Best Lenses for Fuji X-Pro3 (2023 Top Picks & Reviews)

When it comes to photography, owning a quality lens is an essential part of capturing the best images. The Fuji X-Pro3 has a sensor that can be used with both prime and zoom lenses — but which ones should you invest in? In this post, I’ll be exploring the best lenses for the Fuji X-Pro3 and what each does for your photos to help you determine which one will suit your needs best.

What is the Fujifilm X-Pro3?

The Fuji X-Pro3 is the latest generation of Fujifilm’s iconic X-Pro line of cameras. A favorite among street photographers, the X-Pro3 from Fuji has a hybrid viewfinder combining both optical and electronic viewfinders for enhanced creativity and flexibility.

Another unique feature of the X-Pro3 is its hidden LCD screen. The back of the camera is reminiscent of traditional shooting setups. Rather than focus on checking every image after you take it, the hidden screen helps you stay in the moment. Staying present on a shoot can often yield better results.

Since you’re reading this guide on lenses for the X-Pro3, you likely already own the camera, so let’s continue without wasting anymore time on the body’s features.

Fujifilm Lens Terminology & Abbreviations Guide

The model names you see throughout the article may seem a bit confusing at first. Fujifilm uses abbreviations to indicate what features a lens has just by reading the name of the product.

Below I’ve included a guide to help you understand what Fuji is talking about:

• Fujinon – Fujinon is the brand of optical lenses available from Fujifilm.
• XF – This is the range of expert optics, featuring metal finishes
• OIS – This stands for optical image stabilization.
• WR – This stands for weather resistant
• R – This indicates that the lens has a ring to adjust aperture
• LM – This indicates the lens has a linear motor for focusing

How I’ve Formatted These Top Recommended Lenses

I’ve broken down this article into several categories to help you navigate easier. Each category features the best lenses I recommend, in the order I recommend them. While the best Fujifilm lenses may not fit into your budget, I hope this way of formatting gives you a good idea of what is available.

Let’s get started describing quite a few lenses from Fujifilm!

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Best Standard Zoom Lenses for Fuji X-Pro3

Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR – Overall Best Fuji Lens

The Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR from Fujifilm is a standard zoom lens with an equivalent 24–84mm focal length range and constant maximum aperture of f/2.8. It’s a versatile lens that can be used in difficult lighting conditions, making it perfect for event photography or capturing landscapes at dusk without the need to carry multiple lenses on location. Without a doubt, this is the best standard zoom lens for Fujifilm X-mount cameras.

This Fujinon lens features 3 extra-low dispersion elements. These elements help minimize things like color fringing and chromatic aberrations. An additional 3 aspherical elements combat distortion and spherical aberrations so you walk away with sharp, accurate photographs.

The LM in the model name refers to the lens’ Twin Linear Motor autofocus system. This system gives you quiet, smooth focusing, which is especially important if you are using the Fujifilm X-Pro3 for video or in situations where you need to stay as silent as possible.

The WR in the Fujifilm lens model name means this lens is weather-resistant. It’s sealing helps protect the lens from dust and moisture. If you find yourself taking your X-Pro3 into cold temperatures, it remains operational at as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

Since the maximum aperture of this lens is f/2.8, you’ll be able to shoot portraits with a shallow depth of field for background separation. The lens diaphragm is comprised of nine blades, resulting in pleasing, rounded bokeh.

There isn’t optical image stabilization in this lens, but when combined with the in-body image stabilization of the X-Pro3 for 5.5 stops of effectiveness.

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Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR

The second best lens in the standard zoom section of this article I recommend is the Fujifilm XF 16–80mm f/4 R OIS WR lens. It’s one of the more recent additions to Fujifilm’s incredible X-mount lens collection and covers a wide zoom range.

It’s well suited for many shooting situations since it covers a versatile 24–120mm equivalent focal length range. From wide-angle shots to medium-telephoto, this lens from Fuji has you covered.

While its maximum aperture of f/4 won’t deliver a very shallow depth of field or seemingly allow you to shoot in low light, its optical image stabilization system is effective up to 6 stops!

