We tested all of the top X-Series products to identify the best lens for Fuji X-T4 for this guide. Fortunately, Fujifilm offers a wide range of prime and zoom lenses to suit every photographic genre. And, let’s face it, Fuji makes excellent glass; I’ve yet to find a Fuji XF lens that I didn’t like.

Furthermore, Fuji has a roadmap of future lenses that is regularly updated, and some of the presented lenses are exciting. The X-T4 continues the legacy of Fuji’s brilliant line of X-T cameras, all of which were considered flagship bodies and received a number of awards and accolades.

As a result, you get a camera with lightning-fast autofocus, incredible image quality, highly customizable functions, and class-leading video output. For the time being, we’ve compiled a carefully curated list of the best lenses suitable for the Fujifilm X-T4.

This guide will cover XF primes and zooms, as well as options for those on a tight budget and those looking to splurge.

Let’s get started!

Best Lens For Fuji X-T4

1. Fujinon XF16-80mm F4 R OIS WR

With a 5x range and stabilization, we believe this is the best X-T4 standard zoom all around.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Mount: Fujifilm X-mount
• Elements/groups: 16/12
• Diaphragm blades: 9
• Autofocus: Stepping motor
• Stabilizer: 6-stops
• Min focus distance: 0.35m
• Max magnification: 0.25x
• Filter thread: 72mm
• Dimensions (WxL): 78.3×88.9mm
• Weight: 440g

WHAT WE LIKE

• Excellent optical construction
• Ability to focus up close
• A zoom range of +5x
• 6-stop stability

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

• Optically acceptable but not exceptional
• At full zoom, it extends quite far.

Straight into the feud! The Fujinon XF 16-80mmF4 R OIS WR isn’t the fastest or best standard zoom in the Fujinon lineup (that honor goes to the XF 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR, but it’s smaller, lighter, and less expensive; and it has a 5x zoom range and optical stabilization, so losing one f-stop in maximum aperture seems like a small price to pay.

We found it to be a reliably good performer in outdoor shooting (though not so much in the lab), with excellent build quality and handling… AND EVERY LENS SHOULD HAVE AN APERTURE RING LIKE THIS!

The XF 16-55mm f/2.8 may appear to be the best ‘pro’ standard zoom, but we believe this is a much smaller, less expensive, and more versatile all-arounder. It’s a good everyday lens that fits the X-T4.

2. Fujinon XF10-24mm F4 R OIS WR

Although it is not Fujifilm’s best ultra-wide lens, we believe it is the best for X-T4 users.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Mount: Fujifilm X-mount
• Elements/groups: 14/10
• Diaphragm blades: 7
• Autofocus: Stepping motor
• Stabilizer: 3-stops
• Min focus distance: 0.5m
• Max magnification: 0.16x
• Filter thread: 72mm
• Dimensions (WxL): 78x87mm
• Weight: 385g

WHAT WE LIKE

• Extremely wide maximum viewing angle
• Aperture constant f/4
• Resistant to weather

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

• Softness of the edge at 24mm
• Fairly priced

This is an updated version of Fujifilm’s long-running ultra-wide zoom lens, with a slimmer profile, weatherproofing, and improved stabilization but the same optical formulation. The Fujinon XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS WR is an excellent lens. The build quality, finish, and handling are all first-rate, and the constant f/4 maximum aperture is useful for photographers and videographers who prefer to work with fixed apertures regardless of zoom setting.

If only the optical performance was good enough. It’s fantastic at 10mm, but the softer edges at 24mm are a letdown, taking the edge (literally) off what could have been a 5-star lens.

So why this lens rather than the more ‘professional’ Fujinon XF8-16mm F2.8 R LM WR? Because that lens is not only massive in physical dimensions but also in price. Get it if you can afford it. The picture quality and 12mm equivalent angle of view are excellent, but for everyday use, we’d stick with the XF10-24mm F4 R OIS WR.

3. Fujinon XF50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR

Fujifilm’s superb 75-210mm equivalent f/2.8 pro telephoto lens.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Mount: Fujifilm X-mount
• Elements/groups: 23/16
• Diaphragm blades: 7
• Autofocus: Triple linear motors
• Stabilizer: 5-stops
• Min focus distance: 1.0m
• Max magnification: 0.12x
• Filter thread: 72mm
• Dimensions (WxL): 83x176mm
• Weight: 995g

WHAT WE LIKE

• Aperture constant f/2.8
• Quick triple autofocus 

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

• Quite heavy
• High cost 

If you’re wondering why there aren’t any f/2.8 pro lenses for the X-T4, here’s one we’d never leave out. For telephoto shooting, most professional and enthusiast photographers who use full-frame cameras use a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. The equivalent X-mount lens is the Fujifilm XF50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR, which has an effective zoom range of 75-210mm and the same fast, constant f/2.8 aperture.

It’s also one of Fujifilm’s ‘red badge’ lenses, with the pro-grade build quality and high-grade glass, including five ED elements and one Super ED element, as well as dual conventional and nano-structure coatings.

A triple linear motor drives the super-fast autofocus, and you also get optical stabilization with class-leading 5-stop performance this time. Because of the focal length range and wide aperture, the lens is relatively heavy, but it is only two-thirds the weight of most 70-200mm f/2.8 full-frame zooms.

