Bokeh Shots From The Fuji XF 80mm f2.8 Macro:
I’m working on a couple of reviews now (both Fuji and Leica) but in the mean time, I was looking at some of my older images, and thought I’d just post a few pics taken at wide open aperture (with the exception of two pics) that I had left over from when I reviewed the XF 80mm f2.8 a while back. I know some of you were wondering about the quality of the bokeh, so I hope these photos will help. For those interested, you can read my XF 80mm review here.
In my opinion, the bokeh from the XF 80mm f2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro Lens looks great. If you look at the images here (I posted some from my review as well, so that you wouldn’t have to go back and forth), the background in each photo is very smooth. There’s really nothing harsh or distracting. For instance, branches don’t come off as distracting artifacts.
↑ Here’s a farther distance shot taken at 2500 ISO.
↑ This is just a test shot but check it out. The trees in the background blend away beautifully. There are power lines in the background but as you can see, they aren’t really that distracting.
As I said in my review though, I still prefer the bokeh from the XF 56mm f1.2 APD and the XF 90mm f2. I feel like with both those lenses, you get that extra bit of buttery smoothness. There’s that little bit of unexplained magic. That’s just what I feel. With the right shot, both those lenses will produce some killer images at their wide open aperture settings.
↑ This is a shot taken from my review. The Fuji XF 80mm was actually stopped down to f5.6.
↑ Here’s another picture taken from a farther distance.
↑ Here’s another photo where I stopped down the lens to f5.6 in this photo.
However, I can see the Fuji XF 80mm being arguably more versatile for some. The focal length isn’t quite as long as the 90mm, so you might not have as much of a restriction in close quarters yet it’s still long enough for that extra bit of reach. The XF 80mm shoots macro, it has image stabilization, and it’s weather protected (the XF 56mm isn’t). The autofocus is also quick.
↑ Here’s another example at f2.8.
↑ Here’s a closer shot taken at f2.8.
↑ Here’s one last photo, which was taken at 6400 ISO.
So, I guess what I’m saying is, while I prefer the bokeh from the XF 56mm and XF 90mm, you’re still getting decent bokeh from the XF 80mm f2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro Lens, and at the same time, a lens that I feel may actually be more versatile for some. I don’t really shoot much macro but I have to admit that while I had the Fuji XF 80mm f2.8 Macro here for review purposes, it was definitely a nice feature to have :). Take care, and more to come soon!
If you want to read my Fuji XF 80mm f2.8 Macro Review, it’s here.
Hey Patrick hope you are well.. I think the bokeh is a bit funky and I like it. It is a long and big lens for me so don’t think i will ever get it. I’ve rented out x-t100 for the weekend and enjoying it.. it is so much better than xa series, the focus and body is much much classier. The colours look a bit saturated on lcd so I’m going to check on the computer
Hi Mahesh,
It’s been a busy summer but I’ve been doing great, thanks! How’s your summer been? I’ve actually had the X-T100 sitting here for a while but haven’t had the chance to use it much. When I first heard the news about it, I instantly thought to myself that this is what Mahesh has been asking for lol! But let me know what you think of the coloring when you get a chance to look at the photos. If anything, maybe you can try shooting in a different film simulation mode.
Best,
Patrick
Hi Patrick, good to hear back. You have a good memory. Would love to read your review as well of xt100. I feel definitely the colours are strong but CC looks the best and also pro neg hi. I’m using these as 2 simulations with b+w(g). I might buy this in the end otherwise there is indefinite wait for the ideal camera. It ticks most of the boxes except IS body. -good evf, reasonably fast focus, fantastic body,some grip and touchscreen. I’m not hot on the noisy and slow 15-45 though it has good IQ. I’m trialing the camera with my 27/2.8 which I’ve had since a long time. I’ll let you know how that goes… By the way, if you ever visit London, do let me know. Would be really nice to meet in person. 🙂
Hi Mahesh,
Well, think about it this way: it’s got a lot of the features that you do want like the sensor, and better electronics :). I also love the fact that it has an evf. I’m not a fan of the 15-45mm either. I think optically, it’s actually pretty good but like you said, it’s noisy and slow. Definitely let me know how it goes with your 27mm. That’s actually one of my favorite Fuji lenses.
I’ll also definitely let you know when I go to London for a visit. It’ll be great to finally meet in person! London is absolutely one of my favorite places. The last time I went, I didn’t want to come home lol. If you ever come to NY, let me know as well! We can grab some good food, and go around shooting or site seeing :).
Best,
Patrick
A big hi-fi for meeting up sometime 🙂 By the way, if you review XT100, would you mind comparing the film simulations with your XT2 that you have? I have seen some online comparisons and XT1/XT2 definitely look more colourful with balanced exposure across the frame. XT100 looks overly saturated or blowing highlights to me.
Hi Mahesh!
Apologies for the late reply! We will definitely meet up one day :). Sure, I will see what I can do in terms of the film simulations. I’ve been shooting more with the XT100, and I’m actually finding the Raw files pretty decent. I wish I could use Capture One but it doesn’t have the profile yet. With that said, I’ve been really happy with my results when I send the raw files through Photoshop CC. As for the electronics, they still aren’t up to par to say the X-T2 or the X-E3 but it’s definitely nice to have that viewfinder when compared to the X-A5 :).
Best,
Patrick
Thanks Patrick, look forward to seeing some comparisons. I am mainly keen on portraits/skin tones and other general pictures that are colourful 🙂 I sometimes just think of getting a mint second hand xt1. I used it for a short duration and remember liking the colours… Don’t remember why I returned it.. ah yes that GAS!
If you like portraits, you should check out my upcoming Leica 90mm review :). Somehow, I ended up with nearly all portraits as examples lol. As for the X-T1, that’s not a bad idea; I always say, get what fits you best. I loved my X-T1. The electronics are also better than say the X-T100’s, and it’s a professional body, so it’s built well. You can find them for pretty decent prices too.