Along with the new X-H2S, Fujifilm has revealed two new additions in its lens development roadmap that could prove to be good options for underwater shooters: the ultra-wide XF8mm f/3.5 and the XF30mm f/2.8 macro. (A third lens, the updated 56mm f/1.2 for portraiture, has also been added.)
The XF8mm f/3.5, which will become the widest prime in the X-mount lineup, has a full-frame equivalent focal length of about 12mm and will be effective for capturing large animals and extensive reef scenes . The widest X-mount lens right now is the heavy (28 oz) and expensive ($2,000) “Red Badge” lens. Zoom XF8–16mm f / 2.8, so the perhaps lighter and more affordable XF8mm f/3.5 might be an option worth considering. As a tilt lens, the XF8mm f/3.5 will probably also be a good alternative to the recently released Tokina. Fisheye 8mm f/2.8 for the X-mount, as Fujifilm will render subjects like wrecks and divers correctly, unlike Tokina’s distorted perspective.
The other new lens on the update roadmap is the XF30mm f/2.8 Macro, which at a full-frame equivalent focal length of about 45mm – will be Fujifilm’s “shortest” macro lens. It will complement the existing Macro 60mm f/2.4 and 80mm f/2.8 Macro, with their full-frame 90mm and 120mm equivalent focal lengths.
According to the roadmap, the XF30mm f/2.8 Macro is expected to launch before the end of the year, while the XF8mm f/3.5 is due next year.
