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Jonny Helm Feature December 15, 2020October 3, 2023 1 Comment

The complete guide to Fujifilm X lenses

What’s the best thing about being a Fujifilm photographer? Well, there’s the retro styling of all the chic mirrorless cameras, there’s the tactile control system that makes photography fun again, there’s the film simulation modes that harken back to the photography of yesteryear. But if we were pushed, we’d have to say it’s the lenses.

Fujifilm has a fantastic range of lenses in its X series. Pin-sharp and fast-focusing, its lenses cover a comprehensive range of focal lengths, ensuring all photographers and videographers are catered for. Fuji has done a terrific job of filling out both its high-quality professional end and its affordable entry-level end, so there really is something for everyone.

This does mean, of course, that there are quite a few lenses, and it can be tricky to know where to start. We’ve put together this guide to pick out the best optics at every focal length so you can easily find the lens that’s right for you. We’ve picked out our absolute favourites from the current crop, and where appropriate, we’ve identified alternatives you can also look at if the lens we’ve picked isn’t quite right for you.

XF or XC?

You may have seen that Fujifilm lenses mostly come with the designation XF, however there are a few that are denoted “XC”. What’s the difference? XF lenses are the flagships of the range, and almost certainly the ones that professional and enthusiast photographers will mostly be concerning themselves with. XC lenses are the smaller, lighter and more affordable lenses in the system, providing slimmed-down and cheaper alternatives for popular focal lengths. The XC range is still relatively young, and there are only a few optics in the series so far. We’ve dealt with XF lenses first in this guide, and included the XC lenses at the end for those who are looking for a budget option.

A note on sensor size

Remember, Fujifilm X cameras come with APS-C sensors. This means that the focal lengths printed on the box of each lens aren’t precisely what you get – there’s a crop factor involved. While we’ve detailed many of the equivalent focal lengths throughout the guide, a handy thing to remember is the “1.5 Rule” – when mounted on a Fujifilm X camera, every one of these lenses will provide an effective focal length roughly 1.5x larger than its official designation.

So, a 50mm lens mounted on, say, the X-T30, will behave like 75mm. A 23mm lens will behave like a 35mm, and a 100-400mm zoom will act like a 152-600mm lens. It’s pretty easy to get used to – just worth remembering when you’re calculating what kind of lens you need.

Right, let’s get to the lenses!

XF prime lenses

XF 16mm F1.4 R WR

Fujifilm’s professional wide-angle prime, the XF 16mm F1.4 R WR is a rugged and versatile lens designed to provide a wide field of view in all situations. It’s weather-resistant and light, weighing just 375g, and also sports a 15cm close-focusing distance. This means it’s as useful for getting close-up images as it is for wide-expansive views.

The maximum aperture of f/1.4 makes it easy to produce images in low light, or with a shallow depth of field and vivid bokeh. Constructed of 13 elements in 11 groups, the XF 16mm F1.4 R WR also uses elements with Nano GI Coatings for faultless light transmission and superior edge-to-edge performance.

Also consider: For the same wide-angle prime on a tighter budget, try the XF 16mm F2.8 R WR, which has a smaller maximum aperture but retains the weather-resistant build. Alternatively, for a wider perspective, there’s the XF 14mm F2.8 R, which comes at a similar price point to the f/1.4.

XF 23mm F1.4 R

Another of the type of fast and wide prime that Fujifilm makes so well, the XF 23mm F1.4 R bears an equivalent focal length of 35mm (remember the 1.5 rule), which makes it an ideal choice for general-purpose documentary shooting. It’s designed to make it easier to compose sublime images on the fly, with a camera-to-subject distance indicator and depth-of-field scale on its barrel.

Great for shooting stills and movies alike, the XF 23mm F1.4 R focuses quickly and is great for low light thanks to its large f/1.4 aperture. The metal fittings and finish give it a real premium feel and improve the torque, making this a perfect lens for the kind of shooting where you never know what to expect next.

Also consider: Fujifilm makes some high-quality and affordable f/2 primes in similar focal lengths – the XF 18mm F2 R and XF 23mm F2 R WR. Both are a great choice for the more budget-conscious photographer.

XF 35mm F1.4 R

The APS-C factor puts this 35mm lens into equivalent territory of about 53mm, making it a great all-around lens for those who want to produce a naturalistic perspective. Fast with an f/1.4 maximum aperture, this lens is just about long enough to be used for portraiture as well as other types of shooting. It’s an ideal choice for weddings and events, where you sometimes want to get wide and at other times want to get close and personal, all without sacrificing the quality of a prime.

Durably built, the XF 35mm F1.4 R is immensely satisfying to handle and use. It produces sharp images with beautiful bokeh – the perfect choice for ultimate artistic expression.

Also consider: The XF 35mm F2 R WR provides the same focal length in a cheaper package, with the trade-off being a narrower maximum aperture. Or, for a slightly wider perspective, try the XF 27mm F2.8, a pancake lens that weighs an unbelievably slender 78g!

XF 50mm F1.0 R WR

Also known as “the one” due to its shallower-than-ever maximum aperture of f/1.0, the XF 50mm F1.0 R WR is an astounding feat of optical engineering. Providing an equivalent focal length of about 75mm, it’s a perfect lens for portraits, able to produce beautifully striking images with delicious bokeh.

