- Advanced Image Sensor Technology: The 26.1MP BSI APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 image sensor and X-Processor 4 quad-core CPU combination provide accurate AF and Face Detection for moving subjects when capturing...
- Accurate Auto-Focus Tracking and Face Detection: he new X-Processor 4 Quad Core-CPU offers fast and accurate face-detection for moving people. Additionally, eye-detection AF now works in AF-C mode,...
- Superior video and image effects: The ex-t30 offers the ability to record 4K video at 30 frames per second or capture of 120 frames per second at 1080P to create super slow motion effects. Filmmakers...
What lens to get for your Fujifilm X-T30?
The Fujifilm X-T30 (check on Amazon UK here / Amazon Australia here), which came on the market in March 2019, is a compact, high quality, mirrorless hybrid camera. It features high-end features inherited from its predecessor, the X-T3. However, it offers significant improvements in the latter in terms of automatic focusing by phase detection and allows eyes and faces to be located more quickly. A new function allows you to choose a particular face when monitoring autofocus, a very practical option when several people are present. The 3-inch tilting touch screen is very responsive and improves speed of execution. A specific lever allows the selection of zones. These functions are available in both photo and video mode.
Thanks to a backlit 4-channel X-Trans CMOS sensor, 26.1 megapixel resolution, 256-zone TTL measurement and 6240 x 4160 resolution, the quality of the photos is impeccable. In addition, there are 16 Fuji-specific film simulation modes for JPEG recording. The RAW format can be compressed or not. The device works very well in video mode, records at 6K and offers a very good 4K. With its high quality, the audio aspect is not neglected either. The various exposure modes are selected using an easy-to-access dial. Exposure compensation varies from -5 to +5 in photo mode and from -2 to +2 in video mode. Other advanced functions such as the burst allows up to 30 frames/second with the electronic shutter, making it a suitable tool for sports photography. Bracketing is possible for various functions: exposure, white balance, film simulation or sensitivity selection. Versatility will convince the most sceptical.
Equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, HDMI output, USB-C port, microphone connector, flash and accessory shoe, the Fujifilm X-T30 is truly complete. Its NP-W126S Li-ion battery promises a battery life of 390 still images in normal mode. Lightweight and compact, its ergonomics make it very pleasant. Too bad it’s not weather sealed! It benefits from the Fuji X-mount optical fleet. Since it is to be blamed for something, we note the fact that it has only one SD card slot, that it is equipped with an older viewfinder than the X-T3’s and that it does not include a stabilizer. Apart from these points, it will satisfy professionals and demanding amateurs. Everyone will recognize its versatility and reliability. Its price also makes it a remarkable choice, as well as its light weight which makes it easy to take with you when travelling.
This selection of the best lenses compatible with the Fujifilm X-T30 will help you to choose the right tool for your style of photography: it covers all situations, whether for portraits, wide-angle photos or macro.
You’ll also find more info in this post about the best Fujifilm X-mount lenses.
Note: the product links in this article lead to Amazon.com
Summary
- Standard zoom
- Street photography
- Portraits
- Wide angle
- Wide angle prime lens
- Zoom lens
- Macro
- Comparative table
- Abbreviations to know
- Useful accessories
STANDARD ZOOM
Fujinon XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
Weight: 655 g
Filter size: 77 mm
Price: $$$$$ / (Amazon UK here) (Amazon Australia here) (Amazon Canada here)
This 16-55mm was awarded the EISA 2015-2016 prize in the European Compact System Zoom Lens category. It will be of interest mainly to those who do not want to take several objectives with them on their travels. It gives the equivalent in full size of a 24-86mm, with a constant aperture of f/2.8.
Its positive points: images are obtained with an impressive sharpness and colour rendering, and it is resistant to dust and water (indicated by the acronym WR). Its finish is all metal. It also has a mechanical diaphragm adjustment ring, and its autofocus is precise and silent.
On the negative side, it is rather expensive and impressive when compared to other objectives of this selection. Filters with a fairly large diameter of 77mm should be used to protect the optics. It is not stabilized either.
