Moving from Canon to X-t3--lens suggestions for Fuji

I am 100% amateur photographer.  I primarily shoot every day family life and landscapes.  I love to travel and love having my camera with me on those travels.  Over the years I've been all Canon, all the time.  I made my way through the 2nd gen Rebel, to the 60d, and eventually to what I thought was my Holy Grail...the 5D Mark iii.  I have a EF L 24-70 f2.8, a nifty fifty and a shorty 40.  All these amazing things stay in my camera bag more than I want to admit because they are heavy, bulky, and sometimes too futzy to use.

After renting a Fuji x-t3 and x-t4, I'm in love with the x-t3.  It brings me back to the days of shooting my old film rebel, plus it's lightweight, not overly complicated, and I'm blown away by the color reproduction.

I've made the camera body decision, and have read reviews of way too many lenses.  I know the 18-55 f2.8-4 gets good reviews for a kit lens.  I loved the image quality I took  with the rented 16-55 f2.8 WR.

What's my point?  I'd like to hear the opinions of real users as to what lens for the x-t3 they love and why.  I'm hoping to use this to help make my mind up on my first lens...and form a wish list for lenses down the road.

Thanks in advance!

buckeyevet wrote:

I am 100% amateur photographer. I primarily shoot every day family life and landscapes. I love to travel and love having my camera with me on those travels. Over the years I've been all Canon, all the time. I made my way through the 2nd gen Rebel, to the 60d, and eventually to what I thought was my Holy Grail...the 5D Mark iii. I have a EF L 24-70 f2.8, a nifty fifty and a shorty 40. All these amazing things stay in my camera bag more than I want to admit because they are heavy, bulky, and sometimes too futzy to use.

After renting a Fuji x-t3 and x-t4, I'm in love with the x-t3. It brings me back to the days of shooting my old film rebel, plus it's lightweight, not overly complicated, and I'm blown away by the color reproduction.

I've made the camera body decision, and have read reviews of way too many lenses. I know the 18-55 f2.8-4 gets good reviews for a kit lens. I loved the image quality I took with the rented 16-55 f2.8 WR.

What's my point? I'd like to hear the opinions of real users as to what lens for the x-t3 they love and why. I'm hoping to use this to help make my mind up on my first lens...and form a wish list for lenses down the road.

Thanks in advance!

I haven’t yet received mine, but the Fuji 35 f/1.4 is one of the best lenses I have ever used (began taking pictures in 1971).  I have borrowed one from a friend and it’s small and absolutely perfect for family and documentary style work that I do. So are the Fujicrons 16/2.8; 23/35/50 f/2. As for zooms, take your pick…the 18-55 is great for its size; the 16-80 is pretty good too, but you are limited to f/4. For overall performance the 16-55/2.8 is just superb. For landscape you can either try the 10-24 or use the 16-55 to start with.

buckeyevet wrote:

I am 100% amateur photographer. I primarily shoot every day family life and landscapes. I love to travel and love having my camera with me on those travels. Over the years I've been all Canon, all the time. I made my way through the 2nd gen Rebel, to the 60d, and eventually to what I thought was my Holy Grail...the 5D Mark iii. I have a EF L 24-70 f2.8, a nifty fifty and a shorty 40. All these amazing things stay in my camera bag more than I want to admit because they are heavy, bulky, and sometimes too futzy to use.

After renting a Fuji x-t3 and x-t4, I'm in love with the x-t3. It brings me back to the days of shooting my old film rebel, plus it's lightweight, not overly complicated, and I'm blown away by the color reproduction.

I've made the camera body decision, and have read reviews of way too many lenses. I know the 18-55 f2.8-4 gets good reviews for a kit lens. I loved the image quality I took with the rented 16-55 f2.8 WR.

What's my point? I'd like to hear the opinions of real users as to what lens for the x-t3 they love and why. I'm hoping to use this to help make my mind up on my first lens...and form a wish list for lenses down the road.

Thanks in advance!

I don’t own an X-T3, so nothing I can add there. However, I’ve had the 16-55 along with an X-H1 body in my kit for a good long while now, and it is pretty well my go to lens for travel and a host of other uses that fall within its very versatile FL range. It’s probably my most used lens with the 100-400 coming in a close second. The fact that it offers a constant f/2.8 aperture at all focal lengths makes it fast enough to be used in a wide variety of lighting conditions, plus it can provide a decent level of subject isolation when needed. And, it’s also worth pointing out that the build quality for the lens is excellent. It’s been called “the brick” by a few users here, and it’s certainly no lightweight, but if the weight/size is manageable, you’ll have a hard time finding a more versatile lens, particularly for travel.

I have all of the standard and all-in-one zooms, including the 15-45 PZ, 16-80, 18-55, and 18-135. I used to have the 16-55 but sold it a few years ago because it was too heavy for my taste. Although IQ was outstanding.

