and stationary subjects. Unfortunately, the AF is not fast enough, even after the latest firmware update, for anything that moves. I am pretty much back to my Nikon setup for most of my current work.
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Thom Hogan has just reviewed every current lens for the X system over at http://www.sansmirror.com which might help your decision. The forthcoming 55-200 is not there though.
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For video, in the long run, there are much better options. So far, I usually use work's gear for most of the video I shoot, so it really would just be some talking head and vacation stuff I do for myself. So yeah, the 1080p24 with manual control on there wouldn't phase me. The only thing it is worse at is rolling shutter, but, if I am not doing whip pans with it, shouldn't be too much of an issue. If I ever start making money with the video I shoot personally, I would invest in a better video rig (Probably a Black Magic 4k).
I think the best would be to call my "local" (read that as 1.5 hours to get there) camera shop and see if they have one in stock.
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If you are in the states, you can rent from lensrentals.com, I believe.
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Sounds like a great choice. The AF on the Fuji is crap for street work. (AF on 14 is doable.) Plus it has a lot of getting used to with all the buttons. I prefer the old manual style controls, that is what led me to Fuji. (got 3 of them)
I wish Fuji made a Leica knockoff 24mp FF for $3500. (That would use Leica glass.) that is my dream cam. (Plus a mono 'Fleica' for $4000)
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I have not looked back at all since selling my Nikon kit (D800, D7000, seven 'pro' lenses and flashguns) to end up with a lightweight Fuji kit - Fuji X-Pro 1, Fuji XE-1, 14mm, 18mm, 35mm, 60mm, 18-55mm zoom and (from yesterday) the 55-200mm zoom (plus two dedicated flashguns).
Sure, at the start there were issues with the AF, but that problem has been well and truly addressed with the latest firmware updates. The IQ is stunning. The OIS is stellar - particularly in the latest 55-200mm zoom.
In effect I have two systems - The X-Pro1 for 'serious' work and the XE-1 as a travel camera. Lightweight, full control.
I totally disagree with iluvmycam re the usability of the Fuji X system for street work - if that is your speciality then I would strongly suggest taking a look at the equally superb recently released X100s. An updated version of a previously owned X100 - a very discrete, silent camera with the same sensor as in the X-Pro1 and the XE-1. It will blow your socks off! I'm next on the list for one at my local dealer (early next week)!
Take the plunge - you will not be disappointed and your poor back will thank you.
Barry
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I have been very happy with X-Pro 1, I started out with the 3 primes, and after getting my wife an X-e1 and the 18-55mm, I liked the zoom so much I bought one also for the my X-Pro 1. I have the 55-200mm on order and I am looking seriously at the Zeiss 12mm. The IQ is fantastic, it is a great camera, it cannot do everything, but since I bought mine I have hardly touched my Canon gear. I will keep the dslr for certain things, like wildlife photography and some other work were I need the speed. I have not looked back and it has been a fun camera to use and really brought back a spark to photography. I prefer the X-Pro 1 to the X-E1 for me, the slightly larger camera feels better in my hands and balances well, my wife enjoys hers. It is also so much nicer to carry such a small light camera, people ignore you when you are using it, you blend in to the background a lot better.
Go for it. If the lenses are in the range you want, and you are using for what you stated, there is no reason not to do it.
Alan
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I'm just not happy with the D7000. Carrying it is huge, and to be honest, it's not very fun to shoot.
This alone should be reason enough to get a different camera. No fun sounds like the worst thing that can happen to me.
I have a 5D2 with several L lenses, and I like it a lot. But it is heavy, loud and draws attention.
Bought a X-E1 some months ago. I have the 35mm, 14mm and the 18-55mm zoom. Since I have this camera, I have taken more pictures than ever just because it's so convenient to take it everywhere with me.
The Fuji lenses are very good, the 18-55mm is one of the sharpest standard zoom lenses I have ever used, the 14mm is a phantastic landscape lens.
To me, it sounds like you are the perfect candidat for a Fuji, so go for it, you will not regret it.
Ludwig
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How hard is it to manually focus? I have legacy Nikkor and Minolta MD glass I would like to use.
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How hard is it to manually focus? I have legacy Nikkor and Minolta MD glass I would like to use.