However, it offers some pretty amazing results and if you’re looking for an all-in-one zoom with a reactive autofocus, even if it means it’s a bit bulky, it’s a very good lens choice for the Fuji X-T30.
Click to see the price
- Optically designed to draw out the maximum image quality of a flagship standard zoom lens Angle of view 83 2°- 29°
- Focal length(35mm format equivalent) f=16-55mm (24-84mm) Focus range Normal - 0 6m - ∞(whole zoom position) Macro - 30cm - 10m (Wide) 40cm - 10m (Telephoto)
- High-speed, quiet auto focus thanks to the Linear Motor Weight, excluding caps and hoods 1 44 pounds (655g)
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☛ OTHER POSSIBLE OPTION
- Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS Usually sold with the Fuji X-T2, it’s a good option if you don’t have it yet and if you need a lens to do everything. Its performance is much better than most kit lenses sold by Canon, Nikon or Sony. And it costs much less than the 16-55mm.
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STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
Fujifilm Fujinon XF-35 mm f/1.4 R
Weight: 187 g
Filter size: 52 mm
Price: $$$$$ / (Amazon UK here) (Amazon Australia here) (Amazon Canada here)
A versatile fixed focal length lens equivalent to 50mm on a full format, which can be used for landscape, street or portrait photography. The f/1.4 aperture is suitable for low light conditions and provides a very soft background blur. Entirely made of metal, solid and well designed, with a weight of just under 200g and a small footprint that makes it easy to take on a trip.
A notable negative point however, the focus is not internal and it can capture dust (no tropicalization!). Autofocus is not the best of the best either.
That said, the quality of the images delivered is impressive and it certainly deserves its place on your Fuji X-T30.
Click to see the price
- Focal length (35mm format equivalent) f=35mm (53mm)
- 8 Elements in 6 Groups (Inc. 1 Asph. Element)
- Angle of view - 44.2 Degrees. Number of blades 7(rounded diaphragm opening)
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☛ OTHER POSSIBLE OPTION
- Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR cheaper, the f/2 version is tropicalized and has a slightly faster autofocus (even if it sometimes fails). An alternative to consider if the difference in aperture does not matter to you.
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PORTRAITS
Fujifilm Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 R
Weight: 405 g
Filter size: 62 mm
Price: $$$$$ / (Amazon UK here) (Amazon Australia here) (Amazon Canada here)
This is the perfect lens for portrait photography with a focal length equivalent to 85mm, this 56mm f/1.2 offers high quality images. Its f/1.2 aperture allows you to have a beautiful bokeh and to photograph in low light conditions. With excellent sharpness, little vignetting and almost no distortion, optical quality is the best of the best. Its construction is meticulous and it offers a good grip.
A few drawbacks, however: without being heavy, it is not a featherweight either, and it remains quite expensive (like most Fujifilm lenses). No integrated optical stabilization either!
Despite this overall it offers exceptional image quality, and if you are looking for the best portrait lens for Fuji X-T30, this 56mm f/1.2 is highly recommended. Namely that there is an APD version of this lens, which offers a bokeh a better coat, but at a much higher price.
Click to see the price
- 35mm equivalent - 85mm
- Max aperture F1.2, Min aperture F16
- Number of blades - 7(rounded diaphragm opening)
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☛ OTHER POSSIBLE OPTIONS
- Fujifilm Fujinon XF 50 mm f/2 R WR: an alternative with great advantages: twice as light, tropicalized, compact and less expensive than the 56mm f/1.2 even if it offers a prettier bokeh and overall a better image rendering. A very good choice if your budget does not allow you the 56mm.
- Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR Tropicalized but not stabilized, with a useful focal length to leave distance with the subject. Really exceptional image quality, but quite expensive and impressive.
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Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR
Weight: 180 g
Filter size: 43 mm
Price: $$$$$ / (Amazon UK here) (Amazon Australia here) (Amazon Canada here)
This 23mm fixed focal length (35mm equivalent on full format) received a Tipa 2017 award for the best fixed focal length for hybrid. A little less practical to make the portrait than the 35mm mentioned above, it will be more interesting for those who want to make landscape photography or reporting.
