After reviewing more than 30 lenses, here are the best lenses for the Fuji X-S20 mirrorless camera:
- Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR – Best Lens Overall
- Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR – Best Lens for Portraits
- Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR – Best Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
- Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR – Best Wide-Angle Prime Lens
- Fujifilm XF 50-140 mm f/2.8 R OIS WR – Best Telephoto Lens
- Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR – Best Everyday Lens
- Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro – Best Macro Lens
Keep reading for detailed reviews and information about why these lenses were selected. There are also plenty of alternative recommendations that may cater to your specific needs and budget.
What is the Fujifilm X-S20?
The Fujifilm X-S20 is a mid-range camera that offers a compelling mix of features and improvements over its predecessor, the Fuji X-S10. It retains the 26 Megapixel sensor of the X-S10 but couples it with a newer image processor, resulting in faster autofocus, broader subject detection, and longer burst shooting. The camera also offers one of the most capable Auto modes, which is highly praised for its subject detection capabilities.
The X-S20 has made significant strides in video capabilities, offering a new Vlog mode, 4K recording up to 60p, and the flexibility of 6.2k Open Gate in compressed or external RAW formats. The camera also includes a headphone jack, a feature that was missing in the X-S10. Despite these improvements, the video autofocus and stabilization are noted to be slightly behind the best systems available, particularly for vlogging while walking.
The camera’s design is similar to the X-S10, with a few subtle changes. The grip is slightly thicker, allowing for a more powerful battery, which approximately doubles the battery life from around 400 to 800 shots. The camera also supports faster UHS-II SD cards, which, combined with the faster processor, allows for much longer burst shooting.
The X-S20 is priced higher than its predecessor, but despite the price increase, it is still considered one of the most affordable new APSC bodies with in-built sensor-shift stabilization. The camera is part of Fujifilm’s X-series, known for its excellent out-of-camera quality and an extensive lens lineup designed exclusively for cropped APSC sensors.
In conclusion, the Fujifilm X-S20 is a strong contender in the mid-range camera market, offering a blend of improved features and capabilities that make it an attractive choice for both photographers and videographers.
Fujifilm Lens Terminology & Abbreviations Guide
The lens model names you see throughout the article may seem confusing at first. Fujifilm uses abbreviations to indicate what features a lens right in the name of the product. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand what features are found in each lens:
- 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
Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR – Best Lens Overall
The overall best lens for the Fujifilm X-S20 is the Fujifilm XF 16–80mm f/4 R OIS WR.
This standard zoom lens beats out other Fujifilm options for me as the top pick because it is lighter, more affordable, and covers a wider focal length range. With that said, its consistent max aperture of f/4 may be a major con for photographers that frequently shoot in low light or want a shallower depth-of-field for portraits.
If you prioritize speed and don't mind the extra weight and cost, the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is the best alternative to the XF 16-80mm.
With a versatile 24-120mm equivalent focal length range, the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR lens is useful for a wide variety of shots. From wide-angle to medium-telephoto, the lens has you covered.
As I mentioned earlier, the lens has a maximum aperture of f/4. While it is consistent throughout the entire zoom range, it won’t deliver a very shallow depth of field. However, shooting in low light at f/4 isn’t difficult thanks to a combination of the lens’ optical image stabilization (OIS) and the Fuji X-S20’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS). You’ll easily be able to drop your shutter speed to compensate for the aperture as needed.
The final pro for the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR is the fact that it has weather sealing. Weather-resistant lenses give you the freedom to shoot in inclement weather, which is not uncommon for this type of lens.
Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR – Best Lens for Portraits
The best lens for portraits on the Fuji X-S20 is the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR.
This portrait lens is one of my absolute favorite lenses amongst Fujifilm’s extensive X-mount collection. It has an 85mm-equivalent focal length and impressive maximum aperture of f/1.2—providing a very shallow depth of field.
While f/1.2 is suitable for most photographers, the Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR offers even more speed at a slightly wider field of view. However, it comes with a much higher price tag and weighs nearly twice as much as a lens that is already a bit heavy.
Combining the f/1.2 max aperture with Fuji’s eye focus delivers some stunning portraits with minimal effort. With the update to this lens, Fujifilm added weather resistance, which is a must-have for those interested in shooting outdoor portraits or events.
As with pretty much all of Fuji’s lenses, 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.
Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR – Best Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
The best wide-angle zoom lens for the Fuji X-S20 is the Fujifilm XF 10–24mm f/4 R OIS WR.
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.
If you want to go even wider and have deeper pockets, the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR is my recommendation for an alternative to the 10-24mm lens. Keep in mind that the XF 8-16mm is heavier, lacks optical image stabilization, and is missing a filter thread when compared to my top recommendation.
Even though the X-S20 has in-body image stabilization, this lens features optical image stabilization, allowing you to make up a few stops if you find yourself shooting without a tripod. I have used it to my advantage when shooting symmetrical subway tunnels or staircases that lacked a ton of light.
Since this lens is great for landscape photography, I was stoked that Fujifilm updated this lens to feature weather sealing. It’s nice not to have to worry so much when taking this out while in the field or during inclement weather conditions.
Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR – Best Wide-Angle Prime Lens
The best wide-angle prime lens for the Fuji X-S20 mirrorless camera is the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR.
This prime lens is praised by many Fuji shooters for its sharpness and low levels of chromatic aberration. It’s a fantastic lens for landscape photography with a 24mm equivalent focal length and weather sealing to combat the elements.
It doesn’t just excel at wide shots either. The maximum aperture of f/1.4 and a very short minimum focusing distance allows for up-close detail shots or portraits with beautiful bokeh.
The main alternative to this lens in Fujifilm's X-series lineup of lenses is the Fujifilm XF 14mm f/2.8 R lens. It's often slightly cheaper, but you get a wider field of view. However, you sacrifice weather sealing and must settle for a max aperture of f/2.8.
Fujifilm XF 50-140 mm f/2.8 R OIS WR – Best Telephoto Lens
The best telephoto lens for the Fuji X-S20 is the Fujifilm XF 50-140 mm f/2.8 R OIS WR.
While it may be heavy and expensive, you get what you pay for. It’s my recommendation for the best telephoto lens to use with the Fujifilm X-S20 because of its constant maximum aperture, weather sealing, and optical image stabilization.
Alternative recommendations in the telephoto lens category for the X-S20 include the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LM OIS WR if you're on a budget and either the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR or Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR if you're a professional photographer that needs reach.
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 the Fujifilm XF 1.4X TC WR and XF 2X TC WR teleconverters for even closer photos.
Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR – Best Everyday Lens
The best everyday lens for the Fuji X-S20 is the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR.
This lens gets the top spot in this category because of its portability, speed, focal length, and image quality. This lens has a 35mm equivalent focal length, which is a popular focal length for street photographers.
This lens has the iconic Fuji tapered style and almost goes unnoticed when mounted on the X-S20 since it is so light and small.
If you love the tapered style of this lens, the best alternative options are the Fujfilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR and Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR lenses. They offer the same feature set, but are different focal lengths so you can match which suits your photography style the best.
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.
Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro – Best Macro Lens
The best macro lens for the Fuji X-S20 is the Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro.
It 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.