It depends. With some subjects it is possible to focus by just looking through the EVF at no magnification. For most subjects, I use three-times magnification. The ten-times magnification is overkill in my opinion, and camera shake becomes a problem. You can pre-select the area of the image you want magnified. Although the camera has no focus peaking, the areas in focus have a high contrast shimmer that makes focusing quite easy.
For static objects and DOFs that are large relative to my camera movements (shaking and wobbling), I get virtually 100% images in focus.
If the DOF is narrow relative to your camera movement (shake) or the movement of the subject, things get a bit tricky. Getting out of the EVF modification mode and readjusting the composition might move the camera enough that the desired area is no longer in focus. Similarly if your subject moves a bit in that time, you are out of luck. So, for things like portraits with narrow DOF I would suggest a tripod to eliminate camera movement. Alternatively you could take the photo straight from the magnified EVF mode to avoid moving the camera, but then you cannot really check composition or facial expressions. It is definitely do-able, but you have to be a bit more deliberate and slow than with AF lenses, and the results are a bit more unpredictable.
If the subject is moving, I find it almost impossible to get satisfactory results with MF lenses (at larger apertures). The EVF without magnification is not really good enough to for me to keep moving subjects in focus (the OVFs of most digital cameras are neither). Other people might be more successful in this respect, though, as I haven't used MF in almost a decade. Zone focusing does work, of course.
Hope this helps,
Martin
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About manual focusing: does the Fujifilm X system have the option of activating IS during focusing on the screen?
If so, my experience with the Olympus E-M5 is that enlarging 7x or even 10x works wonderfully for manual focus with IS active, while without stabilization, 7x is still OK (and gives very precise MF) at wide to normal focal lengths and bit beyond, but gets "dizzying" as the field of view gets much narrower than normal.
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On the X-E1, you can choose whether OIS is on all the time or just when shooting (pressing the shutter button).
Ludwig
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Same on the X-Pro 1... firmware is very similar in most respects.
Alan
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There are some big rebates and deals on the Fuji cameras now through June 29, yes I know it is a rumors site but it lists them all out by vendor, and if you go to B&H or Amazon they are indeed giving these rebates, depending on body and lenses ordered you can get up to $1300 off.
http://www.fujirumors.com/
Alan
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Saw those. I need to put my D7000 + lenses up for sale, and hopefully complete that so I can move on this deal. Probably going X-E1 + 18-55 + 35mm (if I can swing the second lens). The 55-200mm and 60mm won't be far behind, I hope....
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There's an interesting piece on the diglloyd blog about the Fuji X system discounts and possible reasons for them.
I wonder if Fuji are about to release a full frame system? Doubt it, but can live in hope.
Do you care to summarize briefly? I have to fear that discounts that big on almost every lens for the system is an adjustment to poor sales: the X system's engineers seem far better than their marketing people so far.
And since one rule of photography forums is that any new information whatsoever will be interpreted as a sign that "FULL FRAME IS COMING" --- oh never mind, I will not interfere with anyone's desire to perpetually "live in hope".
P. S. It is Fujifilm, not "Fuji", which is part of the name of numerous Japanese companies, and the only one that uses the name just "Fuji" is the bike maker http://www.fujibikes.com/general/company
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I have to fear that discounts that big on almost every lens for the system is an adjustment to poor sales: the X system's engineers seem far better than their marketing people so far.
... and an adjustment (realignment) to a 30% devaluation of the Yen since October last year.
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When do we Brits (living in rip-off Britain, which might be a clue) get the discount?
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I've seen the toys now give me the real thing.
A misunderstanding: I thought you were summarizing Lloyd Chambers, but were instead giving your own reasons for wanting a super-sized version of the X system. I have now found what LC says about the massive lens price cuts:
... 30-50% off on lenses ... says that Fujifilm is having serious trouble moving product to have to discount that deeply ... Or it could mean they have decided to go for market share by eating large losses (it seems unlikely that such prices can be profitable).
http://diglloyd.com/blog/2013/20130604_1-Fujifilm-viability.html
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When do we Brits (living in rip-off Britain, which might be a clue) get the discount?
This has just finished early May http://www.fujicashback.co.uk/
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Not exactly 30-50% off though, was it? Still, a saving's a saving. I've got to pay for moving house first, then I'm allowed to buy an XE1, so hopefully there'll be a new promotion by then
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Agreed.
It was what pushed me off the fence to purchase the X-Pro1 with the 35mm & 60mm. Effectively gave me 75% off one of the lenses.
