I have been using the FujiFilm X system for real estate photography just over 3 years now, having jumped around various other Camera systems from Nikon to Canon, Olympus, and then settling on the excellent Fujifilm X series.
My first camera was the Fujifilm XE2, along with the Fujifilm X Pro 1, before heading into Real estate photography I was primarily a hobbyist with a little event photography here and there. In late 2018 I starting shooting Airbnb accommodation and needed to look at the lens option available for the Fujifilm x series.
Now a full-time Real estate and Property accommodation photographer on the Central Coast of NSW Australia, I have five main go-to lenses that are used for my Real estate photography requirements. This covers both Photography and Videography.
Current Fujilm Bodys are the Fujifilm XT4 and back up Fujifilm XT3
The most used lens in 2020/21 Which lens for real estate? on the Fujifilm X System
FUJIFILM XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR
The latest investment for my Real Estate Business as of April 2021 is the FUJIFILM XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR, So what is this Lens like for real estate photography, Short answer is its amazing, this has taken my business to another level, it has also allowed me with confidence to start to target high-end architecture photography work that requires end to end sharpness.
The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 8-16mm F/2.8 R LM WR this is Fujifilm's widest pro-grade zoom. It is a fantastic lens for anyone looking to explore their creativity in landscape and architectural and Real Estate photography. This lens has been designed to give the user versatility and dependability on any shoot while delivering the best quality. The images that come out of this lens are sharp and well-detailed. .
Product Features:
X-Mount Lens/APS-C Format
12-24mm (35mm Equivalent)
Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
Four Aspherical Elements
Three Super ED and Three ED Elements
Nano-GI Coating
Linear Autofocus Motor
Weather-Sealed Construction
Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
For architectural/real estate photography this lens image quality justifies its price. The advantage of this lens is that it doesn't have the distortion found in other wide-angle lenses. It's built for architectural photography and does a really good job at capturing images of large buildings and spaces. I have been doing a lot of photography of Granny Flat that normally has smaller space than the average home, and the extra 2mm on the wide end, make a huge difference in transforming the space. This lens is perfect for the person who loves to shoot wide, while also having a zoom option. The quality of the photos I've taken with this lens is nothing short of professional grade. It has quickly become my new favorite lens and I can't recommend it enough. This lens will cost you more than the camera body but it is worth the investment if you charge for your services and use the FujiFilm system, it is a no-brainer investment in your business.
Fujinon FujiFilm XF 10-24mm f/4
Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4 ( replaced in 2020 with the mk2 version Fujinon XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS WR. The the XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR is half the cost of the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR and under half of the weight.
This lens does nearly all for my real estate photography, super sharp around F8 to F11 where i am using most of the time. Built-in Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Also used for video work but can be a bit heavy on my gimbal. For video, i use the Samyang 12mm F2
Equivalent to 15-36 mm (35mm format) - angle of view: 110° - 61.2°
Minimum working distance of 0.24 m, Focal Length : 10-24 mm
Constant f:4 aperture throughout entire zoom range, OIS (built-in Optical Image Stabilisation)
14 elements in 10 groups (includes 4 aspherical and 4 extra low dispersion elements)
Internal focussing and zoom - lens extension and length remains constant throughout zoom range
Equivalent to 15-36 mm (35mm format) - angle of view: 110° - 61.2°
Minimum working distance of 0.24 m, Focal Length : 10-24 mm
If you like to shoot with filters such as a circular polarizer or ND filter for long exposures it is easier to do so with the XF 10-24mm which has a standard 72mm filter thread. Itlso features an Optical Image Stabilizer, which compensates for camera shake when shooting handheld shots or at slower shutter speeds.
Is the Fujinon FujiFilm XF 10-24mm f/4 lens good for real estate photography?
Yes, it's an excellent choice of lens for nearly all real estate photography needs.
Samyang 12mm f2.0 NCS Fujfilm X mount
A great lens to start with if you are on a budget, but can produce great images, also my main video lens where it is at F4 manually focused.
Fast f/2.0 Maximum Aperture Benefits Working in Low-Light Conditions
Nano Coating System (NCS) For Increased Light Transmission and Reduced Internal Reflections
Utilizes 12 High Precision Glass Lens Elements Including 1 Hybrid Aspherical (H-ASP) + 1 Aspherical (AS) + 1 Low-Dispersion (ED) High Precision Glass Lens Elements For Superior Image Quality
Focuses to 7.9" (0.2m) and Accepts 67 Filters
98.9 Degree Angle of View / 18mm (35mm Equivalent
Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Lens for Fujifilm X
My latest lens in my kit back for real estate photography and video is the Laowa 9mm. It's a super wide-angle lens with almost no distortion. Sometimes too wide, but for small rooms, studios, car interiors, etc, it's a very useful and sharp lens.
X-Mount Lens/APS-C Format
13.5mm (35mm Equivalent)
Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
Two Aspherical Elements
Three Extra-Low Dispersion Elements
Rectilinear Design, Low Distortion
Frog Eye Dust & Water-Repellent Coating
Manual Focus Design
Built-In Petal-Shape Lens Hood
FUJINON XF35mmF2 R WR
I just love this lens and it's by far my favorite lens in my bag, it's small sharp, has close focusing, and delivers sharp images with rich bokeh. I use this lens for all my detailed images, mostly for accommodation photography, close-up detail images of flowers, beds, cushions etc.
X-Mount Lens/APS-C Format
53mm (35mm Equivalent)
Aperture Range: f/2 to f/16
Two ED & Two Aspherical Elements
Nano-GI Lens Coating
Internal Focusing AF System
Physical Aperture Ring
Weather-Sealed Construction
Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
Top questions about using teh Fujifilm X mount for Real Estate Photography
What type of lens is best for real estate photography?
It depends on budget and quality, but as you can see you have a range of excellent quality lens from both Fujifilm as well as thirds party lens.
What aperture to use for real estate photography images
The general rule for real estate aperture on the Fujifilm system is to leave alone at around f/8 this will work fine for many photos, there will be occasions when you may need to widen or narrow the aperture, i.e video or low light. But at aperture F8 near to far is in focus as well at the optimal sharpest with most of the lenses.