Trying to find lenses for the A7iv that better my Fuji lenses

[astonehouse]

Without going into detail, I've decided to explore moving from a Fuji X-H2 to a Sony A7iv. I've been using Fuji cameras since 2015 and been through a lot of their lenses to land on a set that works best for me.

I don't know much about the Sony eco-system but have done a lot of reading lately to try and find equivalent lenses, well - ideally better - though it's not the reason I want to switch systems.

So I'm looking for any advice from those familiar with both systems. How well do these lenses align to my Fuji set up? I'm trying to keep to a similar size and weight and also trying to keep the aperture rings as I'm so used to them being on the lens. I only shoot stills too. Could I get away with the cheaper options? Are there better/other options I should consider?

Fujifilm 23mm f1.4 WR (mark 2):

1. Sony 35mm f1.4 GM (expensive option)
2. Sigma 35mm f2 (cheap option)

Fujifilm 33mm f1.4 WR:

1. Sony 50mm f1.4 GM (expensive option)
2. Sigma 65mm f2 (cheap option)

Fujifilm 35mm f2 WR:

1. Sony 50mm f2.5

Fujifilm 56mm f1.2 WR (mark 2):

1. Sigma 85mm f1.4

Thanks!

--
Anthony.

 

[dwalme]

The 35mm GM lens is a better lens than the Fuji 23mm but it’s much bigger and a little bit heavier. I would expect the 50mm 1.4 GM to also be a better lens (same goes on size and weight) based on the information shared so far.


I would take the 50 2.5G over the 35mm f2 Fuji any day. The Fuji f2 lenses really aren’t that special. Size is really their advantage. For the size, weight, and price of the 50 2.5G it’s really a good lens.

IMO Fuji’s new 1.4 lenses are great. I think if you want to keep similar size, weight, and performance in full frame equivalents (f2 FE lenses) it will be harder to replace them. If you go 1.4 GM lenses you get better optics but at the cost of increased size and weight.



I don’t have the 85mm equivalents. I bet not too many people have the new Fuji 56mm to compare. I expect both of these to be excellent lenses. The downside to the Fuji is the slow focus but it seems the f1.4 options for Sony aren’t speed demons either.

Myself I’m looking to add an 85mm 1.4 FE equivalent lens and I’m not that crazy about the options in either system. Hopefully Sony releases their new 85mm 1.4 GM lens soon. I have a feeling they will release the 1.2 lens first though.

Fuji missed out by omitting linear motors in the new 56mm. The old lens has a reputation of terrible autofocus and that will likely keep new buyers away from the mark ii as hands on feedback is the new one isn’t much better than the old one in that regard even if it is better optically.

 

[jeffj3]

I own the 35 1.4 GM. It's an AWESOME lens. Maybe rent the gear and see what you like. The new 50 1.4 GM is getting good reviews.

 

[astonehouse]

The 35mm GM lens is a better lens than the Fuji 23mm but it’s much bigger and a little bit heavier. I would expect the 50mm 1.4 GM to also be a better lens (same goes on size and weight) based on the information shared so far.

I would take the 50 2.5G over the 35mm f2 Fuji any day. The Fuji f2 lenses really aren’t that special. Size is really their advantage. For the size, weight, and price of the 50 2.5G it’s really a good lens.

IMO Fuji’s new 1.4 lenses are great. I think if you want to keep similar size, weight, and performance in full frame equivalents (f2 FE lenses) it will be harder to replace them. If you go 1.4 GM lenses you get better optics but at the cost of increased size and weight.

I don’t have the 85mm equivalents. I bet not too many people have the new Fuji 56mm to compare. I expect both of these to be excellent lenses. The downside to the Fuji is the slow focus but it seems the f1.4 options for Sony aren’t speed demons either.

Myself I’m looking to add an 85mm 1.4 FE equivalent lens and I’m not that crazy about the options in either system. Hopefully Sony releases their new 85mm 1.4 GM lens soon. I have a feeling they will release the 1.2 lens first though.

Fuji missed out by omitting linear motors in the new 56mm. The old lens has a reputation of terrible autofocus and that will likely keep new buyers away from the mark ii as hands on feedback is the new one isn’t much better than the old one in that regard even if it is better optically.