Of the four remaining zooms, they're all good lenses and cover their own use cases:

15-45 - Super lightweight and compact. Easy to travel. 15mm is really quite wide and can do some architecture.

16-80 - A good all-rounder. A tad sharper than the 18-135. Nice to have constant aperture with a marked ring. Smooth operation.

18-135 - Good when you need the extra reach. A must for landscapes, in my opinion, when you need to isolate distant scenes. But not enough for wildlife.

18-55 - Sharp and tiny. When size in the bag matters and I'm just out for general photos. It's more pleasurable to use than the PZ, and feels very solid. Very stiff zoom on my copy, however.

If I could only choose one, I think it would be the 16-80. It's just a good all-purpose lens, somewhat compact, covers a useful range, and is very smooth in operation. Very satisfying, and the photos are great.

Good luck!

It depends a lot on whether you prefer primes to zooms or vice versa. I have tried most of the primes and they are definitely the way to go for image quality but if you are not into lens swapping I'd go with the zooms.

I'm primarily a landscape photographer and sit a little on the fence but I'm currently favouring the zoom route as I hate changing lenses in the field (often either dusty, muddy or wet).

I've taken two routes, the 16-55mm on the X-T4 paired with the 50-140 on the X-T3 for landscapes (the 16-55 is often referred to as a bag of primes and the 50-140 is no slouch either).

For events I prefer the 16-80 paired with the 70-300 as they are smaller and lighter (and obviously give you more range). The image quality is not far behind the red badge lenses although they all have their weaknesses.

If price is a consideration the 18-55 is an amazing lens for the price and the 55-200 is OK too.

For the cheaper end of the scale the XC15-45 lens is incredibly sharp for it's price and the XC 50-230 is also amazing value.

All in all I don't believe that Fujifilm make any bad lenses as they all sit in the very good to excellent range so you won't go far wrong with whatever you decide.

buckeyevet wrote:

I am 100% amateur photographer. I primarily shoot every day family life and landscapes. I love to travel and love having my camera with me on those travels. Over the years I've been all Canon, all the time. I made my way through the 2nd gen Rebel, to the 60d, and eventually to what I thought was my Holy Grail...the 5D Mark iii. I have a EF L 24-70 f2.8, a nifty fifty and a shorty 40. All these amazing things stay in my camera bag more than I want to admit because they are heavy, bulky, and sometimes too futzy to use.

After renting a Fuji x-t3 and x-t4, I'm in love with the x-t3. It brings me back to the days of shooting my old film rebel, plus it's lightweight, not overly complicated, and I'm blown away by the color reproduction.

I've made the camera body decision, and have read reviews of way too many lenses. I know the 18-55 f2.8-4 gets good reviews for a kit lens. I loved the image quality I took with the rented 16-55 f2.8 WR.

What's my point? I'd like to hear the opinions of real users as to what lens for the x-t3 they love and why. I'm hoping to use this to help make my mind up on my first lens...and form a wish list for lenses down the road.

Thanks in advance!

I have an X-T3, in fact I just finish a photoshoot at the beach and took around 2 thousand raw files that filled my 126gb card

I LOVE my prime lenses and couldn't recommended them more. I do have the 18-55mm but I never use it, I prefer my 18mm f2, 23mm f2, 35mm f1.4 and 60mm f2.4 which besides being a macro lens, takes awesome portraits.

You can't go wrong, pretty much all Fujinon lenses are great. I do miss, however, a compact 27mm f2, equivalent to my Canon 40mm.

you wont regret joining the Fuji camp!

I've got a T2 and more lenses than is reasonable.

I'd get either the 18-55 or 16-80. The 16-55 is a really good lens but it is big and heavy so if your issue is size it is illogical. Both of these are easily good enough.

I'd add the 23/2 and if you like wide the 14/2.8 is a really nice and small lens. The 27/2.8 is good, either version.

Actually Fuji doesn't make bad lenses so you can buy on the focal length and aperture you want.

I'd forget adaptors, just sell all the old stuff now.  Honestly.  Took me too long to do that.

buckeyevet wrote:

I've made the camera body decision, and have read reviews of way too many lenses. I know the 18-55 f2.8-4 gets good reviews for a kit lens. I loved the image quality I took with the rented 16-55 f2.8 WR.

I have both lenses and while the 16-55 gives overall better IQ and is WR and f2.8 throughout its range, it is not a huge difference in IQ for my photography, which is generally general images and landscapes. The one area where the 16-55 shines is when I use it for fast moving subjects, such as my daughter's cycle racing, polo ponies galloping and dogs running.

