When it comes to switching from a DSLR to a mirrorless system, there is one decision that often causes photographers quite a headache: should I get the Fujifilm X-T1 or the Sony A7rII?

Last summer I’ve played for three days with the Sony A7rII, and wrote my impressions here. Well, I’m happy to see that I’m not the only one, who would go for the X-T1 because of the better colors, the wider selection of lenses, the painfully slow RAW editing of the A7rII files and more.

Guam Photography decided to get rid of his Nikon D4. So he borrowed the X-T1 & the A7rII and tested them.

Speaking of lenses, he compares the XF56mmF1.2 with the Zeiss 85mmF1.4 (with LA-EA4 adapter because, so says the reviewer, “right now Sony doesn’t have really any great portrait lens“) and the XF16-55mm with the Sony 24-70mm.

He tested it in his typical shooting situation (portrait), and saw, for example, that the images coming from the 16MP APS-C X-T1 + XF16-55mm are actually sharper than the one of the 42MP A7rII with Sony 24-70mm.

At the end he goes for the Fujifilm X-T1 because:

• RAW file sizes is smaller – editing worflow is quicker [look at the video at minute 9:45 and see how long the the A7rII needs to load]
• the max. shutter speed of the A7rII is only 1/8000. X-T1 has an electronic shutter of 1/32000. No ND-filter needed to shoot wide-open in daylight.
• Fuji has better colors
• Fuji has better white balance
• Fui has great selection of high quality lenses
• best value for Image Quality [for the price of the A7rII body only, he can get an X-T1 and a couple of primes]

Of course this is just his personal opinion. The X-T1 is the better choice for his needs and for his bank account. There is no “right” or “wrong” answer. But at least he motivates his choice after testing both cameras in his typical shooting environment (portraits), and decided that, despite the on paper superior specs of the A7rII, the results he gets from the Fuji X-T1 are better (for his needs/personal taste etc.)

Full video here on youtube

via FR-facebook photostream
Highlight: X-T1 using the 50-140mm, cracking lens, soo sharp !!!!!!!!

XF35mmF2 WR
USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / EU: PCHstore / AmazonUK / AmazonITA /

FIRST LOOK:  XF 35mmF2 WR at the X-Pert Corner

The Spanish site dslrmagazine (translation) posted first impressions and samples of the XF35mmF2. Their conclusion (google translated):

“In conclusion, a Lens Compact, light and perfectly usable at full aperture. If we add a careful construction, a robust look and affordable price if you stick to your benefits- it seems that the new Fujinon XF 35mm f / 2 can be erected as an ideal companion for users of the X Series Fujifilm.”

 XF1.4x TeleConverter
USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / EU: PCHstore /AmazonUK / AmazonITA /

FIRST LOOK:  1.4x TC at the X-Pert Corner

Admiringlight is at the PhotoPlus in NY. They share their 35mmF2 and 1.4x TC hands-on report from the Fuji booth here. Jordan gives us also a confirmation of this rumor here:

“Unfortunately, Fuji did not have new mockups on display of the future XF lenses, which left me mildly disappointed, but the 100-400mm should be out in early 2016. The representative noted that April was a likely target date.“

1.4x Teleconverter Test at macleancomms. First look at bjornmoerman. First look at joengphotography.

35mm review at lenstip

XF35mmF2 WR:  X-Pert Corner First Look
1.4x TeleConverter:  X-Pert Corner First Look

XF35mmF2 WR: USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / EU: PCHstore
1.4x TeleConverter: USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / EU: PCHstore

_ _ _

The Polish site optyczne (translation) posted it’s review of the XF35mmF2 WR.

FR-reader umad?! was so kind to go though the review and the Charts, and made a Summary for us

umad?! says it is:
-the second sharpest Fuji lens (close to the 90mm), much sharper than the f/1.4 version all across the frame
-it’s near perfection (Bokeh, Sharpness, astigmatism, spherical aberrations, reflective coating)
only drawbacks are:
-it’s electronically corrected (like those Zeiss Batis lenses ;))
-it has a coma (no problem, as long as you don’t do astro)
-it has a bit too much CA

Here is optyczne’s the PROS and CONS list:

Advantages

handy, yet sturdy and sealed housing.
sensational picture quality in the center of the frame.
reasonable image quality at the frame edge.
moderate lateral chromatic aberration,
no problems with spherical aberration,
negligible astigmatism,
good work against bright light,
quiet and accurate autofocus.

Defects:

a large longitudinal chromatic aberration,
a large coma,
high vignetting,
a clear distortion.

You can read one more review at maxdemartinocom: Fujifilm XF 35mm f2 R WR: The Swiss Army Knife (multipurposeful and sharp)!

XF35mmF2 WR: USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / EU: PCHstore
1.4x TeleConverter: USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / EU: PCHstore

XF35mmF2 WR:  X-Pert Corner First Look
1.4x TeleConverter:  X-Pert Corner First Look