Thinking of switching systems

[Krummj]

The Voigtlander APO lenses are very sharp and clean, at least on my Z7 they are. Hoping the new 28 comes to Z mount soon. Here's a shot I took the other day (with a little added grain)... of the cleaners : )









--

John Krumm

Explore John Krumm’s 1,540 photos on Flickr!

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https://juneauphotographs.org/

 

[whettam]

At the risk of muddying the waters, I just wanted to add my experiences of something similar. About a year ago, after a HUGE amount of deliberation, I switched form a Sony A7IV to a Fuji XT-50. My driver was simply weight. As I get older I wanted to carry less around, especially on holidays. I ran the two systems in parallel for about 3 months and ultimately sold all the Sony kit.
I could not be happier with my decision. IQ with Fuji is not as good if I pixel peep and the EVF is way worse but I'm used to it now. I'm a little unusual in that I only shoot manual focus and have a suite of X-mount Voigtlanders which are much smaller and as easily good as anything I had on the Sony.

Overall I shoot more than I have in years and have never looked back. For me smaller and lighter was a big win.

I do feel you pain though - it was a huge decision at the time and at the end of the day it always costs more £ to switch system. I traded all my kit to WEX and was very happy with the experience.

Good luck!!

Thank you interesting to hear perspective of someone in similar situation, as I said in my original question “EVF way worse” would not cut it for me, so will definitely need to see what I think in a hands on. The idea of running both side by side is interesting, I’ve also thought about hiring for a week or so to do a really good test.

 

[kc384]

Lots of great comments here, so I will just reinforce some of the themes. Lenses make the system. I switched from a full frame Nikon Z8 to the Fuji X-T5. There are definitely trade offs, but overall I love what I have with Fuji.

1. Telephoto Lenses - The Fuji 70-300 is a great compact lens that takes teleconverters. Pair it with the 1.4 TC and you have a very compact telephoto that can go up to full frame 600 albeit with an aperture penalty. For me, this was a a big reason to switch. I have the 150-600 for days when I want to specifically shoot birds, but for all my travels the 70-300 and the TC is all I need for my telephoto needs. With the 40pm sensor, you are also able to crop quite a bit. Morris has a forum with BIF settings, that make a lot of difference, so be sure to check that out.

2. The 16-50 F/2.8-4.8 lens that you can buy as a kit with -XT5 is a superb lens. My copy is sharp with great contrast and detail. It's internal zooming, super light weight and weather sealed. I highly recommend this.

3. Vilrox Air Series - The Viltrox Air series of f/.17 lenses are very affordable and offer great image quality with a very light weight construction.

My X-T5 along with the 16-50 , 70-300 and a prime lens fits in a compact camera bag and weighs very little. Compared to the Z8 with the 28-75 f/2.8 and the 28-400 lens setup that I had, the difference is huge. With Nikon, I wanted more reach, but found the 180-600 too heavy to handhold and realized I just didn't want to deal with a system that heavy for my travel.

Now, the Z8 is definitely the better camera, the stacked sensor, speed, autofocus and video quality is better than the X-T5, but for my needs, the output I get from the X-T5 is just as good and a much lower weight penalty and cost.

I found the XH2 and XH2s to feel big and bulky compared to the X-T5, and surprisingly I preferred the grip on x-T5 over XH2. The dials and buttons provide a very tactile feel that I really enjoy. XH2 and XH2s also take CF Express Type-B cards which I would lean to if you shoot a lot of burst photography.

If you want to quickly switch modes, and be more automated in your approach, the XH2 or XH2s would likely suit you better, for more slower and involved shooting X-T5 is my recommendation.

Also, the film simulations are incredible. I love the Fuji colors, and outside on adjusting exposure and cropping, I barely do any edits.

 

[whettam]

OK if I did make the switch, I have been thinking a bit more about Fuji lenses, as I said before I currently use both primes and zooms, would likely stick with the same approach. I’ve not really researched any of these in detail yet or considered 3rd party options.