Manual focus on this lens has been improved compared to previous similar primes, making it ideal for getting your images sharper than sharp. Though, of course, there’s also the DC autofocus motor for those who like their focusing fast and automated, Weather-sealed in 11 places, the XF 50mm F1.0 R WR is a great choice for outdoor work even in difficult conditions. Experience the ultimate in depth of field control.

Also consider: Fujifilm makes other lenses around this focal length, including the seriously impressive XF 56mm F1.2 R and XF 56mm F1.2 R APD – two virtually identical lenses whose key difference is that the latter includes an apodisation filter, which smooths out lines in out-of-focus areas for incredibly smooth bokeh. As a budget option, there’s also the XF 50mm F2 R WR, which as well as being cheaper is also much lighter than its large-aperture cousin.

XF 80mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro

Fujifilm has catered well to those who enjoy close-up shooting, and one of its finest optics is the XF 80mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro. With a 1:1 reproduction ratio, this is a “true” macro lens, and it also has a built-in optical stabiliser that provides up to five stops of effective compensation. This means that, unlike many macro lenses, it can be taken out and used hand-held in the field with ease! No need for a complex tripod setup – just search and shoot.

With an equivalent focal length of about 120mm, this is also a solid general-purpose telephoto, producing pin-sharp images thanks to its sophisticated optical construction of nine elements in six groups. The lens is also weatherr-resistant – perfect for roaming outdoors to look for macro subjects!

Also consider: The XF 60mm F2.4 R Macro, a more affordable telephoto macro with a 1:2 image reproduction ratio.

XF 200mm F2 R LM OIS WR

The pro-level telephoto of the Fujifilm stable, the XF 200mm F2 R LM OIS WR provides the kind of image quality demanded by professional photographers. With a focal length equivalent to about 305mm in full-frame equivalent terms, it’s the best lens to choose if you plan to shoot sports or wildlife with Fujifilm X-series cameras.

The magnesium-alloy barrel of the lens is resistant to dust and moisture, making it solidly suited for outdoor work, and it also sports an Arca-Swiss tripod mount for added stability. The five-stop image stabiliser also improves the latitude for handheld shooting, and the autofocusing is fast, smooth and highly accurate. This is a seriously capable lens designed for those who want to get the utmost out of flagship Fujifilm cameras like the X-T4.

XF Zoom lenses

XF 8-16mm f2.8 R LM WR Lens

The widest lens in Fujifilm’s stable, the XF 8-16mm f2.8 R LM WR Lens is perfect for getting out there and producing some amazing, unforgettable landscapes. That constant f/2.8 aperture also puts nightscapes in play, and thanks to its sophisticated construction, the lens produces images that are pin-sharp right the way across the frame. Aspherical elements control for distortion and spherical aberration, while the ED and Super ED elements take care of chromatic aberration. There’s also a double Nano-GI coating to eliminate ghosting and flare, and while you may not be chasing too many speedy subjects with this optic, having linear motors for the focusing system is no bad thing

XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS WR

One of the newer lenses in the Fujifilm stable, the XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS WR provides a useful wide focal range that’s great for landscapes, architecture and street shooting. The weather-resistance of this lens has been improved compared to previous Fujifilm optics, allowing you to have greater confidence when out and about even in difficult conditions. The optical image stabilisation is a 3.5-stop version; however, when it’s paired with certain sophisticated Fujifilm bodies like the X-T4, this gets bumped up to 6.5 stops.

Constructed from 14 glass lens elements in 10 groups, the XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS WR features a number of aspherical and low-dispersion glass elements to help improve sharpness and remove distortion.

XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR

Kit lens, but make it fancy. The XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR is a premium version of the do-it-all focal range that everyone gets with their first camera. As such, it’s a great choice for general-purpose, documentary-style shooting, with a constant aperture of f/2.8 that makes it super-versatile. The nine-bladed aperture gives you the option to create smooth bokeh, putting portraiture in play, and images are sharp from edge to edge, right the way through the zoom range.

Also consider: The XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS is a more affordable version of this lens, sacrificing the constant aperture. Alternatively, if you need a similar range with more latitude at the telephoto end, try the XF 16-80mm F4 R OIS WR.

XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR

With incredible versatility, the XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR is a high-performance telephoto zoom designed for action photographers. Its inner focusing system allows for high-speed autofocus that keeps up with fast subjects, using a Triple Linear Motor for speed, silence and precision.

The lens also employs an optical stabilisation system, giving you more latitude when shooting handheld, and the internal optical construction is highly sophisticated. Twenty-three glass elements in 16 groups combine to deliver corner-to-corner sharpness, with five ED lens elements and one Super ED lens element to effectively minimise aberration and distortion. Dependable quality in a tough, weather-resistant body – this is a lens you can rely on.

Also consider: The XF 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR, which gives you more wide-angle to play with, and is available at a lower price. If you can do without that constant f/2.8 aperture, this is a bargain. Alternatively, if you want more telephoto to play with, there’s the XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS, which packs a reasonable amount of tech into a lens with a low price tag.

XF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

We love a 100-400mm, and the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR (well, all right, it’s a 152-600mm lens in equivalent terms) is one of the finer examples of the genre. Able to cope in harsh shooting conditions, it features 13 weather seals at 12 points, and sports a fluorine coating on its front element that repels dust and water. It’s also equipped with a five-stop image stabiliser for easier handheld shooting; if this stabiliser detects that the user is panning, it’ll switch to correcting on the vertical plane only.

