Best Fuji Prime Lens – The Ultimate Guide to Fuji X Lenses
Framing life through a camera lens challenges you to be your best. When it comes to prime lenses, you challenge yourself by committing to a single focal length. Take a look at my guide to the best prime lens for Fuji and find the perfect lens for you.
These are the lenses of choice for professionals with the Fuji X lens options being some of the best available.
One of the longest ongoing debates in the photographic world is the prime vs zoom lenses arguments and the benefits of each.
But there is a reason that those in the know will always encourage you to purchase a prime lens. Some of the best X mount lenses are reviewed below to help you understand what genre they are for.
We’ll also outline the pros and cons of each lens. But keep in mind, the best Fuji primes are only as good as the Fujifilm camera that it is paired with.
My guide to the 8 best Fujifilm mirrorless cameras for travel will be the perfect companion to fully immerse yourself in the Fuji world.
Best Fuji X Lenses – What is a Prime Lens?
Are you unsure about what exactly a Fujifilm prime lens is or what the benefits of using one are? A prime lens is a fixed focal length lens, meaning you cannot zoom in or out.
Basically, the focal length of the lens is the distance between the point of convergence in your lens to the sensor in your camera, 50mm for example.
They are the not-so-secret weapon being favoured for their fast aperture, immense detail and beautiful bokeh.
Although not as commercially popular as zoom lenses they differ from them in their ability to maximise available light.
Their fast aperture can go as high as f/1.2, allowing for all the bokeh and depth of field you could ever want.
But why does a fast prime lens matter? It allows you to shoot wide open, the maximum aperture, for a shallower depth of field. This isolates the subject from its surroundings in terms of clarity and sharpness.
One thing to consider when choosing one of Fujifilm’s X mount lenses is the subject matter – what you will be shooting.
Portrait photography professionals tend to crop closer to their subjects, making the 56mm f/1.2 a candidate for the best Fuji portrait lens.
Let’s not forget that prime lenses can be a catalyst for creativity by forcing the photographer to be more involved in their compositions physically. They also have the added bonus of being more reliable due to the lack of zoom gears.
Best Fuji Prime Lenses — Reviews & What To Know
Now that you have an understanding of what a prime lens is, below is a list of the Fuji X mount lenses that are available.
They range in focal length from a wide-angle lens to a telephoto lens, each suiting a different style and serving a specific purpose.
Note: When it comes to lenses there are a few different mount options. If you have never used Fujifilm lenses, the ones reviewed below are specifically for Fuji X mount mirrorless cameras, no Fuji zoom lenses here.
Fujinon XF 14mm F2.8 R
One of the best wide-angle Fujinon lenses available, this lens is almost optically perfect. This ultra-wide-angle lens features a 35mm equivalent of 21mm and is perfect for landscape photography and cityscapes.
With minimised distortion thanks to its optical quality, this lens is one of the best wide-angle lenses for image quality. It is one of the original Fuji X mount lenses introduced so it is relatively old. But with age comes experience.
- 14mm focal length
- 21mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras
- F2.8 maximum aperture; F22 minimum
- Micromotor-type AF motor
- 58mm filters
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Sharp image quality
- Mechanical quality
Cons
- Plastic lens hood loosens over time with repeated use
- An older lens (introduced in 2012)
- No image stabilization
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Fujinon XF16mm F1.4 R WR
For those who need more bokeh and want incredible low light performance, you need this wide-angle lens in your bag.
Amazing performance for street photography and landscape photographers alike, with the added protection of weather sealing. Making this wide-angle Fuji prime lens more versatile in a somewhat macro capability with a focal point of only 6cm in front of the lens.
Pros
- Low light performance
- Weather sealed
Cons
- Metal hood costs extra
- Aperture ring is easy to change accidentally
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Fujinon 16mm F2.8 R WR
If you are wanting a wide-angle lens with amazing image quality that won’t melt your credit card, this is the best Fujifilm lens.
This is perfect for shooting travel and landscape photography. Why not throw in a little street photography as well.
Although not as fast as the f/1.4 Fuji lens, it still features weather sealing, is lighter and more compact while still being significantly cheaper than other wide-angle lenses.
Don’t forget the metal manual focus ring, giving you more control over your system. Overall, one of the best Fujifilm lenses for the price.
- High resolution performance: edge-to-edge sharpness from the center to the corners of the frame is achieved by the precise arrangement of 10 lens elements in 8 groups. This lens also includes two aspherical elements, which serve to suppress the image degrading effects of chromatic aberration and field curvature imperfection.