So I was thinking about:

• one of the 56 f1.2s I love the 85 focal length (sorry still think in full frame equivalents) would need to do more research to decide between the standard and APD versions
• I use 35mm prime a lot with my Nikon (paired with the 85) but have this covered with my X100VI, so maybe a 27 f 2.8 pancake as really like this focal length too and approx 2x gap with the 56, longer term maybe add a 23 1.4 as a faster option
• for the tele option, I think probably the 70-300 as it’s well regarded and asthis is a new genre / use case for me, so not sure justifies the heavier 100-400, would then see if I felt I needed a faster option too E.g:
• • think the 50-140 maybe too heavy, so possibly use another prime e.g 90 f2 for this too
• for a wide option, less certain the 14 f2.8 would fit with gapping approach, but have historically found wide zooms useful for interiors, not sure I can justify cost of the 8-16 (or indeed want 8mm at wide end, I can never make UWA work) so only other option is 10-24 f4, which is nice range, but would prefer faster, so hence saying the 14
• Finally possibly might also consider a slower (cheaper) standard zoom, maybe the 16-80 f4, gives a flexible travel option and cost effective if bought as kit lens

Would obviously not carry all at same time, but would give lots of flexibility.

 

[whettam]

Lots of great comments here, so I will just reinforce some of the themes. Lenses make the system. I switched from a full frame Nikon Z8 to the Fuji X-T5. There are definitely trade offs, but overall I love what I have with Fuji.

1. Telephoto Lenses - The Fuji 70-300 is a great compact lens that takes teleconverters. Pair it with the 1.4 TC and you have a very compact telephoto that can go up to full frame 600 albeit with an aperture penalty. For me, this was a a big reason to switch. I have the 150-600 for days when I want to specifically shoot birds, but for all my travels the 70-300 and the TC is all I need for my telephoto needs. With the 40pm sensor, you are also able to crop quite a bit. Morris has a forum with BIF settings, that make a lot of difference, so be sure to check that out.

2. The 16-50 F/2.8-4.8 lens that you can buy as a kit with -XT5 is a superb lens. My copy is sharp with great contrast and detail. It's internal zooming, super light weight and weather sealed. I highly recommend this.

3. Vilrox Air Series - The Viltrox Air series of f/.17 lenses are very affordable and offer great image quality with a very light weight construction.

My X-T5 along with the 16-50 , 70-300 and a prime lens fits in a compact camera bag and weighs very little. Compared to the Z8 with the 28-75 f/2.8 and the 28-400 lens setup that I had, the difference is huge. With Nikon, I wanted more reach, but found the 180-600 too heavy to handhold and realized I just didn't want to deal with a system that heavy for my travel.

Now, the Z8 is definitely the better camera, the stacked sensor, speed, autofocus and video quality is better than the X-T5, but for my needs, the output I get from the X-T5 is just as good and a much lower weight penalty and cost.

I found the XH2 and XH2s to feel big and bulky compared to the X-T5, and surprisingly I preferred the grip on x-T5 over XH2. The dials and buttons provide a very tactile feel that I really enjoy. XH2 and XH2s also take CF Express Type-B cards which I would lean to if you shoot a lot of burst photography.

If you want to quickly switch modes, and be more automated in your approach, the XH2 or XH2s would likely suit you better, for more slower and involved shooting X-T5 is my recommendation.

Also, the film simulations are incredible. I love the Fuji colors, and outside on adjusting exposure and cropping, I barely do any edits.

Thank you, interesting to hear from someone who has moved from high end Nikon and is happy, can I ask how you found the EVF of the XT-5 vs the Z8? The spec of my Z6ii EVF is actually as good as Z8’s, so interested to hear how you think it compares with the Fuji?

 

[Mountaingrapher]

So I was thinking about:

If I may, I'd like to add some suggestions

• one of the 56 f1.2s I love the 85 focal length (sorry still think in full frame equivalents) would need to do more research to decide between the standard and APD versions

You'll want the latest version, the XF 56mm f/1.2 WR. It is better optically, across the range, especially wide open, and it has better AF.

On a cheaper and lighter note you have the Viltrox Air f/1.7 (not even $200!!!). Do not underestimate the amazing IQ of these lenses, if it were a WR construction, it'd easy compete with $800 models.

At a different focal range for portrait, if you don't want to go the road of the flawless but heavy* Viltrox 75mm f/1.2, there is the Sirui 75mm f/1.2 (I have it, it's near as good as the Viltrox for less than $300 and lighter), or the light but very good Samyang 75mm f/1.8 (a FF model adapted to APS-C).

*: I mean, "heavy". It's basically half the weight of its FF equivalents, at the exception of the extraordinary Samyang 135mm f/1.8 FE. Waiting for the day they'll adapt that one to Fuji X...

