Over the years, I’ve built up a bit of a collection of Fujifilm lenses — some that I’ve kept, some that I’ve sold, and a few that have stuck with me through every camera upgrade. If you're shooting Fujifilm and looking to invest in new glass, this post might help you figure out what’s worth your time (and money).

This list is ranked from 5 (least favourite, but still solid) to 1 (my absolute go-to). Let’s get into it.

5. Fujifilm 50-140mm f/2.8 Telephoto Zoom

When I moved over from Panasonic to Fujifilm, this was one of the first lenses I knew I needed. And to be fair — it’s an exceptional lens. Sharp, fast, and that constant f/2.8 aperture makes it great in low light or for subject isolation.

But the reality is... it sat on my shelf most of the time. The focal length just isn’t one I use much for the type of work I do (mostly street, lifestyle, and travel). It's also big — not ideal if you're trying to stay low-key. That said, it has saved me a few times when shooting weddings or events, especially when I’ve needed to be a fly on the wall. In the end, I sold it — but depending on your style, this lens could be a gem.

**Fujifilm 50-140mm f/2.8 Telephoto Zoom**

4. Fujifilm 18mm f/1.4

I bought this in Tokyo — one of those spur-of-the-moment decisions that turned out to be a great call. I wanted something wider and faster for street photography, and this lens absolutely delivered. I shot a lot with it in Tokyo, but it really came into its own in Thailand, especially on the island of Koh Phi Phi (as you can see in the photos below).

It’s fast, sharp, and the autofocus is snappy. The only downside for me was the build quality — it felt a little less premium than I’d expected for the price. The aperture and focus rings felt too loose for my liking. But optically? Brilliant. Well worth the investment if you want a high-performing wide-angle.

3. Fujifilm 16-55mm f/2.8

I picked this up right before heading to Asia for six months. I needed something versatile, weather-sealed, and sharp — and the 16-55mm ticked every box. This is a Fujifilm red badge lens, which means it’s one of their flagship pieces of glass.

The constant f/2.8, wide focal length, and solid build make this a fantastic all-rounder. The only thing I don’t love is the weight — it’s not exactly light. But pair it with something like the X-H2S, and the balance actually works really well. I’ve taken some of my favourite shots with this lens, and I’ll likely keep it in the bag for a while.

2. Fujifilm 35mm f/2

This was my second ever Fuji lens, and it’s one I still adore. The 35mm f/2 (roughly 50mm full-frame equivalent) is compact, discreet, and incredibly affordable — yet it punches way above its weight in terms of performance.

I’ve travelled all over with this little guy, and it’s paired beautifully with every Fuji body I’ve owned. It's the kind of lens that just works — for portraits, street, and everyday life. If you're after a small prime lens that delivers, this one’s hard to beat. However, if you’ve got a bit more to spend...

1. Fujifilm 33mm f/1.4

This lens was love at first shot.

I originally went into a Tokyo camera store intending to buy the 18mm f/1.4, but they had the 33mm f/1.4 in stock and… well, I couldn’t say no. And I’m glad I didn’t. This lens is everything I want in a prime: beautiful rendering, insane sharpness, reliable autofocus, and a focal length that’s as close as you’ll get to what the human eye sees.

What separates it from the 35mm f/2 is the wider aperture and the overall image quality. It has elevated my work in a way that few other lenses have. It's not the cheapest, but it’s easily one of the best investments I’ve made.

Honourable Mention: Fujifilm 18-55mm f/2.8–4 Kit Lens

This wouldn’t be a proper list from me without mentioning the classic 18-55mm kit lens.

This was my first Fujifilm lens, and it still blows my mind how good it is for a kit lens. The built-in OIS is amazing for handheld video work, and the image quality is more than respectable. Yes, it’s not weather-sealed and doesn’t have a constant aperture, but it’s incredibly versatile and a top-tier beginner (or even pro) option. I always find myself coming back to it — and I often recommend it to anyone just getting started with the Fujifilm system.

Final Thoughts

Fujifilm lenses have a way of making you feel something — whether it’s through their tactile design, image quality, or how they inspire you to shoot more. These five lenses (and the honourable mention) have all played a part in shaping my creative journey.

If I had to recommend just one? The 33mm f/1.4 — hands down. But every lens on this list has its place, depending on your style and what kind of stories you're trying to tell.

Let me know — what are your favourite Fujifilm lenses? Or is there one you're eyeing up next?