While I’m not 100% sure whether I’d risk capturing a blurry photo by compensating six stops, that’s the highest I’ve seen advertised on any lens.

With a wide zoom range, stabilization, and even weather sealing, the price point on this lens is good. It’s typically priced just above the 18–55mm “kit lens” option below.

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Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS

If the two standard zoom lenses above are still a little out of your budget, I finally recommend the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS as the best budget option. While not significantly cheaper than the 16–80mm, this lens is the cheapest out of my recommendations.

Fujifilm often included this lens with their camera bodies as a kit lens. Kit lenses often get a bad rap, but Fuji photographers have sung this lens’ praises for years when compared to other popular camera manufacturers.

It offers a 27–84mm equivalent focal length range, which means you won’t get quite as wide as our top recommendation, but you always have the option of selecting a wide-angle zoom or prime lens to your gear list to make up for this difference.

One important thing to note is the Fujinon XF 18–55m f/2.8–4 is a variable-aperture standard zoom lens meaning that the maximum aperture changes throughout the focal length range. At 18mm, the maximum aperture is f/2.8. This increases to f/4 as you zoom in. This is one of the primary reasons the lens costs less than the 16–55mm f/2.8 lens above.

One advantage this lens has over the 16–55mm is OIS, or optical image stabilization. This helps reduce camera shake by up to four stops — a handy feature if you’re shooting handheld in low-light situations.

This Fuji standard zoom lens is missing weather sealing, so keep that in mind if you frequently shoot outdoors. It may not be the best option for you.

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Best Wide-Angle Zoom Lenses for Fuji X-Pro3

If you want to become a landscape, cityscape, interior, real estate, or architecture photographer, a wide-angle lens is an important lens to have. In this section, I’ll be recommending the two best options for wide-angle zoom lenses for the Fuji X-Pro3. If you prefer prime lenses, we’ll be covering those in the next section.

Fujifilm XF 10–24mm f/4 R OIS

Out of the two wide-angle zoom lenses available from Fujifilm, I recommend the Fujifilm XF 10–24mm f/4 R OIS because it is more affordable and covers a better focal length range for most photographers.

This Fujinon lens provides an equivalent 15–36mm focal length range with a constant maximum aperture of f/4.

While that maximum aperture may not seem as appealing as f/2.8, keep in mind that most images you take with this lens won’t need a shallow depth of field. In landscape or architectural photography, you’ll most often land somewhere in the f/8–11 range.

This lens is stabilized (OIS), allowing you to make up a few stops if you find yourself shooting without a tripod at times. I personally have appreciated this feature and have used it to my advantage when shooting symmetrical subway tunnels or staircases that lacked a ton of light.

The only thing I have found missing with this lens is weather sealing. Since this lens gets used quite a bit in the field, I have had to remain cautious.

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

If you have a bigger budget and need to go even wider in your photography, Fujifilm also has the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR — one of its latest lenses. This lens covers the best wide-angle range with a 12–24mm equivalent range and a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8.

At these wider focal lengths, most lenses struggle with distortion. This lens has four aspherical elements to reduce distortion, curvature of field, and spherical aberrations. Distortion will still be present, so you’ll need to be mindful of your composition to further reduce it.

Since this lens maxes out at 16mm, it’s a perfect option to pair with the XF 16–55mm we covered above for increased flexibility. However, be prepared to carry the weight since neither lens is what I’d call “light“.

While the lens does not include OIS, the X-Pro3 makes up for that with several stops of effectiveness with its IBIS.

One final important thing to mention regarding this lens is that there aren’t threads to add a filter. Not only does this mean you’ll need other filter systems for things like NDs or polarizers, but it also means you’ll have no way to protect the front element with the lens cap off.

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Best Wide-Angle Prime Lenses for Fuji X-Pro3

There are two great options when it comes to the best wide-angle prime lens for the Fujifilm X-Pro3 — one at 14mm and the other at 16mm. Ultimately, it’ll come down to whether you’ll want to go with the widest option or the one with a better maximum aperture and weather sealing. Let’s look at both in a bit more detail.

