A seriously underrated lens

Hi Joachim,

I think it will be interesting to see what Fuji do with the 60mm once they've released the 80/2.8 1:1 macro lens, given that they also offer the 50/2.

I have a feeling from the prototypes that the 80mm is going to be huge - they looked as big as the 55-200.  And none of them had a tripod collar despite the size.  Nor did they have a limiter (an omission on the 60mm too).  If it is huge, I suspect that a lot of people might hold onto their 60mm lenses.  The lens is a great, small, light all-rounder for general short tele work, portraits and close focusing.  It's sharp and gives good bokeh.

I don't agree that it's macro is half-hearted.  Sure, it gives only 1:2 but I think there's a bit of a mental line in the sand about this.  Macro doesn't stop at 1:1 either.  And the 60mm gives 1:1.25 with a single 16mm tube.  Less flexible, I know, but not a lot of difference from 1:1 for the sometime nature photographer.  Many people complain that the 60mm's working distances are too short.  However, an important thing we don't know about the 80mm is whether it's an internal or external focus design.  If it's IF like most of Fuji's recent lenses, it might not offer any more working distance than the 60mm at higher magnifications.

We'll have to wait and see.  I've no doubt that specialists will buy the 80mm, but I think the 60mm might remain a very popular option.  Maybe wiser on the 7th?

Cheers, Rod