SIDNEY BERTHIER
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Fujifilm lens & filter combinations

9/11/2024

 
Since buying the Fujifilm X-T5 and X-H2S two years ago, I've now had the chance to test my workflow with filters across both cameras. Like most people, I love using black mist filters for skin tones and highlights, as well as ND filters to shoot wide open with shallow depth of field.

  1. Fast video zoom: I pair the ​Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 with a Tide Optics CineSoft® Subtle 1/8 filter when I am looking for gorgeous out of camera looks, as I like its softness and price point. The fact that the lens doesn't open too wide actually works quite well, meaning the bloom effect is not exaggerated. I just use the filter to soften skin tones and slight harshness associated with photo zoom lenses. Finally, I add a K&F Variable ND ND2- ND400 filter for video use.
  2. Anamorphic prime: to my Sirui 20mm T1.8 Anamorphic 1.33x, I only add a 77mm Gobe NDX Variable ND filter to be able to shoot in all scenarios.
  3. Anamorphic adapter: the universal Sirui T2.9 Anamorphic Adapter 1.25x only needs a protective filter, and I use the Neewer 1/4 Black Diffusion filter with an 82mm filter thread, which gives it a subtle cinematic softness without being distracting. It doesn't really need more than that.
  4. Cine prime 24mm: the Sirui Nightwalker T1.2 Cine Set provides excellent value for money, and doesn't need much tweaking. However, on the 24mm, I add a K&F Variable ND ND2- ND400 filter for video use. This combination gives a milky and pleasing texture without being distracting.
  5. Cine prime 35mm: contrary to the 24mm, I often use the 35mm as a portrait lens and therefore want the bokeh to be more anamorphic-looking. To this end, I stick a CineMorph Anamorphic filter to shape the out of focus areas to be more vertical and oval-shaped.
  6. Nifty fifty: the Fujinon 35mm F/2 is a great street lens. I often bring it on holiday with me as it covers many uses, and I can use my iPhone to take the ultra wide shots. I do use a Tide Optics CineSoft® Subtle 1/8 filter to soften skin tones and protect the lens, as well as a K&F Variable ND ND2- ND400 filter for video use.
  7. Wide primes: on ultra wides I find that there is no need for a mist filter as the lens provides nice gradation wide open, and I have found mist filters on wide aperture lenses (depending on the manufacturer) can sometimes exaggerate the bloom effect too much and affect sharpness. My preferred wide lens, the Fujifilm XF 14mm F/2.8, which I use handheld, does have a subtle Neewer 1/4 Black Mist as I rarely shoot wide open with it.
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Filters to avoid: ​I have tried and been disappointed by the cheaper Walking Way White Mist, and the 7artisans Black Mist. They both produced extremely soft contrast in a way that the Tide Optics or Neewer filters didn't.
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