Best Lenses for Fuji X-T5

After reviewing more than 30 lenses, here are the best lenses for the Fuji X-T5 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-T5?

The Fujifilm X-T5 is a mirrorless camera designed for photographers like me who appreciate a blend of modern and traditional features. This camera is the successor to the much-loved X-T4 model, and it takes things to the next level with its enhanced resolution and lightweight design.

At the heart of the X-T5 is a 40MP APS-C sensor, ensuring images are crisp and clear. The sensor is paired with the X-Processor 5 image processing engine, which has an extended ISO range of 64-51,200 for excellent low-light performance. Besides still photography, the X-T5 offers 10-bit 4:2:2 video at 6.2K/30P, making it a decent option for amateur videographers as well.

In terms of handling, the X-T5 retains the classic X Series design I love so much with dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation which are quick and easy to set, even with the camera switched off. The camera is also lighter than the X-T4, weighing just 1.23 lbs. This makes it an even more comfortable choice for street photography and travel. The new 3-way tilting touchscreen adds a modern touch to the traditional controls, which I’ve come to appreciate.

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

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Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR – Best Lens Overall

The best lens for the Fujifilm X-T5 overall in my opinion is the Fujifilm XF 16–80mm f/4 R OIS WR.

It’s a standard zoom lens and beats out the rest because it is lighter, more affordable, and covers a wider focal length range. However, its consistent max aperture of f/4 may be a con for some of you that frequently shoot in low light or are after a shallower depth-of-field for something like portraits.

If you prioritize speed and are willing to sacrifice the extra weight and cost, the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is my top alternative to the XF 16-80mm.

The versatile 24-120mm equivalent focal length range of the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR lens is useful for numerous shooting styles and situations. From wide-angle to medium-telephoto, the lens can go the distance.

Again, the lens has a maximum aperture of f/4. While it is consistent throughout the whole zoom range, you won’t be able to achieve a very shallow depth of field. Shooting in low light at f/4 isn’t bad though thanks to the lens’ optical image stabilization (OIS) and the Fuji X-T5’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS). You can drop your shutter speed and compensate for the aperture.

The final pro for the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR is its weather sealing. Weather-resistant lenses enable you to shoot in inclement weather, which is common for this type of lens.

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Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR – Best Lens for Portraits

The best lens for portraits on the Fuji X-T5 is the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR.

In Fuji’s X-mount collection, this portrait lens is one of my absolute favorites. It features an 85mm-equivalent focal length and has a WIDE maximum aperture of f/1.2.

While f/1.2 is suitable for most of you, the Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR is even faster at a slightly wider field of view. With that said, it is also more expensive and weighs nearly twice as much as the already quite heavy 56mm lens.

When you combine the f/1.2 max aperture with Fuji’s eye focus, you’ll capture stunning portraits with minimal effort. Fujifilm added weather resistance to this lens update, which was a godsend for photographers that frequently find themselves shooting outdoor events or portraits.

Unsurprisingly, the construction feels just as solid and premium as most Fuijinon lenses. The internal focusing mechanism is speedy and silent, making it a joy to shoot with.

Let’s talk bokeh. Seven blades make up the aperture diaphragm, so while it isn’t as round as a nine-blade diaphragm, I’ve still been very happy with the results from the Fuji 56mm f1.2.

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Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR – Best Wide-Angle Zoom Lens

My pick as the best wide-angle zoom lens for the Fuji X-T5 is none other than the Fujifilm XF 10–24mm f/4 R OIS WR.

This Fujinon lens has an equivalent 15–36mm focal length range and a constant maximum aperture of f/4. While the max aperture may not be as appealing as f/2.8, remember most images you capture with this lens won’t require a shallow depth of field. In landscape or architectural photography, you’ll often be somewhere in the f/8–11 range.

If you are after something wider and have a bigger budget, the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR is my top recommendation for an alternative. However, it's important to note that the XF 8-16mm is heavier, doesn't have optical image stabilization, and lacks a filter thread.

