The Fabulous Fuji X owners thread

I'm hoping for advice about a L-bracket or L-plate for my X-T3. I remember them being discussed before in this thread and did a search, but my tripod head is a Manfrotto with quick release plate whereas most of you seem to be using an Arca Swiss fitting. So my question is - can anyone recommend a bracket that will fit the X-T3 and my current tripod head or point me in the right direction please? Or will I need a new tripod head?
 
I'm hoping for advice about a L-bracket or L-plate for my X-T3. I remember them being discussed before in this thread and did a search, but my tripod head is a Manfrotto with quick release plate whereas most of you seem to be using an Arca Swiss fitting. So my question is - can anyone recommend a bracket that will fit the X-T3 and my current tripod head or point me in the right direction please? Or will I need a new tripod head?

I keep a spare Arca type clamp which has a QR plate screwed into its base for use with a proprietary head that I can't swap the top plate receptacle.

(Some heads have a removable top plate receptacle - if so you may be able to swap it for a clamp.)
 
I have an X-T3 and mainly use 18-55 and 50-140 lenses. I want extra reach over the kit lens to slip having to change lenses so often, and will look at the 16-80 when it comes shortly.
(I miss the extra reach I had with the Canon 24-105.)
However...can anyone recommend any non-Fuji lenses that cover roughly the same range as the 16-80 AND is f/2.8? The only drawback to the coming 16-80 is that it's 'only' f/4.
 
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I have an X-T3 and mainly use 18-55 and 50-140 lenses. I want extra reach over the kit lens to slip having to change lenses so often, and will look at the 16-80 when it comes shortly.
(I miss the extra reach I had with the Canon 24-105.)
However...can anyone recommend any non-Fuji lenses that cover roughly the same range as the 16-80 AND is f/2.8? The only drawback to the coming 16-80 is that it's 'only' f/4.

I would suggest that with an a general purpose lens like a 16-80 keeping the size and weight down is more important than the extra stop.
If it is anything like other Fuji lenses it will be sharp right down to F4.
But it is not aspecialist lens where that stop could be important.
How ever it is a fixed f4, Not a 2.8 -4 like the 18-55. So it is necessarily quite a big lens
 
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I keep a spare Arca type clamp which has a QR plate screwed into its base for use with a proprietary head that I can't swap the top plate receptacle.

(Some heads have a removable top plate receptacle - if so you may be able to swap it for a clamp.)

Thank you for your reply, Andrew. I hadn't thought of an adaptor but that may be the only answer as my tripod head is the Manfrotto XPRO balll head that seems to come in two different versions - one with a 200PL plate and the other with a top lock and they aren't interchangeable. It looks as though I will need to either replace the head or find some sort of adaptor. I wish I had known I would like to use a L-bracket before buying the head last year :(
 
Thank you for your reply, Andrew. I hadn't thought of an adaptor but that may be the only answer as my tripod head is the Manfrotto XPRO balll head that seems to come in two different versions - one with a 200PL plate and the other with a top lock and they aren't interchangeable. It looks as though I will need to either replace the head or find some sort of adaptor. I wish I had known I would like to use a L-bracket before buying the head last year :(

@Manxmaid, two of my tripods have Arca compatible heads but on the third, I've fixed one of these to the existing tripod plate, giving me Arca compatibility. https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/SUNWAYFOTO...4zU0-XKf2NA8M4reoCCwbikGPSb3ZEU8aAr5SEALw_wcB They are available form several suppliers at vastly different prices, there are also similar items made by other suppliers but I've found Sunwayfoto to be nicely made.

BTW if the MAnfrotto head part number ends in Q6 its Arca compatible such as https://www.manfrotto.co.uk/xpro-magnesium-ball-head-with-top-lock-plate
 
I'm hoping for advice about a L-bracket or L-plate for my X-T3. I remember them being discussed before in this thread and did a search, but my tripod head is a Manfrotto with quick release plate whereas most of you seem to be using an Arca Swiss fitting. So my question is - can anyone recommend a bracket that will fit the X-T3 and my current tripod head or point me in the right direction please? Or will I need a new tripod head?
This is a very common problem for manfrotto users , I have one of their 3 way heads and use one of these fixed to a spare manfrotto plate .
https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Metal-50mm...-Adapter-for-S4p1/2274336653?iid=302561217079
I have fixed the two together permanently, with an additional screw through them, to stop the possibility of them twisting. But some araldite between them would work just as well.
Though very cheap it is well made and very strong, I have been using it regularly to hold my L bracket for over a year with out the slightest problem.
I am surprised that no one has made a permanent one piece adapter, as it could be made somewhat thinner, but equally strong.
 
