Back to Fujifilm

Hi, I'm coming back to Fujifilm after just 1 year and a half  I was very happy with my R6, no question about it, it's a perfect camera with great IQ and AF, but I think I like Fuji glass even more. There's something special about them, even with the cheaper f/2 lenses.

So I said goodbye to my R6 with a tear in my eye, and bought a X100V. I had the best luck in the world because it+'s like searching for a unicorn, as it's sold out everywhere. Luckily one store had a sample (black version) behind glass, which they received 2 weeks ago. I had a silver X100F once, but I think I like the black version more.

The X100V seems to be a big leap in IQ compared to the F, not only on close-ups but also on landscapes. I can see that the AF is still unreliable though, but when sharpness is critical (landscapes) I can switch to MF.

But anyway, this is not a X100V review. I still have a couple Canon lenses to sell, and I estimate that I will sell both lenses for around 2100€, or slightly more. My budget right now is 2500€ (the R6 was sold for 400€ more than the price of the X100V).

So my question is, what would you do with 2500€ next? If I get the X-T5, which costs 1999€ here, I should be able to grab the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 (509€).

On the other hand, if I get a X-T30 II (899€), I should be able to get that Sigma or the Fuji 16-55 (1099€), and maybe some more glass. What would you do?

Although I have big hands, especially long fingers, I see the X-T30 II with good eyes. I don't want to go back to articulated screens, so the X-S10 or X-T4 are out of equation. The X-E4 is too simplified for my taste and the grip is unexistent, so that one is out as well. So my options are X-T30 II and X-T5. X-E2 is too big and too expensive.

Does anyone have experience with X-T30 and a heavy lens like the 16-55, or with a tele zoom like the 70-300? Does it balance well?

Would you recommend the X-T5 instead?

Many thanks

What would I do? That’s about £2200 (apparently) and I always buy used, so with careful buying that would buy… (deep breath) an X-T2, a couple of batteries, all four Fujicrons, the 10-24, the 50-230, and a Ricoh GR, with beer money left over. Sorted for all occasions—but I’m an amateur with a keen eye for diminishing returns; YMMV 🙂

Jeff Biscuits wrote:

What would I do? That’s about £2200 (apparently) and I always buy used, so with careful buying that would buy… (deep breath) an X-T2, a couple of batteries, all four Fujicrons, the 10-24, the 50-230, and a Ricoh GR, with beer money left over. Sorted for all occasions—but I’m an amateur with a keen eye for diminishing returns; YMMV 🙂

That's a good idea. I should be able to buy used, and I like the idea of getting some of the Fujicrons (35 and 50, again). But the used market here is small - and I just buy used stuff that I can test before.

But I can't go back to the X-T2, as that was not a very good experience for me. The X-T3 was more reliable in the AF department... but the X-T30 II should be even more capable, right? At least for stills (I don't shoot video).

With Canon I only used 2 lenses, 50 1.8 and 24-70 2.8. I didn't need any other lens, even though I'd like to have that new 135L just for the different look. So what could I get from Fuji, knowing that the X100V kind of takes the place of that 50 1.8?

X-T5 1999€, 10-50 2.8 509€ = 2508€, but doesn't have all the lenses I'd like to have

X-T30 II 899€, 10-50 2.8 509€, 90 2.0 909€ = 2317€, this would be the ideal combo for me. I think I've answered my own question... I could even add that 7Artisans 23 1.2 just for the MF experience too... interesting 

Jose Rocha wrote:

But I can't go back to the X-T2, as that was not a very good experience for me. The X-T3 was more reliable in the AF department... but the X-T30 II should be even more capable, right? At least for stills (I don't shoot video).

I guess so—I’m not very demanding on AF, so the X-Trans III bodies are plenty good enough for my needs.

With Canon I only used 2 lenses, 50 1.8 and 24-70 2.8. I didn't need any other lens, even though I'd like to have that new 135L just for the different look. So what could I get from Fuji, knowing that the X100V kind of takes the place of that 50 1.8?

The 16-55/2.8 seems the obvious replacement on paper… Or the two converter lenses for the X100V might be an alternative, depending on how/when you change focal length.

X-T5 1999€, 10-50 2.8 509€ = 2508€, but doesn't have all the lenses I'd like to have

X-T30 II 899€, 10-50 2.8 509€, 90 2.0 909€ = 2317€, this would be the ideal combo for me. I think I've answered my own question... I could even add that 7Artisans 23 1.2 just for the MF experience too... interesting

If you’re going for MF then I would point out that the X-Tx EVFs are much better (read: bigger) than the X-Txx EVFs.

Jeff Biscuits wrote:

If you’re going for MF then I would point out that the X-Tx EVFs are much better (read: bigger) than the X-Txx EVFs.

Good point. I wear glasses and the EVF of the X100V is already a bit too small for MF.

I guess I have to decide between the X-T5 and the X-T3 then. I'll read and watch comparisons between the two cameras. Thank you

I would buy used. Especially the body, as there aren't too many non-obvious defects a body can have. Buy from KEH or MPB and test your gear. You'll save a ton of money that way.