- Compact, lightweight and Stylish design: weighing in at 5. 47oz (155G) and measuring just 1. 79in (45. 4mm) in length, This lens offers up the renowned image quality and refined style associated with the Fujinon XF family of lenses. With its metal exterior, precise click Stops, and smooth dampening, this lens offers incredible image quality in a durable aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Fast and quiet autofocus: the inner focusing AF system uses a stepping motor to move focusing elements into place through precise electrical pulses, in order to achieve fast and near-silent autofocus performance.
- Weather and dust resistant durability: The lens is designed to operate in temperatures as low as 14° Fahrenheit and is Sealed at nine points around the barrel, making it both weather and dust resistant.
- Lens Type: Wide Angle Mounting Type: Fujifilm X
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Value for money
- Sharp image quality
Cons
- No image stabilization
- Lens hood provides almost no coverage
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Fujinon 18mm F2 R
This is one of the oldest Fujifilm X mount lenses in their lineup. A compact and versatile lens for its 27mm full-frame focal length equivalent, making it an ideal environment and portrait lens.
This mild wide-angle lens may lack weather sealing and a fast or smooth autofocus but it can still hold its own.
The lack of image stabilisation can be problematic, as camera-shake can make or break an image here.
Where this Fuji lens shines is its lightweight and compactness while providing sharp images when mounted to all X system cameras.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Sharp images
- Versatile lens
Cons
- Not weather resistant
- Slow autofocus system
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Fujinon XF 23mm F1.4 R
If you crave a shallow depth of field and want as much light as possible, this Fujifilm lens has them both in spades.
It captures sharp images thanks to its optical quality with the added bonus of a manual focus ring for when you need more control. This is one of the best 23mm lenses for Fuji, offering focal lengths for portrait photography with a maximum aperture of f/1.4.
The above comes at a cost though of no optical image stabilization nor weather sealing.
It is also relatively large for a focal length equivalent to 35mm and when compared to other Fujifilm lenses. It’s pretty expensive when compared to the newer f/2 version.
- 35mm equivalent F1.4 lens, Fully compatible with FUJIFILM X-Mount
- Focus range : Normal- 0.6m - ∞, Macro : 28cm - ∞, Focal length: f=23mm ,Max. magnification: 0.1x
- Seven round-edged aperture blades, which offer 22 stops in 1/3 EV steps
- Lens elements treated with Fujifilm’s multilayer HT-EBC (High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating)
- 1 lens group consisting of 3 cemented lens elements and 1 aspheric lens element
Pros
- Image quality
- Quick autofocus
- Maximum aperture of f/1.4
Cons
- Not weather resistant
- Pricey
- No Image Stabilization
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Fujinon XF 23mm F2 R WR
This is probably the best Fuji lens for street photography if you aren’t looking for a wide-angle. One of the best prime lenses and focal lengths with the security of being weather resistant makes this the ideal outdoor companion.
This lens offers the best performance at a reasonable price, making this an incredibly attractive choice.
The ten-element construction lends itself to superb image quality while also being extremely compact and lightweight.
There’s so much glass in these 6cms of Fuji lenses that it would be impossible to be pessimistic about any photo.
- Advanced image quality - ten elements in six groups, including two aspherical elements for edge-to-edge sharpness
- Angle of view: 63.4°.At just 180g, the XF23mmF2 R WR is compact, lightweight, and stylish for great operability
- Weather and dust resistant, capable of operating at temperatures as low as -10 Degree. Maximum magnification: 0.13x
- Fast and silent autofocus: when combined with the phase detection AF system of FUJIFILM X-Pro2 or X-T2, the lens can focus in an astonishing 005 seconds
Pros
- Weather sealed construction
- Value for money
- Built quality
- Versatile
Cons
- Aperture ring hard to use with gloves
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You can also look at my full FujiFilm 23mm F2 lens review for a more detailed look at this lens and why it is one of the best Fuji lenses.
Fujinon XF 27mm F2.8 R WR
This one is the perfect travel lens for environmental portraits while also being extremely compact and lightweight (84 grams).
Throw in an aperture ring, weather resistance and a Fuji 35mm equivalent focal length of 41mm – all for a low price.
If you are looking for the ultimate travel companion for any of the Fuji X series cameras, then this is the best Fuji lens you can get.
Amazing image quality with accurate colour representation is what makes this pancake lens stand out. The only thing that could be an issue is that the small compact size means that you can’t get a solid grip on the lens at times.