@Manxmaid, two of my tripods have Arca compatible heads but on the third, I've fixed one of these to the existing tripod plate, giving me Arca compatibility. https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/SUNWAYFOTO...4zU0-XKf2NA8M4reoCCwbikGPSb3ZEU8aAr5SEALw_wcB They are available form several suppliers at vastly different prices, there are also similar items made by other suppliers but I've found Sunwayfoto to be nicely made.

BTW if the MAnfrotto head part number ends in Q6 its Arca compatible such as https://www.manfrotto.co.uk/xpro-magnesium-ball-head-with-top-lock-plate

Thank you David, I'm clueless about tripods (the legs of mine must be 15 years old and have only seen the light of day about once a year!) so your pointers are very helpful. Unfortunately the head I bought last year is the QR version and not the top lock :banghead: I am hoping to use a tripod much more in future and want to get an L-bracket so it's really useful to see a link to something that will solve the problem. Now I just need to decide whether to adapt the current head, sell it and buy the Arca version, or go the whole hog and get a new (maybe CF) tripod with Arca style head. Thank you again for your help.
 
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This is a very common problem for manfrotto users , I have one of their 3 way heads and use one of these fixed to a spare manfrotto plate .
https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Metal-50mm...-Adapter-for-S4p1/2274336653?iid=302561217079
I have fixed the two together permanently, with an additional screw through them, to stop the possibility of them twisting. But some araldite between them would work just as well.
Though very cheap it is well made and very strong, I have been using it regularly to hold my L bracket for over a year with out the slightest problem.
I am surprised that no one has made a permanent one piece adapter, as it could be made somewhat thinner, but equally strong.

Thank you, Terry, this looks like a simple fix. It is frustrating that I bought the new head last year and didn't foresee the need for Arca compatibility so just chose one with the fitting I am familiar with. Now I need to decide whether to change the head (and maybe legs too now that it is getting more use and weighs a ton!) or just adapt the old one :) Thank you again.
 
Took my new, second hand 10-24 for a spin, need some tips I think, things didn't turn out quite as I would have hoped today.
The poppy fields were way past their best really, but I tried to salvage something from it. the colour in the poppies was sparse, I had no Grad filter, high winds, so all in all, a bit of a challenge....
About the best I could muster...

poppy fields -1-2 by Darrin Roberts, on Flickr

poppy fields -1-6 by Darrin Roberts, on Flickr

poppy fields -1-4 by Darrin Roberts, on Flickr

poppy fields -1-5 by Darrin Roberts, on Flickr

poppy fields -1 by Darrin Roberts, on Flickr
Tips with what? Lovely set
 
I have dabbled in this thread but am closer now to getting an XT3!!! Question though on the 16-55 v 18-55.

I have the Nikon 24-70, but mainly just use for paid work as its a bit of a beast and in any case I like using primes. Million dollar question, would I find the 18-55 lacking? Indoors, its used with a white backdrop so normally f5.6 or f8. Occasionally I will do outdoor shoots or weddings where shooting at 2.8 to f4 would be needed. Obviously my concern is that shooting the 18-55 at f4 would be wide open much of the time and never as good as stopping down. That said, I am keen on the 56mm 1.2 and would probably go for the 23 and 35 prime too. Because of size it may be used more as a personal lens, while the 16-55 I can see not being used as much for personal stuff.
 
I have dabbled in this thread but am closer now to getting an XT3!!! Question though on the 16-55 v 18-55.

I have the Nikon 24-70, but mainly just use for paid work as its a bit of a beast and in any case I like using primes. Million dollar question, would I find the 18-55 lacking? Indoors, its used with a white backdrop so normally f5.6 or f8. Occasionally I will do outdoor shoots or weddings where shooting at 2.8 to f4 would be needed. Obviously my concern is that shooting the 18-55 at f4 would be wide open much of the time and never as good as stopping down. That said, I am keen on the 56mm 1.2 and would probably go for the 23 and 35 prime too. Because of size it may be used more as a personal lens, while the 16-55 I can see not being used as much for personal stuff.