Fujifilm XF 14 mm f/2.8 R

The Fujifilm XF 14 mm f/2.8 R is a fantastic option for landscape or architectural photographers because it is the widest autofocus prime lens available for the Fuji X-Pro3.

The lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, but as I mentioned earlier in this roundup, that doesn’t matter much when you’re trying to get both the foreground and background in focus. However, f/2.8 will still allow you to capture great results in low light.

The main con of this particular prime lens is its lack of weather sealing. If your landscapes frequently include water or dust, you may want to reconsider whether this lens is the right fit for you.

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Fujifilm XF 16 mm f/1.4 R WR

While the Fujifilm XF 16 mm f/1.4 R WR isn’t as wide as the 14mm, it has a few added benefits.

For one, this Fujinon lens is weather resistant — a welcomed feature for landscape photographers.

It has a larger aperture of f/1.4, so if you like wide-angle portraits with bokeh, it’s incredible. Combine that with its very short minimum focus distance and you can capture some stunning photographs.

It is bigger and heavier than the 14mm prime lens from Fujifilm, so if you are already carrying a significant amount of weight in your bag, these are important things to consider.

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Best Telephoto Zoom Lenses for Fuji X-Pro3

Fujifilm XF 50-140 mm f/2.8 R OIS WR

While it may be heavy and expensive, you get what you pay for with the Fujifilm XF 50-140 mm f/2.8 R OIS WR. It’s my recommendation for the best telephoto lens to use with the Fujifilm X-Pro3 thanks to its constant maximum aperture, weather sealing, and optical image stabilization.

The lens covers an equivalent focal length range of 76–213mm, perfect for wildlife, portraits, or landscape details. The maximum aperture of f/2.8 is constant throughout the entire zoom range, allowing you to capture your photographs even in low-light conditions.

The autofocus system is driven by a Triple Linear Motor, making it snappy. Operation of the autofocus system is near-silent as well, so you won’t scare away animals when framing your shot.

Not only does this lens have optical image stabilization, but it also has a gyro sensor to help minimize the appearance of camera shake. Since you’ll need faster shutter speeds at longer focal lengths, this is a crucial feature.

When it comes to weather sealing, there are 20 seals to help protect this expensive piece of equipment from dust and moisture. I’m fairly certain it has the best weather sealing out of any lens in this whole article.

As with many lenses of this size, it does include a tripod collar for better mounting on a tripod or monopod.

Finally, this lens is compatible with Fujifilm’s XF 1.4X TC WR and XF 2X TC WR teleconverters for even closer photos.

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Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

If you’re just starting out or on a tighter budget, my second recommendation is the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS.

You’ll immediately notice a few key differences between this lens and the top recommendation just by reading the model name.

The first major difference is the zoom range. This lens will get you closer to the action with an equivalent 85–300mm focal length range. With that increased zoom range comes sacrifices in terms of max apertures.

At its widest (55mm), the lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 and by 200mm you’re left with a max of f/4.8. This may not be ideal for you if you are photographing subjects that need some background separation or if you are a bokeh lover.

However, the best way to tell how much of a problem this may cause is by checking out albums in Flickr groups for this specific lens. You’ll find examples of photos other photographers have taken with this lens at the focal length and aperture you’re hesitant about.

While you’ll notice the model name includes the OIS for optical image stabilization (4.5 stops), the lens is missing weather sealing. If you’re a wildlife photographer that frequently get caught in rain or snow may want to steer clear and look at my previous recommendation or skip to the next one.

The lens’ construction isn’t as solid or premium as the other telephoto lenses on this list, but that does mean it’s smaller and lighter. Since it is a more affordable option, it has an external extending lens barrel.

The final thing I’ll mention about this lens is that not everyone is happy with its autofocus speed performance. If you’re considering this lens for portraits, sports, or low-light use, I’d do more research to help make an informed decision whether you’ll grow frustrated by that.

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

The last telephoto lens I’m recommending for the best telephoto lens for the Fuji X-Pro3 is the Fujinon XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS. The reason I’ve saved this one for last is because it’s a bit more of a specialty lens and is priced accordingly.