What's my point? I'd like to hear the opinions of real users as to what lens for the x-t3 they love and why. I'm hoping to use this to help make my mind up on my first lens...and form a wish list for lenses down the road.

I had a XT3 and it remains a superb camera. It is an ergonomic joy to use, has good AF and delivers great IQ is a small, light body. So why did I upgrade to a XT4? Solely for IBIS. I got an astonishingly good deal on new unopened box in December 2019 with a double Fuji cashback and a dealer's Black Friday discount. As so many people on this forum had waxed lyrical about this lens I could not pass it up. And they were right.

However, on my then XT3 I was always watching my shutter speed, which I never had to do with the 18-55 (it has OIS), so when the XT4 came out I upgraded for that feature alone. The 16-5 is my go-to lens and the 18-55 is now seldom used, but not because it cannot deliver high quality images - it can - but because I just love using the 16-55.

That said, this is my experience and I accept the smaller, stabilised XT3/18-55 package is a great travel combo, here it was in use on our last overseas holiday hiking in the Jungfrau Region, Switzerland:

Lauterbrunnen Valley

Eiger, Mönch , Jungfrau

High pastures

Mürren railway.

Hope that helps.

Well, it depends on your needs.  I've owned several lenses but my two main ones are the 16-55 and 50-140.  But, I am a corporate event shooter and need the range AND 2.8 aperture.

Realize Fuji has been making glass for a looooong time.  They know their stuff.  So any lens is going to be great.

If you want to save some money, get the 18-55 and the 55-200 and you won't be disappointed.

Want to spend more?  16-55 and 50-140.

Need some wide angles?  10-24.  Now you've got from 10mm to 140 (15-210 in FF talk).

With those 3 lenses I can cover all "my" needs.

I have picked up the 16-80 and I must say, even though it's only f4, it's a fantastic lens.  I'm using it more on my jobs.  But it's not the greatest in focusing fast in low light situations.  Then I switch to my 16-55.  But I do like the extra reach.

palane wrote:

A couple of adapters will give you 6 lenses to start with.

I was just starting to research this option. I didn't realize there were adapters that could do this until I stumbled on it as a recommended accessory on Adorama.

I do wonder how the huge 24-70 will feel on the x-t3 with an adapter though

1/viltrox Speedbooster will give you a 53mm f1.3.a 43mmf2 and a 26-75 f2.

2/fringer pro mk2 give you same speed but a 1.5x crop.

Great recommendations.

Then add a 15-45 for some width.

Btw the nifty 50 and shorty 40 are hardly heavy o0r bulky, the zoom is.

You are correct. I realized I grouped them into my "bulky" comment and shouldn't have.

I

I prefer the primes.  fujifilm x system is versatile and the prime lenses are suitable for the system. I have most of these primes from 16 to 90mms.

16f2.8 27 mm .23mm 35mm 50mm 60mm 90 mm .

My best one is 90mm then 27mm.

buckeyevet wrote:

I am 100% amateur photographer. I primarily shoot every day family life and landscapes. I love to travel and love having my camera with me on those travels. Over the years I've been all Canon, all the time. I made my way through the 2nd gen Rebel, to the 60d, and eventually to what I thought was my Holy Grail...the 5D Mark iii. I have a EF L 24-70 f2.8, a nifty fifty and a shorty 40. All these amazing things stay in my camera bag more than I want to admit because they are heavy, bulky, and sometimes too futzy to use.

After renting a Fuji x-t3 and x-t4, I'm in love with the x-t3. It brings me back to the days of shooting my old film rebel, plus it's lightweight, not overly complicated, and I'm blown away by the color reproduction.

I've made the camera body decision, and have read reviews of way too many lenses. I know the 18-55 f2.8-4 gets good reviews for a kit lens. I loved the image quality I took with the rented 16-55 f2.8 WR.

What's my point? I'd like to hear the opinions of real users as to what lens for the x-t3 they love and why. I'm hoping to use this to help make my mind up on my first lens...and form a wish list for lenses down the road.

Thanks in advance!

You have not used Canon IS-lenses (?)  And no IBIS experience ? I have used Canon camera gear since - perhaps it was  2007. First Fuji also a long time ago. Some months ago I bought a R6 also (did sell some Canon lenses). EF L 24-70 could work with it quite well (with adapter) - just to remind you that you can stay in the Canon camp... of course Fujifilm cameras are very nice tools...

Anyway 18-55 is an OIS lens and it will work perfectly with X-T3 (no IBIS). XT4 has also IBIS and a lens like 16-50f2,8 is quite fine with it.

