Fujifilm Fujinon XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro Review

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro Performance

Looking at central sharpness first, we find the results are excellent at f/2.8, becoming outstanding at f/4 and maintain an excellent level from f/5.6 to f/16. Sharpness is still very good at f/22.

Edge sharpness follows an identical pattern, excellent at f/2.8, outstanding at f/4, excellent from f/5.6 to f/16 and very good at f/22. Figures throughout are very close to the centre values, showing excellent edge to edge consistency.

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is all but banished at the centre, and the edges are not far behind. Even though further correction could be achieved in software, it seems unlikely that it would be needed.

The lens is rectilinear. It is possible to measure +0.01% pincushion distortion, but that is quibbling in the extreme.

Flare control is absolute as well, there being no circumstances that could be found where it became a problem. The internal baffling, coatings and general design do an excellent job and contrast is well maintained in the most severe lighting conditions.

The bokeh of the lens, the quality of the out of focus areas, is beautiful. This makes it an ideal portrait lens, and one that can approach closely enough for really tight headshots.

Fuji claims a 5 stop advantage for their OIS system and tests indicate that this is realistic. Razor sharp images could be achieved at ridiculously low shutter speeds. However, for precise framing and some static subjects, switching the OIS off and using a tripod is still a useful technique. It is also true that OIS will do nothing for subject movement, such as wildlife.

Value For Money

The Fujinon XF 80mm f/2.8 Macro lens is priced at £1249. It may well be that its quality of construction and performance dictate such a high price, but let's look at the rest of the market and see what lenses might do similar jobs. Within the Fuji X range, there is also the 60mm f/2.4R Macro at £579.

Looking at APS-C format lenses, there are only a couple of lenses that specifically offer only this coverage.

Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro VC, £539
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/3.5 ED VR DX Micro, £459

There are a mass of full frame, 35mm format optics, such as

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro, £419
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, £799
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro EX DG OS HSM, £328
Samyang 100mm f/2.8 ED UMC Macro, £349
Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X Macro, £349
Sony 100mm f/2.8 D Macro, £669
SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR, £529
Meike 85mm f/2.8 Macro, £265

For more options have a look at the Top 10 Best Fujifilm Lenses, or the Top 13 Best Macro Lenses.

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