While your X-T5 has in-body image stabilization, this lens has optical image stabilization, allowing you to keep things even steadier while shooting without a tripod. This comes in handy for me when shooting scenes in subway stations or staircases without much light.

Since this lens is well suited for landscape photography, I was excited Fujifilm updated it with weather sealing. Taking this out while hiking or during inclement weather conditions is much less stressful.

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Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR – Best Wide-Angle Prime Lens

The best wide-angle prime lens for Fuji X-T5 mirrorless cameras is the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR.

The Fuji 16mm f1.4 is praised by many for its sharpness and low levels of chromatic aberration. It’s an awesome lens for landscapes with a 24mm equivalent focal length and weather sealing for protection against the elements.

It doesn’t just excel at wide shots. The maximum aperture of f/1.4 and short minimum focusing distance let’s us photograph up-close detail shots and portrait shots with stunning bokeh.

The main alternative for this lens in Fujifilm's X-series lineup is the Fujifilm XF 14mm f/2.8 R. It's often a little more affordable, and you get a wider field of view. However, you will sacrifice weather sealing and settle for a max aperture of f/2.8.

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Fujifilm XF 50-140 mm f/2.8 R OIS WR – Best Telephoto Lens

The best telephoto lens for the Fuji X-T5 is the Fujifilm XF 50-140 mm f/2.8 R OIS WR.

While it is heavy and expensive, you get what you pay for here. It’s my recommendation for the best telephoto lens to use with the Fujifilm X-T5 because of its constant maximum aperture, weather sealing, and optical image stabilization.

Alternative recommendations in the telephoto category include the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LM OIS WR if you're tight on cash 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 more reach.

The lens covers an equivalent focal length range of 76–213mm, which makes it well suited for wildlife, portraits, or landscape details. The max aperture of f/2.8 is constant, allowing you to capture your photographs even in low-light conditions at any focal length in the range.

The autofocus is driven by a Triple Linear Motor, making it quick. The autofocus system is also near-silent, which is important since you wouldn’t want to scare away animals when setting up your shot.

In addition to the lens’ optical image stabilization, it also has a gyro sensor which helps minimize the appearance of camera shake. Since you’ll need faster shutter speeds at long focal lengths, this is an important feature.

For weather sealing, there are 20 seals that help protect this expensive piece of glass from dust and moisture. I’m pretty sure it has the best weather sealing out of any lens in this entire article.

As with many telephoto lenses of this size, a tripod collar is included for better mounting on a tripod/monopod.

Finally, this lens is compatible with the Fujifilm XF 1.4X TC WR and XF 2X TC WR teleconverters for tighter shots.

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Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR – Best Everyday Lens

My favorite everyday carry for the Fuji X-T5 is the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR.

This lens has it all—portability, speed, focal length, and image quality. It features a 35mm equivalent focal length, which is popular for street photographers.

I love the iconic Fuji tapered style, which almost goes unnoticed when I have it mounted on the X-T5 since it is so light and small.

If you are like me and 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. They have the same feature set, but are different focal lengths so you can match which suits your photography style the best. Plus, you should be able to find them in black or silver color options!

The stepping motor for autofocus is quiet and quick. I often take it with me on walks to quickly capture fleeting moments.

The f/2 maximum aperture is sufficient for pleasing bokeh, especially since the diaphragm has nine blades.

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

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

The best macro lens for the Fuji X-T5 is the Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro.

It is a 122mm equivalent telephoto lens designed for close-up shots. It has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, which aids in separating subjects from backgrounds.

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

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

Speaking of focus, the focus range limiter switch let’s you limit the range to minimum focus distance (9.8″) to 1.6′ or switch to the full range of 9.8″ to infinity.

If you like to shoot macro photography outdoors, you’ll be happy to know that the lens is weather-sealed.

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

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.