I'd go for an X-T3 or X-T4, depending on whether you need IBIS or not. Personally, I use bright primes and stabilized zooms, so I don't.

Then, select a standard zoom. I'm partial to the 16-80, actually, which renders very nicely and is compact and versatile. But the Tamron 17-70 or Sigma 18-50 seem to review quite well, too, even though they don't fit well with the Fuji ergonomics. I wouldn't go for the 16-55 (too heavy, no OIS) or 18-55 (too OLD, no WR) personally, although neither is a bad choice really.

Otherwise, you have three choices: a wide zoom (10-24), a long zoom (70-300), or a prime. If you buy used maybe two or all three. But make sure to test used lenses thoroughly, especially zooms. They decenter easily when dropped. Repairs are generally relatively affordable, jsyk.

In terms of primes, I like the compactness and rendering of the older lenses, the 35 f/1.4, the 23 f/1.4, the 14 f/2.8, the 60 f/2.4. Their bokeh is very uniform across the frame, which I like. I'm not much of a fan of the f/2 primes, with their swirly change of bokeh in the corners, and their smaller aperture. The newest set of 18/23/33 f/1.4 are probably great but too big and expensive for my tastes. But choose what focal length you like, and what rendering you enjoy.

I guess one important question is whether the budget you mention is your budget for the foreseeable future. In other words, if you bought a cheaper body now and didn't spend all the extra money on lenses, do you expect you could buy a better body in a year or so? Or - could you buy the XT-5 now and expect to afford some more lenses in a year?

Thinking through that could help sway you one way or the other.

craigwell47 wrote:

Surprised at your disappoint with X-T2 auto-focusing

Same here.

although X-T3 slightly improved auto-focusing For the best auto-focusing then X-T5 would be your first choice. Even X-T4 auto-focusing received some criticism.

To the OP, is it mainly about stills or more about moving subjects and face detection?

With stills, either camera should be fine, including the X-T2. My X-T20 still does a good job. I focus consciously, always taking care what I'm doing, using most of the time AF-S and the box. Adapt the box size to the scene. Consciously place the box.

X-T3 and 4 should be on the same level in the AF department.

When it comes to AF-C, tracking or face/animal detection, the X-T5 should be best (actually the X-H2S).

Other topic, X-T20, XF 16-55, balances well IMO. So should the X-T30 II.

Regards,

Martin

I would get the XT5 and Sigma 18-50 f/2.8. But wait for some test how the sigma handles the 40mp sensor.

The Fuji 16-80 kitlens is not doing that well with 40mp in the corners.
There is one guy on youtube testing his XT5 XF16-80 combo, and that was his conclusion.

Fuji lenses THAT DON'T RESOLVE 40 MP!

https://youtu.be/nF2Q6ArirtI?list=PLDgYMTnkzS7jk_8Nu9QjdlNAkXf9jg0EL

Another point the EVF from the XT5 is much better than the EVF from the XT30.

Jose Rocha wrote:

Jeff Biscuits wrote:

What would I do? That’s about £2200 (apparently) and I always buy used, so with careful buying that would buy… (deep breath) an X-T2, a couple of batteries, all four Fujicrons, the 10-24, the 50-230, and a Ricoh GR, with beer money left over. Sorted for all occasions—but I’m an amateur with a keen eye for diminishing returns; YMMV 🙂

That's a good idea. I should be able to buy used, and I like the idea of getting some of the Fujicrons (35 and 50, again). But the used market here is small - and I just buy used stuff that I can test before.

But I can't go back to the X-T2, as that was not a very good experience for me. The X-T3 was more reliable in the AF department... but the X-T30 II should be even more capable, right? At least for stills (I don't shoot video).

With Canon I only used 2 lenses, 50 1.8 and 24-70 2.8. I didn't need any other lens, even though I'd like to have that new 135L just for the different look. So what could I get from Fuji, knowing that the X100V kind of takes the place of that 50 1.8?

X-T5 1999€, 10-50 2.8 509€ = 2508€, but doesn't have all the lenses I'd like to have

X-T30 II 899€, 10-50 2.8 509€, 90 2.0 909€ = 2317€, this would be the ideal combo for me. I think I've answered my own question... I could even add that 7Artisans 23 1.2 just for the MF experience too... interesting

Here is my take on your question:

You are comparing the X-T30ii and the X-T5 by their prices. I think they are different enough in spec, to consider them by more than price.

I have medium size hands but was never happy with the X-T30; it was too small for me. Holding the camera with two hands and trying to find space for my face to get close enough to the EVF, was a squashed experience. In my opinion, small camera bodies are best designed like the X-100 series, with the viewfinder on the side.

You already have the X-100V for a small lightweight carry-around camera. I would say the X-T5, if you can afford it, is a better choice than the X-T30ii. You will get a larger EVF (easier to manually focus with), improved AF, IBIS, a higher resolution sensor and new film simulations (nostalgic neg is my favourite). You also get a larger body and a newer, more powerful battery which for me are big advantages.

Good luck with your dilemma.