It offers excellent overall image quality, with little vignetting and super sharpness. Its focus is silent and very fast. Without being a pancake, it remains light and compact, with a template perfectly adapted to Fujifilm cases; its construction quality is also very good.
In short, it offers a good balance between image quality, compactness and solidity (it is tropicalized) all at a fair price.
Click to see the price
- Advanced image quality - ten elements in six groups, including two aspherical elements for edge-to-edge sharpness
- Angle of view: 63.4°.At just 180g, the XF23mmF2 R WR is compact, lightweight, and stylish for great operability
- Weather and dust resistant, capable of operating at temperatures as low as -10 Degree. Maximum magnification: 0.13x
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☛ OTHER POSSIBLE OPTION
- Fujifilm XF 23 mm F1.4 R: its direct competitor, twice as expensive and almost twice as heavy. It offers better optical performance, including a slightly more pleasant bokeh, but it is much more bulky and not tropicalized. The 23mm f/2 is much more affordable and more pleasant to use.
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WIDE ANGLE
Fujifilm Fujinon XF 10-24 mm f/4 R OIS
Weight: 410 g
Filter size: 72 mm
Price: $$$$$ / (Amazon UK here) (Amazon Australia here) (Amazon Canada here)
An ultra wide angle zoom that offers a field equivalent to 15-36mm in 24×36 format, ideal for architectural or landscape photography. The constant aperture of f/4 provides good brightness. It is stabilized, which is very convenient for taking pictures by hand. The OIS focusing system is fast and silent. Given its high price, it is regrettable that it is not protected against bad weather or dust, even if the metal construction remains top of the range (it is XF). This is its main flaw, especially if you plan to take it with you on a trip.
In terms of image quality, it is enough to see some examples of photos obtained with this 10-24 to see that it allows quite fabulous results if you are an amateur of this type of focal length.
In short, if you are looking for the best wide-angle zoom lens for the Fuji X-T30, it is a very good choice unless you are looking for a wide-angle fixed focal length.
Click to see the price
- Equivalent to 15-36 mm (35mm format) - angle of view: 110° - 61.2°
- Minimum working distance of 0.24 m, Focal Length : 10-24 mm
- Constant f:4 aperture throughout entire zoom range, OIS (built-in Optical Image Stabilisation)
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WIDE ANGLE PRIME LENS
Fujifilm XF 14 mm f/2.8 R
Weight: 235 g
Filter size: 58 mm
Price: $$$$$ / (Amazon UK here) (Amazon Australia here) (Amazon Canada here)
For lovers of landscape or architectural photography, this 14mm equivalent to a 21mm in 24×36 format is simply excellent. The aperture of f/2.8 allows you to take pictures in low light conditions, the dive is simply superb and the color rendering superb. Too bad it is not tropicalized because it is useful if you have to take it on a trip in difficult conditions (humidity, dust…), even if the overall quality of construction is very careful. Its weight, above all, makes it pleasant to use and easy to transport.
Apart from that, it is a must if you know how to use this type of focal length and have the budget because it is rather expensive.
Click to see the price
- 58mm filters
- 14mm focal length
- Micromotor-type AF motor
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☛ OTHER POSSIBLE OPTIONS
- Fujifilm XF 16 mm f/1.4 R WR It’s hard to choose between this one and the 14mm…. The 16mm f/1.4 has a larger aperture, is tropicalized and has a very short minimum focus distance. On the other hand it’s heavier and more voluminous than the 14mm and costs a little more. If you want to favour weight and size, choose the 14mm. If larger aperture and bokeh are important criteria for you, choose the 16mm. In both cases, the image quality is excellent.
- Rokinon 12mm f/2 NCS CS Half as expensive as the two lenses mentioned above, but the focus is manual. It offers the widest angle of view of the three.