You can live happily without OIS lenses or IBIS ,   but they both really help in low light, with videos and if you want to use a longer shutter speed /lower ISO (or a long lens)

18-55 was my first Fujifilm lens and I can not complain - portable and IQ is quite good. Most used lens in my Fuji-bag

Well I have an X-T2 but same applies really

I have the 18-55 and a good copy.  As it is only ever a third, half a stop or a stop slower and has OIS that makes up for at least that one stop, I can't see any point to spend the money on the bigger heavier lens.  As I said my copy is sharp, has good colour and contrast so there's no need for me.

Primes, I have the 23mm F2 for my travel light, social, street lens

I'm soon going to be buying the Viltrox 56mm F1.4 for cinematic night street

palane wrote:

buckeyevet wrote:

palane wrote:

A couple of adapters will give you 6 lenses to start with.

I was just starting to research this option. I didn't realize there were adapters that could do this until I stumbled on it as a recommended accessory on Adorama.

I do wonder how the huge 24-70 will feel on the x-t3 with an adapter though

1/viltrox Speedbooster will give you a 53mm f1.3.a 43mmf2 and a 26-75 f2.

2/fringer pro mk2 give you same speed but a 1.5x crop.

Great recommendations.

Then add a 15-45 for some width.

Btw the nifty 50 and shorty 40 are hardly heavy o0r bulky, the zoom is.

You are correct. I realized I grouped them into my "bulky" comment and shouldn't have.

I

I own the 3 lenses you mention plus the 2 adapters.

Yes the Canon zoom is large but I use it with the T3 with battery grips it balances ok.

Now,I dont own the 18-55.However from what I'm led to believe is that there are good ones and not so good ones and not so good ones are common.Owners and reviewers rave about its quality so buy new with a return policy, just in case.

You have to get to know it.  At 18mm F5.6 it beats out the 18mm F2 but probably not wide open.  At 35mm and 55mm a5 F8 it rivals other lenses I probably shouldn't mention that might be the obvious competitors.  That's purely sharpness and MFT charts from optical limits and other such sites.

Another option is the NEW Tamron 18-300,its reviews are outstanding(plenty of threads on here).Its a lens to start with then add primes that fit with your shooting.One owner reports that its better than the Fuji 18-135WR in the 18-105 range and definitely better in the 136-300 range.Its WR,stabilised and around US 699.

buckeyevet wrote:

I am 100% amateur photographer. I primarily shoot every day family life and landscapes. I love to travel and love having my camera with me on those travels. Over the years I've been all Canon, all the time. I made my way through the 2nd gen Rebel, to the 60d, and eventually to what I thought was my Holy Grail...the 5D Mark iii. I have a EF L 24-70 f2.8, a nifty fifty and a shorty 40. All these amazing things stay in my camera bag more than I want to admit because they are heavy, bulky, and sometimes too futzy to use.

After renting a Fuji x-t3 and x-t4, I'm in love with the x-t3. It brings me back to the days of shooting my old film rebel, plus it's lightweight, not overly complicated, and I'm blown away by the color reproduction.

I've made the camera body decision, and have read reviews of way too many lenses. I know the 18-55 f2.8-4 gets good reviews for a kit lens. I loved the image quality I took with the rented 16-55 f2.8 WR.

What's my point? I'd like to hear the opinions of real users as to what lens for the x-t3 they love and why. I'm hoping to use this to help make my mind up on my first lens...and form a wish list for lenses down the road.

Thanks in advance!

First of all decide what you want in a lens. Best autofocus, best edge to edge image quality, small and light, best for video, or ones with character and then go from there.

With the x-system having at least 2 prime and zoom options at most focal lengths what someone's priority on what they want from a lens is the determining factor when it comes to the lenses they love.

Gringostarr wrote:

First of all decide what you want in a lens. Best autofocus, best edge to edge image quality, small and light, best for video, or ones with character and then go from there.

Image quality is by far my biggest want.  That said, I am also looking for something that weighs far less than my 24-70.  I LOVE that lens and the image quality it gives, but I am to the point that I just don't want to lug it and the 5d iii around.

I have no plans to do video at all.

With the x-system having at least 2 prime and zoom options at most focal lengths what someone's priority on what they want from a lens is the determining factor when it comes to the lenses they love.

You want something like

16/23/35/56

Then depending on your budget you can decide whether your 16mm is the F2.8 or F1.4, the 23 / 35 are the F1.4 or F2 etc.  Fuji XF 56mm F1.2 or Viltrox / Tokina 56mm F1.4 etc

Your first decision is whether to go with zoom or primes. After a year with an 18-55 and 55-200 combo I traded them for a 16-80. It beats the 18-55 in a number of ways but the edges never look extremely sharp. If you need the sharpness from edge to edge, the 16-55 in your bag will supplant all of the primes in that range nicely. I’m one who doesn’t want to juggle primes in the cold and wind, often in dusty, wet or sandy places. The 16-55 may compete with your former Canon zoom for IQ. The 18-55 and 16-80 probably won’t.