• I use 35mm prime a lot with my Nikon (paired with the 85) but have this covered with my X100VI, so maybe a 27 f 2.8 pancake as really like this focal length too and approx 2x gap with the 56, longer term maybe add a 23 1.4 as a faster option

The 27mm f/2.8 is difficult to find. The 23mm f/1.4 LM WR is great. You might want to look at the Viltrox Pro 27mm f/1.2, it's flawless, outstanding, sharper lens ever made any brand (or very close). And once again for something light and cheap: Viltrox Air 25mm f/1.7: near flawless for less than $200...

• for the tele option, I think probably the 70-300 as it’s well regarded and asthis is a new genre / use case for me, so not sure justifies the heavier 100-400, would then see if I felt I needed a faster option too E.g:
• • think the 50-140 maybe too heavy, so possibly use another prime e.g 90 f2 for this too

The 70-300 is a no brainer. Amazing reach, good IQ across the range, LIGHT. Perfect balance on a X-T5

• for a wide option, less certain the 14 f2.8 would fit with gapping approach, but have historically found wide zooms useful for interiors, not sure I can justify cost of the 8-16 (or indeed want 8mm at wide end, I can never make UWA work) so only other option is 10-24 f4, which is nice range, but would prefer faster, so hence saying the 14

If you want a prime without compromise, unfortunately only options: the Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 or Fuji 18mm f/1.4; Until the Sigma 12mm f/1.4 is revealed. In a zoom I'd choose the Sigma 10-18 f/2.8 over the XF 10-24 f/4...

• Finally possibly might also consider a slower (cheaper) standard zoom, maybe the 16-80 f4, gives a flexible travel option and cost effective if bought as kit lens

I personally can't recommend the 16-80 IQ wise. The 16-50 f/2.8-4.8 will delivers much better IQ for lighter. Of course if money is not a problem, there is the XF 16-55 mkii. Or maybe worth considering the new, already legendary, Sigma 17-40 f/1.8?

By experience if you travel also with the 70-300 as a 2 lenses kit with the 16-50 f/2.8-4.8, the gap between 50mm and 70mm is not a problem. Especially considering the XF 16-80 is just bad beyond 60mm. If not just complement the 16-50 f/2.8 4.8 with the Samyang 75mm f/1.8. You'll get similar total weight for much better IQ.

Would obviously not carry all at same time, but would give lots of flexibility.

 

[whettam]

So I was thinking about:

If I may, I'd like to add some suggestions

Much appreciated, especially the 3rd party recommendations, as I said I had not really researched those yet. I have Viltrox 20 2.8 on my Nikon and it’s great prime for the price.

• one of the 56 f1.2s I love the 85 focal length (sorry still think in full frame equivalents) would need to do more research to decide between the standard and APD versions

You'll want the latest version, the XF 56mm f/1.2 WR. It is better optically, across the range, especially wide open, and it has better AF.

Thank you.

On a cheaper and lighter note you have the Viltrox Air f/1.7 (not even $200!!!). Do not underestimate the amazing IQ of these lenses, if it were a WR construction, it'd easy compete with $800 models.

At a different focal range for portrait, if you don't want to go the road of the flawless but heavy* Viltrox 75mm f/1.2, there is the Sirui 75mm f/1.2 (I have it, it's near as good as the Viltrox for less than $300 and lighter), or the light but very good Samyang 75mm f/1.8 (a FF model adapted to APS-C).

*: I mean, "heavy". It's basically half the weight of its FF equivalents, at the exception of the extraordinary Samyang 135mm f/1.8 FE. Waiting for the day they'll adapt that one to Fuji X...

• I use 35mm prime a lot with my Nikon (paired with the 85) but have this covered with my X100VI, so maybe a 27 f 2.8 pancake as really like this focal length too and approx 2x gap with the 56, longer term maybe add a 23 1.4 as a faster option

The 27mm f/2.8 is difficult to find. The 23mm f/1.4 LM WR is great. You might want to look at the Viltrox Pro 27mm f/1.2, it's flawless, outstanding, sharper lens ever made any brand (or very close). And once again for something light and cheap: Viltrox Air 25mm f/1.7: near flawless for less than $200...

I must admit think I prefer 85 and 135 FF focal lengths, for portraits.

