Lens ReviewMorten ByskovSeptember 13, 2020Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR, Fujifilm X-Pro2, Fujifilm X-H1, Travel Photography, Fuji XF 90mm f2 Lens Review, Lens Review, Sample Images, Fujifilm X-T4, Fuji XF 90mm vs. XF 50mm f/1 R WR, Fuji XF 90mm vs. XF 50-140mm, Sample Photos, Fujifilm XF 90 f/2 Sample Photos, Fujifilm 90mm f/2 Sample Images, fuji 90mm f2, Fujinon 90mm f2, Fujinon XF 90mm f/2, Fuji XF 90mm vs. 56mm, Fuji XF 90mm vs. 50mm f/1, Fuji XF 90mm vs. 56mm f/1.2, Fuji XF 90mm vs. GF 80mm, Fujifilm XF 90mm vs. 50-140mm, Fuji XF 90mm vs. 50-140mm, Fuji XF 90mm vs. 100-400mm, Fujiflm XF 90mm f/2 for landscape photography, Fuji XF 90mm f/2 for travel photography, Fuji XF90mm sample photos, XF 90mm sample images, Fuji XF 90mm sample images, Fuji XF 90mm sample photos, Fujifilm XF telephoto lenses, Fuji XF telephoto lenses6 Comments

Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR Review

Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 lens shown on the Fuji X-H1 camera — Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR shown on the Fujifilm X-H1

Fuji XF 90mm f/2 Lens Review

For a number of years, I relied on Canon 70-200mm zooms for most of my telephoto work. In the early digital era, the EF 70-200mm f/4L was my entry into Canon’s system back in 2004.

Wow, how time flies. For low light and shallow depth of field, I later added the excellent EF 135mm f/2L and the f/4 zoom was upgraded to the f/2.8, non-IS version.

For portrait sessions and wedding photography, I had the excellent, but bulky and heavy Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II. I used to shoot more sports and also dabbled at wildlife photography, and my telephoto setup was nicely rounded off with an EF 300mm f/2.8L IS.

Fujifilm X-H1 with the XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR mounted

In 2015 my wife and I set a goal to travel to 50 countries in the span of 50 months. With this decision came a complete switch in camera gear. I sold all my Canon gear and swapped it for a lighter Fujifilm kit.

XF 90mm f/2 - A Jack of All Trades Telephoto Lens

So how do you replace four excellent Canon telephoto lenses with one? You know the answer and of course, it is not possible. It came down to a compromise. A compromise, which has been surprisingly easy to live with. Keep in mind my needs are not the same and my photography goals have changed.

A man catches a ray of sunshine by the Waterfront Station in Vancouver. Black and white sample photo from a Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR — Waterfront Station, Vancouver. Fujifilm X-E4, XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR @ f/2.8

At this point, I have used the XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR extensively over the past 5+ years in a variety of settings and situations. My goal was to have one telephoto lens do it all.

90mm on the APS-C size sensor is the full-frame equivalent of 135mm and I have found this to be a wonderful happy medium. It is a great focal length for portraits and produces superb bokeh. It has proven to be excellent for landscapes with sharp images compressing the scene just enough.

Modern architecture apartment building at the harbour in Aarhus, Denmark. Sample image from the Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR — Aarhus, Denmark, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR @ f/4

I have used it on rainy days, so it is nice to know the lens is weather-resistant, WR. It has silent and fast autofocus and tracks well. I have welcomed the IBIS (in-body stabilization) in the Fujifilm X-H1 as the XF 90mm is not stabilized and I believe it would be a wonderful match for the X-T4 as well.

This opens up new terrain and I am not worried about shooting it handheld at lower-than-usual shutter speeds. I have shot handheld video on the X-H1 and X-T4 and was baffled by how well the footage was stabilized.

Straight of Georgia and the mountain range on Vancouver Island. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR — Straight of Georgia and the mountain range on Vancouver Island, Fujifilm X-T4, XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR @ f/11

XF 90mm f/2 vs. XF 50-140mm f/2.8R LM OIS WR

I tested the XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR. It is a big lens on my X-Pro2, but manageable with the added MHG-XPRO2 grip. When I sold my Canon kit the EF 70-200 f/2.8L non-IS was the first lens to go as I always preferred the look and feel of the EF 135mm f/2L.