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If I may offer a different perspective... I am always keeping a keen eye on the Fujifilm X system, and its advances. The cameras and lenses are very good, and suitable for many of us. So I toy with the idea of dipping my toes, eventually, sometime... However, DSLRs are not that big anymore, and if you take, say, a EOS 100D plus a 24mm or 28mm prime (the recent ones, with IS and excellent optics), you end up with a really small package too...
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If I may offer a different perspective... I am always keeping a keen eye on the Fujifilm X system, and its advances. The cameras and lenses are very good, and suitable for many of us. So I toy with the idea of dipping my toes, eventually, sometime... However, DSLRs are not that big anymore, and if you take, say, a EOS 100D plus a 24mm or 28mm prime (the recent ones, with IS and excellent optics), you end up with a really small package too...
I've never like Canon, but that is a personal preference, they make fine gear.
I also did not like the handling of Nikon's D5100, and I doubt any of their smaller ones are any better. I like how the X10 handles. I love old film cameras and how they handle. I seem to work better when I use cameras like these.
I also work really well using the rear-LCD on a camera. Much better than working trough a viewfinder. Seems that all of my preferred cameras I don't use a viewfinder (6x6 TLR, X10). Mirrorless just seems that much better suited to the way I want to work.
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So Paulo has me thinking, and I may be better off analyzing what I need for my gear. In the last 1.5 years, what I do with it has changed drastically, and I hope to keep it evolving.
Here is the background: I work at a resort, but my role here has gone from photo/video/web development to basically all web with the occasional video edit. My personal work is shifting also, and I really hope to make it shift even further. It is a lot of travel/walk-around stuff, and I will be adding in tabletop and portraits to that. Sports seems to be all but gone at this point.
With the current setup, I use my X10 and Yashica the most. With the X10 it is probably a 50/50 split on using the tunnel finder and the rear LCD for composition. I love shooting with the WLF on the Yashica, bright and beautiful. Plus I love the perspective it gives me as I shoot.
For a period I had an E-PM1 with the 14-42 and 45mm. The 14-42 was ok, but shooting with the 45mm was simply brilliant. However, I felt the E-PM1 body was lacking a "feel" to it. The images, in the right conditions were good (not great), and the controls just seemed a bit lacking. The feel and controls of the X10 suit me much better.
The Yashicamat is just a blast to use. Yes, it has it's drawbacks, but the square composition and slowing down of the process is nice. Focusing can be tough to nail, but when I do, it just beings the images to life in a way I don't get in smaller formats. Ultimately, it will be paired with a 612 or 617 for all my MF work.
The Nikon, mostly has been doing copy work, shooting the slides/negatives from the Yashicamat. Outside of that, it is my go to camera for long exposures. Really, that seems to be about it. There was a random event shoot and quick portraits for work, but nothing I couldn't handle with an X-E1 or O-MD. As soon as I have my office setup, it will be working on tabletop shoots more often.
As for the lenses, I am not sure I have even touched the 70-300mm in the last year. The 17-70mm has been all I used.
So, for travel, I use many forms from cars, planes, trains and this year I'll be starting to backpack. When I get to cities, I pretty much travel by foot when possible. As such, the lighter the kit, the better.
What I need: Good prime lenses, lightweight/small, one good standard zoom, good RAW support, decent dynamic range to keep from blowing out skies, nice LCD, ability to easily use LCD or EVF/Finder of some sort, ease of use for long exposures, at least 3 exposure auto-bracket in 2EV steps
What I would like: 2:3 format images (not sure I like the m4/3 crop, although it isn't bad), ability to manually focus legacy lenses quickly, adaptable to multiple mounts (Nikon, Minolta MD, etc.), fast autofocus, in camera 1:1 crop, printable ISO 1600 at 12x18ish sizes, least amount of diffraction limitation at f16 or f22, stabilized primes
After looking at my list, almost seems going back to M43 might be the right choice. The Oly prime lineup seems like a perfect fit for me, plus that 5-axis stabilization.
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I'm a real one man conversation over here...
But, something that people might find useful. I did calculations on a Gh3, EP5, EM-5, X-E1 and D7100 kit for price, weight, and volume (estimated).
There was a bit of unfairness in the GH3 vs EP5 vs EM5 as they use different zoom lenses (12-35mm Panny, 14-42mm Oly, and 12-50mm Oly). This alters price weight and volume by quite a bit. So just keep that in mind.