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ZOOM LENS
Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
Weight: 580 g
Filter size: 62 mm
Price: $$$$$ / (Amazon UK here) (Amazon Australia here) (Amazon Canada here)
Very good zoom that can complete the 18-55 or 16-55mm, equivalent to an 85-300mm on a full format. The construction is meticulous and the stitching is excellent over the entire focal range. It is not tropicalized but has a very pleasant finish.
Optical stabilization is very effective, even at 200mm. Without being a lightweight, it remains easily transportable. Auto focus can sometimes be difficult but it does the job (this will cause problems in sports photography perhaps).
Overall it does the job perfectly and offers excellent image performance despite its limited openness, for a reasonable footprint.
Click to see the price
- 55 200mm focal length, Minimum focus distance 1.10m/43.41 inch
- 83 300mm equivalent focal length on APS C cameras
- F3.5 4.8 maximum aperture; F22 minimum, Stepper type AF motor
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☛ OTHER POSSIBLE OPTION
- Fujifilm XF 50-140 mm f/2.8R-OIS WR Twice as heavy and more expensive than the 55-200! The constant aperture of f/2.8 is however a plus to shoot in low light and have a nice bokeh, and the dive is remarkable. It is tropicalized (fortunately, given its price!).
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Fujinon XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS
Weight: 1375 g
Filter size: 77 mm
Price: $$$$$ / (Amazon UK here) (Amazon Australia here) (Amazon Canada here)
The lens with the largest focal range of this selection, but also the most expensive and heaviest! Equivalent to a 150-600mm on full format, it is primarily intended for pro and semi-professionals who want to take animal or sports photos.
Tropicalized and stabilized, it delivers superb images over the entire focal range even if it is far from perfect at 400m and f/5.6. Don’t expect a crazy bokeh, its aperture is quite limited. Apart from that, the optical quality is top notch.
Its weight and size will take some time to adapt, but if you want to take a picture from (very) far away, this is the best lens for the Fuji X-T30 in its class (and the only one!).
Click to see the price
- KIT INCLUDES 9 PRODUCTS -- All BRAND NEW Items with all Manufacturer-supplied Accessories + Full USA Warranties:
- [1] Fujifilm 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 XF R LM OIS WR Zoom Lens + [2] Hoya 77mm 3pc UV/CPL/ND Filter +
- [3] Transcend 64GB SDXC U3 Card + [4] PD 50" Compact Travel Tripod +
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MACRO
Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro
Weight: 750 g
Filter size: 62 mm
Price: $$$$$ / (Amazon UK here) (Amazon Australia here) (Amazon Canada here)
The ideal lens for the XT30 if you want to do macro (to make close-ups of insects, flowers…) or even portrait. The aperture of f/2.8 allows you to have a nice bokeh effect (don’t expect an incredible background blur, it’s good without being exceptional). It is stabilized, resistant to humidity and dust and has an LM autofocus system that allows fast but not necessarily silent focusing!
The most important thing to remember is that the rendering of the images obtained with this 80mm f/2.8 is simply excellent. Well, there are inevitably disadvantages to this objective, starting with the weight and size more than consequent, and its price that reserves it for pros or amateurs who can really enjoy themselves. Anyway, if you have the means it is the best macro lens available for the XT30.
Click to see the price
- 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...
- 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.
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☛ OTHER POSSIBLE OPTION
- Fujifilm XF 60mm f/2.4 R Half as expensive and especially three times lighter than the 80mm but not tropicalized or stabilized. Very good image quality however, even if the most common negative point is the autofocus, which tends to slip. A good alternative to try to get into the macro and that you don’t have the budget to buy the 80mm.
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COMPARATIVE TABLE
All the lenses compatible with the Fuji X-T30 mentioned in this article are gathered and classified in this comparative table according to their price, from the cheapest to the most expensive. The list is long but thanks to this table you will be able to see which one will suit you best according to your budget, weight and utility needs.
