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Fuji 16-55 f2.8 vs. 18-55 f2.8-4 for VIDEO

Started Mar 27, 2019 | Discussions thread
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Siddharth Bhardwaj New Member • Posts: 5
Fuji 16-55 f2.8 vs. 18-55 f2.8-4 for VIDEO

Okay so I am finally upgrading from my Nikon D5300 w/ 35mm f1.8 to a Fujifilm XT-3 for my tech channel on YouTube, and I am confused between these two lenses, because while I have extensively researched about these two lenses, there isn't proper comparison regarding video performance of these two lenses. I know that 18-55 has OIS, but I am mostly using Tripod/Fluid Head/Slider so that's not an issue for me. The confusion is whether there will be a noticeable difference in quality in video on YouTube. I watched a video on YouTube where they reviewer (Omar Gonzalez) showed 18-55 at 55mm, and it looked a bit softer, which is making me think that there should be noticeable difference even in video.

Normally, I'd have just got the 18-55 with a kit lens like 35mm f/2, but the issue is that all of the prime lenses are so expensive, that if I have to purchase even a single prime lens in addition to the kit lens, it will be equal to the cost of getting the 16-55. Weight isn't a big issue for me, since I won't travel with it. Also, I know that 16mm makes a difference vs. 18mm.

So my questions are:

1. Will there be a noticeable quality difference in YouTube videos (or even regular not-compressed-as-much videos) at 4K? Are colors/contrast noticeable better on 16-55? Is 18-55mm noticeable softer at 55mm in comparison to 16-55? Because I've read that 16-55 is closer to a set of primes, and I never need to go lower than f2.8.

2. Will the corners be noticeable sharper with the 16-55 in 4K video? Because that's important in product video work.

3. Will there be a difference in focusing performance of these two lenses in video?

4. What is the minimum focusing distance for these two lenses, I wasn't able to find that online, which one is a better macro-ish lens?

5. Is bokeh 'better quality' on 18-55 at same aperture? Because I've seen some people saying that 16-55 doesn't have 'good quality' bokeh for a 2.8 lens (that Jared Polin guy)

6. Does OIS on 18-55 work well for video, is there any kind of shakiness/awkwardness? I could get some handheld B-roll shots if that's the case.

7. 18-55 goes to f4 at 55mm, but what's the aperture at 24mm, 35mm, 45mm? This detail should be mentioned in the specs page of variable zoom lenses.

8. Unrelated question, but are you able to record in 4K from the Fujifilm Android app? Because I saw that you can't do that, and I wanted to know if that has been fixed.

Thanks in advance, and for reading this question too.

 Siddharth Bhardwaj's gear list:Siddharth Bhardwaj's gear list
Fujifilm X-T3 Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G Fujifilm 16-55mm F2.8R LM WR
Fujifilm 16-55mm F2.8R LM WR Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS Fujifilm X-T3
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