Thanks you, that's all good to know.. it's always a little hard to compare between reviews so good to have info from someone with hands on experience.

I'm leaning towards going with the 35 GM over the Sigma 35mm f2. The 35mm GM doesn't seem that much bigger than the new Fuji 23mm f1.4, about 1.5cm longer and 1cm wider.. which I think I could deal with.

I was actually always surprised by the Fuji 35mm f2, not great on the edges but good sharpness and contrast in the center. As you say, I've kept it for its size though use the 33mm f1.4 a lot more since adding it. No doubt the new 50mm 1.4 GM would be a step up but not sure I can justify two GM lenses up front! If I got the 35mm GM I'd pair it with the 50mm f2.5 or maybe the Sigma 65mm f2 for something a bit different and hold off on an 85mm for a bit.

If I wait for the new 50mm f1.4 GM I'd struggle with what other lenses to add. Maybe pair it with one of the smaller Sonys - 28mm f2.8 G or 40mm f2.5G and then see what happens with the 85mms. I really like the combination of a 35mm, 50mm and 85mm though.

The new Fuji 56mm isn't that much different to the old one from my experience, just a bit bigger and it has softer bokeh rendering. I never really had a problem with its focus for status subjects but never used it for sports or anything moving really..

 

[dwalme]

The 35mm GM doesn't seem that much bigger than the new Fuji 23mm f1.4, about 1.5cm longer and 1cm wider.. which I think I could deal with.

I think the difference in real life is bigger than the numbers on paper. Grabbing the X-T5 with any of the new 1.4 lenses is more of a joy than the A1 with the 35mm GM. It’s hard to beat the 35mm GM with a lens from any system though so that extra size might be worth it.

If I wait for the new 50mm f1.4 GM I'd struggle with what other lenses to add. Maybe pair it with one of the smaller Sonys - 28mm f2.8 G or 40mm f2.5G and then see what happens with the 85mms. I really like the combination of a 35mm, 50mm and 85mm though.

If you are referring to the Sony 28mm f2 I’d pass. I am not a fan of a prime lens with a lot of distortion. Maybe that’s why I never cared for the Fuji 35mm f2 and maybe why I haven’t pulled the trigger on the Sigma 85mm 1.4 for Sony even though it seems excellent otherwise.

The 40 f2.5 G is pretty good. Maybe a tad less so than the 50mm f2.5 G. The G lenses are nice and small for walk around lenses so if that’s your use case it’s easy to justify having them in addition to the larger GM lenses.

The new Fuji 56mm isn't that much different to the old one from my experience, just a bit bigger and it has softer bokeh rendering. I never really had a problem with its focus for status subjects but never used it for sports or anything moving really

Thanks for sharing this. I owned the original 56mm and I liked the lens rendering. I agree it’s good enough for static subjects which is likely the most common use case for a portrait lens so I understand why all these 85mm primes are not fast focusers. I find it hard to justify a full price purchase of the new 56mm knowing what the old ones are selling for both new and on the 2nd market.

 

[astonehouse]

The 35mm GM doesn't seem that much bigger than the new Fuji 23mm f1.4, about 1.5cm longer and 1cm wider.. which I think I could deal with.

I think the difference in real life is bigger than the numbers on paper. Grabbing the X-T5 with any of the new 1.4 lenses is more of a joy than the A1 with the 35mm GM. It’s hard to beat the 35mm GM with a lens from any system though so that extra size might be worth it.

If I wait for the new 50mm f1.4 GM I'd struggle with what other lenses to add. Maybe pair it with one of the smaller Sonys - 28mm f2.8 G or 40mm f2.5G and then see what happens with the 85mms. I really like the combination of a 35mm, 50mm and 85mm though.

If you are referring to the Sony 28mm f2 I’d pass. I am not a fan of a prime lens with a lot of distortion. Maybe that’s why I never cared for the Fuji 35mm f2 and maybe why I haven’t pulled the trigger on the Sigma 85mm 1.4 for Sony even though it seems excellent otherwise.

