XF30mm x Yoko Okamoto

Macro Photography

Amazing Minimum Focusing Distance

When I used this new 1x magnification lens, I was amazed at its greatest feature, which is the amazing minimum focusing distance of 10 cm.

It was to the point that I would often bump into the subject when I tried to get close to the minimum shooting distance with the hood on.

Another feature of the lens is that it is small and lightweight when held in the hand. It is easy to carry around and has excellent mobility. The camera is equipped with a linear motor, so the autofocus is excellent, and the camera focuses on the subject you want at high speed. It is also quiet, and the focus never seems to get lost or falter. It is a reliable partner that can be controlled as desired.

Excellent rendering of textures.

I stopped down from the wide-open aperture to take a shot of a curtain tassel, and the camera realistically captured the faint luster and fine stitches, as if each individual strand of fine thread was right in front of me. Even the soft texture of the fabrics seems to be conveyed. This time I used the X-H2 in combination with the new lens, and it brought out the full potential of the 40.2 megapixel resolution of the X-H2.

Also, in this photo of a thistle seed plant, each spike as well as each hair has been depicted three-dimensionally. I was amazed at how precise the shape of the plant could be expressed.

Natural and soft bokeh

Due to the shallow depth of field, it was difficult to focus when shooting the center of the flower on a breezy day. However, the well-focused areas of the subject beautifully express the shape and texture of the subject. At the maximum aperture, the soft bokeh provides a melting effect except for the in-focus areas, and at several stops down, a natural and soft background bokeh without any unpleasant effects can be obtained by taking advantage of the short minimum focus distance and shooting close to the subject.

Quiet and fast autofocus

To test the autofocus performance, I also photographed small, fast-moving insects. The linear motor allows the camera to focus on high speed, so even with a fast-moving subject such as a small insect, I was able to capture it without missing the chance. If it takes too long to focus on such a subject, you will miss your chance. Another appealing feature is the quietness of the motor that operates the focus; it does not affect the surroundings at all. I think I now have a better chance of capturing moving subjects accurately.

Excellent rendering outside of the macro range

With a wide-angle view of 30mm (35mm equivalent: 45mm) and a short minimum focusing distance of 10cm, this lens is attractive not only for its role as a macro lens, but also for its excellent rendering outside the macro domain as a single-focal length wide-angle lens.

In combination with the X-H2, the resolution and descriptive power that extends to every corner of the angle of view creates a breathtaking sense of realism. The images appeal to the five senses of the viewer, such as the atmosphere, temperature, humidity, and texture, as if you were present at the scene. I have no doubt that this is a brilliant lens that delivers images that exceed the photographer’s intentions.