SIRUI Sniper 23mm F1.2 Lens Fujifilm X Mount Review
I recently had the opportunity to test the SIRUI Sniper 23mm F1.2 lens for Fujifilm X-mount on my Fujifilm X-T4 camera. I must say that it left a lasting impression with its outstanding low-light performance and impressive optical quality. I’m probably the first to own and review this SIRUI Sniper lens in Malaysia.
As an avid photographer, I always strive to capture the perfect moment when I am traveling or taking street photos. Recently, I realized that I needed to upgrade my camera lens collection and was on the lookout for a 23mm lens. Not only is it perfect for street photography, but it would also be great for capturing some stunning travel portraits in Kuala Lumpur, which is a city that I absolutely love visiting.
I had been eagerly checking out various options and was thrilled to come across the SIRUI Sniper 23mm f1.2 during the early bird deals on Indiegogo. Not only was it priced competitively at USD$299 (which converts to approximately RM1,300), but the best part was that I managed to snag it with free international shipping! To add to my excitement, the lens arrived at my doorstep without any additional tax duties! The shipping is lightning fast using with FedEx which took only 1 week to reach my house. Needless to say, I’m beyond thrilled with my purchase and can’t wait to try it out on my next adventure.
I can’t wait to fully test out this lens during the next street photography in Kuala Lumpur, as well as shooting for dreamy B-roll video projects and street portraits. In fact, I’ve been practicing my video shooting skills and have already come up with some cinematic videos that I am sure you would love to see.
If you’re interested, do check out one of my Fujifilm recipes called ‘Arkham Dark‘ which is currently available for viewing on the popular video-sharing platform, YouTube. Although it was shot with the Fujinon 35mm f2, finger crossed there will be another round with the SIRUI Sniper 23mm f1.2 lens.
FUN FACT: Many people may not realize it, but there is a correct way to pronounce the name of the beloved photography equipment brand, SIRUI. While some may assume it is pronounced as “SU-REI,” the truth is that the correct pronunciation is “SEE-RU-EE-I”.
SIRUI Sniper Fast Lens With f1.2 Aperture - Low-Light Capability
I am thrilled to have received my first ever SIRUI lens, especially one that features an impressive f1.2 aperture. I have previously captured some exceptional portraits with my tried and tested f1 lens, and I cannot wait to see what creative possibilities the SIRUI lens will unlock for me.
The standout feature of the SIRUI Sniper 23mm F1.2 lens for X-mount is its wide aperture of f/1.2, which allows for incredible low-light performance and beautiful background blur (bokeh). This makes it an ideal choice for shooting in challenging lighting conditions or achieving that creamy, professional-looking background separation.
The lens delivers sharp and detailed images, even wide open at f/1.2. Chromatic aberrations are well-controlled, and the lens exhibits minimal distortion, resulting in crisp and true-to-life photographs. The image quality is consistent across the frame, making it suitable for a variety of photographic genres.
When dealing with portrait photography or other close-up shots, for instance, an aperture of at least f1.4 – f2 could be employed to provide an aesthetically pleasing and bokehlicious (meaning having a beautifully blurred background) background.
Autofocus and Handling
The autofocus performance is quick and reliable, ensuring that you can capture fast-moving subjects with ease. While the lens is not completely silent, the autofocus noise is minimal and unlikely to be a distraction during most shooting scenarios. The manual focus experience is also commendable, thanks to the smooth and precise focus ring.
You can experiment with Tracking Sensitivity and AF Speed in the video settings for optimal performance shooting video using the SIRUI Sniper 23mm f1.2 fast lens for Fujifilm X-mount. These can be adjusted in Movie Mode under the AF-C Custom Setting menu. By experimenting with these settings, you can optimize your video performance and achieve stunning results.
I have experienced slight hiccups in the lens’ focus performance, noting that it may not always be completely smooth. However, this issue can be easily resolved with a firmware update, which will improve the focusing precision of the lens and eliminate any remaining hiccups.
