FujiX100T 50mm, ISO 200, f5.6, 1/60sec
For the last few weeks I’ve been shooting with the TCL-X100 Tele Conversion Lens on my Fuji X100T. I wanted to get a feel for what it’s like to use this lens in the real world and to really learn some of its strengths and weaknesses for this review.
In a quick overview, the tele conversion lens will add a 1.4x crop giving it a 50mm field of view in the equivalent 35mm format. It screws onto the front filter threads of any of the Fuji X100 series lenses. That includes the X100s and X100T.
It’s a great lens with some Pros and Cons which are covered in this review.
Ordering Info
Fuji TCL-X100 Tele Conversion Lens (Silver) – (Amazon)
Fuji TCL-X100 Tele Conversion Lens (Black) – (Amazon)
Fuji Tele Conversion Lens Review
Fuji X100T Tele Lens Vs Stock
We’ll start by looking at the Tele Conversion Lens.
ISO 200, f/8. These are the best, sharpest shots I could get after several attempts.
Photos have a 100% crop and were taken on a tripod at f8.
Fuji X100T Tele Conversion Lens
Center Sharpness
Top Right Corner Sharpness
Right Edge Detail
Fuji X100T Stock Lens
Center Detail
Bottom Left Corner Detail
Left Edge Detail
Fuji X100T Tele Converter Detail Overview
It seems we don’t really get a huge loss in detail. It’s difficult to tell because the tele converter makes the image larger, making it appear to be sharper. I didn’t want to move the camera closer to compensate because minimum focus distance would start to have a play in the results.
However, if you look at the fine lines, you’ll notice there is a small loss in detail with the tele converter when comparing the two. It’s pretty minor though. Edges and corners actually look pretty close.
Ultimately the difference in detail is pretty insignificant and in real world application you’re not really going to degrade the quality of your image by using the converter.
Diffraction Limit
Pretty standard with a sensor of this size and resolution. Between F4 and F8 is your sweet spot.
Chromatic Aberrations
Not picking up any noticeable chromatic aberrations. The beauty of prime lenses.
Distortion
The in camera distortion compensator pretty much eliminate any distortion.
Build Quality / Size & Weight
The lens is made of metal and the front element is huge. This results in much added weight when attached to the camera.
For me it’s just a little bit too big and too heavy for this camera and sort of takes away from that small light classic feel you get when shooting with an X100.
That being said, you don’t need it all the time and it’s really nice in those situations where you do want more reach.
The front section of the lens accepts a 67mm filter.
Fuji TLX-X100 Tele Converter Lens Review Conclusions
It’s a great addition to any Fuji X100 with no real big flaws. If you’re looking for a little more reach, or you find yourself shooting more portraits, then this lens will suit you well.
Pros
-50mm focal length in 35mm equivalent format.
-Maintains sharpness in the center, corners and edges
-All metal and very solid
-No chromatic aberrations
-No distortion
Cons
-It’s big and heavy for the X100 making it somewhat awkward on the camera
-Price, It’s a little expensive for just being a converter, especially if you keep in mind that there is no aperture or focus mechanism, just glass and metal
Ordering Info
Fuji TCL-X100 Tele Conversion Lens (Silver) – (Amazon)
Fuji TCL-X100 Tele Conversion Lens (Black) – (Amazon)
UV Filters
You can also order additional UV filters to protect the lens and keep it clean.
B+W 67mm UV Filter F-Pro Multi Resistant Coating – (Amazon)
B+W 67mm UV Filter XS-Pro Multi Resistant Nano Coating – (Amazon)
Fuji TCL – X100 Tele Lens Sample Images
FujiX100T 50mm, ISO 400, f2.5, 1/750sec
FujiX100T 50mm, ISO 400, f2, 1/10sec
FujiX100T 50mm, ISO 3200, f3.2, 1/60sec
FujiX100T 50mm, ISO 3200, f4, 1/20sec
FujiX100T 50mm, ISO 400, f5.6, 1/60sec
See The Full List Of Fuji Lenses