Hi Simon... Good to get you over here ;)

The 18-55 has a reputation for being an "outstanding" kit lens, although the variable aperture is a PITA, being f2.8-f4. The 16-55 f2.8 is a stellar lens and at least as good as the similar 24-70 offerings from Nikon and Canon, but it's a big lump, one of the reasons I haven't gone down that route.

Personally I would prefer a trio of the 1.4's (16, 23 & 35). I have the 10-24 and find myself using it at the long end quite often. I have the 35 & had the 16 (which I swapped for the 90mm f2).

Not sure if I've helped really... But I would suggest you run with the cheaper, lighter lens and see how you get on. My son "borrowed" mine, and I can't seem to get it back!
 
Hi Simon... Good to get you over here ;)

The 18-55 has a reputation for being an "outstanding" kit lens, although the variable aperture is a PITA, being f2.8-f4. The 16-55 f2.8 is a stellar lens and at least as good as the similar 24-70 offerings from Nikon and Canon, but it's a big lump, one of the reasons I haven't gone down that route.

Personally I would prefer a trio of the 1.4's (16, 23 & 35). I have the 10-24 and find myself using it at the long end quite often. I have the 35 & had the 16 (which I swapped for the 90mm f2).

Not sure if I've helped really... But I would suggest you run with the cheaper, lighter lens and see how you get on. My son "borrowed" mine, and I can't seem to get it back!

Decisions decisions!!! I do have the X100F and cant see myself selling that as its my 'pocket' camera. I know I should go for the 2,8 but I know I will leave that at home an awful lot so am leaning to the 18-55
 
I have, and use both. The18-55 paired with the 14 for when I'm away travelling and want something light and versatile. The 16-55 is what I have as the default mounted on the camera the majority of the time when I am at or around home.

For what it's worth I would go with an XT3 kit and see how you fare with the 18-55. The price of the kit vs body only makes it a financially 'economic' option. If you sense there's something lacking you know you have a great 'upgrade' path with either the 16-55 or a bunch of fab primes.
 
I have dabbled in this thread but am closer now to getting an XT3!!! Question though on the 16-55 v 18-55.

I have the Nikon 24-70, but mainly just use for paid work as its a bit of a beast and in any case I like using primes. Million dollar question, would I find the 18-55 lacking? Indoors, its used with a white backdrop so normally f5.6 or f8. Occasionally I will do outdoor shoots or weddings where shooting at 2.8 to f4 would be needed. Obviously my concern is that shooting the 18-55 at f4 would be wide open much of the time and never as good as stopping down. That said, I am keen on the 56mm 1.2 and would probably go for the 23 and 35 prime too. Because of size it may be used more as a personal lens, while the 16-55 I can see not being used as much for personal stuff.

Hi Simon, you're getting closer to a great decision :) I came from a Nikon D750 with 24-70/f2.8 and thought long and hard about which standard lens to get. I read lots of reviews and comments, looked at lots of images, and haven't regretted my choice of the 18-55mm. I have added some of the lovely Fuji primes but the 18-55 is the perfect go-anywhere partner for the camera and really isn't a 'kit' lens in any sense other than it can come bundled with a body if you choose.

A friend has the 16-55 and loves it but admits it is a bit of a lump. @Sniffer's suggestion above is spot on; get the kit and try the 18-55 and if you find you need more then there are lots of options.
 
Hi Simon, you're getting closer to a great decision :) I came from a Nikon D750 with 24-70/f2.8 and thought long and hard about which standard lens to get. I read lots of reviews and comments, looked at lots of images, and haven't regretted my choice of the 18-55mm. I have added some of the lovely Fuji primes but the 18-55 is the perfect go-anywhere partner for the camera and really isn't a 'kit' lens in any sense other than it can come bundled with a body if you choose.

A friend has the 16-55 and loves it but admits it is a bit of a lump. @Sniffer's suggestion above is spot on; get the kit and try the 18-55 and if you find you need more then there are lots of options.

Thanks, was thinking along the lines of you and sniffer, if I didn’t get the bundle it works out more for me.

Thinking of the 10-24 then too as sometimes like wider and this gives me coverage at that end. What are people’s views on the primes?

Think the 23 just clashes with my X100F, but i do like that length, shame there isn’t a a cheaper (f2) 16mm along the lines of the 23/35/50
 
Thanks, was thinking along the lines of you and sniffer, if I didn’t get the bundle it works out more for me.

Thinking of the 10-24 then too as sometimes like wider and this gives me coverage at that end. What are people’s views on the primes?