The prices indicated are those of Amazon at the time of writing. They change regularly, it’s up to you to jump on the right deals
All of the Fuji X-T2 compatible lenses mentioned above are included in this comparison chart to help you choose the right equipment. You will be able to compare them according to their price, the weight and the utility of each one to choose which will suit your budget and your style of photo.
| Lens | Price | Weight | Aperture | Filter size | Utility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rokinon 12mm f/2 NCS CS | $$$$$ | 245g | f/2 | 67mm | wide angle / prime lens |
| Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR | $$$$$ | 170g | f/2 | 43mm | standard lens |
| Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR | $$$$$ | 180g | f/2 | 43mm | wide angle / prime lens |
| Fujifilm Fujinon XF 50 mm f/2 R WR | $$$$$ | 200g | f/2 | 46mm | portrait |
| Fujifilm Fujinon XF-35 mm f/1.4 R | $$$$$ | 187g | f/1.4 | 52mm | standard lens |
| Fujifilm XF 60mm F2.4 R | $$$$$ | 215g | f/2.4 | 39mm | macro |
| Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS | $$$$$ | 580g | f/3.5-4.8 | 62mm | zoom |
| Fujifilm XF-14 mm f/2.8 R | $$$$$ | 235g | f/2.8 | 58mm | wide angle / prime lens |
| Fujifilm Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 R | $$$$$ | 405g | f/1.2 | 62mm | portrait |
| Fujifilm Fujinon XF 10-24 mm f/4 R OIS | $$$$$ | 410g | f/4 | 72mm | wide angle (architecture, landscape) |
| Fujifilm XF 16 mm f/1.4 R WR | $$$$$ | 375g | f/1.4 | 67mm | wide angle / prime lens |
| Fujifilm XF 23 mm f/1.4 R | $$$$$ | 300g | f/1.4 | 62mm | standard / prime lens |
| Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR | $$$$$ | 655g | f/2.8 | 77mm | all-in-one |
| Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro | $$$$$ | 750g | f/2.8 | 62mm | macro |
| Fujifilm XF 50-140 mm f/2.8R-OIS WR | $$$$$ | 995g | f/2.8 | 72mm | zoom |
| Fujinon XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS | $$$$$ | 1375g | f/4.5-5.6 | 77mm | super-zoom |
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ABBREVIATIONS TO KNOW
Here are some abbreviations and terms to know before choosing a new lens for your Fuji X-T30:
XF: This is the range of expert optics from Fujifilm, with a metal finish and top-of-the-range optical characteristics.
LM (Linear Motor): means that the lens has an autofocus system with a non-contact linear motor, which allows fast, smooth and silent focusing.
OIS (Optical Image Stabilization): indicates that the lens incorporates an optical stabilization system to reduce motion blur.
R (Ring): indicates that the lens has an aperture ring to adjust the diaphragm.
WR (Weather resistant): means that the lens is tropicalized and resistant to dust, moisture and cold.
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USEFUL ACCESSORIES
Here is a small selection of useful accessories to complement your lenses and your Fujifilm X-T30:
Read also: the best lenses for Fujifilm X-T3
- Advanced Image Sensor Technology: The 26.1MP BSI APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 image sensor and X-Processor 4 quad-core CPU combination provide accurate AF and Face Detection for moving subjects when capturing...
- Accurate Auto-Focus Tracking and Face Detection: he new X-Processor 4 Quad Core-CPU offers fast and accurate face-detection for moving people. Additionally, eye-detection AF now works in AF-C mode,...
- Superior video and image effects: The ex-t30 offers the ability to record 4K video at 30 frames per second or capture of 120 frames per second at 1080P to create super slow motion effects. Filmmakers...
Can’t find any good portrait photos made with xt30 on the web. Any links?
You can go to Flickr.com then write X-T30 in the search bar, you’ll find what you looking for! But since the X-T30 uses the same sensor as the X-T3 check for this camera pictures as well.
Hi,
Do you think XF 50-140 mm is too heavy for XT30? Is it worth buying for XT30? or Should I upgrade the camera for bigger lenses?
Thank you!
Thanks for the very useful information on the lenses and indeed the XT30. Just one point about the camera though. It’s not weathersealed unfortunately (wish it was) still, it’s a great camera and I had already bought it for the many good points you have mentioned.