Mark Ellington
Fujinon XF 80mm F2.8 Lens with TC WR
Ultimate Review of Fujinon XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Lens & XF2X TC WR: Performance Unleashed
Introduction
The Fujinon XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Lens, paired with the XF2X TC WR, represents a powerful combination designed for professional photographers looking to elevate their craft. Manufactured by Fujifilm, a company renowned for its innovative imaging solutions, this lens is categorized as a premium telephoto lens, well-suited for portrait, macro, and wildlife photography. Its advanced optical construction and robust build quality make it an ideal choice for those seeking high performance in various shooting conditions.
Product Overview
The Fujinon XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR lens features an impressive optical construction comprising 16 elements in 12 groups, including one aspherical lens, one Super ED lens, and three ED lenses. This design aims to provide high resolving power and stunning bokeh, essential for any serious photographer. The lens is complemented by the XF2X TC WR teleconverter, which effectively doubles the focal length, enhancing versatility for capturing distant subjects.
Appearance and Build Quality
The Fujinon XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR lens boasts a sleek, professional aesthetic with a matte black finish that minimizes reflections. The lens barrel is constructed from high-quality materials, providing a robust feel while remaining lightweight enough for extended use. Unique design features include a weather-resistant structure that can withstand dust and moisture, allowing it to perform in challenging environments. The focus and aperture rings are smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise adjustments, while the overall design promotes a comfortable grip during operation.
Key Features and Specifications
- Focal Length: 80mm (equivalent to 122mm in 35mm format)
- Maximum Aperture: F2.8
- Optical Construction: 16 elements in 12 groups
- Image Stabilization: 5-stop Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
- Auto Focus System: Floating Focus System with high accuracy
- Weather Resistance: Operates in conditions as low as 14°F
- Teleconverter: XF2X TC WR multiplies focal length by 2x
- Weight: 750g (without teleconverter)
User Experience
During testing, the Fujinon XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR lens delivered exceptional performance across various scenarios. In portrait photography, the lens produced stunningly sharp images with creamy bokeh, allowing subjects to stand out beautifully against blurred backgrounds. The floating focus system proved to be highly effective, enabling quick and accurate autofocus even at close distances, making it ideal for macro photography.
When paired with the XF2X TC WR teleconverter, the lens maintained impressive sharpness, though it did introduce a slight reduction in maximum aperture to F5.6. This combination was particularly beneficial for wildlife photography, allowing for greater reach without compromising image quality. The weather-resistant design also allowed for worry-free shooting in light rain and challenging conditions, enhancing its usability for outdoor photographers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional image quality with high resolving power
- Beautiful bokeh, perfect for portraits
- Highly effective image stabilization (5-stop OIS)
- Robust weather-resistant design
- Fast and accurate autofocus system
Cons:
- Relatively heavy compared to other lenses in its category
- Price point may be high for amateur photographers
- Teleconverter may result in slight loss of light
Conclusion
In summary, the Fujinon XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR lens, along with the XF2X TC WR teleconverter, is a powerhouse combination that delivers impressive performance for both portrait and macro photographers. Its exceptional image quality, advanced features, and robust build make it a worthwhile investment for serious enthusiasts and professionals alike. While the weight and price may be drawbacks for some, the lens’s capabilities far outweigh these concerns, making it a top-tier choice for those seeking to enhance their photography skills.
