The first time we worked with the XF 50-140mm F2.8 lens we were impressed with its optics, superb image stabilization and build/weather sealing, but disappointed by its size and weight. As a result, we decided not to add this lens to our bag.
After a few weeks we had another an opportunity, this time while travelling to Death Valley, California. Upon returning from this trip we were dazzled by this lens’ rendering, sharpness and, most importantly, ability to cushion camera shake (we were mostly shooting from the hand).
Then we had a photo session booked with an attractive couple and decided to do it exclusively with the XF 50-140mm F2.8 lens. We had such a good time and great results – all shooting by hand – that this time we decided to purchase this lens as our only telephoto zoom.
Due to its size and weight this lens doesn’t go with us everywhere. It is a specialized lens for a particular purpose.
We like to use it for engagement sessions and some commercial jobs as long as there is enough light (at night we switch to the XF 56mm F1.2). We will share some engagement and wedding photos shot with this lens in our upcoming posts.
Another factor is that Kasia and I do a lot of travelling by car so weight doesn’t really matter. In this way we can explore the less travelled vistas of North America where you are often forced to photograph from the road, for example the Palouse (it is not a good idea to enter private property). The XF 50-140mm F2.8 lens gives us a bit more flexibility to compose in such a situation.
Having said that, we wouldn’t haul this lens on a trip if we had to carry it a lot, for example walking around cities.
Today, we would like to share with you some imagery shot this weekend near Pemberton, British Columbia. We headed there early in the morning to capture the cold and frosty countryside. We cannot wait for full-fledged winter, which simplifies the landscape and allows plain and lucid visuals to emerge. Stay tuned.
All images were captured with the Fuji X-T1 paired with the XF 50-140mm F2.8 and Fuji X100S. While the Classic Chrome film simulation is being viewed as a documentary-reportage domain, we sometimes apply this emulsion to our landscape and travel photographs (with some tweaks). We love the results.
2015 © Kasia & Olaf Sztaba Photography. All rights reserved.
Lovely pictures……..This is a lens I have been thinking of buying for my X-T1, can I ask if much (and if so what) post processing was done…..again, lovely rich pictures.
Ian,
Thank you for your kind note.
Here is the list:
Classic Chrome
Basic sharpening in LR6
Highlights/Shadows
Clarity +15-20
Contrast – Curves
All the best,
Olaf
Beautiful as always Olaf. I had a review copy of the 50-140 for the summer and loved the image rendering… there is definitely something unique about that lens.
Thank you, Ian. I really enjoy working with this lens.
Olaf
Simply stunning.
Thank you.
Olaf
You don’t find it too heavy to use?
Is it easy and quick to focus manually, like the XF 23mm?
Regards, ken
Ken & Agnes,
Yes, it is a very heavy lens. Therefore, I view it as a specialized glass – take it with me only on occasions.
You should not have a problem focusing it manually but as I said – it is not the lens for everyday use.
All the best,
Olaf
many thanks for sharing, olaf.
your views noted and much appreciated. the 55-200mm is great, but at times, you just wished you had the f2.8 in certain low light shooting conditions. regards, ken.