The 40 f2.5 G is pretty good. Maybe a tad less so than the 50mm f2.5 G. The G lenses are nice and small for walk around lenses so if that’s your use case it’s easy to justify having them in addition to the larger GM lenses.

The new Fuji 56mm isn't that much different to the old one from my experience, just a bit bigger and it has softer bokeh rendering. I never really had a problem with its focus for status subjects but never used it for sports or anything moving really

Thanks for sharing this. I owned the original 56mm and I liked the lens rendering. I agree it’s good enough for static subjects which is likely the most common use case for a portrait lens so I understand why all these 85mm primes are not fast focusers. I find it hard to justify a full price purchase of the new 56mm knowing what the old ones are selling for both new and on the 2nd market.

Out of interest, why have you kept both systems? What do you use each for? I imagine there would be a fair bit of overlap between them given you've got the 1.4 fuji lenses and the smaller and GM Sony lenses?

 

[Waku Waku]

Fuji missed out by omitting linear motors in the new 56mm. The old lens has a reputation of terrible autofocus and that will likely keep new buyers away from the mark ii as hands on feedback is the new one isn’t much better than the old one in that regard even if it is better optically.

Used to own the original XF 56mm, was my go to lens for portraits, and now really miss the buzzing motor noise. Be cool if Sony adds lens noise via speakers kinda like the fake shutter sound with ES mode.

 

[Waku Waku]

I've been shooting Fuji since X-T1 release and recently transitioned to Sony as my main system.

https://sonyalpha.blog/2019/11/10/which-lenses-to-maximise-the-potential-of-the-sony-a7riv/

Look at the chart. It will give you a rough standing of most lenses in Sony ecosystem. Not a strict ranking per se but in general pretty close by tier groups. Site is a library of useful info/reviews too all in one spot, but do look at other review sites too.

F1.2/1.4 lenses on FF will be larger by than Fuji. Just physics.

However, F/1.8 FF is equivalent to F/1.2 APS-C in terms of DoF and FF has a stop advantage in noise. If you prioritize size/weight I recommend taking a look at F/1.8 or even F/2.8 lenses. Their sizes are smaller and lighter.

If you want Fujicron F/2 equivalent try the 24/40/50 F2.5 G series . They are pretty sharp, small and light

BTW, Sony 85 1.2 GM is rumored to release this year too.

 

[surfoxy]

Without going into detail, I've decided to explore moving from a Fuji X-H2 to a Sony A7iv. I've been using Fuji cameras since 2015 and been through a lot of their lenses to land on a set that works best for me.

I don't know much about the Sony eco-system but have done a lot of reading lately to try and find equivalent lenses, well - ideally better - though it's not the reason I want to switch systems.

So I'm looking for any advice from those familiar with both systems. How well do these lenses align to my Fuji set up? I'm trying to keep to a similar size and weight and also trying to keep the aperture rings as I'm so used to them being on the lens. I only shoot stills too. Could I get away with the cheaper options? Are there better/other options I should consider?

Fujifilm 23mm f1.4 WR (mark 2):

1. Sony 35mm f1.4 GM (expensive option)
2. Sigma 35mm f2 (cheap option)

Fujifilm 33mm f1.4 WR:

1. Sony 50mm f1.4 GM (expensive option)
2. Sigma 65mm f2 (cheap option)

Fujifilm 35mm f2 WR:

1. Sony 50mm f2.5

Fujifilm 56mm f1.2 WR (mark 2):

1. Sigma 85mm f1.4

Thanks!

I came from Fuji with the X-T2. I had the older 35 (which I love) and the 56 1.2 which was my other fave. 100% agree with you on the aperture rings.

I have the Sigma 85 1.4. Lacks nothing IMO, I don't feel tempted to get any other 85. If I were going to get a 35mm, I'd go wiht the Sony 1.4 or the Sony 1.8, but currently I have my X100V for that focal length and my 24-70 GMII which is incredibly good.

 

[SmokeAndMirrorless]

You might look at the Zeiss Batis selection too. The 25 f2, 40 f2 CF and 85 f1.8 would match your interests. Note that the Batis line is much better than the Touit line made for X-mount. Batis are fully weather sealed and use linear AF motors. The 85 and 135 also have OIS.

