Hi everybody,

I'm a Nikon photographer since a decade now; I'm a generalist photographer even if I'm mainly used to mountain and travel photography.

My gear is composed by a D700 and D800 bodies plus 14-24 - 24/70 - 70/200 f2.8, a compact 24-120 f3.5, a big Sigma 120/300 f2.8, and a few prime lenses (20/50/85).

Now time passes and I'm getting older, and even the frustration to carry all this weight on my shoulders every time I go somewhere has been growing with me.

So, before loosing interest in what was great passion, I'm deciding to switch to a more compact and lighter mirrorless system; it will probably bring me to face some compromises, anyway ....

I've recently put my eyes on the Fujifilm XT-2 (APS 24 mp) and it seems very interesting; does any of you own it and how do you feel with it?

The idea would be to couple it with a 23 f2 and 50 f2 prime lenses which are very portable and light, a 10-24 f4 and 16-55 f2.8 zoom lenses plus a longer zoom like 55/200 f3.5.

So what do you think? Am I doing a wrong step? Will I regret my Nikon stuff?

Please let me know your opinions and clues!

 

Have a great evening and ... happy new year !!

 

Cheers,

Carlo

Hi Carlo, why don't you borrow or rent it for a few days to try it thoroughly? I don't own Fuji but I have tried Fuji XT-1 from a fellow photographer. I am a bit old fashioned, so I had difficulties to properly us the (electronic) view finder. The body itself feels nice, though.

 

As I am used to FX (D700, D750, D800), I would never go back to APS-C format personally.

 

All the best

Thomas

HI Carlo

 

I had the same problem as you did regarding weight on trips. Had to make a decision and getting smaller. At the time I was using a Leica SL for the wide stuff and Canon 5D Mk4 for using a 100-400 II.

 

Looked a the Fuji but the weight savings was not a much as I wanted. They have an excellent 100-400 with converter 1.4X. Fabs chose that rout. Have used it and like it. Solid performance. Weighs about the same as the Canon 100-400

 

Decided to go with Olympus. Weight savings is significant and image quality Is excellent. Remember I am comparing this system to the one Leica/Canon mentioned above.

 

Have found the ISO not a problem since with the image stabilization I can hand hold at ridiculously low shutter speeds. With the 300 f/ 4.0 which is a 600, I can safely handhold at 1/60 of a second. Weight is two pound and can use a 1.4X With the Canon or Nikon could not do so even with a sturdy tripod and great technique.

 

The system also have appealing lenses like the 7-14 2.8 and 14-40 2.8. ... also the 25 1.2. Remember, all get multiplied by 2x. Depth of field is interesting, at 2.8 you are shooting at 5.6 (equivalent depth of field). So it hurts at the short end but great stopping down. Have found no problem obtaining a nice bokeh with the faster lenses,

 

AF performance is impressive as is rate of fire. Need to read specks yourself, might think I am joking.

 

Lots to the system and would take a look before deciding. Also Is a good idea to rent whatever you are going to purchase and try for yourself.

 

I'm even using an Olympus housing for the OMD-1 MK2 and doing lots of UW photography If you have specific questions on either system let me know, have enough time using both Olympus and Fabs Fuji to answer questions.

 

al

Moderator

Hi Carlo

I have been taking pictures with a Canon 6D, for the last decade plus a 35mm and a 50mm 1.4 lens. I am mainly an everyday photographer and also do some travel and street photography and during the last year, I had your exact same feelings.

 

Last November I changed to a Fujifilm XT20 mirrorless camera plus a Fujinon lens XF 23mmF1.4 (equivalent to the 35mm is you apply the crop factor),

 

The Fujifilm XT20 has exactly the same sensor, the same image quality, autofocusing speed as its big brother the X-T2, but it is considerably less expensive. The main differences are a bigger electronic viewfinder in the XT2 and also being weather sealed. I do not normally go under the rain with my camera :) therefore I decided to go for the XT20 and invest in a good luminous prime lens :)

 

And now, my thoughts. I LOVE IT, I am enjoying taking pictures as never before, my editing workflow has been reduced to cero (the electronic viewfinder is simply amazing), every RAW file is 6000 x 4000 pixels and packed with just as much sharpness, dynamic range and color as I’d expect from any professional camera.

 

These are a couple of examples of images I have taken with the Fuji:

 

https://1x.com/photo/1446590/latest:user:495390

https://1x.com/photo/1435748/latest:user:495390

https://1x.com/photo/1459212/all:user:495390

 

Hope this helps!

Cheers

Gloria

 

Impressive images Gloria !!!

al

 

Hi Thomas, thank you for your suggestion; unfortunately where I live it's not easy to find a place renting photo gear. Could be easier for other brands like Canon or Nikon.

 

Regarding the new 24mp sensor (different from the XT1) apparently there should not be a noticeable difference in terms of final result respect the fx I'm actually using and fx lens are very much bigger and heavier than aps ones.

 

I don't know, more I investigate about this camera and more I'm tempted! :)

 

Have a great new year!

 

Cheers, Carlo

Hi Al,

 

Olympus OM has been my first reflex camera as I started to take pictures "seriously" in the 80s (OM2SP and OM4)

The new OMDs are very similar in size and probably I would still find myself comfortable with it.

I surely will take a look at the OMD EM1 MKII, that could be a valid alternative to Fuji; though as I look at spec, here the sensor is even smaller (micro 4/3) and Zuiko lenses are quite pricey respect Fujinon.

Need to think about it!

 

Thank you so much in the meantime.

Have a great new year and give my regards to Fabs!

 

Cheers,

Carlo

Hi Gloria,

thank you so much for your feedback and many compliments for your shots, they're just great!

I understand these are raw files post processed in PS; I wonder how jpgs come out from the camera once you find the right regulations.

The fact the camera is handy and performing well with the extra value of a set of lenses being so sharp with almost zero distortion or vignetting and being small light and solid in the meantime, well it looks like a dream to me.

 

I will keep you posted on what I will decide!

Thank you so much Gloria!

 

Best regards and many wishes for a great 2018!

 

Carlo

Hi Carlo, no PS in my images, only Lightroom to add a bit of contrast or convert to BW. So I guess the jpgs should look almost the same. The fact that you are able to see the final image through the electronic viewfinder keeps the post processing to a minimum.

Also, The Fujifilm cameras have a very cool set of Film simulations I am experimenting with these days. I normally do BW and to be able to see in BW through the viewfinder is a great option :) I will keep you posted about my discoveries. My best wishes for a great 2018 to you as well!