If you have a budget of around $2500 and are coming from an excellent AF camera (in both AF-C and AF-S modes) ...

You should ideally get X-H2s (or X-H2 if you must have more MPs).

I was a Canon EOS shooter for more than 25+ years, only changing to Fuji X System in around 2015, because it was clear that Canon and Nikon were going 'simmer mode' with their move to mirrorless.

The R5 / R6 / R3 bodies are what I (DIDN'T) wait many years for (thankfully), instead enjoying X100S, X-E2, X-T2 (at this time selling off all of my considerable collection of Canon gear) ... and finally very happy with X-H1. The X-H1 was / is however still way behind Canon, Nikon and especially now Sony with AF-C tracking performance.

So I have just treated myself to an X-H2s body. SUPER jump in AF performance .... but really this is the ONLY obvious area of leap over X-T2/3/4 and my X-H1.

For my low-light BIF photography (esp. barn owls) - it is (almost literally) a night and day leap forward

An X-T5 will give you more money towards glass

An X-T4 will still get you into the newer battery size (and will give you even more $ towards glass)

Other than a good f/2.8 standard zoom and the X100V, I'd like to have that 35 f/1.4 someday (again) and the 90mm f/2. That's my plan, even if I have to stretch my budget a bit 

Now the most difficult decision to me is whether I should go for the all new X-T5, go back to the X-T3 (good enough) or the tiny X-T30 II even if the EVF is not so big and comfortable. I'm leaning to the X-T5 because I believe that firmware updates should take care of the current AF issues.

New Day Rising wrote:

I guess one important question is whether the budget you mention is your budget for the foreseeable future. In other words, if you bought a cheaper body now and didn't spend all the extra money on lenses, do you expect you could buy a better body in a year or so? Or - could you buy the XT-5 now and expect to afford some more lenses in a year?

I lean towards the X-T5, with all those MPs and better AF (at least AF-S) it should be a great camera for many years to come. I should be able to stretch my budget a bit for some lenses as the years go by, but other than a good quality f/2.8 standard zoom for traveling I've not felt the need for much more.

Do you think that there will be any X-T40/50 with the guts of the X-T5 someday? The increased portability is always good, even if I have to sacrifice the comfort of a good large EVF.

Jose Rocha wrote:

Do you think that there will be any X-T40/50 with the guts of the X-T5 someday? The increased portability is always good, even if I have to sacrifice the comfort of a good large EVF.

Since the X-E4 is smaller than the X-T30 and now has a tilting screen, is there much of a reason to choose the X-Txx series now? It seems a little lost in between the X-E and the X-Tx.

(I throw that out partly in the context of your requirements, but also as a general thought about Fuji’s product lines.)

Rightsaidfred wrote:

To the OP, is it mainly about stills or more about moving subjects and face detection?

It's mainly about stills but I have been spoiled with the R6's eye AF on portraits of static people, and also of children that can't stand still for a second. The ability to AF without caring to re-compose is awesome.

For example, I was able to take pictures of my little boy using eye AF while he was riding his bicycle. Relying on AF wide tracking without needing to manually choose the AF point is a life changer. The X-T3 was horrible on this, but I only tested it with older f/2 and f/1.4 prime lenses.

Other topic, X-T20, XF 16-55, balances well IMO. So should the X-T30 II.

Thank you, that's very good to know. I will keep researching more about the X-T30 II.

enigmatico wrote:

You are comparing the X-T30ii and the X-T5 by their prices. I think they are different enough in spec, to consider them by more than price.

I have medium size hands but was never happy with the X-T30; it was too small for me. Holding the camera with two hands and trying to find space for my face to get close enough to the EVF, was a squashed experience. In my opinion, small camera bodies are best designed like the X-100 series, with the viewfinder on the side.

That's a good point about the EVF on the side. As I plan to use the camera with large lenses such as the 16-55 or 90, using an EVF on the side doesn't make much sense to me because of the weight and having to hold it against me with an offset that could make it feel unbalanced.

I will try to at least hold a X-T30 with a lens like that to see how is the experience. The small EVF and grip are my main concerns.

You already have the X-100V for a small lightweight carry-around camera. I would say the X-T5, if you can afford it, is a better choice than the X-T30ii. You will get a larger EVF (easier to manually focus with), improved AF, IBIS, a higher resolution sensor and new film simulations (nostalgic neg is my favourite). You also get a larger body and a newer, more powerful battery which for me are big advantages.

I think that the X-T5 is my best bet. Thank you

AJC Photography wrote:

If you have a budget of around $2500 and are coming from an excellent AF camera (in both AF-C and AF-S modes) ...

You should ideally get X-H2s (or X-H2 if you must have more MPs).

Do you think that there's a difference between X-H2 and X-T5 in AF performance?

The X-H2s is out of my league, unfortunately (2749€, more than my budget in total). Cameras are getting crazy expensive each year, the X-H2 is almost the same price as the R6 here, and the X-T5 is not much lower...

The X-S10 is a good looking camera, but I'd like to have back the tilting screen like the X-T3 has.