 

[Steve W]

Use the camerasize app to compare size and weight.

Here is a link to it:

Camera Size Comparison

A useful digital camera relative size comparison tool. View cameras from different sides, read reviews and share the comparison on Facebook and Twitter.

camerasize.com

 

[Brainfreezer]

Just curious as someone who has recently been close to selling my Sony gear for Fuji (have a7r2)…what deciding factors did you use to make the decision to switch to Sony?

JP

Without going into detail, I've decided to explore moving from a Fuji X-H2 to a Sony A7iv. I've been using Fuji cameras since 2015 and been through a lot of their lenses to land on a set that works best for me.

I don't know much about the Sony eco-system but have done a lot of reading lately to try and find equivalent lenses, well - ideally better - though it's not the reason I want to switch systems.

So I'm looking for any advice from those familiar with both systems. How well do these lenses align to my Fuji set up? I'm trying to keep to a similar size and weight and also trying to keep the aperture rings as I'm so used to them being on the lens. I only shoot stills too. Could I get away with the cheaper options? Are there better/other options I should consider?

Fujifilm 23mm f1.4 WR (mark 2):

1. Sony 35mm f1.4 GM (expensive option)
2. Sigma 35mm f2 (cheap option)

Fujifilm 33mm f1.4 WR:

1. Sony 50mm f1.4 GM (expensive option)
2. Sigma 65mm f2 (cheap option)

Fujifilm 35mm f2 WR:

1. Sony 50mm f2.5

Fujifilm 56mm f1.2 WR (mark 2):

1. Sigma 85mm f1.4

Thanks!

--
Anthony.

 

[dwalme]

Out of interest, why have you kept both systems? What do you use each for? I imagine there would be a fair bit of overlap between them given you've got the 1.4 fuji lenses and the smaller and GM Sony lenses?

 

[astonehouse]

I've been shooting Fuji since X-T1 release and recently transitioned to Sony as my main system.

https://sonyalpha.blog/2019/11/10/which-lenses-to-maximise-the-potential-of-the-sony-a7riv/

Look at the chart. It will give you a rough standing of most lenses in Sony ecosystem. Not a strict ranking per se but in general pretty close by tier groups. Site is a library of useful info/reviews too all in one spot, but do look at other review sites too.

F1.2/1.4 lenses on FF will be larger by than Fuji. Just physics.

However, F/1.8 FF is equivalent to F/1.2 APS-C in terms of DoF and FF has a stop advantage in noise. If you prioritize size/weight I recommend taking a look at F/1.8 or even F/2.8 lenses. Their sizes are smaller and lighter.

If you want Fujicron F/2 equivalent try the 24/40/50 F2.5 G series . They are pretty sharp, small and light

BTW, Sony 85 1.2 GM is rumored to release this year too.

Thanks for the link.

Yes, I think I've come to terms with accepting a little more size and weight to get at least one GM 1.4 prime and maybe pair it with one of those smaller f2.5G series lenses. The X-H2 with the new 56mm f1.2 WR is fairly chunky anyway, and I've got used to that.

 

[astonehouse]

Just curious as someone who has recently been close to selling my Sony gear for Fuji (have a7r2)…what deciding factors did you use to make the decision to switch to Sony?

JP

Sure. I don't want to get into bashing brands but I'll explain my personal experience, which led me to the decision. I love the new Fuji lenses and have loved using the Fuji system over the past 8 years but now I'm just over the new bodies ..

I'm on my second X-H2 in 4 months after the first one completely failed. The replacement has locked up several times and meant I missed some important shots, the AF system is an improvement but very buggy - I've got lots of false positives (the green box says something is in focus but when I check it after it's completely off), and more recently the wifi module has failed. So now waiting on a third replacement body, which I think I'll just sell without using.

However, I've moved to prefer the PASM layout with the X-H2 and bigger grip. The Sony A7iv looks to be the same size and control layout, offer significantly better (and accurate?) AF, its build quality feels a step up from the recent Fuji efforts and I believe I can get equal or better lenses (and with aperture rings). So, while I don't want to give up the lenses, I'll happily give up the body. I just wanted to make sure I could get similar lenses in the Sony system before I make the move.

