Best Lenses for Fujifilm X-T5

The Fujifilm X-T5 is one of the most impressive cameras the company has released to date, combining the best features of Fujifilm’s X-Mount cameras into a single model. Therefore, choosing the best lenses for the Fujifilm X-T5 is particularly important. The lenses must keep up with the capabilities of this camera and do justice to the resolution of its 40 MP sensor.

Selecting Lenses to Match the X-T5’s Capabilities

We wanted to select lenses with the optical quality that does justice to the X-T5 while also matching the camera’s operation and type. For example, we did not consider Fujifilm’s more extreme telephoto lenses, as we believe photographers who need them will likely opt for the faster Fujifilm X-H2S instead.

Instead, we have put together a selection of top-notch professional zooms and high-quality prime lenses. In our opinion, these lenses meet the requirements of most X-T5 buyers – all-round zooms on the one hand, and classic prime lenses that match the camera’s manual controls on the other.

The best news is that none of these lenses are excessively expensive. This is one of the great advantages of the Fujifilm X-Mount system – you can get a selection of professional lenses for significantly less money than with a comparable full-frame system.

So let’s get to our recommendations…

Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR

The best professional standard zoom for the Fujifilm X-T5

With a constant f/2.8 aperture over the entire 16-55mm focal length range (35mm equivalent: 24-82.5mm), this lens is the ideal companion for the X-T5. It is one of Fujifilm’s “Red Badge” professional lenses and is equivalent to the standard 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom of full-frame cameras.

The optical performance is excellent. Of course, it has an aperture ring and is weather-sealed. Newer Fujifilm cameras like the X-T5 also offer in-body image stabilization. However, at 655g, the XF 16-55mm is quite large and heavy. Interestingly, it is significantly cheaper than comparable professional zooms for full-frame.

Fujinon XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR

The best constant f/2.8 telephoto zoom for the Fujifilm X-T5

This “Red Badge” professional lens with a 35mm equivalent of 75-210mm and f/2.8 across all focal lengths is the telephoto counterpart to the standard zoom. With this aperture, it is suitable for both sports and wildlife photography with action as well as portraits.

The optical imaging performance is excellent, and the price is still reasonable. Unfortunately, at around 1 kg, the XF 50-140mm is almost as heavy as a comparable professional telephoto zoom for full-frame cameras.

Fujinon XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR

The best affordable telephoto zoom for the Fujifilm X-T5

With a 35mm equivalent of 105-450mm focal length, this weather-sealed zoom with optical image stabilization covers a wide range and is suitable for both landscape and sports/wildlife photos. At under 600g, it is also significantly lighter than the professional telephoto zooms.

While Fujifilm does offer even better telephoto lenses, they are also more expensive. For ambitious amateur photographers who own an X-T5, however, the XF 70-300mm is the best option. Especially since it is also compatible with teleconverters.

Fujinon XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR

The best super wide-angle zoom for the Fujifilm X-T5

With a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and a focal length of 8-16mm (equivalent to 12-24mm full-frame), this lens is ideal for landscape, architecture, and interior shots. It complements the standard 16-55mm focal length very well and delivers convincing image quality right into the corners.

The price of around $1,499 is not low, but still significantly lower than for comparable professional lenses in full-frame format. The weight of over 800g is unfortunately quite high, but almost unavoidable with this extremely large angle of view coverage. Overall, a very good addition for ambitious X-T5 users.

Fujinon XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR

The best wide-angle prime lens for the Fuji X-T5

This fast prime lens with f/1.4 and 18mm focal length (equivalent to 27mm full-frame) is ideal for outdoor shots such as landscapes or architecture. It is characterized by very good imaging performance with sharp rendering and beautiful bokeh.

At around $1,000, it is also comparatively inexpensive for a professional prime lens with this aperture and imaging performance. Overall, a great addition to the X-T5.

Fujinon XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR

The best “street photography” prime lens for the Fujifilm X-T5

Fujifilm also has a lot to offer in terms of prime lenses in the medium focal length range. In our opinion, the XF 23mm f/1.4 with its full-frame equivalent of approximately 35mm is particularly well suited for “street photography”.

It combines a very large maximum aperture of f/1.4 with high imaging performance. Both sharpness in the center of the image and at the edges are already impressive at f/1.4. Autofocus and build quality are also convincing. The prime lens produces a relatively neutral image without disturbing distortions.

This makes this lens interesting as an “all-rounder” for various subject areas.

Fujinon XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR

The best standard focal length with 50mm full-frame equivalent for the Fujifilm X-T5

The 50mm normal focal length is very popular with many photographers because it is quite close to the human angle of view. For the APS-C format of the X-T5, the full-frame equivalent focal length is around 35mm.

With the XF 33mm f/1.4, Fujifilm offers a prime lens that covers exactly this focal length with a maximum aperture of f/1.4. This makes it suitable for both portraits and as a reportage lens.

It impresses with great imaging performance, compact design, and a comparatively low price of under $800.

Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR

The best portrait focal length for the Fujifilm X-T5

When it comes to flattering portrait shots with soft bokeh, this prime lens with a 56mm focal length (full-frame: 84mm) is the first choice for the X-T5. With a minimum focusing distance of 50 cm, you can work specifically with perspective and background.

The imaging performance is crystal clear up to higher apertures and the bokeh is magical. The autofocus works quickly and precisely, and the prime lens is also weather-sealed and well-constructed.

With a price of $1000, it is more expensive than standard or wide-angle prime lenses, but considering the quality offered, it is a real gem for demanding portrait photographers with an X-T5.

Conclusion:

The Fujifilm X-T5 sets a new benchmark for APS-C cameras, combining a high-resolution 40MP sensor with retro manual controls. As such, it demands lenses that can keep up with its imaging capabilities. After careful evaluation, we have assembled a selection of top-performing Fujifilm zooms and primes.

For those seeking an all-purpose professional zoom, the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 delivers excellent sharpness and is equivalent to 24-70mm full-frame. To complement it with reach, the XF 50-140mm f/2.8 provides a constant f/2.8 aperture over 75-210mm (full-frame equivalent). For greater affordability and portability, the XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 is wonderfully versatile.

Primes like the XF 18mm f/1.4, XF 23mm f/1.4, and XF 33mm f/1.4 offer outstanding image quality for landscapes, street scenes, and general use. For portraits, the XF 56mm f/1.2 has dreamy bokeh. And the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 ultra wide-angle zoom enables incredible vistas.

In summary, while Fujifilm offers lenses with capabilities surpassing the X-T5, we focused on models that best draw out its impressive resolution and design without overspending. For X-T5 shooters, these optics make excellent creative partners.