Coming in with a 152–609mm equivalent focal length range and max apertures ranging from f/4.5–5.6, this lens is a beast. It’s suited best for wildlife and sports photography and comes with some features that other lenses on this list don’t.

With these styles of photography, quickly getting a subject in focus can be difficult, especially if they are at a distance. To help photographers focus faster on distant subjects, the lens features a focus limiter switch. Photographers can select either the full range of focus like most lenses, or switch to only focus from 16.4′ to infinity — constraining them to a smaller range for far-off animals, athletes, etc.

The lens also has a zoom-lock switch to keep zoom creep from happening or to maintain the same zoom throughout a shoot.

The tripod collar on the 100–400mm model is removable and can rotate for better balance when mounting or shooting on a tripod or monopod.

In terms of weather sealing, there are 13 seals in 12 locations, making this lens much better suited for bad weather compared to Fujifilm’s XF 55–200mm lens.

One other unique feature of this lens is the sliding window incorporated into the lens hood for easy filter adjustments. Fujifilm really thought of everything for this lens!

Finally, the lens does indeed have optical image stabilization that helps combat camera shake up to 5 stops and is compatible with Fuji’s XF 1.4x TC WR and XF 2x TC WR teleconverters.

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Best Portrait Lenses for Fuji X-Pro3

Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR

The Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR lens was released in September 2020, making it the latest portrait lens in this section. It’s also the most expensive, but once we go through the details, you’ll see why.

You’ve probably already noticed that this lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.0. That’s insane! You’ll have little to worry about when faced with low-light situations if this lens is mounted on your X-Pro3.

The aperture diaphragm itself comprises nine blades, which delivers very rounded bokeh.

It provides a 76mm equivalent focal length, which is great for portraits and has 11 weather seals, allowing you to shoot in inclement weather or challenging conditions.

If you’ve got the money and want incredible control of depth of field, this is the best portrait lens and will make you one happy photographer.

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Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R

The Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R is one of my favorite lenses in my extensive collection. This 85mm-equivalent prime lens has an incredible maximum aperture of f/1.2 — providing a very shallow depth of field.

Combining the f/1.2 max aperture with Fuji’s eye focus delivers some stunning portraits with little effort. If you often work in low-light conditions and don’t want to shell out for the 50mm f/1.0, I can’t recommend this lens highly enough.

It came in clutch multiple times back when I was shooting event photography in dark nightclubs or nighttime music festivals.

In hand, this lens is pretty heavy, but the construction feels very solid and premium. The internal focusing mechanism is quick and silent, making this a joy to work with.

In terms of bokeh, there are seven blades that make up the aperture diaphragm, so while it isn’t as round as a nine-blade diaphragm, the results are still pleasing to me.

Since this is typically used as a portrait lens, the lack of weather sealing wasn’t a deal breaker for me. If that’s an issue for you, you might want to revisit the lens above or opt for one of the following models.

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Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR

Want something lighter and more affordable than the 50mm and 56mm models we’ve already covered? The Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR might be perfect for you. This 76mm-equivalent lens has the unique tapered look you’ll find on a couple of other Fujifilm prime lenses.

While the f/2 maximum aperture isn’t as stunning as f/1.0 or f/1.2, it still delivers decent depth of field and background separation for your subject.

The biggest pros for this lens are its size, weight, and price. You’ll hardly notice the lens on your X-Pro3 body and you may even have some money left over to purchase another lens on this list.

Oh, and it is weather sealed and comes in black or silver color options!

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Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR

If I had to choose my favorite XF lens in my collection, I’d be very tempted to select the Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR. There’s just something about the images I capture using this 137mm equivalent lens that excites me.

While I don’t feel close to a subject while having to stand so far away to take photographs, there’s something about this focal-length that I love.

And it’s not just portraits that I use this lens for. I frequently mount this to my camera when shooting cityscapes to capture clusters of buildings in the distance. I’d even go as far as to say that this is the sharpest Fuji lens out there.

I didn’t feel comfortable including this lens any higher up on the list because it isn’t one of the first lenses I’d recommend picking up for your Fuji X-Pro3 or any XT bodies. However, if you already have a decent collection and this focal length makes sense for what you shoot, definitely give it a closer look!