YMMV..

 

[astonehouse]

Out of interest, why have you kept both systems? What do you use each for? I imagine there would be a fair bit of overlap between them given you've got the 1.4 fuji lenses and the smaller and GM Sony lenses?

I’ve been back and forth between Fuji and Sony. The last time I sold all my Fuji gear I said I was done. Didn’t like XTrans sensors and the lenses I used most were the old 1.4s with slow autofocus. They addressed most of my concerns however the camera bodies are still behind with autofocus.

I find I want to bring the Fuji cameras with me more and I do. I sold the 24GM and 135GM. I might sell the 40 2.5G but I’ll probably keep the rest. The A1 and the 70-200 GM II can’t be matched by anything Fuji has so for me there’s reason to keep them.

I need time to pass to see what I enjoy using the most and I don’t want to let go of something too soon.

Yes, the new f1.4 lenses make Fuji competitive. The new sensor is decent too, though has a tendency to produce a lot of noise. DXO pure raw helps a lot with that though. I still agree that the bodies are well behind, maybe they just need a year or two to catch up..?

--
Anthony.
My Fuji X story – what I learned owning 18 Fuji lenses

 

[Mr_Win]

pretty much any FF alternative will beat out the fuji optically, but is that enough for you?

Fuji 23 -> Samyang 35mm f1.8, Sony 35mm f1.8, sigma 35mm f2, Sony 35mm f1.4 GM

Fuji 33 -> Sony 50 f2.5, Sony 50/55mm f1.8, Samyang 45mm f1.8, Samyang 50mm f1.4ii, Sony 50mm f1.4 GM, 50mm f1.2 GM

Fuji 56 -> Sony 85mm f1.8, Samyang 85mm f1.4, Sigma 85mm f1.4

there are a lot of options

 

[darrellc]

Note that the Sigma contemporary lenses (the 35/2 and 65/2 you listed) only have a gasket at the lens mount, they aren’t fully weather sealed. So in that sense they aren’t comparable to your WR lenses. Both are fantastic lenses - the 65/2 is nearly flawless optically.

 

[eques]

Without going into detail, I've decided to explore moving from a Fuji X-H2 to a Sony A7iv. I've been using Fuji cameras since 2015 and been through a lot of their lenses to land on a set that works best for me.

I am exploring lenses to improve on my m43 gear. So what I write is no personal experience, but just 2nd hand from reviews.

Fujifilm 23mm f1.4 WR (mark 2):

1. Sony 35mm f1.4 GM (expensive option)
2. Sigma 35mm f2 (cheap option)

Did you look at the Sony 1.8/35 and Samyang 1.8/35 (really cheap, but excellent)?

Fujifilm 33mm f1.4 WR:

1. Sony 50mm f1.4 GM (expensive option)
2. Sigma 65mm f2 (cheap option)

The Sigma 65 seems to be one of the best (long) normal lenses, the new Sony 50 GM II is probably better, but much bulkier.

Fujifilm 35mm f2 WR:

1. Sony 50mm f2.

Fujifilm 56mm f1.2 WR (mark 2):

1. Sigma 85mm f1.4

According to sonyalphablog, the Sigma 1.4/85 DG DN is the best 85mm lens for E-mount.

Peter

 

[joger]

I own the 35 1.4 GM. It's an AWESOME lens. Maybe rent the gear and see what you like. The new 50 1.4 GM is getting good reviews.

fully agreed - what's the benefit of asking arbitrary people in a forum with inherent opinions?

You'll always get a bunch of I know it best and I'll buy cheap guys.

I also don''t get the size restriction without knowing the purpose of a lens. There are areas where you simply can't make a lens smaller without optical severe compromises and there are areas where optical designs are ingenious and you can achieve a small and optically outstanding lens at the same time.

It would be good to explore the options and then decide what's suitable - not the other way round - at least in case you're interested in image quality and not only portability.

In case portability is key the Fuji system is hard to beat. In case optical quality is key the Sony system is hard to beat.

Mind you - renting can make lots of fun while exploring unknown territory - I guess that's the fun part for me.

--
__________________________________
... having is better than needing