The optical construction consists of 21 elements in 14 groups, with five ED lenses and one Super ED lens. This, according to Fujifilm, delivers results comparable to a fluorite lens, and reduces axial chromatic aberration to produce vivid images that are sharp across the frame. Despite all this, the weight of the lens is just 1.4kg, which is lighter than many lenses of comparable focal length.

XC lenses

XC 35mm F2

A no-fuss prime that delivers an equivalent focal length of 52mm for less than £200. This is a fantastic budget addition to a kit bag, that’s also light to carry and highly portable.

XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS II

Surprisingly sophisticated for a lens at this price point, the XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS II boasts a construction of 12 all-glass elements in 10 groups. Images look fantastic, and having 1/3-step exposure control enables you to get pleasingly precise.

XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ

At 135g, this is the lightest zoom lens across the entire X series. The zoom mechanism is electric, producing a smoother action that’s great for video as well as stills. Light on the back and light on the wallet.

XC 50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS II

Though the maximum aperture drops off pretty sharply towards the tele end, this is still a very impressive lens for its price. Giving you enormous zoom latitude, the XC 50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS II also incorporates a stepping motor and optical image stabilisation.

Jonny Helm Feature November 10, 2020October 3, 2023 0 Comments

Guide to the best Sony FE lenses

With more and more photographers discovering the wonders of full-frame Sony E-mount cameras, there are absolutely loads of great lenses being produced for them. Whether you’re using the super-speedy A9 II, the ultra-sensitive A7S III or the high-resolution A7R IV, you’re absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to lenses. So much so that it can be difficult to know where to start! So, we’ve put together a guide to help you.

In this guide, we’ll be taking you through some of our favourite lenses for Sony FE cameras. We’ve split the guide into three sections – wide-angle, standard and telephoto, so you can easily jump to the type of lens you’re most interested in.

Unlike our guides to Canon RF and Nikon Z lenses, we haven’t been comprehensive here, as there are simply too many Sony FE lenses to include them all! Instead, we’ve included a broad spectrum of lenses, from Sony and from third-party manufacturers, at a range of price points. So no matter whether you need the best of the best, or you’re working to a tight budget, there will be lenses for you.

Sony FE Lenses

We’re dealing specifically with FE lenses – E-mount lenses that are compatible with Sony’s full-frame professional cameras Alpha cameras. We’ll keep this guide up to date, so keep checking back for our recommendations of the finest Sony FE lenses you can get right now.

Wide-angle

Sony FE 12-24mm f2.8 G Master Lens

Sony’s G Master lenses are not only some of the best E-mount lenses – they’re some of the best lenses around right now, full stop. So you can expect to see a fair few more of them throughout this guide!

The FE 12-24mm f2.8 G Master is a wide-angle zoom with professional-grade optics, designed to capture stunning details with minimal distortion. The optical design includes three XA elements, an aspherical element, two super ED (extra-low dispersion) elements and three ED glass elements, all of which adds up to an incredibly sharp image. The inclusion of advanced nanocoatings also helps ensure superior light transmission. Plus, an advanced autofocus system uses XD linear motors to make the focusing action fast, silent and accurate.

Best for: Landscapes, astrophotography.

Sony FE 16-35mm f2.8 G Master Lens

For a wide-angle that’s a little less extreme, try the FE 16-35mm f2.8. A high-quality lens for a huge range of shooting situations, the Sony FE 16-35mm f2.8 G Master boasts exceptional corner-to-corner sharpness thanks to its sophisticated optical construction. It consists of two glass XA elements (extreme aspherical), three aspherical and 2 ED glass (extra low dispersion) elements, all of which combine to effectively minimise chromatic aberration.

This combines with a dust- and moisture-resistant construction and a Direct Drive SSM autofocus unit to make for a lens that’ll perform in any situation you care to throw at it. A great, trusty optic for a working photographer to have by their side.

Best for: Landscapes, documentary, everyday shooting

Zeiss 18mm f2.8 Batis Lens

A wide prime with superior optics – what else would you expect from Zeiss? The 18mm f2.8 Batis lens is designed to provide superior sharpness and quality across the entire image field, ensuring top quality across its entire field of view. Zeiss has employed a floating elements design for this lens, meaning it retains its quality across the entire focal plane, from its close focusing distance of 0.17m right the way to infinity. A handy OLED display provides a readout for focusing distance and depth of field.

Best for: Landscapes, interiors, architecture.

Sony FE 24mm f1.4 G Master Lens

One of the most impressive aspects of this G Master lens is that it not only delivers the kind of professional-grade quality we’ve come to expect from these lenses, but it’s also amazingly portable. Weighing just 445g and measuring 75.4mm by 92.4mm, the FE 24mm f1.4 G Master also has a filter thread of 67mm. Somehow Sony has managed to include the Direct Drive SuperSonic Motor (DDSSM) focusing system, so the lens performs brilliantly in pretty much all categories. This lens is a truly impressive technical achievement!

Best for: Documentary, reportage, street photography.

Sony FE 28mm f2 Lens

A fantastic budget lens for anyone looking for an affordable, dependable wide-angle prime. The Sony FE 28mm f2 delivers impressive sharpness, and the f/2 aperture puts shallow depth of field in play. This is further helped by the nine-bladed aperture, which enables the creation of beautiful bokeh.

