REVIEW: 2016, What a Year with Fujifilm

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2016 was certainly a great year to be a Fujifilm X-Photographer.  I was involved in two major camera launches for the Japanese camera manufacturer, including being invited to be part of the press conference in Tokyo for the 5th Anniversary celebrations and the launch of some new products including the X-Pro2 and XF100-400mm which I been involved in testing.

 The second launch was in July for the Fujifilm X-T2 and while fellow X-Photographer John Rourke was invited to to do a Q&A in the Paris press conference, I was involved in organising the second day of the event at the Le Mans Classic, writing a handy guide for Fujifilm to give out their guests from the media and from the retailers.

 I have tested the following cameras and lenses in 2016
  • Fujinon XF100-400mm f4.5/5.6R LM OIS WR
  • Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • Fujinon 2x teleconverter
  • Fujifilm X-T2
  • Fujinon XF23mm f2R WR
Here is a round up of my reviews -

 Fujinon XF100-400mm f4.5/5.6R LM OIS WR
This is the lens that finally gave the Fujifilm X Series the long telephoto capabilities for sport and wildlife photography.  I was invited by Fujifilm to test the lens prior to the launch in Tokyo last January and I was seriously impressed despite some reservations regarding its suitability for sports photography.

 The build and optical quality is right up there with the other XF lenses and the class leading 5 stop OIS is certainly a bonus and means I can leave the monopod at home.  The limiting factor is the f5.6 maximum aperture at the long end of the zoom range but even here I have been able to shoot sport under stadium lights.
CLICK HERE to see a selection of images taken with this lens

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 Fujifilm X-Pro2
The X-Pro2 was launched in Tokyo last January. I had been testing a prototype of the camera prior to the launch.  My first interchangeable lens X-Series camera was an X-Pro1 and the new camera was a huge leap forward in every department.  It also indicated the future direction of the X Series, especially in the AF department.

 Now I have been using the X-Pro2 for over 12 months now, I can honestly say that this camera is a go to for anyone who loves the rangefinder styling and the ultimate quality of the 3rd generation X-Trans sensor combined with XF lenses now available.

Here are links to some of the MacLean Photographic Blogs on the X-Pro2
CLICK HERE to see a selection of images taken with this camera


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 Fujinon 2x Teleconverter
The 2x converter was added to the XF lens range in May.  Like the 1.4x converter, this teleconverter can only be used with the XF50-140mm f2.8 or the XF100-400mm f4.5/5.6 lenses at the expense of a two stop loss of light reaching the sensor.

 I have found that the 2x converter is a perfect partner for the 50-140mm lens, making it a 100-280mm f5.6.  However using it with the XF100-400mm does come with some compromises and while quality images can be shot with this combination the hit rate is a lot less than expected. 

 This is a good addition to the XF lens range but if you are thinking of buying the 2x to pair with a XF100-400mm have a read of my review below first.
CLICK HERE to see images taken with this teleconverter

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 Fujifilm X-T2
Well what can I say about the X-T2?  As a sports photographer, this is the X-Series camera I've been waiting for with a customisable AF system that works fast and efficiently.  Fujifilm have taken the best that the X-T1 had to offer and improved ever aspect to produce the best X-Series camera yet.

 I started using a prototype X-T2 back in April and helped Fujifilm develop the camera ahead of its launch in July.  Here is the initial review of the X-T2 the day it was launched in Paris.
Here are some links to the MacLean Photographic blogs on the X-T2
CLICK HERE to see some sample images taken on the X-T2


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Fujinon XF23mm f2R WR
In September I had the opportunity to test the new Fujinon XF23mm f2 prime lens on the grid before the start of the 6 Hours of Mexico, round 5 of the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship.

As someone who loves shooting with the 23mm f2 lens found on the X100 / X100T I was intrigued to test the new prime lens. Thanks to Fujifilm Mexico I was able to have 60-minutes with the lens.  I will be carrying out a more in depth test in early 2017.

CLICK HERE to see the review of the 23mm f2 lens from Mexico



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I am looking forward to testing more Fujifilm X-Series kit in 2017 and reporting back on my findings in using these cameras and lenses in a real world photographic environment. Thank you for taking the time to read the MacLean Photographic blog.


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Jeff Carter is an Official Fujifilm X Photographer and was named as a Fujifilm brand ambassador in June 2015. In 2016 he worked with the company on the launches of the Fujifilm X-Pro2 in Tokyo and the Fujifilm X-T2 in Paris in July 2016.  You can view his profile and gallery on the Fujifilm website HERE

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