Fujinon XF 10-24mm Review
The Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR is an exceptional ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed for Fujifilm’s X-series cameras, offering versatility, sharp optics, and a robust build. Covering a focal length range equivalent to 15-36mm in full-frame terms, it’s ideal for landscapes, architecture, astrophotography, and creative perspectives, making it a go-to lens for wide-angle enthusiasts.
First impressions reveal a well-built, professional-grade lens. The WR (weather-resistant) version of this lens feels solid and premium, with weather sealing that makes it resistant to dust, moisture, and freezing conditions. At 385g, it’s surprisingly lightweight for such a versatile lens, balancing comfortably on any Fujifilm X-series camera. The aperture ring on the WR version is improved, featuring marked f-stops and a locking mechanism for the “A” position, which enhances usability compared to the earlier non-WR model.
Optically, the XF 10-24mm f/4 delivers outstanding results. It’s sharp across the frame, even at the widest focal length, with excellent contrast and colour rendition. Wide open at f/4, the lens performs well, and sharpness improves slightly when stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8, making it perfect for capturing intricate details in landscapes or architecture. The distortion is well-controlled for an ultra-wide lens, and vignetting is minimal, especially when compared to similar lenses in this range. Chromatic aberration is also effectively managed, even in high-contrast scenes.
The constant f/4 aperture may not be the fastest, but it’s sufficient for most wide-angle applications, as these types of shots often rely on greater depth of field. Additionally, the optical image stabilisation (OIS) compensates for the slower aperture, allowing for handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds. This feature is particularly valuable for low-light situations, such as indoor architecture or twilight landscapes, where a tripod might not be practical.
One of the standout features of the XF 10-24mm is its versatility. The 10mm end (15mm equivalent) offers dramatic ultra-wide perspectives, perfect for exaggerated compositions or capturing expansive scenes. The 24mm end (36mm equivalent) provides a more standard wide-angle view, making it useful for general-purpose photography or tighter compositions within the same lens.
Autofocus is quick, accurate, and near-silent, driven by an internal motor that performs well for both stills and video. Manual focus is smooth and precise, thanks to the well-damped focus ring, which is particularly handy for fine adjustments during astrophotography or landscape work.
Compared to its predecessor, the WR version has several key upgrades. In addition to the weather sealing and improved aperture ring, it features updated OIS, which offers up to 3.5 stops of stabilisation. It’s also slightly lighter, which enhances portability, particularly for travel or outdoor shoots.
The XF 10-24mm f/4 is not without minor limitations. The f/4 aperture may be a constraint for those who need extreme low-light performance or desire more subject isolation. However, given its ultra-wide focal length and stabilisation, these are rarely significant drawbacks in real-world use.
In conclusion, the Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR is a stellar wide-angle zoom lens that combines sharp optics, robust build quality, and excellent usability. It’s perfect for photographers who need an ultra-wide option that can handle demanding conditions while delivering professional results. Whether you’re a landscape enthusiast, architectural photographer, or just someone who loves creative perspectives, this lens is a worthy addition to your Fujifilm kit. Its upgrades in the WR version make it even more reliable and practical, solidifying its place as one of the best wide-angle zooms in the X-series lineup.
Samples
Here are some recent photos I captured using the Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR lens. These sample shots highlight the lens’s performance across different conditions, settings, and subjects. To view the complete collection of photos taken with this lens, the link.