The fixed focal length of the FE 28mm f2 is what has enabled Sony to include such sophisticated optics in a lens of its class; the design includes three aspherical elements and two ED elements. Also, if you want to increase its versatility, you can use the optional converters to change it to a 21mm ultra-wide lens or even a 16mm fisheye, without any impact on optical quality. This cements the lens as a fantastic options for shooters working with a limited budget.

Best for: Landscapes, outdoor photography, shooting on a budget

Standard

Sony FE 35mm f1.8 Lens

The humble 35mm is one of the most versatile focal lengths around, and we really rate Sony’s homebrew version of this optic with an f/1.8 maximum aperture. The accurate tracking AF of this capable prime means it’s a great choice for movies as well as stills, while its moisture-resistant design ensures it’s hardy enough for outdoor shooting.

There’s a pleasing amount of customisability to this lens – its Focus Hold button can be reassigned to other functions if that’s not what you want for it. The lens weighs a slender 280g, meaning it won’t weigh you down too much on an extended shoot. Whether you’re roaming the streets or producing landscapes, this dependable lens will make for a great choice of companion.

Best for: Travel, street photography, everyday shooting.

Sony FE 35mm f1.4 G Master Lens

If you like the sound of a 35mm lens but need something that delivers higher sharpness and brightness in low light, then this is your port of call. The Sony FE 35mm f1.4 G Master Lens is an outstanding optic, made with the latest Sony lens making technology for superior sharpness. Fantastic for low light thanks to the f/1.4 maximum aperture, the lens also sports an eleven-bladed aperture for the creation of vivid bokeh.

The minimum focusing distance of the lens is 27cm, so it’s great for close-up work as well as wider, more expansive scenes. The optical performance is topped off with Sony’s Nano AR Coating II which wards off reflections and ghosting for superior light transmission. ED glass elements reduce chromatic aberrations and XA (Extreme Aspherical) elements deliver excellent image quality in a compact form. An outstanding prime optic.

Best for: Low light, documentary, reportage, weddings.

Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 G Master Lens

This G master lens is one of the finest examples of the workhorse 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, and professional in many different fields will get a lot of use out of it. With Direct Drive SSM, its autofocus is fast and accurate, and the design is resistant to dust and moisture. The circular nine-bladed aperture also means that it’s possible to create beautiful defocused effects with the lens, and create images with gorgeous bokeh. This puts it in play as a portrait lens, as well as being useful for travel, reportage, event photography… and just about everything else! It’s hard to think of any type of Sony Alpha user who wouldn’t have any use for this lens.

Best for: Events, portraits, weddings

Sony FE 50mm f1.4 ZA Planar T* Lens

Sony’s fruitful partnership with Zeiss has produced many outstanding lenses, and one we particularly like is this nifty fifty. The FE 50mm f1.4 ZA Planar T* is a high performance lens that hugely impresses thanks to its Planar optical design, not to mention its f/1.4 maximum aperture. The T* coating from Zeiss minimises flare and ghosting, while the aperture ring provides hands-on tactile control. Images look absolutely superb from edge to edge and corner to corner, as you’d expect from a Zeiss lens, and this standard, natural-looking focal length means it’s also a good choice for video.

Best for: Street shooting, video, documentary.

Telephoto

Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis Lens

A fantastic optic in a useful portrait-friendly focal length, the Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis Lens is an outstanding choice for anyone who wants to photograph people. Be it studio portraiture or wedding photography, the 85mm f1.8 Batis is a fast, capable lens that will keep up and deliver images of superb quality.

A handy OLED display on the body of the lens helps the user keep track of focus distance and depth of field. The autofocus is fast and quiet, and the lens body is equipped with weather seals to make it suitable for outdoor shooting. Its minimum focusing distance of 0.8m makes it super-versatile, so you can get close to your subjects without fear.

Best for: Weddings, portraits, events.

Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 G Master Lens

Just like the 24-70mm, the G Master version of the 70-200mm f/2.8 workhorse lens is one of the best in the business. Whether you’re photographing sports, weddings, events, concerts or whatever else, this is a lens designed to get the job done in an exemplary fashion. It delivers excellent sharpness at all points in the zoom range and throughout its entire focal plane – Sony boasts that it reaches hitherto unknown heights of resolution thanks to its XA (extreme aspherical) element with 0.01 micron surface precision. Focus at distances as short as 0.96m, enjoy super-fast AF and take advantage of Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation. This is truly a lens to do it all.

Best for: Sports, events, weddings, music.

Sony FE 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens

If you’re not fussed about an f/2.8 aperture but could do with a bit more reach, try the Sony FE 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens as a credible alternative to the 70-200mm f/2.8. It delivers solid optical performance throughout its focal range, with a Nano AR coating to reduce ghosting and flare.

It’s an excellent lens for tele-macro photography, with a close focusing distance of 0.9m and a magnification factor of 0.31x. Autofocus is also fast and quiet, thanks to the linear actuator, and Optical SteadyShot is on board for shake-free images.

Best for: Macro, portraits, events.

