Who doesn’t love a great lens? The Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f4 R OIS WR to give it it’s full name is actually the second generation of this particular lens. The only real addition is the WR to the end, it actually also lost 90 grams in the modernisation process. The WR, denotes weather resistant, a useful trait in a lens that will be used a lot in landscape photography.
I don’t often buy lenses to be honest. I certainly don’t own any of Fujifilm’s best lenses, the red badge versions. I also don’t pixel peep my fujifilm lenses, in this review, opinion will certainly not be given at 400% view.
Lenses Are Long Term InvestmentsÂ
A lens is an expensive investment, something that should last years assuming you don’t change your entire camera system. The last lens I bought was the Fujifilm XF55-200mm. I bought it secondhand but in excellent condition. I has become a lens that I use a lot, particularly for video as its perspective is very different from a lot of run and gun stock video. Until now it has been my best Fuji lensÂ
The last lens that I bought new was the Fujifilm XF 14mm f/2.8. Ironically the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f4 was bought to replace the 14mm. But why I hear you ask sacrifice a stop for 4mm of focal length. This non pixel peeping review of the Fujifilm 10-24 mm will tell you why.
It’s Not Just 4mmÂ
At the upper end of the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f4 I am gaining a further 10mm. That makes it a fantastic zoom range both for landscape and urban photography. It’s also significantly more useful than the Fujifilm XF 14mm f2.8 for video. I found the fixed prime very restrictive when shooting video, so much so that I would usually sacrifice 4mm of wide angle focal length for the convenience of the 18-55m kit lens. The Fujifilm 10-24mm f4 however I am already using a lot.
So Why The Fujifilm XF 10-24mm?
The simple reason is that I want to shoot more landscape work. The Fujifilm XF14mm was not quite wide enough for landscape, being 21mm equivalent on the APS-C sensor. At 10mm however the 10-24 is giving me an equivalent of 15mm which is pretty damn close to the best lens I ever owned, the Nikon 14-24 f/2.8G. However, being one stop slower and for an APS-C sensor, the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm has one very distinct advantage, it can take regular filters. It has a 72mm filter thread making it a perfect match with my new Kase Wolverine Magnetic Circular filter system.
First Impressions of The Fujifilm XF 10-24mm
Although the lens is not one of Fujifilm’s red badge professional lenses, it is nonetheless a well built optic. The barrel is plastic but it does not feel like it, whilst the top and tail, that is the mount and front element surrounds are all metal. The zoom is not quite as smooth as I would like, with a slight sticking spot mid range. This will probably free up over time.
It takes a somewhat minimalist approach compared to other Fujifilm stabilised lenses. I say this because Fujifilm have removed the OIS button, stabilisation now has to be switched on and off through the menu or on the touch screen of the Fujifilm X-T4. Personally I would prefer the switch, especially as a video shooter, however it’s not a major issue.Â
Image Quality
As I said at the top, I am not a pixel peeper. I don’t photograph walls at various apertures to determine overall sharpness. What I do do is take photos. In the weeks that I have been using the Fujifilm 10-24, I have been impressed. It seems to be up there with the Fujifilm 14mm f2.8 for sharpness especially in the sweet spot apertures around f5.6-8. If pushed I would say it’s slightly sharper at wider focal lengths, there is perhaps a touch of corner softness as you approach 24mm. Contrast and colour rendition are very natural through all focal lengths.Â
Distortion is not something I really comment on as this is generally controlled in camera these days. There was no obvious vignetting unless I stacked filters on the front at wider focal lengths. I believe the lens will be more than suitable for both landscape photography and fine art prints.
Overall I am very pleased with the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm. It’s a focal range that I have really missed since selling my Nikon 14-24 G lens. The fact that I can easily add filters, that it’s significantly smaller, lighter and cheaper than the Nikon, more than make up for the loss of one aperture stop.Â
I suspect I will be a fan of the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm for quite a few years ahead.