• for the tele option, I think probably the 70-300 as it’s well regarded and asthis is a new genre / use case for me, so not sure justifies the heavier 100-400, would then see if I felt I needed a faster option too E.g:
• • think the 50-140 maybe too heavy, so possibly use another prime e.g 90 f2 for this too

The 70-300 is a no brainer. Amazing reach, good IQ across the range, LIGHT. Perfect balance on a X-T5

• for a wide option, less certain the 14 f2.8 would fit with gapping approach, but have historically found wide zooms useful for interiors, not sure I can justify cost of the 8-16 (or indeed want 8mm at wide end, I can never make UWA work) so only other option is 10-24 f4, which is nice range, but would prefer faster, so hence saying the 14

If you want a prime without compromise, unfortunately only option: the Viltrox 13mm f/1.4; Until the Sigma 12mm f/1.4 is revealed. In a zoom I'd choose the Sigma 10-18 f/2.8 over the XF 10-24 f/4...

this is really useful had not appreciated that Sigma did a fast 10-18 2.8.

• Finally possibly might also consider a slower (cheaper) standard zoom, maybe the 16-80 f4, gives a flexible travel option and cost effective if bought as kit lens

I personally can't recommend the 16-80 IQ wise. The 16-50 f/2.8-4.8 will delivers much better IQ for lighter. Of course if money is not a problem, there is the XF 16-55 mkii. Or maybe worth considering the new, already legendary, Sigma 17-40 f/1.8?

Thank you for the steer on the 16-80, I will have a look at 16-50 but not that keen on variable aperture lenses, as aside how does that work with aperture ring? I had seen the Sigma, which looks great but ideally wanted more reach for the zoom as a walkabout, was prepared to sacrifice the faster aperture speed, especially by pairing with primes Im looking at.

By experience if you travel also with the 70-300 as a 2 lenses kit with the 16-50 f/2.8-4.8, the gap between 50mm and 70mm is not a problem. Especially considering the XF 16-80 is just bad beyond 60mm. If not just complement the 16-50 f/2.8 4.8 with the Samyang 75mm f/1.8. You'll get similar total weight for much better IQ.

Would obviously not carry all at same time, but would give lots of flexibility.

 

[Shaf]

IQ with Fuji is not as good if I pixel peep and the EVF is way worse but I'm used to it now. I'm a little unusual in that I only shoot manual focus and have a suite of X-mount Voigtlanders which are much smaller and as easily good as anything I had on the Sony.

What lenses were you using with the kit? As I suspect that might have a big influence on whether you are going to see a difference in IQ

Well, Voightlanders lenses are nice with character but not exactly sharp and clean... I'd be curious to see Shaf use Fuji Primes: XF 18mm f/1.4, 23mm f/1.4, 33mm f/1.4, 56mm f/1.2, 90mm f/2; or Viltrox Primes: 75mm f/1.2, 27mm f/1.2, Air f/1.7 serie 25mm, 35mm & 56mm...

I'm waiting for anyone to show me any significant downgrade in IQ compared to FF Sony FE or Nikon Z, except for the best pro lenses that are 3 times time the weight and price for corresponding range/aperture...

Yeah, with hindsight, I am totally happy to be called out on my IQ statement. On the Sony I had quite sharp lenses, e.g., Sigma i Series (24, 35 and 90) and also a 50mm Zeiss loxia. So you are absolutely right, compared the the Voigtlander 18/2.8, 23/1.2, 27/2 and 50/1.2 I have for the Fuji, those lenses for my Sony were much sharper and I am happy to stand corrected on my IQ comment, especially as I think the CV lenses struggle to resolve the 40MP sensor.

I believe it is as you say, the character of the CV lenses are what draw me to them, along with the size/weight. At the end of the day I love the results and I'm shooting more so again for me a win/win.

 

[Mountaingrapher]

At the end of the day I love the results and I'm shooting more so again for me a win/win.

That's the more important. My X-T5 and XF 33mm f/1.4 gave me the same feeling and now I'm shooting again, like not using my phone anymore.

And the sidenote: what do you think of the CV 23mm f/1.2? I'm really curious about that lens, and would seriously consider it for a full manual experience...but I haven't seen any deep review on it, it's a steep investment if it's a dull.

 

[britcam]

So I was thinking about:

If I may, I'd like to add some suggestions

Much appreciated, especially the 3rd party recommendations, as I said I had not really researched those yet. I have Viltrox 20 2.8 on my Nikon and it’s great prime for the price.

• one of the 56 f1.2s I love the 85 focal length (sorry still think in full frame equivalents) would need to do more research to decide between the standard and APD versions

You'll want the latest version, the XF 56mm f/1.2 WR. It is better optically, across the range, especially wide open, and it has better AF.

Thank you.

