There is a famous saying, "you get what you pay for." It may apply to everything generally, but it doesn't really apply to the best third party lenses for Fuji that we are reviewing today.
So, what are third party lenses? In layman's terms, they are the lenses that aren't manufactured by the brand that designed your camera.
Comparatively, the quality of the lens will be a bit less than the brand’s camera, but it's a great option if you are looking to save some cash or if you are on a tight budget.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 3Rd Party Lenses For Fuji
- OUR TOP PICK: Rokinon 85M-FX 85mm F1.4
- ZHONG YI OPTICS Mitakon 35mm f/0.95 Mark II Lens
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Meike 35mm f/1.7
- Neewer 35mm F1.2
- 7artisans 25mm F1.8 APS-C
Comparison Chart of the Best 3rd Party Lenses For Fuji
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 Our Top Pick | Rokinon 85M-FX 85mm F1.4 |
| View Latest Price |
 | ZHONG YI OPTICS Mitakon 35mm f/0.95 Mark II Lens |
| View Latest Price |
 Best Budget Option | Meike 35mm f/1.7 |
| View Latest Price |
 | Neewer 35mm F1.2 |
| View Latest Price |
 | 7artisans 25mm F1.8 APS-C |
| View Latest Price |
When Would I Use a 3rd Party Lens?
With third party lenses, you will not be compromising the quality of your shots. In fact, the ones featured in this review are the absolute best and will give you exemplary results.
When You Are Looking at a Tight Budget
As a photographer, where and when will you need a third-party lens? That's easy to answer: to broaden your horizon, you need extra gear. With third party lenses, you can get quality as well as save money.
Rokinon 85M-FX 85mm F1.4
When You Are Looking For Creativity
Benchmark camera brands do release a number of lenses, but these are designed to accommodate their own cameras but not other brands. Hence, you need a third party lens if you are looking to get creative. These lenses have a lot of competition on the market, so makers release only premium quality to stand the competition and win.
When You Are Looking to Fill Gaps
As a passionate photographer, you will never be satisfied with one lens. However, with famous camera brands, there are gaps. For instance, Canon hasn't marketed a wide-angle zoom with a constant aperture of f/2.8 for their APS-C cameras. So, if you need that, you will have to seek third party lenses.
What Makes Great 3rd Party Lenses For Fuji?
Fuji's mirrorless cameras have become pretty popular in recent years. Photographers of all kinds and types are falling in love with the likes of X-T2 and X-Pro2. With Fuji cameras getting this much hype, there is a lot of pressure on third party lens manufacturers. Here are a few features that make third party lenses perfect for Fuji cameras.
Quality
Since you bought a high-quality camera, you must have paid a lot for it. With a tight budget, you can easily afford a third party lens for your Fuji body; however, don't let your tight budget compromise the quality of your camera. Always go for a third party lens that can accommodate and even enhance the quality.
Weather Resistant Lenses
Typically, Fuji cameras come with weather-resistant shields. This means that these have a rubber seal to prevent dust and moisture penetrating the buttons and joints. Buy a lens that comes with similar protection, so you will have the perfect pair to flaunt.
Weight
Fuji is famous for its lightweight product line, and it's a huge reason why these cameras are so popular among photographers. For a lightweight camera, the lens should be lightweight as well. Balance matters in photography. For the third party lens, make sure the weight is compatible.
Quick Take - Best 3rd Party Lenses For Fuji
Before we dive into our review, here are the best 3rd party lenses for Fuji:
Review of the Best 3rd Party Lenses For Fuji
Never settle for less when you can get a high-quality lens for your Fuji camera. Third-party lenses have a lot of competition on the market. There are many known brands that have released a vast product line. Here's a detailed review of our best third party lenses for your Fuji body.
Best Overall:
Rokinon 85M-FX 85mm F1.4
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have been very pleased with the results of the lens when used with the Fuji camera. The only drawback is the manual focus, but that can easily be rectified if you are a keen photographer. The build quality at such an economical price is very pleasing to recent buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The price, when compared to the quality, really stands out the most. This is a fine lens that does take a bit of understanding and practice to set, but when you get used to its focusing, it will give you great shots. The wide aperture of the lens is to die for; you can take beautiful shots of the night sky with it.
Who Will Use This Most
From wedding photographers to nightlife and wildlife photographers, this can become the most preferred lens of all. It is especially great for weddings and event photographers as they can take brilliant portraits with it. Its compatibility with all Fuji cameras is also an added bonus.
Bottom Line
Rokinon 85M-FX 85mm is a very creative lens that is not only very affordable but also very versatile. It gives exemplary shots when it's stopped down. All in all, it's a good investment if you are looking to add a new lens to your old Fuji and get a little creative.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Well, it's no surprise that there are no adverse comments on reviews about this lens. With bright f/0.95 maximum aperture, the APS-C sensor is excellent. You get exceptionally beautiful and creamy bokeh; this is what the recent buyers have reported. Also, the fact that this lens has sharp image control sits well with the consumers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Let's start with the fact that this is better known as Speedmaster as it has an ultrafast F0.95 aperture, and this is its most powerful feature. Other noteworthy features include the barrel design, material as well as the low weight of the lens. You will have a hard time finding a better lens in the same price range.