Kits are as follow:
GH3 w/ 12-35mm Panny, 12mm Oly, 17mm Oly, 45mm Oly, and 75mm Oly + battery and Grip
OM-D E-M5 w/ 12-50mm Oly, 12mm Oly, 17mm Oly, 45mm Oly, and 75mm Oly + battery and Grip
EP5 w/ 14-42mm Oly, 12mm Oly, 17mm Oly, 45mm Oly, and 75mm Oly + battery and VF4
X-E1 w/ 18-55mm, 35mm, 14mm, 60mm + battery and grip
D71000 w/ Sigma 17-70mm, Sigma 20mm f1.8, Nikkor 35mm f1.8 DX, Sigma 50mm f1.4, Nikkor 85mm f1.8
| System | Price (USD) | Weight (in grams) | Volume (in cubic inches) |
| GH3 | 5472 | 1526 | 109.01 |
| OM-D E-M5 | 4243 | 1531 | 70.49 |
| EP5 | 3894 | 1160 | 57.93 |
| X-E1 | 3478 | 1267 | 73.325 |
| D7100 | 3843 | 2715 | 181.94 |
So, price is a wash, basically. If you added another reasonable priced lens to the X-E1, you would be right up there with all the rest. You could, switch to cheaper 20mm and 50mm in the Nikon and save a decent amount. You could also buy less expensive primes for the M43 gear. I tried to base it on what I would most likely buy in the long run. This did not account for buying used or on sale, once again, it's basically a wash.
Weight, well, this is rather interesting. The EP5 is the obvious winner, but the X-E1 is a close second. If you added another prime, it would still be tied with the GH3 and OM-D. The OM-D is the only one with the grip's weight, so to be fair you should subtract 220g from it's weight. The Nikon, well, it's over 3 times the size of that E-P5 kit. Even if you gave it a different zoom, the Nikon doesn't fair much better.
Volume seems to be very close. None of the grips were calculated in the volume as I wasn't sure how to figure them into there. The X-E1 did lose some advantage here do to the size of the lenses. But, that is to be expected given it's APS-C instead of M43.
With any luck, I'll be visiting a camera store tomorrow. The OM-D, X-E1 and E-PL5/E-P3 will all hopefully get looked at. The E-PL5 and E-P3 just to get an idea of the rangfinderesque bodies from Oly.
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Not sure about the quoted price, with the current "sale" the XE-1 with all four lenses (zoom, 14, 35, 60), plus a battery and a grip is only around $2750 at B&H. That makes a significant difference in my mind. It's a $1000 savings over the "regular" prices with the instant lens rebates.
I know that the rebates are temporary, and other manufacturers offer them too, sometimes, though these are higher than I've seen from, say, Olympus.
I am so, so, so tempted.
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Went to the camera store, and tried both. Both had pluses and minuses.
OMD - better all around, much more versatile. The touch screen is nice, and having shot the format before, I know the lenses are just as good as any other. Overall, the system is excellent and has a huge range of options. Full weather sealing is a huge plus also.
X-E1 is a beautiful camera. It would be very good to walk around with, and isn't all that much bigger. I like the controls better, but hate the EVF. It was horrible. The OMD's was leagues better.
I do think, as a system that the Oly is a better choice for me.
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First of all it depends how much disposable income you have. The problem is the technology is changing so fast. Within a couple of years you may want to jump ship yet again. I wouldn't be surprised if next year Nikon comes out with a mirrorless body you just can't resist. I also felt compelled to try the new technology and went with a Olympus epl5 for 550.00. I wanted a step up from my point and shoot. I'm blown away with the capability of this little camera. Although it's design isn't perfect, it is certainly on par with my old D300. I'm amazed with what it can do with my Nikon 50 mm lens. Perfect for now. Buying a camera these days is like keeping up with computers by in the early nineties. You'll want to upgrade in no time.
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It isn't the tech that is making we want to switch, it's my changing style of shooting. If the Nikon didn't sit unused 99% of the time, I wouldn't even be talking about this. But in the end, I want something much more compact, and the m43 gear hits that. Down the road I'll be adding another MF camera or two (film based), so for ultimate image quality, I'll be using those. Even then, the m43 is capable of beautiful prints at the sizes I make. And the super small primes are really what are luring me into this. I had the 45mm Olympus, and I miss that lens a lot. The 75mm and 12mm are supposed to be as good or better. Add in the new 17mm and I'm very happy.