Sony FE 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 OSS G Master Lens

We’d recommend 100-400mm lenses to pretty much any working professional – you can read some of our guides to lenses [https://www.fixationuk.com/the-best-100-400mm-lenses-available-right-now/] and interviews with photographers [https://www.fixationuk.com/why-i-love-my-100-400mm-lens-richard-pohle/] to find out why this is one of the most useful, versatile focal ranges going. Sony’s G Master 100-400mm is a spectacular example of this type of lens, delivering excellent clarity at every point of the zoom range. The linear motor and Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) autofocusing system is fast and accurate even with fast-moving subjects, and the body of the lens itself is built to withstand the elements. Bring distant subjects into sharp focus – this lens gives you the reach you need.

Best for: Wildlife, events, sports.

Sony FE 200-600mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens

If you like the versatility of a 100-400mm lens but feel you’re likely to need a little more reach, the 200-600mm FE lens is a great solution. You get that extra focal length but don’t lose sharpness and clarity, as the optical construction includes five ED elements and one aspherical element, suppressing chromatic aberrations and distortion. Distortion can often be a problem with super telephotos, but Sony has worked to minimise this and make the FE 200-600mm a fantastic professional lens.

Best for: Wildlife, sports.

Sony FE 400mm f2.8 OSS G Master Lens

This is Sony going all out. No holds barred, no expense spared – it’s optical perfection at 400mm. The Nano AR coating eliminates flare and ghosting, while the XD Linear Motor ensure autofocus is blisteringly fast and unerringly precise. Weighing just 2,895g, this is impressively light for a lens of its class, with a magnesium alloy construction that balances light weight with superior strength. The quality is exemplary inside and out. This isn’t just one of the best Sony lenses – it’s one of the best lenses, full stop.

Best for: Wildlife, sports, ultra-high resolution shooting.

Jonny Helm Feature October 7, 2020October 4, 2023 0 Comments

The complete guide to Nikon Z lenses

Nikon’s Z system is one of the most exciting names in mirrorless shooting right now. The firm has done a great job of providing a tantalising range of cameras, from the flagship Z7 to the lightweight APS-C Z50, and the glass is also excellent.

Having recently introduced its S-line of pro-grade lenses, which includes a trilogy of f/2.8 zooms designed to kit the working photographer out for every situation, Nikon has made its Z lens range cater for all needs and all budgets. Whether you’re a pro who needs the best of the best, or a novice photographer who’s working to a tight budget, the Z system will definitely have you covered. Wide-angles, telephotos, primes, zooms – it’s all here, to the point where it can be difficult to know where to start.

We’ve put together this guide to help you, running through every lens available for the Z system, as well as giving our recommendations as to what applications each one is best for. We’ll keep this guide updated with the latest lens releases, and may be adding third-party options in the future, so keep checking back!

Z-mount

The key to the Z system is the ultra-wide Z mount. It’s larger than any other full-frame mount currently available, and what that means is that it lets in more light. This allows for improved low-light performance, better corner-to-corner image illumination, and the possibility for making lenses with ever-wider apertures, even as wide as f/0.95 – as you’ll see in this very guide.

Our guide to Nikon Z lenses

Lenses for the Nikon Z-mount are Nikkor-branded, and that means you can expect a few things going in. Great optics are sharpness are pretty much a given, and specifically you can expect: Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass, which minimises distortion and aberrations, and Nano Crystal Coat, an element treatment that reduces flare and ghosting for a sharp image with enviable clarity. In our guide below, we’ll focus on the individual character of each lens and the areas where they excel, so you can get a sense of which ones are right for you.

S-Line lenses

The S-line lenses represent the crème de la crème of the Nikkor Z offering. Similar to Canon’s L series or Sony’s G Master line, seeing a letter ‘S’ in the name of a Nikon lens is a cast-iron assurance that you’re going to be getting a lens of superb quality. If you’re shooting professionally, you should be going for S-line lenses as a matter of course.

S-line lenses boast top-quality sharpness and resolution, well-equipped to take advantage of Z cameras’ sophisticated sensors and their high megapixel counts. These lenses also specialise in reproduction of point light sources, designed to reproduce them more naturally for more pleasing bokeh effects, preventing light points from “fanning out” in low-light photography. S lenses have nine-bladed apertures as standard; they are also designed to eliminate focus breathing, making them more reliable for video, and their bodies are sealed to keep out dust and moisture.

We’ve divided the S-line lenses into primes and zooms, and ordered them from widest to longest, so you should be able to easily navigate to the type of lens you’re looking for.

S-line prime lenses

Nikon Z 20mm f1.8 S Lens

This ultra-wide prime is an extremely capable optic for a whole host of applications, thanks to its advanced optics that deliver both ultra-sharpness and an impressive close focusing distance of just 20cm. Whether you want to get big, expansive landscapes or small, intimate details with an exaggerated wide-angle perspective, the Z 20mm f1.8 S Lens will deliver. It’s surprising just how many situations a lens like this can be useful in!

Best for: Landscapes, architecture, close-ups

Nikon Z 24mm f1.8 S Lens

Another S-line wide-angle with a useful f/1.8 maximum aperture, the Z 24mm f1.8 S Lens distinguishes itself with a lot of great video-focused features. Its autofocus is near-silent, as is control of aperture and exposure compensation via the control ring, making it easier to make settings adjustments without compromising the audio of your footage. At 24mm, this is a great focal length not only for architecture and landscapes, but also for general documentary and urban street shooting.

