rdonson's reviews

  • Fujinon XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Tack sharp imaging quality. Good AF on X-T1. Amazing IS.

    I have an older Canon 100-400 and it doesn't hold a candle to this lens. This is sharp, excellent contrast and focuses well on my X-T1. The IS is simply amazing.

    Details that I truly appreciate:
    - the lens hood has a sliding door for use with Polarizing Filters
    - the limiting switch that stops extension of the lens
    - the easy to use collar (foot)
    - well balanced when the foot is on the tripod

    reviewed July 11th, 2016 (purchased for $1,899)

  • Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    focal length range, IS, size
    a little heavier than I thought it would be

    I picked up this lens as a walk-around lens for my Canon 7D. As such it has fit the bill very nicely. IQ has been very good for my use as a walk-around lens. Construction isn't up to L glass but for the money its more than acceptable.

    If there is a downside at this point for me its that there is no camera/lens profile for Adobe Camera RAW and Lightroom. Distortion and CA corrections must be done manually.

    reviewed January 15th, 2013 (purchased for $639)

  • Fujinon XF 60mm f/2.4 R Macro

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Tack sharp!

    I've waited until firmware 4.0 for the X-T1 to provide a review.

    This lens seems often maligned but its hard to beat its IQ for the money. It is tack sharp and at f/2.4 its pretty fast. Its a good optic.

    The biggest knock has been focusing speed and until fm 4.0 it had its moments of hunting about. With the new firmware though I found that if I stuck to the PDAF points it actually focused nicely.

    As you might expect I use this lens for macro work and portraits and I'm quite pleased with the results. IQ is excellent.

    reviewed July 2nd, 2015 (purchased for $450)

  • Fujinon XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Image Quality, build quality, OIS, WR
    None really

    I use this with my Fuji X-T1 and process images with LR 5.7 following Pete Bridgwood's RAW guidance. I've been very impressed with this camera and with this lens.

    I initially purchased this lens in combination with the X-T1 and my intended use was for walkarounds where size and weight gave it a significant advantage over my Canon DSLRs.

    I find myself using my Canon DSLRs now only when the situation calls for specific use of one of the L glass lenses I have.

    This lens has consistently provided sharp images with great color and the OIS has surprised me repeatedly. I do NOT see a distinct difference between this lens and most of the Canon L glass I own.

    I do NOT miss this lens having f/2.8 as that would likely add a great deal of weight and bulk to the lens. With the high ISO capabilities and the quality of this lens I'm quite satisfied.

    reviewed January 14th, 2015 (purchased for $799)

  • Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Well built, OIS, versatility, good design
    none for me

    I use this lens on my X-T1. I shoot RAW and process in LR 5.7.1. This may mask some of the optical shortcomings mentioned but since I get the results I'm looking for it doesn't matter to me.

    This lens has been a joy for me to use. I use it for outdoors architectural shots and for indoors to get the lines of the space I'm in. I never imagined I'd appreciate OIS on a super WA lens but I do. Hand holding is FUN!

    With my processing workflow this has continually rewarded me with very good images. Its a delight. For me its rather compact and not overly heavy. In the hand its easy to use and very smooth to zoom and focus.

    I also have Canon DSLRs and a case of L glass and I don't find this gives up anything to a comparable L lens.

    Since purchasing the X-T1 for walkaround use I've become a Fuji fan. I appreciate the design, engineering and build quality not to mention the benefits of mirrorless.

    reviewed January 21st, 2015

  • Fujinon XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Tack sharp, great OIS, WR, very well built

    I'm used to the Canon 70-200 f/2.8 L (not version II) and this seems better in every way. I took 10s of thousands of shots with the Canon and it was a workhorse for me but I like this better. Obviously this is a bit lighter and smaller as it's tailored to the APS-C sensor. Obviously this is also newer than my Canon and it may be on par with the newer II version.

    The lens is well designed. I like the lens shade with the opening for a finger to rotate a circular polarizer. Fuji put marks on the lens shade so I've really not had an issue putting it on or taking it off.

    I don't take the foot off. If I'm hand holding I simply rotate the foot to be out of my way.

    Fast focus, tack sharp and excellent OIS are the hallmarks of this lens.

    It's a fine complement to my Fuji 100-400 for tele lenses and works marvelously with my X-T2..

    reviewed May 27th, 2017 (purchased for $1)

  • Fujinon XF 1.4X TC WR

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    It is amazing. It works well on my 50-140 and my 100-400. There is very little difference in image quality on the 50-140 with the 1.4TC. On the 100-400 it is a bit softer at 400 but nothing you can't live with for that focal length.

    A truly amazing optic that is small and light and resides on my 50-140 lens most of the time.

    I got the 1.4TC is a package deal with the 100-400 so I can't really say what I paid for the TC alone.

    reviewed April 27th, 2019