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I have a Fuji X100S and had a Pentax K-5 IIS. The more I learned and used the X100S, the less I used the Pentax. Last week I sold all my Pentax gear and bought a Fuji X-E1 with the great 18-55 lens. These Fuji's are spectacular cameras and I plan to use both for many years.
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I've been keeping my eye on the X system mainly because I'd really like a proper digi-body for my rangefinder lenses. I can use the lenses just fine via adapters on my Olympus OM-D5, even the Contax and Nikon RF-mount stuff, but the M43 sensor turns my ultra-wides into barely-wides. :o Tried out the Leica M240 and was left with a meh impression operation-wise. (Image quality was fine & dandy.) The cost is rather absurd too in this era of bodies-as-commodities.
The Fujis appeal to me since the APS-C format is big enough and the camera controls harken back to the simplicity of the RF classics. The thing holding me back for now is fast(er) focusing. Once Fuji implements the X100s' four-way-split-image manual focusing on an interchangeable lens body, I'll give the system a proper tryout.
-Dave-
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I keep flip flopping....
X-E1 with the 18mm and 35mm vs OM-D with 12-50mm and a prime (45mm, 17mm, something else...).
I have a 55mm f3.5 pre-AI nikkor that I will be adapting.
The budget is hovering right around the $1500 mark. That is about $1350 in trade-in then the rest is me kicking it in. I can't figure out if the dealer has the same deals from Fuji right now or not.
The X-E1 felt better and has better IQ, but the laggy EVF was messing with my head (didn't try it outside, maybe just a low light issue?) Plus, the labeled, straight forward buttons and aperture rings are a huge plus. The system feels like it has room to grow in a very promising way. I expect to buy a second body in two years and a lens when I can afford them (maybe one a year, more if I find legacy glass to work well). Also, this has one stop more (f11ish vs f8ish) before diffraction limitations kick in. I like long exposures, so this can be a big thing (that, or I just need more filters...).
The Olympus body didn't feel as good, but the lenses are smaller, and the system much more mature. If I shot video, there is a good avenue for it. But, I have shot very little video within the last year, and doubt that will change. The IBS and touch screen focusing are both huge pluses.
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If you are in the US then you could always rent the Fuji from Lensrentals.com and try it out for a few days or a week.... and see if it fits. I rented the X-Pro1 right after it came out and bought it right after, and I still love it.
Alan
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The Olympus body didn't feel as good, but the lenses are smaller, and the system much more mature.
I am a big fan of the E-M5, but am disappointed in the quality of available lenses at the wide end (though by all accounts, the short teles are simply cracking good). I'm real attracted to the Fuji, but am waiting to see if an X-Pro2 is in the works. I'm going to rent the X100s to see what that would be like as a stopgap.
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I never switched... I merely added the XE-1 to my kit 8)
[and love it!]
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... I wouldn't be surprised if next year Nikon comes out with a mirrorless body you just can't resist ...
With a nice retro design, like the old Nikon S3 or SP, which even had one of those scroll wheels that are so ubiquitous today, albeit used then for focusing
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2090/1751108515_8c2b90ca6b.jpg)
With an EVF & FX sensor, it could be pretty good
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I could not resist, I was about to get the Fuji EX-E-1 with the zoom anyway when the discounts arrived. I got it, saved a bunch (by buying several lenses because the price was too good to pass up) and love it. I also have had an OM-D for almost a year and really liked it but am impressed with the IQ and high ISO performance of the Fuji. I believe I could see some noise even at base ISO 200 with the Oly. ISO 1600 with the Fuji is amazing! The good news is that these two cameras are pretty close overall. The Oly operates faster and a bit more sophisticated in its menu system but for pure photography, for me, the Fuji wins. I am not giving up my Nikon D800E though I have a friend who sold his and uses just the Fuji. He likes to use only one system at a time, less confusion with menus and controls. These are very individual decisions based on everything from one's basic photographic style, eg landscape vs street work, and weight considerations, to financial ones, how many systems can one afford to keep at one time, to the basic complexity of learning and using multiple systems when the time might be better spent out photographing. I'm happy; we have incredible choices. There's no excuse not to be making wonderful photographs.