I love to shoot neon portraits with wide-open with the Neon Obscura recipe for Fujifilm cameras and street photography in Kuala Lumpur, with an aperture of f/8-f11. However, I still ended up with some blurred images even though I had a high enough shutter speed. Additionally, when shooting handheld video, the footage came out shaky. This was a problem that I had only experienced with this particular lens. Luckily, SIRUI has announced a new firmware update that will improves AF performance & the Image Stabilization performance (IBIS). The update will be available on their official website, and I recommend installing it as soon as possible to improve the performance of your lens.
Filter Compatibility for Creative Flexibility
An additional noteworthy feature of the SIRUI Sniper 23mm F1.2 lens for Fujifilm X mount is its compatibility with various filters, enhancing its versatility for creative video and photo shoots. Sporting a 58mm filter thread size, this lens allows photographers and videographers to attach a range of FX filters, expanding the possibilities for artistic expression.
Whether it’s experimenting with polarizers for dynamic skies, ND filters for long-exposure photography, or creative effects filters, the 58mm thread size provides a standard interface for a wide array of filter options. This feature is particularly valuable for users looking to add a unique touch to their visuals or control specific aspects of their shots, contributing to the lens’s appeal for both professionals and enthusiasts.
The ability to seamlessly integrate different filters not only enhances the creative potential of the SIRUI Sniper F1.2 lens but also demonstrates SIRUI’s commitment to providing a well-rounded tool for photographers and videographers seeking flexibility and control in their visual storytelling.
How To Manually Change Auto Aperture For SIRUI Sniper Lens?
It has come to my attention through my observations that there have been a considerable number of Fujifilm owners using SIRUI Sniper have expressed concerns regarding difficulties with aperture adjustments. However, I can confidently confirm that this issue is not due to a fault in the lens itself, but rather it is a result of certain camera settings on Fujifilm X mount cameras.
As such, many Fujifilm camera users may find themselves unable to adjust the aperture settings immediately upon using the SIRUI Sniper lens. Nonetheless, for those seeking a solution to this problem, rest assured that you have come to the right place as I am here to offer my helpful assistance in resolving this issue in the video.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sniper Series of the SIRUI lenses for Fujifilm X mount is a stellar addition to any photographer’s kit, particularly those who prioritize low-light performance and creative control over depth of field. The build quality, optical excellence, and overall handling make it a valuable investment for both amateurs and professionals alike.
While the lens comes at a premium price, its performance more than justifies the cost for photographers seeking top-notch image quality in challenging shooting conditions.
If you are into filmmaking and are looking for the best budget cine lenses, the SIRUI Nightwalker series stands as a testament to the fusion of cost-effectiveness and cinematic functionality. For filmmakers looking to elevate their visual storytelling without breaking the bank, exploring the offerings of the SIRUI Nightwalker series may unveil a realm of creative possibilities within budgetary constraints.
It is crucial to exercise caution when mounting the lens onto your camera for the first time. In such instances, you may experience some initial tightness. Therefore, it is vital to proceed slowly and with care, lest you cause any damage. It is important to ensure that you do not force the lens into the camera body as doing so can lead to irreversible harm to both the lens and the camera. Hence, it is advisable to be deliberate and gentle when mounting the lens onto the camera.
SIRUI’s fast lens is a great option for those who love to capture video or photography. While there are some cons to using this lens, the pros still make it a worthwhile investment. One noticeable downside is that there is some distortion on the edges when shooting with this lens. Additionally, there may be chromatic aberrations present when shooting directly under white light bulbs with filters which I have never encountered before.
However, these issues are minor in comparison with the benefits that come with owning this lens. Not only is it fast, but it is also incredibly affordable. Whether you are a professional or an amateur photographer or videographer, this lens is perfect for you.
Get the SIRUI Sniper Series lenses on Amazon now!
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