Some years ago I opted for the
Fujifilm mirror-less X system cameras and sold off my other equipment. In the move - on I gave up a lens that was absolutely magnificent - a
Sigma 8-16mm zoom. I cannot speak highly enough of it as a part of the system I used then. It scooped in big wedding parties, coped with dim, pokey little churches, and was an absolute hoot with the tabletop scenes I create. Hats off to Sigma.
Unfortunately, Sigma cannot get the go-ahead codes to make lenses for Fujifilm - and few other makers can either, though I note a few Chinese factories turn out X-mount lenses by the score. But that wasn't the issue. The issue was where was I going to get a lens that would do what the Sigma did - if not a zoom, then at least a decent compromise focal length. The model tabletop scenes could be made to order but the dim, pokey little churches would stay the same...
I opted for the Fujinon 14mm f:2.8 at the time - and could not have been happier with the way it behaved in the studio and out on jobs. The autofocus was all I needed - though cynics will say that autofocusing as short a focal length is gilding the geranium. The manual focus was wonderful when you got time to use it. And the focal length - though not as wide as the much-mourned Sigma - was enough to get what you needed.
Roll on to now. Fujifilm has taken a new tack in their lens design - making prime lenses lighter and smaller while retaining superb build quality and optical performance. Was I looking for that wide-angle lens now, I would seriously consider* the featured lens today - the Fujinon 16mm f:2.8 R WR.
It is tiny. Look at the 20¢ piece in the picture. The performance is glorious. And it has a smaller barrel diameter - which would let me lay it closer to the tarmac of my model airports for a more accurate scale appearance.
If you're not into tabletop airfields, but want to travel lightly to scenic destinations, consider a smaller Fujifilm X-series body like the
X-T30 or the X-E3 and a kit of prime lenses: the
16mm f:2.8, the
35mm f:2. and the
50mm f:2. You will get wonderful landscape and people shots and not suffer from having to be a lens mule while you do it.
I do have a little sneaky bit of regret that I do not have this lens instead of the 14mm, but you have to realise - like the title of the column says - that the train just keeps rolling. The goods get gooder...if that makes any sense...and you shouldn't feel bad at the developments that will come.
* I'm not selling the 14mm. I know when I'm on a good thing...