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Thanks everyone for your thoughts!
I ended up with the OM-D with the ultimate plan of buying a used X100s next year. When it got down to it, M43 seems like the better system for me overall, and as tech advances, the gap between the systems in IQ will probably diminish even further.
Now I just need better lenses... The 12-50mm is ok for what it is, but I shot my 55mm 3.5 pre-AI Nikkor on there last night, and it by far outshines the OM-D.
I'm also very happy using the "focus peaking" hack with manual lenses, Worked really well.
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I got the Panasonic 12-35/2.8, which is a fine lens for a zoom. Made the mistake of lending it to my wife, and it's been on her camera ever since... don't think I'm getting that one back.
The Olympus 12, 45, and 75 are all excellent. The Panny 20 is quite good, as is the 25/1.4 and both f/2.8 zooms. Also, the Panny 7-14.
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I had a 45mm a while ago, and you are correct, it is excellent.
I have a limited budget, so I'm looking at grabbing either a 40-150 (meh) or one of the new Sigma primes.
Eventually, I will add all the Oly primes.
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I got the Panasonic 12-35/2.8, which is a fine lens for a zoom. Made the mistake of lending it to my wife, and it's been on her camera ever since... don't think I'm getting that one back.
The Olympus 12, 45, and 75 are all excellent. The Panny 20 is quite good, as is the 25/1.4 and both f/2.8 zooms. Also, the Panny 7-14.
Totally agree. The Olympus fast primes are freaky sharp, too sharp almost, the 2.8 pansonic zooms are sharp but smoother with a more gradual roll off from midtones to highlight, midtones to shadow.
I thought the Olympus was just a sharper file until I put the Olympus lenses on my gh3's and the files look a lot of the same.
What Olympus needs is a 25mm (though the pana leica 25 is good) and they need to make the next omd focus better with their professional 4-3 primes like the 150 f2.
What panasonic needs is a 25mm with i.s., or in camera stabilization like the olympus which is amazingly good.
What Olympus needs body wise is sound in and out and a higher bit rate video, though the video on the olympus is quite good about 1/2 stop less lattitude than the gh3.
In regards to the Fuji, I didn't know they accepted other lenses except for Leica and the new Zeiss X-mount.
Does the fuji x1 pro accept lenses and still have autofocus control?
BC
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Does the fuji x1 pro accept lenses and still have autofocus control?
BC
Autofocus is only on the Fuji and Zeiss touit x- series glass. All others are manual focus.
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I had a 45mm a while ago, and you are correct, it is excellent.
I have a limited budget, so I'm looking at grabbing either a 40-150 (meh) or one of the new Sigma primes.
Eventually, I will add all the Oly primes.
If you are looking at the wide end, the Panny 20 is superior to the Sigma 19 (own the Panny, borrowed the Sigma and compared it).
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What holds me back is party the system is not mature enough. And flash
There is no support (that I am aware of) for HSS, or wireless flash.
And that is a problem for me (might not be for everyone)
You can work around this to a point, but it's an issue for some types of shooting
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Barry,
You are right there is no HSS, but you can use wireless flash, I have used Pocketwizards and some Yongnuo wireless controllers without any issues, but then I do not use ttl, I use the flashes on manual, strobist style.
Alan
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OK, I am just about ready to pull the trigger on this, and I have a question for anyone who is using the new Fuji 18-55 zoom and also owns the 60/2.4 macro prime:
Is it worth owning both? I don't do a lot of macro work, but I love having a ~90mm-eq lens for portraits. There is only a 1.3 stop difference in the long end of the zoom, so of course there will be some difference in shallow focus effects -- is it substantial? Does the zoom focus close enough for tight portraits? The 60 is $350 with the rebates, so price is not a huge factor in this decision, though of course I could use that for some accessories. (I'd be buying the 14, 35, 18-55, and the 55-200 when it's available.) I'm currently using the 14/20/45 primes for Micro 4/3, so I'm used to the 3-lens prime kit. But if the zoom will do most of what I need, that would be preferable.
Any comments? Thanks in advance....
Ken
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a question for anyone who is using the new Fuji 18-55 zoom and also owns the 60/2.4 macro prime:
Ken
I bought the X-E1 with the 35 and was 'obliged' to buy the kit zoom as part of the package. Found it surprisingly good and these two lenses are now my light travel package. Checked the close focus on the 90 end of the zoom and am reading something in excess of 0.6M as closest focus from the in-camera distance indicator. Probably close enough for your portrait shots.