On a cheaper and lighter note you have the Viltrox Air f/1.7 (not even $200!!!). Do not underestimate the amazing IQ of these lenses, if it were a WR construction, it'd easy compete with $800 models.

At a different focal range for portrait, if you don't want to go the road of the flawless but heavy* Viltrox 75mm f/1.2, there is the Sirui 75mm f/1.2 (I have it, it's near as good as the Viltrox for less than $300 and lighter), or the light but very good Samyang 75mm f/1.8 (a FF model adapted to APS-C).

*: I mean, "heavy". It's basically half the weight of its FF equivalents, at the exception of the extraordinary Samyang 135mm f/1.8 FE. Waiting for the day they'll adapt that one to Fuji X...

• I use 35mm prime a lot with my Nikon (paired with the 85) but have this covered with my X100VI, so maybe a 27 f 2.8 pancake as really like this focal length too and approx 2x gap with the 56, longer term maybe add a 23 1.4 as a faster option

The 27mm f/2.8 is difficult to find. The 23mm f/1.4 LM WR is great. You might want to look at the Viltrox Pro 27mm f/1.2, it's flawless, outstanding, sharper lens ever made any brand (or very close). And once again for something light and cheap: Viltrox Air 25mm f/1.7: near flawless for less than $200...

I must admit think I prefer 85 and 135 FF focal lengths, for portraits.

• for the tele option, I think probably the 70-300 as it’s well regarded and asthis is a new genre / use case for me, so not sure justifies the heavier 100-400, would then see if I felt I needed a faster option too E.g:
• • think the 50-140 maybe too heavy, so possibly use another prime e.g 90 f2 for this too

The 70-300 is a no brainer. Amazing reach, good IQ across the range, LIGHT. Perfect balance on a X-T5

• for a wide option, less certain the 14 f2.8 would fit with gapping approach, but have historically found wide zooms useful for interiors, not sure I can justify cost of the 8-16 (or indeed want 8mm at wide end, I can never make UWA work) so only other option is 10-24 f4, which is nice range, but would prefer faster, so hence saying the 14

If you want a prime without compromise, unfortunately only option: the Viltrox 13mm f/1.4; Until the Sigma 12mm f/1.4 is revealed. In a zoom I'd choose the Sigma 10-18 f/2.8 over the XF 10-24 f/4...

this is really useful had not appreciated that Sigma did a fast 10-18 2.8.

• Finally possibly might also consider a slower (cheaper) standard zoom, maybe the 16-80 f4, gives a flexible travel option and cost effective if bought as kit lens

I personally can't recommend the 16-80 IQ wise. The 16-50 f/2.8-4.8 will delivers much better IQ for lighter. Of course if money is not a problem, there is the XF 16-55 mkii. Or maybe worth considering the new, already legendary, Sigma 17-40 f/1.8?

Thank you for the steer on the 16-80, I will have a look at 16-50 but not that keen on variable aperture lenses, as aside how does that work with aperture ring? I had seen the Sigma, which looks great but ideally wanted more reach for the zoom as a walkabout, was prepared to sacrifice the faster aperture speed, especially by pairing with primes Im looking at.

By experience if you travel also with the 70-300 as a 2 lenses kit with the 16-50 f/2.8-4.8, the gap between 50mm and 70mm is not a problem. Especially considering the XF 16-80 is just bad beyond 60mm. If not just complement the 16-50 f/2.8 4.8 with the Samyang 75mm f/1.8. You'll get similar total weight for much better IQ.

Would obviously not carry all at same time, but would give lots of flexibility.

Unless you are a pixel peeper and need sharpness across the frame say for landscapes, the 16-80 with its extended range really has no competition … image quality is excellent although it does attract the usual naysayers …


Rich S

 

[Shaf]

At the end of the day I love the results and I'm shooting more so again for me a win/win.

That's the more important. My X-T5 and XF 33mm f/1.4 gave me the same feeling and now I'm shooting again, like not using my phone anymore.

And the sidenote: what do you think of the CV 23mm f/1.2? I'm really curious about that lens, and would seriously consider it for a full manual experience...but I haven't seen any deep review on it, it's a steep investment if it's a dull.

The CV 23/1.2 is a great lens. When I travel I tend to use the 18/2.8 during the day and switch to the 23/1.2 in the evening. For family portraits in restaurants, etc., and night street scenes it is brilliant. But they are expensive and I was lucky and got one used in the UK for a lot less than retail.