Quick Facts about the Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Lens
- Weight: 2.19 lb/995 Grams
- Weather Sealed: Yes
- Filter Size: 72mm
- Angle of View: 31.7 to 11.6 Degrees
- Focusing Distance: 3.28’/1m
- Max Aperture: F2.8
- Minimum Aperture: F22
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Mount System: Fuji X
- Price: $1,599
- Zoom: Internal
Quick Facts about the Fujifilm 90mm F2 LM WR
- Weight: 1.19lbs/540 Grams
- Weather Sealed: Yes
- Filter Size: 62mm
- Angle of View: 17.9 Degrees
- Focusing Distance: 1.97 feet/60 centimeters
- Max Aperture: F2
- Minimum Aperture: F16
- Image Stabilization: No
- Mount System: Fuji X
- Price: $949
- Maximum Magnification: .2x
Table of Contents
Why did I compare these lenses?
To be honest, the way I primary structure my content is in sections.
#1: Telephoto/Prime
#2: Focal Length
So, whenever you read throughout this article, you are probably wondering why did I decide to compare the 90mm F2 and the 50-140 F2.8. I’m not going to lie, it’s definitely not for the keywords.
Instead, it’s because I actually found the 50-140 and the 90mm F2 a lot more similar than different, and I think someone purchasing one of these lenses will actually end up with one OR the other. (Not both)
The aperture change is only one (F2 vs F2.8), the focal length is the same, and I would even argue that the autofocus is comparable.
Who are these lenses for?
The 90mm F2 is designed for someone focused on travel who needs a bit more space to place other gear while also requiring superb image quality.
Meanwhile, the 50-140 is for the “one lens fits most.”
This focal length is great for portraiture, travel, landscapes, some street work, wedding and event photography, and numerous other cases.
What other XF Portrait Lenses Exist?
- Fujifilm XF 50mm F2
The budget “Fuji-cron” version of the portrait lens, the 50mm F2 has fast autofocusing speeds and it is weather resistant. Possibly the best value of all Fujifilm portrait lenses.
The 50mm F2 and the 23mm F2 make a formidable street lens combination.
- Fujifilm 56mm F1.2 (non-WR)
The first version of this lens is slow, but it can be found for less than $500 in a used state.
- Fujifilm 56mm F1.2 ADP
Something to do with smoother bokeh…
Noisy motors and slow autofocus detract from an almost perfect lens.
Build Quality Comparison
The build quality between the 90mm F2 and the 50-140 F2.8 are comparable. After all, they were released around similar times, so it would make sense that the material did not change. (The 90mm F2 was released in Sept. 2015; the 50-140 was released in Jan. 2015.)
Both have something to be desired in regards to the paint, as they both do leave fingerprints on the lens body.
Otherwise, the metal construction is excellent. There are no major concerns about the longevity of the lenses.
Dials, Knobs, Switches, and Feet
As most Fujifilm photographers have come to expect, both the 90 and 50-140 have a marked aperture ring, making them great options for new users learning about the aperture triangle.
However, there are two additional features on the 50-140 that are not present on the 90mm F2.
The first is the tripod foot, which I actually used more to balance the camera/lens combo due to the center of gravity weighing heavily in favor of the lens. The tripod foot is well-built, too.
Finally, the 50-140 also has the OIS on-off switch. Unlike new-ish telephoto zooms which are just automatically “on,” I found this to be super helpful. I don’t have to search through the menu settings on my camera, or if I want to leave IBIS-only on, it’s great.
Finally, both lenses do have linear motor magnets. There might be some noise if you shake the lens too much. However, they engage and become quiet when the lenses are turned on.
Sharpness Test
- If you wish to examine the photos below at full-screen, you can click/tap the gallery below.
For the 50-140
#1 Starting at around F4.0, sharpness remains excellent throughout the entire zoom range. Kudos to Fujifilm for that.
#2 The 50-140 appeared weaker at the short-end rather than the longer end.
#3 The lens performs worst at F2.8…as expected. Granted, it is still good.
For the 90mm F2
Center Sharpness
- Starting at F2, the center sharpness on the 90mm F2 is excellent.
- I did not see any noticeable improvement as I stopped down to F4 and F5.6.
- However, by examining the line in the top 1/3 of the frame, I did feel like there was a slight drop of image quality at F8.
- By the time you stop down around F11, diffraction hits all of a sudden, and it’s very noticeable.
- The overall sharpness of the Fujifilm 90mm F2 performs amicably/excellent in the corners as well. So much so, I would imagine that it performs about the same as the center of the frame.
- Around F2, the image is sharp, but we continue to see no noticeable improvement.
- Finally, there might be a slight drop of image quality at F8, and it becomes noticeable at F11.
All around, I think most people will be happy with the results from either of these lenses. The 90mm F2 might win out on sharpness slightly, but there is no real-world, visible difference starting around F4.
Bokeh
To me, a characteristic of both of these lenses bokeh is busy-ness. It’s in the awkward focal length/aperture combo where you certainly don’t have the complete blur of something such as the 56mm f1.2, so you can make out the background and context.
However, the background does simply look I held a long-exposure and I photoshopped myself in the image.
Bokeh Balls
The Fujifilm 90mm suffers from less cat’s eye in the corners at F2 (versus the 50-140 at F2.8).
However, the bokeh balls on the 50-140 win the category, as you cannot use the 90mm F2 past F2. Otherwise, the bokeh balls begin to form a hexagonal shape. Meanwhile the bokeh balls on the 50-140 continue to be round around F5.6.
Eye Autofocus
These are the two fastest focusing telephoto lenses within the XF ecosystem. You will be pleased with either one of these lenses.
The Great Addition: OIS
I think it’s worth mentioning that the OIS on the 50-140 is excellent. So much so, if you are using an older model/model that does not contain internal body image stabilization, I highly recommend purchasing the 50-140.
Additionally, the 50-140 does work in conjunction with the IBIS.
Sunstars
I found I preferred the 50-140’s sunstars over the 90mm’s sunstars. The corners seemed much more clearly defined.
Why should I purchase the 90mm F2 over the 50-140?
- Travel
- Cost
Why should I purchase the 50-140 over the 90mm F2?
- Video
- Versatility
Fujifilm 90mm F2 Rating
Price: 4/5
-1 for the aperture blades impeding on the ghosting and bokeh balls.
Functionality: 4/5
We lost an entre point due to not being able to rely on this lens indoors. I understand that some people are going to be aware of this attribute.
Style: 5/5
Total: 17/20 or about 85%
I think most people are going to be happy with the results from this lens, once you know how to use it. The 90mm F2 is sharp across the entire frame, the fringing is expected, and the bokeh is normal. It’s just hard for me to give a specialized lens anything above a 85%.
Fujifilm 50-140 Rating
Price: 3/5
Photography isn’t a cheap hobby, and I think the price is excessive. I could purchase the 70-300 AND a prime lens for the cost of this.
Reliability: 4/5
Paired with the X-T4 or X-T3, it is reliable and the autofocus is good (enough) for most occasions for photography. But for video, no. Plus, I don’t foresee any issues when it comes to build quality. This will deserve a re-test with the X-H2s.
Spoiler alert: It holds up, making this the best XF telephoto lens for videography.
Functionality: 4/5
When it comes to the 70-200 FF equivalent, this focal length is desirable and has utility. However, the points are deducted as the center of gravity prevents this lens from being held comfortably on most Fujifilm cameras.
Style: 5/5
Metal and well-built, the Fuji 50-140 is nice. HOWEVER, the metal body leaves fingerprints.
Total:16/20 or 80%