- New 26.1MP X trans CMOS 4 sensor with X processor 4 image processing engine
- 4K movie recording: Internal SD card 4K/60P 4:2:0 10 bit recording and the first mirrorless digital camera with APS C or larger sensor that is capable of 4K/60P 4:2:2 10 bit HDMI output
- 2.16M phase detection pixels across entire frame and low light phase detection limits has been increased over X T2 by 2 stops, from 1EV to 3EV
What is the best portrait lens for Fujifilm X-T3?
So you’re wondering which lens is best for portrait photography with your Fujifilm X-T3? Portrait photography is something we do on a regular basis, whether with friends, family or strangers. Many beginning photographers bought their first camera with the kit zoom lens and a portrait lens is often one of the first tools needed as an extra.
If you want to get good results, it will be necessary to use the right equipment. However, there are many models and choosing a portrait lens can be complicated because it depends on several factors.
To help you, in this article we’ll explain all the features you’ll need to consider when determining which portrait lens to choose for your Fujifilm X-T3.
How to choose the best portrait lens for my Fujifilm X-T3?
Here are some things to consider when choosing your portrait lens to go with your Fujifilm X-T3:
Fixed or zoom lens? Which focal length to choose? The focal length is an important criterion to determine which portrait lens to choose: a fixed focal length cannot zoom, and you will have to move to change the size of your subject on the image.
You must choose according to the type of environment where you intend to take portrait photos: outside (during a trip for example), in a concert hall, in a studio, during a wedding… A zoom lens is more versatile, allowing you to go from a wide angle to a standard or telephoto lens very quickly. Their negative points are that they are generally heavier and more expensive than a fixed focal length.
Although fixed focal lengths don’t offer as much versatility as a zoom lens, they still have many advantages: generally the image quality they provide is far superior to a zoom lenses, for a much lower price. A fixed focal length portrait lens also allows the use of very large apertures such as f/1.4 or f/1.8 which is impossible to obtain with a zoom lens.
The larger this aperture (i.e. the smaller the f/number), the more light the lens will let in on the sensor. It will allow to reduce the depth of field in order to isolate the photographed subject and to realize superb effects of bokeh (background blur).
A large aperture also helps reduce motion blur in dark environments. The choice between a fixed focal length and a zoom lens is above all a matter of compromise between image quality and versatility.
As with any photographic equipment purchase, choosing a portrait lens also depends on your budget. If you are just starting out in photography and want to learn about portraiture without breaking the bank, you may want to consider third-party lenses such as those from Tamron, Sigma and Samyang rather than the official Canon, Nikon or Sony lenses.
They are much affordable and generally offer very similar image quality. On the other hand, the build quality is generally better on the official lenses. If you are a very demanding photographer and are looking for exceptional image quality, I would still recommend investing in a lens from the same brand as your camera.
If you are not sure on what portrait lens to choose for your Fujifilm X-T3, this small selection is suitable for most portrait photographers.
Note: the product links in this article lead to Amazon.com
Summary
- Fujifilm Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 R
- Fujifilm Fujinon XF-35 mm f/1.4 R
- Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR
- Useful accessories
- Conclusion
Here’s the Top portrait lenses you should consider for your Fujifilm X-T3:
Fujifilm Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 R
Weight: 405 g
Filter size: 62 mm
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-T3, 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.
- 35mm equivalent - 85mm
- Max aperture F1.2, Min aperture F16
- Number of blades - 7(rounded diaphragm opening)
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Fujifilm Fujinon XF-35 mm f/1.4 R
Weight: 187 g
Filter size: 52 mm
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-T3.
- 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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Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR
Weight: 655 g
Filter size: 77 mm
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-T3.
- 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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☛ MORE PORTRAIT LENSES
- For other portrait lenses options, check this out: The best lenses for Fujifilm X-T3
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Useful accessories for portrait photography
They are essential to make photos and videos. Whether it’s for transporting your equipment, stabilizing your camera or protecting your camera and lenses, accessories are far from being superfluous. But you have to choose them well if you want them to last.
Here is a small selection of must-have accessories to complement your lenses and your Fujifilm X-T3 if you want to do portrait photography:
Conclusion
To summarize, the important things to consider when looking for the best portrait lens for the Fuji X-T3 are focal range, aperture and price. If you’re not sure which portrait lens to choose, you can also go to Flickr and search for examples of photos taken with the lens you are interested in, this will give you a good idea of its possibilities.
Another thing, if you are planning to do portrait photography while on vacation or travel, consider the weight and bulk of the lens. If the whole thing is too heavy or bulky and lacks discretion, you won’t want to bother with it and would rather just take your smartphone with you. You may also not want to risk damaging an extremely expensive lens.
And finally, perhaps the most decisive point about choosing the perfect portrait lens for your Fujifilm X-T3 will be if you need to get a portfolio of professional quality portrait photos (it may be your business or it may become your business who knows?).
Last tips: Remember to always focus on the eyes. And whatever portrait lens you choose, try to snap as much as you can, as it is often during the selection phase that you’ll discover the perfect picture. Most importantly, be always ready, as the magic in a portrait may only last for a short moment.