Who Will Use This Most
The creamy bokeh is great for all kinds of photography, but it's exceptionally brilliant for weddings and event photography. The fast aperture makes it perfect for wildlife photography. The sharp images you get are perfect for product photography as well as real estate photography. You can really sell your product if you take a shot with this.
Bottom Line
Mitakon Zhongyi's Speedmaster is black, bold, and exceptionally beautiful. The lens is a perfect fit for your Fuji camera; it also adds maturity and weight to your camera. If you are looking to start your wedding photography career, this is the best third party lens to have in your photography arsenal.
Best for the Money:
Meike 35mm f/1.7
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Even though this lens has a bit of vignetting as well as softness at the corner, buyers have loved the result it has to offer. It's being used for portraiture, the vignetting, as well as the softness, can come as an added bonus. Plus, this unit promises sharp images.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Let's start with the fact that this lens is extremely economical if you are on an extremely tight budget. It will give you sharp images with high color and contrast. You can take great shots even in low light conditions. It's also sturdily built with a great grip.
Who Will Use This Most
This lens is perfect for photographers who are into product, street, landscape, as well as portrait photography. In particular, the softness of the images is ideal for wedding and event photography. The maximum aperture of f/1.7 is perfect for nocturnal photography. Apart from Fuji, this lens is also compatible with Sinar, Nikon, and Canon.
Bottom Line
This lens is not only compatible with cameras other than Fuji, but it's also a great lens for models by other brands, making it great for versatile photography. For hobbyist photographers, this is the best fix. The price is pretty economical despite the fact that it's a reliable lens. The sharp image result, as well as the soft corners, can be a huge advantage.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Many recent buyers are in love with the bokeh effect that this lens gives. The best part is the economical price tag that comes with it. The fact that it gives sharp images with maximum color and contrast is also commendable. Buyers also loved the minimum flare and ghosting in this lens.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Let's start with the fact that you can achieve a pleasant and beautiful bokeh effect with this lens. This is what stands out the most to us. Secondly, the contrast, as well as the sharpness, is pretty impressive. The body of the lens is also sturdy and tough.
Who Will Use This Most
From everyday photography to wedding and product photography, this lens is a huge steal. Being on a tight budget, this is the perfect lens for you. It's highly compatible with many Fuji models. Also, if you are looking for a pleasant bokeh effect for your wedding photography, this is your best bet.
Bottom Line
All in all, the overall image quality of this lens is exceptional at the price that it's being quoted at. It feels great when in hand and gives quality shots. It is small and sturdily built that both looks and works well. It’s sharp and offers quality Bokeh, making it perfect for wedding photography.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
At the price it is being offered, buyers are very happy with the quality as well as the design of the lens. They find the metal body, as well as the solid feel, very reassuring. Although a few have complained about the flare and bad bokeh, all in all, it's a good lens that gives perfect middle sharpness.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The design of the lens is what stands out the most. It’s compact and lightweight, so it can become a permanent fixture on your camera. Also, the fact that it gives sharp images in the middle is great. The added bonus is the high contrast and color of the lens.
Who Will Use This Most
The lens is ideal for budding photographers who are low on their budgets after buying a high-quality as well as costly camera. This lens isn't a macro but does great when shooting close-up images. If you can live with the fact that the focus element goes out of focus, it's a good lens for you.
Bottom Line
This is a manual lens with zero electronic communication with the camera, and you need to get used to it if you love the auto-focus of your other lens. It is a bit blurry, and it also struggles with flare, but both of these drawbacks can be controlled. It offers extremely high contrast and sharp pictures.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Even after the detailed review of our favorite third party lenses for Fuji, we have several considerations that you should keep in mind before selecting your best match. Here are a few aspects to consider before buying.
Money
These lenses are cheap and for a reason. You don't get a high-quality and affordable price tag in one package. Having said that, there are a few exceptions, and we have reviewed them for you above. Be prepared for the fact that you will have to compromise a bit on quality when buying a third party lens.
The Softness of the Image
There is also the matter of soft corners. However, this can be a massive plus with event and wedding photography. Many professional photographers have a couple of tricks up their sleeves to combat the softness like stopping down the aperture by 1 or 2 stops. You can also sharpen your images when you edit them.
There is no Resale
You can’t sell a third party lens without losing money. There is no market for a pre-owned third party lens. So whichever you buy, you will be stuck with it your whole life unless you gift it to someone. So, you should buy a third party lens smartly, so you don't have any reason to part with it.
Conclusion
Third-party lenses are great for a lot of reason; they are perfect for tight budgets, versatility, and creativity. You can really test the potential of your photography with a third party lens without spending a truckload of money. These top third party lenses for Fuji are the best on the market. You will have a great time shooting with these.
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