If you want to see some on-line 90mm macro shots check out the BLK DNM web site / tumblr posts by the owner/ founder Johann who uses the 90 macro extensively for all his in house publicity shots. Not necessarily the ultimate in terms of technique but will give you a good idea of what the lens is capable of.
A word of warning - Fuji are set the release a new 90 f1.4 early next year. So I guess depends on what your priorities are.
FWIW, I bought the Fuji with the M adapter and use it with a Leica 75mm f1.4, amongst others. Although a heavy and generally unloved lens, I found the combination excellent; reduced image circle, bokeh at f1.4 and draws like no other - a great portrait lens in the vein of the old 105mm lenses. At f4 + it rocks, as do the 50 and 75's
In short, if you have any Leica or Zeiss M glass the M adapter is worth it, despite the exorbitant price, simply for the ease of use it offers.
All best
M
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OK, I am just about ready to pull the trigger on this, and I have a question for anyone who is using the new Fuji 18-55 zoom and also owns the 60/2.4 macro prime:
Is it worth owning both? I don't do a lot of macro work, but I love having a ~90mm-eq lens for portraits. There is only a 1.3 stop difference in the long end of the zoom, so of course there will be some difference in shallow focus effects -- is it substantial? Does the zoom focus close enough for tight portraits? The 60 is $350 with the rebates, so price is not a huge factor in this decision, though of course I could use that for some accessories. (I'd be buying the 14, 35, 18-55, and the 55-200 when it's available.) I'm currently using the 14/20/45 primes for Micro 4/3, so I'm used to the 3-lens prime kit. But if the zoom will do most of what I need, that would be preferable.
Any comments? Thanks in advance....
Ken
Ken,
I started with the X-Pro 1 and the 18, 35, and 60mm primes. After getting my wife a X-E1 with the 18-55mm I really liked it, so I bought one for myself. The 18-55mm is quite good, and much better than a lot of zooms. I still use the 60mm for some macro work, especially flowers. It focuses slower and has a long throw when in manual, but it has a nice bokeh. I wish it was a little closer focusing but can't have everything. I have also gotten the 14mm, and 55-200mm. The 14mm is outstanding and I am really liking the 55-200mm as well, so I have to say there are no bad lenses so far for the X-series. I also have the 8mm fisheye from Samyang for specialty stuff.
For general walk around, not sure what I am going to take pictures of, I will just carry the 18-55mm, and maybe the 35mm, and now the 55-200mm as well. If I am driving somewhere or going to a more deliberate photo trip, I will take the kitchen sink.
It looks like you have seen the roadmap. Since I have the 60mm, the 56mm does not interest me at the moment, but maybe see what happens when they release it. I am definitely waiting for the 23mm.
After using the Fuji camera for over year, I find I hardly ever carry around the dslr any more. I will use it for sports or wildlife, but the Fuji goes with me every day with the 18-55mm and 55-200mm and maybe another lens or two, but now usually just the 2 lenses.
Alan
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The 60 is $350 with the rebates, so price is not a huge factor in this decision, though of course I could use that for some accessories.
Ken,
the 60 goes for around $400 used on ebay right now, so you are not running a huge risk if you get it. I don't have the 55-200, but I do have the 60 as a portrait lens until the 56 comes out. I would say the 60 is adequate as a portrait lens: bokeh is nice, it is very sharp; but the DOF at 2.4 is borderline too large for some situations. This might rule out the zoom for portraits.
My preferred portrait lens is the Voigtlander 75mm 1.8, but it is manual focus only.
Martin
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Thanks to the three of you. I think I'll skip the 60, and buy a lens adapter for my old Canon FD lenses -- I have a very nice Tamron 90mm macro lens that I've been using on my m43 system, and that will do for portraits and limited macro until the fast portrait lens is released.
Cheers,
Ken
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Did you guys notice any weird look, described as watercolor or other major artifacts? I've seen several photos which looked as if there was a lot of noise reduction applied to them.
I placed an order for X-E1 but cancelled because of this and the fact that I heard an X-E2 should arrive in the next few months or so fixing most of the issues with the current one.
Too bad for the current sales :(
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Did you guys notice any weird look, described as watercolor or other major artifacts? I've seen several photos which looked as if there was a lot of noise reduction applied to them.