It produced images, which had extra sharpness, pop, and color, and it was easier to carry. Much the same can be said about the XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR.

Fuji X-Pro2 with an XF 90mm f/2 and X-H1 with an XF 50-140mm f/2.8 — Fujifilm X-Pro2 with the XF 90mm f/2 and the Fujifilm X-H1 with an XF 50-140mm f/2.8

Fuji XF 90mm f/2 vs. XF 100-400mm

I find the XF 100-400mm too big and bulky for my needs. I do not need the longer focal length and I was slightly disappointed after a one-day test. It is not really fair to write a lens off after one day but I never seriously considered it an option for myself.

If you are looking for a lens for wildlife the XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR won’t have enough reach and the XF 100-400mm will come into play. In the category, you may also consider the XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6.

To read my one-day test of the XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6:

Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

Late afternoon sunlight hits a mountain ridge entering the town of Lillooet in BC, Canada. Sample image from Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR — Lillooet. Fujifilm X-E4, XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR @ f/8

Fuji XF 90mm f/2 vs. XF 56mm f/1.2

From time to time I consider swapping my XF 90mm for an XF 56mm f/1.2 R. The XF 56mm is of an older lens design and autofocus ability may be its weakest point. It is, however, a wonderful focal length for portrait photography, and the lens renders beautiful images. Ideally, you would have both. In this category, you may also consider the XF 50mm f/2 R WR.

Fuji XF 90mm f/2 vs. XF 50mm f/1 R WR

The new XF 50mm f/1 R WR has also caught my attention and promises excellent bokeh with an ultra-narrow depth of field if you shoot at f/1. At $1,499.00 it is considerably more than the XF 90mm f/2 listed at $949.00 (latest price check, April 2023).

Nor can you ignore the significant weight difference between the XF 50mm f/1 R WR at 29.8 oz, 845 g, and 19 oz, 540 g, for the XF 90mm.

I have had a chance to review the XF 50mm f/1 R WR. Check it out here if you are interested:

Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR - Lens Review

Two kids are running along the beach at low tide at Spanish Banks in Vancouver, Canada. A black and white sample image from a Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR — Spanish Banks, Vancovuer. Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR @ f3.2

XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR vs. Full-Frame and Fujifilm GF Telephoto Options

Are the full-frame photos captured with my older Canon lenses, EF 85mm f/1.2L II, and EF 135mm f/2L different? I would say yes. The differences are subtle but noticeable. I doubt that clients or anyone, other than photographers, would notice the difference.

Every time you take a step up in sensor size the photos become more lifelike. Especially the way a portrait is rendered and the sharpness changes depending on the depth of field chosen. I have now had a chance to test the GF 110mm f/2 R LM WR on the GFX 50R and the GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR on the GFX 100S.

Sunset over English Bay in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fuji XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR — English Bay, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-T4, XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR @ f/5.6

Conclusion

For the APS-C sensor and X Series, the XF 90mm does a mighty fine job as a jack-of-all-trades telephoto option. At the current pricing of $949.00, the XF 90mm is a compelling choice and will really shine, especially if combined with a camera with IS such as the X-T4.

Fujifilm definitely put some magic into this lens, often regarded as one of the sharpest in the XF lens lineup. It may be the three extra-low dispersion elements or the super EBC coating.

Or is it the quad linear motor ensuring quiet and fast autofocus? Let me just say, it all adds up to a well-rounded telephoto lens option that always delivers great images.

Pros

Optically a stellar lens
Fast f/2 maximum f-stop
Linear motor for fast and silent autofocus
International focusing

Cons

Some may wish this lens had OIS, optical image stabilization

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

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Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR - B&H Photo

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Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR - Sample Images

Please see sample images below. Photos are edited with either Lightroom or Capture One Express and I have used Fujifilm film simulations such as Acros, Classic Chrome, and Velvia.

Please click to view larger images.