Best for: Documentary, landscape, video

Nikon Z 35mm f1.8 S Lens

Designed to offer greater sharpness and clarity than most lenses of its class, the Nikon Z 35mm f1.8 S Lens is a lens that delivers speed and accuracy where it counts. A useful f/1.8 maximum aperture meets a speedy autofocus system, making the lens another ideal choice for street and documentary work. As is characteristic of S-line lenses, it also has had much work done to it to suppress aberrations such as sagittal coma flare, ensuring a super-clear image with pleasing light points, even at night.

Best for: Street, documentary, night shoots

Nikon Z 50mm f1.2 S Lens

One of the optically finest Nikon Z lenses on offer, this relatively new lens is billed as the perfect portrait lens for the Z system. Its 50mm focal length is complemented by an f/1.2 maximum aperture, while extensive coatings have been applied to the elements to significantly reduce ghosting and lens flare; these include not only the Nano Crystal Coat, but also Anti-reflection Areno. The lens also boasts an OLED screen for quick settings readout. Control depth of field like never before with this standout optical wonder.

Best for: Portraiture, high-resolution, low light

Nikon Z 50mm f1.8 S Lens

Significantly more affordable than the 50mm f1.2 S Lens, this is a great “starter” choice for any new Z shooter, and serves as a thoroughly decent all-purpose lens to boot. Providing edge-to-edge image clarity, at a focal length that roughly replicates the field of view of a human eye, the Nikon Z 50mm f1.8 S Lens is a terrific choice for all kinds of general-purpose shooting, with the nice addition of a stepping motor that makes autofocus both fast and silent.

Best for: Budget users, general-purpose shooting, video

Nikon Z 58mm f0.95 S Noct Lens

The fastest lens in Nikon history? For now, the Nikon Z 58mm f0.95 S Noct Lens takes that crown. Inheriting a few design cues from the 1977 AI Noct Nikkor 58mm f/1.2 standard prime lens, it uses the large diameter of Z-mount to its advantage,resolving light points with astounding sharpness and clarity. Resolution and sharpness are fabulous even at that f/0.95 aperture, and the metal exterior of the lens has been engineered beautifully so the finished product has an elegant feeling class to it.

Best for: Shallow depth of field, portraiture

Nikon Z 85mm f1.8 S Lens

Another superb portrait lens, the Nikon Z 85mm f1.8 S Lens offers the ideal mid-telephoto focal length for shooting flattering portrait images. Its resolution is excellent, rendering the entire frame with sharpness and clarity, and a minimum focusing distance of 80cm means it’s possible to get nice and close to your subject. The lens is pleasingly affordable too, meaning that the vast majority of Z users can access this great portrait optic.

Best for: Portraits, interviews (video), documentary

S-line zoom lenses

Nikon Z 14-24mm f2.8 S Lens

Designed for landscapes, architecture and astrophotography, the Nikon Z 14-24mm f2.8 S Lens is the widest Nikkor zoom on the books for Z-mount at the moment, and blends superb image quality with smooth, pleasing bokeh. Despite the fact that it’s the kind of focal range you’d use for the faraway and expansive, the Nikon Z 14-24mm f2.8 S Lens also boasts a close focusing distance of 0.28m, cementing its status as one of the most versatile Z lenses. It’s the widest member of Nikon’s “trilogy” of pro-spec f/2.8 lenses.

Best for: Astrophotography, landscapes, close-ups

Nikon Z 14-30mm f4 S Lens

With a constant aperture of f/4 throughout its zoom range, the Nikon Z 14-30mm f4 S a versatile wide zoom, however what’s really impressive is that it’s one of the first and only full-frame zooms of its class to support direct filter attachment – usually the bulbous front element of a wide lens makes this impossible. The optical construction of the lens incorporates four Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements and four aspherical elements, substantively controlling for aberration and distortion.

Best for: Landscapes, seascapes, video

Nikon Z 24-70mm f2.8 S Lens

The first pro f/2.8 lens for the Nikon Z system and the middle member of the trilogy, the Z 24-70mm f2.8 S is an excellent example of a workhorse focal range beloved by pros the world over. Sharp from edge to edge and corner to corner, the Z 24-70mm f2.8 S sports a minimum focusing distance of 0.38m, and a useful Fn button that can be assigned to any of 21 different functions. Built tough and compact, sealed against dust and moisture, this is a lens ready to put in years of faithful service.

Best for: Photojournalism, documentary, general-purpose shooting

Nikon Z 24-70mm f4 S Lens

The more affordable version of the 24-70mm for shooters on a budget, this lens blends excellent versatility with a portable build that fully retracts when not in use, making it easy to carry around to shooting locations. Full weather sealing is a nice touch, and the minimum focusing distance of 0.3m means it’s also a great choice for close-up work. Robust, hardy and relatively inexpensive – this lens ticks a lot of boxes for the budget-conscious photographer.

Best for: Travel, shooting on a budget, general-purpose photography

Nikon Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S Lens

The final member of Nikon’s f/2.8 trilogy, the Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S completes the set in another workhorse focal length beloved by so many pros. High-quality and versatile, with an OLED panel for quick readout of settings, the Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S uses a sophisticated optical construction of 21 elements in 18 groups, which includes six ED glass elements, two aspherical lenses, one fluorite lens, and one SR lens element. Focus breathing has been all but eliminated, making the lens a great choice for video too.