I placed an order for X-E1 but cancelled because of this and the fact that I heard an X-E2 should arrive in the next few months or so fixing most of the issues with the current one.
Too bad for the current sales :(
The weird issues have been cleared up with the new versions of raw processing, so that is a moot point. The files look great. Overdue any of the sliders while processing and you make it look awful, but that is true with just about an camera image. I doubt there will be X-E2 in a few months, there is always going to be new cameras, that is fact of life. To me, a camera is a tool, if it fills your needs then get it and move on if there a gained advantage.
Alan
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Agreed with Alan, while Fuji may announce a new X Pro camera this year, the XE1 is still fairly new and selling well. While I have often in the past been the last person to buy a new camera right before the next model is announced (sometimes on purpose, sometimes not), in this case I'm fairly comfortable ordering the XE1 with the idea that I can use it for years.
And there is always a new camera on the horizon....
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I'm really tempted by the X cameras but I just can't get over not being able to shoot RAW at ISO 100. To not have a reasonably low sensitivity setting on an enthusiast camera is just beyond my comprehension, it baffles me. If I did get one of these I can see myself getting even more frustrated than I do now at having to juggle the camera, bag and lens hood while I fit an ND for one shot and take it off for the next.
I keep hoping that the next camera will include an ISO 100 setting for RAW.
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Well, I replaced my order for a X-E1 with some lenses and I hope it will work out for my next trip in few days. I'll have the RX100 as a backup anyway..
Regarding the raw processing I'm still not convinced that Lightroom is that good yet. Check this comparison: http://www.thevisualexperience.org/web/processing-x100s-raw-with-iridient-developer-part-2/ . Unfortunately it's Mac only and I'm a Windows person.
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Regarding the raw processing I'm still not convinced that Lightroom is that good yet.
You might want to play with the trial version of Phase One's Capture One RAW converter. At least to my eyes it gives better results than Adobe ACR for the X-Pro 1.
http://www.phaseone.com/
I admit that I am biased because C1 is my default RAW converter for my Bayer sensor cameras. So, IMO, YMMV, and all the other usual qualifiers.
Paul
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Had the opportunity yesterday to give an acquaintance's X-E1 a spin with some of my RF lenses. To sum up: I really liked the experience and so have ordered an X-E1 for myself. Manual focusing was easier than I expected--pretty much the same as with the OMD5--and should further improve with the upcoming focus peaking implementation. The camera felt good in my hands and handled fine with the aux. grip. RAW conversion via Iridient Developer looked pretty darn good. Lightroom conversion was fine tonally but lacked some spatial bite compared to Iridient.
Now I just need to get out from under SE Michigan's crap weather (early this morning the F'in heat came on, fer cryinoutloud!) and give this rig a good workout.
-Dave-
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Had the opportunity yesterday to give an acquaintance's X-E1 a spin with some of my RF lenses. To sum up: I really liked the experience and so have ordered an X-E1 for myself. Manual focusing was easier than I expected--pretty much the same as with the OMD5--and should further improve with the upcoming focus peaking implementation. The camera felt good in my hands and handled fine with the aux. grip. RAW conversion via Iridient Developer looked pretty darn good. Lightroom conversion was fine tonally but lacked some spatial bite compared to Iridient.
Now I just need to get out from under SE Michigan's crap weather (early this morning the F'in heat came on, fer cryinoutloud!) and give this rig a good workout.
-Dave-
Funny you say this as I just moved to SW Michigan and I have an X-E1 coming. I'll be traveling 2 days after though for better weather and I'll take the Fuji with me if we get acquainted good enough in one day.
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Had the opportunity yesterday to give an acquaintance's X-E1 a spin with some of my RF lenses. To sum up: I really liked the experience and so have ordered an X-E1 for myself. Manual focusing was easier than I expected--pretty much the same as with the OMD5--and should further improve with the upcoming focus peaking implementation. The camera felt good in my hands and handled fine with the aux. grip. RAW conversion via Iridient Developer looked pretty darn good. Lightroom conversion was fine tonally but lacked some spatial bite compared to Iridient.
Now I just need to get out from under SE Michigan's crap weather (early this morning the F'in heat came on, fer cryinoutloud!) and give this rig a good workout.
-Dave-
You need to travel up to Northern Michigan. Our weather is perfect right now!