- 41mm Equivalent.Filter size ø39mm
- Slim and compact at 2.75oz
- Super EBC coating (Electron Beam Coating)
- Lens configuration :7 elements in 5 groups(includes 1 aspherical element)
- Lens Type: Standard
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Value for money
- Aperture ring
Cons
- Size can mean it’s hard to grip onto
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Fujinon Xf 35mm F1.4 R
This is another of the original and best 35mm lenses for Fuji X still available, this lens delivers incredible low light performance with pleasing bokeh. It performs in anything from street photography to environmental photography.
Even though there are other Fuji weather-resistant lenses in this category, the image quality makes this one of the best prime lenses for Fuji cameras.
Whether you’re just starting out or are a professional looking for a new lens, this should be a strong contender.
- Focal length (35mm format equivalent) f=35mm (53mm)
- 8 Elements in 6 Groups (Inc. 1 Asph. Element)
- Angle of view - 44.2 Degrees. Number of blades 7(rounded diaphragm opening)
- Filter Size 52mm
- Focus range : Normal 0.8m - ∞, Macro 28cm - 2.0m. Max. magnification 0.17x
Pros
- Image quality
- Depth of field
Cons
- Older model
- Not weather sealed
- Slow focus system without all the firmware updates
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Fujinon XF 35mm F2 R WR
If you are wanting something newer and more pocket friendly, this lens delivers superb performance when matched with Fujifilm mirrorless cameras.
Unlike the f/1.4 version, this Fuji lens comes with weather sealing and a new fast autofocus system. Probably the best Fujifilm prime lens in terms of value for money.
One of those ideal prime lenses for portraits with a focal length equivalent to full-frame cameras of 53mm.
This is seen as one of the golden focal lengths for portrait photographers. Although the maximum aperture of f/2 is higher than the older version, it still performs in low light conditions.
- Weather resistant design with 8 sealing points for weather and dust resistance and operation as low as 14 Degree
- Inner focus system with 0.08 seconds autofocus speed and nearly silent operation. Focal length : 35 millimeter (35 millimeter format equivalent : 53 millimeter)
- Nano GI coating reduces ghosting and flare
- 9 blade aperture creates smooth and circular bokeh
- Minimum working distance of approximately 13 inches.Max. magnification:0.17x.Angle of view:44.2 degree
Pros
- Value for money
- Weather sealing
Cons
- Maximum aperture of f/2
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Fujinon XF50mm F2 R WR
This is the standard focal length lens for all Fujifilm cameras, this compact and lightweight lens is perfect for those on-the-go street photographers. This is one of those Fuji lenses that just feels like home when attached to your camera body.
The robust build quality makes this a rugged lens especially when you remember that it is also one of Fuji’s weather-resistant lenses.
- Equivalent to 76 millimeter (in the 35 millimeter film format)
- Maximum aperture of F2.0 for beautiful bokeh
- Weather and dust resistant, operates in temperatures as low as -10 Degree Celsius, making it ideal for shooting in a variety of conditions
- Fast and silent focusing. Max. magnification- 0.15x. Angle of view-31.7°
- Focal length (35 millimeter format equivalent):f=50 millimeter (76 millimeter);Focus range 39 centimeter~∞
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Image sharpness
- Value for money
Cons
- Lens cap can be fiddly
- The plastic hood rattles a fair amount
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Fujinon XF 56mm F1.2
This 85mm focal length full-frame camera equivalent delivers the best bokeh and low light performance of all the Fuji lenses. This amazing performance comes at a reasonable price and is ideal for portrait photographers.
There is no optical image stabilization or weather sealing but don’t let that deter you from one of the best Fujifilm X lenses.
- 35mm equivalent - 85mm
- Max aperture F1.2, Min aperture F16
- Number of blades - 7(rounded diaphragm opening)
- Focus Range : Normal 0.7m - ∞; Macro 0.7m-3m
- Filter Size 62mm. Max. magnification :0.09x
Pros
- Value for money
- Exceptional low light performance
Cons
- Slower focusing system
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Fujinon XF 60mm F2.4 R
This was one of the first macro lenses released for their X mount cameras and it doesn’t disappoint in its performance. It produces incredibly sharp images but with slow autofocus and without a true manual focus system. The lack of image stabilization also makes it a harder macro lens to use.
This is still one of the best Fujifilm X lenses when it comes to macro photography, and for its age. This lens was specifically designed for the X-Pro1 camera body however so you will have to look at another macro lens if you have a different Fujifilm camera.