Best for: Sports, events, video

Other Z-mount lenses

Nikon Z 16-50mm f3.5-6.3 DX VR Lens

One of two DX Z-mount lenses for the APS-C Z50 camera (and whatever future APS-C cameras join the series). It’s a pancake zoom, slim and compact, with a silent control ring that works for manual control of focus, as well as aperture control or exposure compensation. Despite the small size, Nikon also finds room for including in-lens Vibration Control, further expanding the utility of this handy little lens.

Best for: Travel, budget-shooting, architecture

Nikon Z 24-50mm f4-6.3 Lens

One of the lightest full-frame zoom lenses around, the Z 24-50mm f4-6.3 gives you a useful range to play with that means you can shoot everything from architecture to portraits without changing lenses. Impressively affordable, the lens contains enough specialised glass elements to ensure crisp and high-contrast images, and with a sophisticated silent autofocus system, this is a lens for all purposes at a great price. It’s a good choice for a first lens for someone new to the system.

Best for: General shooting, learning the ropes, portraits

Nikon Z 24-200mm f4-6.3 VR Lens

Another lens that’s great for travel, the Z 24-200mm f4-6.3 VR utilises an interesting design where its heavier elements are located in the rear, greatly improving balance and handling. In total the lens weighs just 570g, which is pretty impressive for such an expansive focal range, and image quality is excellent right the way through the length of the zoom. Autofocus is near-silent, while focus breathing and focus shift have been minimised, making for a very stable and reliable lens.

Best for: Travel, outdoor shooting, street photography

Nikon Z 50-250mm f4.5-6.3 DX VR Lens

The other half of the picture for APS-C users, the Z 50-250mm f4.5-6.3 DX VR is a generous zoom that’s also eminently portable at 405g, making it a perfect companion for the nippy Z50. Nikon has also ensured a tight close-focusing distance of 0.5m, as well as fast focusing and a useful control ring. Taking you all the way from standard focal length to an impressive telephoto, this is an ideal choice for users who don’t want to bother with changing lenses while out shooting.

Best for: Travel, budget users, all-purpose shooting

Jonny Helm Feature October 2, 2020October 4, 2023 0 Comments

The best 100-400mm lenses available right now

Now that optical technology is improving and lenses like the 100-400mm are getting lighter and lighter, carrying a broad-range telephoto zoom lens is starting to make more sense than carrying around multiple lenses.

Many news and sports photographers swear by their 100-400mm lenses – we recently spoke to Times photographer Richard Pohle to get the lowdown on why he loves his so much – which is why we’ve put together this guide to the various 100-400mm lenses that are available for different systems.

Each lens has its own characteristics and strengths, which are worth being aware of before you jump in with both feet. In our guide, we’ve included the best of the best for all the major pro systems – Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony FE, Fujifilm X and Canon RF – as well as a few third-party options for those who are looking to pick up a great lens on a budget.

Canon EF

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

Construction: 21 elements in 16 groups
Image stabilisation: 4-stop Optical Stabiliser
Minimum focusing distance: 0.98m
Weather-sealing: Yes
Weight: 1,640g

Refining and perfecting a formula that was already pretty darn great to begin with, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is the second version of the firm’s 100-400mm lens for EF mount, and it’s a professional-grade optic for the working photographer.

Exceptionally sharp thanks to its sophisticated optical construction, the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM uses a rotating zoom mechanism, rather than the push-pull design of previous models, making it easier and more intuitive to operate. This rotation incorporates a Zoom Touch Adjustment Ring, which can be customised to suit the user’s preferred feel of zoom control. Image quality is outstanding, autofocus is zip-fast thanks to the USM motor, and Canon also includes its 4-stop Optical Stabiliser, making the lens even more useful when shooting handheld.

Weather-sealed for outdoor shooting, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is an exceptional tool for any Canon-shooting pro who needs reach, quality and flexibility.

Nikon F

Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Nikon 80-400mm AF-S Nikkor f4.5-5.6G ED VR

Construction: 20 elements in 12 groups
Image stabilisation: 4-stop Vibration Reduction
Minimum focusing distance: 1.5m
Weather-sealing: No
Weight: 1,570g

The Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR gives you slightly more latitude to play with, with a focal range that starts at 80mm rather than the more common 100mm. Designed for use with the firm’s FX-format SLRs, it’s very much a professional lens for the serious user, boasting such features as Vibration Reduction (VR) system for minimising camera-shake, and the Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that enables fast and accurate autofocus.

Nikon has included 4 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one Super ED glass element in the optical construction of the lens in order to ensure top-notch sharpness, while the inclusion of Nano Crystal Coat helps to minimise flare and ghosting, even when you’re shooting into the light.

Sony E

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master OSS

Construction: 22 elements in 16 groups
Image stabilisation: Optical SteadyShot
Minimum focusing distance: 0.98m
Weather-sealing: Yes
Weight: 1,395g

Sony’s G Master lenses are some of the finest optics around, and the FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master OSS is an exceptionally good lens for anyone lucky enough to be using a full-frame Sony E-mount camera. Its impressively innovative autofocusing system combines floating focus with a double linear motor and a Direct Drive SSM system, making for super-fast and accurate autofocus.

The inclusion of Sony Nano AR coating eliminates flare and ghosting in images, while the lightweight magnesium-alloy construction means it’s lighter to carry than both the Canon and Nikon optics above. Creating super-silky background bokeh is a cinch thanks to the nine-bladed aperture and ED glass elements, making it an ideal lens for wildlife portraiture or sports shooting.