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Best Fujifilm Lenses for Street Photography for Fuji X-Pro3

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR

My top recommendation for street photography would have to be the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens because of its portability, speed, focal length, and image quality. This lens has a 35mm equivalence, which is a popular focal length for street photographers.

This lens has the iconic Fuji tapered style and almost goes unnoticed when I mount it to my XT body since it is so light and small.

The stepping motor for autofocus is incredibly quiet and quick. I frequently take it on walks and can quickly raise the camera to my eye, grab focus, and click the shutter to capture fleeting moments.

The f/2 maximum aperture is enough to include pleasing bokeh in my shots, especially since the diaphragm has nine blades.

On top of all of this, it’s weather-sealed, so I feel comfortable using it just about anywhere.

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Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR

Next up is the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR, which only differs from the lens above in focal length. It’s a 53mm equivalent focal length, allowing you to capture subjects a little closer while you walk the streets.

It has the same tapered design, weather sealing, stepping motor, and outstanding performance as the 23mm f/2.

Choosing between 23mm or 35mm is up to personal preference, so take a look at examples from both lenses and select whichever aligns more with your style.

It’s worth noting that Fujifilm also has the XF 35mm f/1.4 lens available, but be prepared for its added weight and increased price.

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Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R

The final street photography lens I’ll recommend from Fuji is very similar to the 23mm f/2 lens we covered above. The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R is the same focal length, but has a maximum aperture of f/1.4.

The reason I’ve included this last is because it is heavier, pricier, lacks weather sealing, and doesn’t focus as quickly as the 23mm f/2 lens.

While it is still a great lens that many photographers are happy with, I personally opted for the smaller, cheaper version and haven’t looked back. My decision to choose the f/2 model was also influenced by the fact that I own several other Fuji lenses mentioned throughout this article.

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Best Macro Lenses for Fuji X-Pro3

We’ve made it to the final section of this roundup of the best lenses for Fuji X-Pro3 — macro lenses. I personally don’t spend much time shooting macro photography, but if you do, Fujifilm has you covered with a couple great options.

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

The Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro is a 122mm equivalent telephoto lens that was designed for close-up shooting. It has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, which helps separate subjects from backgrounds.

The minimum focusing distance is just 9.8 inches. Combine that with the focal length, and you’re left with a 1:1 life-size magnification.

Since this is a macro lens, it has a Floating Focus System. This uses two focusing groups to keep the image quality throughout the entire focus range. The motor is quick and quiet.

If you like to shoot macro photographer outdoors, the lens is weather-sealed so it stays protected.

While shooting subjects up close, camera shake easily can influence your shots. To help combat that, the lens also has optical image stabilization effective up to five stops.

To help you easily achieve focus up close, the lens has a focus range limiter switch. You can limit the range to minimum focus distance (9.8″) to 1.6′ or switch to the full range of 9.8″ to infinity.

Finally, the lens is compatible with the XF 1.4x TC WR and XF 2x TC WR teleconverters which bring your focal length to 171mm or 244mm, respectively.

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Fujifilm XF 60mm f/2.4 R Macro

If you want to save some cash and pick up a lens that’s significantly lighter, I recommend the Fujifilm XF 60mm f/2.4 R Macro. It delivers a 1:2 maximum magnification, compared to the 80mm’s 1:1 and has a maximum aperture of f/2.4.

The equivalent focal length for this macro lens is 91mm and has a minimum focusing distance of 10.5 inches. Unfortunately, there isn’t a focus limiter on this lens and the focus speed isn’t stellar.

The focal length of this lens makes it a good option for portraits — something to keep in mind if you’re weighing both Fujinon macro lens options from Fujifilm.

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Non-Fujifilm Recommended Alternatives

I’d also like to include a few third-party lenses not from Fujifilm that you may want to check out. I personally have stuck with Fujinon lenses for my collection since I love their build-quality, aesthetic, and perfect compatibility. However, I’m certain that some of the following lenses may be best for your budget and needs. Also bear in mind, some of these lenses are manual focus.

Last update on 2023-06-02 // More Information