Fuji 90mm f2 Review in 2024 – Lens Sample Images

So, you’re here because you’re contemplating whether to pull the trigger on the Fuji XF 90mm f2 lens? Well, if you’re up for a quick answer without the details — go for it. However, if you’re torn between the 56mm f1.2 and this beauty, the decision essentially boils down to weight.

I’m a long-time Canon DSLR user and have consistently used their cameras and lenses for professional gigs due to their reliability and consistency. I’m also partial to Fuji cameras or film cameras for street photography. Their compact sizes (hence, lighter weight) and less intrusive appearance are less likely to provoke negative reactions from passersby.Driven by my experience with the Fuji and film cameras for personal projects, I decided to explore other lenses compatible with the Fuji system, testing their viability as professional alternatives.

Fuji 90mm f2

Fuji 90mm f2

Excellent Optical Performance
Robust Build and Weather Resistance
Versatility for Various Photographic Applications

Best Price

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Specifications

• – 90mm crop sensor (135m full frame equivalent)
• – f2 – 16
• – Part of Fuji’s premier XF line, akin to Canon’s red rings or Nikon’s gold rings, ensuring superior quality.
• – Contains 11 elements in 8 groups, indicating high quality but at the cost of extra weight.
• – Equipped with a rapid internal focusing motor.
• – Weather-resistant.
• – Filter diameter is 62mm.

Cost

This lens will set you back around £650 used and approximately £815 brand new. I’ll always advocate for purchasing used lenses. My lens collection is now in double digits, all of which were bought second-hand. New lenses, like cars, depreciate significantly the moment you open the box. But with proper care, that’s all you’ll lose. By buying used lenses, you avoid this initial drop in value. The savvy photographer’s trick is to buy a used lens, use it to your heart’s content, then sell it to recoup the initial purchase price. Sometimes, you might even turn a profit!

Fuji XF 90mm f2 Image Quality

A quick scroll through the images in this post will show you that this lens produces image quality on par with any professional lenses on a professional body. Paired with a used Fuji X-T1, which you can snag for around £300, you’ll have a setup that can capture breathtaking photos for under £1000.

From what I’ve seen and tested, the 90mm f2 is the sharpest Fuji lens on the market. It renders sharp images, produces the creamiest bokeh in the Fuji lineup, and the colors beautifully echo the classic Fujifilm look. It’s almost impossible to find a flaw with the images this lens produces.

Fuji XF 90mm f2 Pros and Cons

Pros

– Exceptional image quality

– Built like a small, sturdy, black circular fortress

– Bokeh is smooth and creamy

– Edge to edge sharpness from f2 – f16

– Close minimum focusing distance (0.6m)

– Silent and speedy autofocus

– Weather-sealed

Cons

– Largest prime lens Fuji offers

– Lacks image stabilization

– Pricey when bought new

Should You Invest in a Fuji Kit?

Since I acquired the Fuji X-T1 over 2 years ago, I’ve experimented with several Fuji lenses. Some I’ve bought and sold, but I’ve stuck with the Fuji Fujinon XF 23mm f/1.4. This lens, although a different focal length, produces even sharper images and is the perfect companion to the 23mm.

I’d recommend the 23mm f1.4 as your first Fuji lens due to its more practical wider angle for daily photography. However, the Fuji XF 90mm f2 should be your next acquisition. Together, these lenses form the perfect 2-lens Fuji kit every photographer should aspire to own.

Final Words

If you’re still wondering whether to buy this lens — just do it. You won’t be disappointed. At first, I was a bit taken aback by the size of the lens compared to other Fuji Primes, but after using it for the past 4 months, I’ve quickly acclimated.

Now, I happily roam the streets with this lens as my primary choice, only switching to the 23mm f1.4 when I’m in the thick of the action. The image quality, build quality, and overall feel of this lens are among the best you’ll ever experience. Got any questions or differing opinions? Feel free to share in the comments below.

All photos in this article were shot with the Fuji X-T1 (except photos of the Fuji XF 90mm f2). As always, we don’t perform technical tests as there are many other fantastic reviewers who do this, including Ken Rockwell.

Fuji 90mm f2

Excellent Optical Performance
Robust Build and Weather Resistance
Versatility for Various Photographic Applications

Best Price

Compare $

If you enjoyed this review, please leave a comment below and check out another article like our reviews of film cameras here. Thanks for reading.

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