Professional grade, powerful and portable, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master OSS really is one of the best 100-400mm lenses around.

Fujifilm X

Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

Construction: 21 elements in 14 groups
Image stabilisation: 5-stop image stabilisation
Minimum focusing distance: 1.75m
Weather-sealing: Yes
Weight: 1,375g

As the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR works with Fujifilm X cameras, which have APS-C sensors, its “true” focal length is actually 152-609mm, giving you a little extra telephoto reach that’s useful for wildlife photography. The lens is thoroughly kitted out for outdoor photography, with a construction that features 13 water- and dust-resistant seals at 12 points, and can operate in temperatures as low as -10°C.

Lightweight and speedy, with a five-stop stabilisation system, the lens is great for picking out fast-moving targets and producing images full of vibrant details and contrast. Also, thanks to the maximum magnification of 0.19x, the lens can be used as a telephoto macro, opening up plenty of interesting possibilities.

A super-telephoto made with the attention to detail and quality that Fujifilm are known for, the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lets you push the X system even further.

Canon RF

Canon RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens

Construction: 20 elements in 14 groups
Image stabilisation: 5-stop image stabiliser
Minimum focusing distance: 0.9m
Weather-sealing: Yes
Weight: 1,530g

The first super-telephoto zoom for the RF system, Canon actually gives range-hungry shooters an extra bit of focal length to play with, as this lens runs from 100mm to an impressive 500mm.

If you’re planning to shoot sports of wildlife images then you’re pretty much set for life here. The Canon RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 L IS USM’s construction incorporates Super UD and UD elements for a superior image free from distortion, while ASC coatings control for unwanted reflections. It’s easy to control functions with the customisable control ring, while the body is also sealed to dust and water, with an additional heat shield coating. If you need to push the focal length still further, it’s also compatible with Canon’s RF 1.4x and 2x extenders.

The next generation of optics looks to be in good hands, with the Canon RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens representing an exciting new frontier of imaging.

Third-party 100-400mm lenses

Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

Available for: Canon EF, Nikon F

Construction: 17 elements in 11 groups
Image stabilisation: 4-stop Vibration Compensation
Minimum focusing distance: 1.5m
Weather-sealing: Yes
Weight: 1,120g

A budget alternative for those who don’t want to pay the premium for Canon or Nikon’s own 100-400mm lenses, this Tamron optic ticks a huge number of boxes for a lens of its price. As well as including features like four-stop Vibration Compensation and a minimum focusing distance, it’s also sealed against dust and moisture.

Autofocus performance is quick and accurate thanks to the USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) and Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) control system, while three LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements help to reduce aberration and distortion. The lens also sports an eBAND coating to reduce unwanted reflections, for clean and crisp images.

Despite its budget price, this is a seriously impressive lens, and any Canon or Nikon user looking to save some cash should definitely consider it.

Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary

Available for: Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma

Construction: 21 elements in 15 groups
Image stabilisation: Optical stabiliser
Minimum focusing distance: 0.16m
Weather-sealing: No
Weight: 1,160g

Another budget-friendly lens that’s definitely worth considering for Canon and Nikon users, the Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens is designed around providing the user with as much shooting flexibility as possible. This means that as well as that generous focal range, you also get a choice between a twist or push-pull zooming action, an algorithm-based optical stabiliser, and an impressively short minimum focusing distance of just 160cm, which puts close-up shooting in play. And with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8, this lens is very much capable of macro imagery.

The Hypersonic Motor provides quick and quiet autofocus,and the incorporation of four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements reduces colour fringing and chromatic aberrations for a final image that’s clear, sharp and full of contrast.

The value for money you get with the Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is truly fantastic, and makes it pound-for-pound one of the most enticing 100-400mm lenses around.

Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS

Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 Contemporary DG DN OS

Available for: Sony E, L-mount

Construction: 22 elements in 16 groups
Image stabilisation: Optical stabiliser
Minimum focusing distance: 1.12m
Weather-sealing: Yes
Weight: 1,135g

This lightweight 100-400mm lens is basically the rough equivalent of Sigma’s other Contemporary lens, but this one for mirrorless shooting. It comes in Sony E and L-mount fits, and is much lighter than a typical lens of its type, weighing in at just 1,135g. Despite its impressively budget price, the lens packs in plenty of upscale features: there’s the stepping motor autofocus system that’s fast and practically silent, there’s the electronically coupled manual focus ring, there’s the choice between push-pull or twist-action zoom.

We could go on. And we will – the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS also sports an optical stabiliser that’ll give you about four stops of compensation, and an impressive optical construction that ensures the lens punches well above its weight in terms of image quality.

This is an excellent telephoto zoom, and at a bargain price to boot.

Jonny Helm News February 26, 2020October 4, 2023 0 Comments

New Sony FE 20mm f1.8 G

Sony has launched a new, small and lightweight, wide-angle prime lens. The Sony FE 20mm f1.8 G brings the total count of full-frame prime lenses from Sony up to 16 and this new release is the widest lens in the range.

The new Sony lens has a very wide angle of view , ideal for dramatic cityscapes. The lens also has a close minimum focus distance (19cm) which makes this lens ideal for remote wildlife photography and video. The extreme wide angle and light weight (only 373g) of this lens also makes it a great addition for travel and astro-photography.

The lens is available for pre-order. Call the sales team for more information on 0207 582 3294 or email us at sales@fixationuk.com

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