Think the 23 just clashes with my X100F, but i do like that length, shame there isn’t a a cheaper (f2) 16mm along the lines of the 23/35/50

I love the 10-24, I sometimes use it as a walkabout lens (works out about 15-36mm FF equiv) and a constant f4. Thing is, most of the Fuji lenses are good, even the cheap 60mm f2.4 "macro" is pretty good, and the two telephoto zooms are both excellent too.

As for the primes, the 56 is "the" portrait lens, along with the 90, but the 16, 23 & 30 f1.4's are all great. I can't comment on the f2's as I've never had one.

Just jump into the system and enjoy, I haven't been as happy with a camera in my hand for years.
 
I have dabbled in this thread but am closer now to getting an XT3!!! Question though on the 16-55 v 18-55.

I have the Nikon 24-70, but mainly just use for paid work as its a bit of a beast and in any case I like using primes. Million dollar question, would I find the 18-55 lacking? Indoors, its used with a white backdrop so normally f5.6 or f8. Occasionally I will do outdoor shoots or weddings where shooting at 2.8 to f4 would be needed. Obviously my concern is that shooting the 18-55 at f4 would be wide open much of the time and never as good as stopping down. That said, I am keen on the 56mm 1.2 and would probably go for the 23 and 35 prime too. Because of size it may be used more as a personal lens, while the 16-55 I can see not being used as much for personal stuff.

The 16-55 is my every day lens atm, if you're used to larger body + 24-70 2.8 combinations then it's not nearly the 'brick' people make it out to be. Though I am using it on the X-H1 where it is better balanced, and also benefits from IBIS. For the smaller bodies I would try the 18-55 first, get one used, if it's not for you then they are easy enough to move on without a loss.

There is a 16mm 2.8, it's not F2 sure, but it's going to be better than the 18-55 at 18mm for wide angle shots, and paired up with a couple of the F2 primes can make a very nice little set.
 
Thanks, was thinking along the lines of you and sniffer, if I didn’t get the bundle it works out more for me.

Thinking of the 10-24 then too as sometimes like wider and this gives me coverage at that end. What are people’s views on the primes?

Think the 23 just clashes with my X100F, but i do like that length, shame there isn’t a a cheaper (f2) 16mm along the lines of the 23/35/50

Once I bought the 23 f1.4 I never used my X100F again.
And I loved that camera. But f1.4...hell yeah.
I now have re-bought the X100 original...old times sake..
 
Just ordered a Refurbished X T30 black body from Fuiji.
Will get in a few days. Don't actually need it..... just a question of a GAS attack.
 
Once I bought the 23 f1.4 I never used my X100F again.
And I loved that camera. But f1.4...hell yeah.
I now have re-bought the X100 original...old times sake..

I do fancy that lens a bit, also the 16 1.4. Still considering trading the 16-55 for one or other and maybe add something like the 50 F2. But ... every time I ponder this I use the 16-55 and it's so good! The only niggle for me with it is that I wish it focused closer, like the 16 1.4, it would be almost perfect then. Ok ... F2 also :D but then it would really be ginormous
 
I do fancy that lens a bit, also the 16 1.4. Still considering trading the 16-55 for one or other and maybe add something like the 50 F2. But ... every time I ponder this I use the 16-55 and it's so good! The only niggle for me with it is that I wish it focused closer, like the 16 1.4, it would be almost perfect then. Ok ... F2 also :D but then it would really be ginormous
Well you know how big the sigma 18-35mm/1.8 is. it'd be bigger :D
 
Well you know how big the sigma 18-35mm/1.8 is. it'd be bigger :D

It would be a bit of a monster for sure, especially if they maintained the full 16-55. I almost went for the Sigma as I have an AF adapter for it and I have tested it and it works very well on the fringer pro. That lens can focus extremely close and is sharp as you'd ever need even at 1.8. I would just prefer it to be a bit longer, but then again it would be even bigger and heavier - it's already 810g, 920g with the fringer added. Not the most comfy for an always on short range zoom. The Fuji is only 655g, which is a fair bit lighter than the likes of a Canon 24-70, yet people call it hefty. But this is in comparison to Fuji primes mostly.
 
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What is everyone carrying their Fuji kit in? I travel with work and would like a small bag to sit in my work rucksack that would fit the X-T30, 18-55 and maybe one other lens that I can take out in the evenings on its own.
 
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