- 60mm F2.4 Macro Lens (90mm Equivalent)
- 10 Elements in 8 Groups (Inc. 1 Asph. Element & 1 abnormal disp. element)
- Angle of view - 26.6 Degrees
- Filter Size 39mm
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Compact
- No distortion
Cons
- Focus is slow
- Magnification is limited to 1:2
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Fujinon XF 80mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR
With a focal length equivalent to 120mm, this Fujifilm X mount macro lens features optical image stabilization.
Unlike the 60mm, this lens is compatible with all of Fuji’s X system cameras. Featuring a life-size 1.0x magnification factor and a minimum focus distance of 25cm. This is one of the best Fujifilm lenses in general, not just among macro lenses for macro photography.
Producing incredible sharp images with an immense amount of detail is what this lens was built for and excels at.
- High resolving power and beautiful bokeh - an optical construction of 16 elements in 12 groups, including one aspherical Lens, one Super ED Lens, and three ED lenses has been Adopted.
- New AF System - Adopts a Floating Focus System, which divides focus lens group into “Front Focus Group” and “Rear Focus Group” and drives them depending on the shooting distance with high accuracy.
- Optical Image Stabilization - Angle shake and shift shake are suppressed by using a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor with high accuracy, which achieves 5-stop image stabilization.
- Weather and dust resistant, -10 DegreeC/14 DegreeF low-temperature operation with fluorine coating. Angle of view is 20.1 degree
- Compatible with the XF1.4x and XF2.0x Teleconverters.Min. aperture:F22
Pros
- Sharp Images
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Front heavy and on the larger side
- Hard to use manual focus
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Fujinon XF 90mm F2 R LM WR
The first of the true telephoto lenses for Fujifilm cameras. This Fuji telephoto lens gives you options for shooting long lens landscapes or some beautiful portraits.
For the explorers, this lens features weather resistance and an all-metal construction. So, you can take it from the Arctic to the Bahamas with ease.
This super-fast and sharp lens is the Swiss army knife of Fujifilm X mount lenses. It takes up almost no space at all and has a relatively low weight, so it won’t take up too much space in your bag.
- 137mm (35mm Eq) and angle of view is 17.9 degree,focus range is 0.6m - ∞
- 11 elements in 8 groups, including three ED (extra low-dispersion) elements, which reduces chromatic aberrations to deliver sharp, rich images even at the widest aperture of F2.0.
- High-speed autofocus as fast as 0.14sec* (Complies with CIPA guidelines) thanks to a newly-developed Quad Linear Motor
- Weather and dust-resistant structure with seven seals on the lens barrel.
- Close focusing to 60cm and 0.3x magnification (35mm format equivalent)
Pros
- Build quality
- One of the best Fuji X lenses in terms of value for money
Cons
- Lens hood loosens with increased use
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Fujinon XF 200mm F2 R LM OIS WR
The king of telephoto lenses for the X mount mirrorless cameras. This is the perfect lens for wildlife photography and features optical image stabilization with 5 stops.
With a focal length equivalent of 305mm or a focal length of 402mm when using the 1.4x converter, it will take you right up close to the action.
This telephoto lens is built to last with a smooth and fast autofocus operation and a maximum aperture of f/2 allowing for incredible low light performance. This truly is the best of the Fuji lenses.
- Equivalent to 300mm (35mm)
- 19 elements in 14 groups, including one large-diameter Super ED Lens element and two large-diameter ED Lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration
- New Focus Preset function that instantaneously changes the focus to a preset position, enabling photographers to capture the main subject with ease, and without having to make focal readjustments.
- Utilizing linear motors, the XF200mmF2 R LM OIS WR achieves fast, near silent and high-precision AF performance
- The Lens offers 5-stop image stabilization performance and is sealed at 17 points and designed to be weather and Dust-Resistant and to operate in temperatures as low as 14 Degree/-10 Degree.
Pros
- Ultra-sharp
- Flawless optics
- Smaller than full-frame camera equivalent 300mm lenses
Cons
- Electronic manual focus ring
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FujiFilm Lenses – Challenge Yourself with Prime Lenses
If you find yourself staring blankly at your screen or scrolling Pinterest endlessly looking for inspiration, you have finally hit that creative block.
All creatives, especially photographers, dread it but, there is a way to get yourself out of that creative rut. Take the prime challenge.
Grab your favourite of the Fujifilm X mount prime lenses, throw it on that camera body and head out to challenge yourself.
Try to capture the world through a manual focus lens and a single focal length and see what you come away with.
Prime lenses offer you the chance to become a better photographer, are you going to say no to that?
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