4. Fujinon XF56mmF1.2 R WR

Fujifilm’s newly improved portrait prime lens is simply outstanding.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Mount: Fujifilm X-mount
• Elements/groups: 18/8
• Diaphragm blades: 11
• Stabilizer: No
• Min focus distance: 1.0m
• Filter thread: 67mm
• Dimensions (WxL): 80 x 76mm
• Weight: 445g

WHAT WE LIKE

• The 11-blade iris produces stunning bokeh.
• Weatherproofing
• Focusing close to 0.5m

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

• There is no image stabilization.

The Fujifilm X-T4 has become a popular camera for portrait and event photography, and the new XF56mmF1.2 R WR lens is ideal for this type of work, with an equivalent focal length of 84mm, the classic ‘portrait’ length.

With the X-mount camera system now 10 years old, Fujifilm has been steadily updating some of its older lenses, and now it is time for a complete redesign of the 2014-vintage XF56mmF1.2 R, which has been a popular portrait lens due to its focal length and wide maximum aperture.

The new Fujifilm XF56mmF1.2 R WR prime lens improves on the previous model in almost every way, including improved resolution, bokeh, and weatherproofing. It appears that the old APD variant is no longer available, but this new lens is so good that we don’t mind.

5. Fujinon XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR

Another of Fujifilm’s ‘new wave’ primes, this is the perfect fast ‘street’ lens.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Mount: Fujifilm X-mount
• Elements/groups: 15/10
• Diaphragm blades: 9
• Stabilizer: No
• Min focus distance: 0.19m
• Max magnification: 0.2x
• Filter thread: 62mm
• Dimensions (WxL): 67 x 77.8mm
• Weight: 300g

WHAT WE LIKE

• AF is quick and quiet.
• The image quality is excellent.
• Simple, uncomplicated design

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

• Long for a 35mm APS-C equivalent
• When the power is turned off, an internal ‘clonk’ occurs.

This is another of Fujifilm’s new wave lenses, which are redesigns of previous prime lenses to better match the latest cameras, autofocus systems, and sensors. The Fujinon XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR is noticeably longer than the lens it replaces and doesn’t appear to have a lot of glass in the front for an f/1.4, but its performance – both in terms of autofocus response and image quality – is unrivaled.

It delivers on its promises flawlessly. It’s a little bigger than we expected, but it’s light enough not to throw off the balance of the X-T4 body, and with a 35mm equivalent angle of view, it’s a classic fast street lens ideal for walkaround travel photography and low light shooting. Although there is no stabilizer, the X-T4 has IBIS, so don’t worry!

6. Fujinon XF16mm F2.8 R WR

This little retro-look lens is a perfect fit for the X-T4 because it is reasonably priced and lightweight.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Mount: Fujifilm X-mount
• Elements/groups: 10/8
• Diaphragm blades: 9
• Autofocus: Stepping motor
• Stabilizer: No
• Min focus distance: 0.17m
• Max magnification: 0.13x
• Filter thread: 49mm
• Dimensions (WxL): 60×45.4mm
• Weight: 155g

WHAT WE LIKE

• Extremely transportable
• Sharp throughout the frame

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

• There is no stabilization.
• There is no fluorine coating.

We’ll end with something completely unexpected! The XF16mm F2.8 is not a fast lens, it is not particularly wide, and it is not a ‘pro’ lens. But it’s small, extremely pretty in a way that complements the X-style T4, and serves as a brilliant and unobtrusive little walkaround lens. Fujifilm produces two types of prime lenses: larger, faster f/1.4 primes and much smaller, lower-cost f/2 lenses (f/2.8 in this case).

This lens plays to all of the X-series’ strengths, producing high-quality images in a small package and finishing with a stylish design. Its results are excellent for the price, with good edge-to-edge sharpness at all aperture settings. Lenses do not have to be large, costly, or ambitious. They can also be small, effective, and inexpensive, as this one is.

Guide to Purchasing Fujifilm Lenses

There are a few things you should think about before purchasing the best lens for the Fuji X-T4.

Focal Length

The focal length indicates what lens you get and which one will best suit your photography style. The focal range of your lens is usually indicated by its name; lenses are typically named after their focal length, which is measured in millimeters. Simply put, it is the length of the distance between the lens and the image sensor.

A wide-angle lens with a focal length of up to 50mm is an example of a short focal length. The human eye has a focal range of 50mm, which is considered a standard focal length. Everything above 85mm gradually moves into telephoto lens territory, indicating long focal lengths.

Aperture

Another important factor that affects how sharp and good your pictures will be is the aperture. It denotes the amount of light that enters the camera and is usually followed by an f and a number, such as f/2.8.

The higher the f-number, the less light enters the camera, and vice versa; the lower the f-number, the more light enters. Even in low-light situations, a good aperture lens will perform admirably.

Lens Build

Although not as important as the two preceding factors, the lens’s construction does play a role.

Some high-end lenses include extra coatings to help with chromatic aberration, ghosting, and other issues. Some of them have weather sealing, as I mentioned earlier with the WR, which is a great feature, especially if you shoot outside in areas where sudden rains can occur.

Price

Although it may appear obvious, a premium lens will always provide the best content and features, but it will undoubtedly destroy your wallet in return. If you can afford it, don’t be afraid to invest in a high-end lens; it will last you a long time and will be well worth it in the end.

If you take photography seriously, that’s it. Otherwise, a low-cost lens may suffice, but if you are sincere about photography, they will always cost more in the long run.

Even if you have a good camera, making the wrong purchase will have an effect on it. So, before you buy the first lens you see, make sure you do your research thoroughly.

While some of them may look good on paper, they may not be useful to you. Regardless of what others say, you must choose the one that will support your style.

FAQs on the best lens for Fuji X-T4

Originally posted on March 10, 2023 @ 10:46 pm