Gear Reviews
Hands-on camera, lens, iPhone accessory, lighting, and editing software reviews by Ely Roberts. Browse the latest reviews below, or use the Reviews menu to explore a category.
Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 II Review: My Travel Zoom
The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 II became my main travel zoom on the X-T5 and X-E5.
The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 II became my main travel zoom on the X-T5 and X-E5. After using it on several trips, including Portugal, I liked its combination of range, size, and image character.
Originally published on YouTube Apr 15, 2026.
Why it worked for travel
A zoom is convenient when I am walking around with family and photographing a mixture of architecture, food, and everyday moments. I found this lens light and compact enough for that role, and sharp enough for my use on Fujifilm’s 40-megapixel cameras.
Handling and a repair
I liked the marked aperture ring, but wished its detents and the zoom ring offered more resistance. My copy developed an aperture issue that displayed f/3.2 when I expected f/2.8. Fujifilm adjusted it under warranty before I sold it.
How to interpret the sample images
Most examples in the video use my edits and a 10% Moment CineBloom filter. The resulting glow and contrast are therefore not the bare lens alone. The image walkthrough includes different apertures, low-light scenes, missed focus, and motion blur, so it is a practical travel gallery rather than a controlled sharpness test.
Why I sold it
I sold the lens while changing my personal camera kit and experimenting with other systems. I remained happy with its results. The downloadable examples linked from the original video are the best way to judge whether the look suits your own photography.
Original samples or settings: Download here.
Watch on YouTube and view the original product links. Some shopping links in the original description may be affiliate links.
Freewell Pro Lens Hood Kit for Fujifilm XF 23mm
The Freewell Pro Lens Hood Kit adds a compact hood and magnetic filters to my Fujifilm X-E5 and XF 23mm setup.
The Freewell Pro Lens Hood Kit adds a compact hood and magnetic filters to my Fujifilm X-E5 and XF 23mm setup. I liked the way it matched the camera and made changing between UV, polarizing, and mist filters easy.
Originally published on YouTube Jan 26, 2026.
A neat fit with accessible controls
The hood secures with small screws and leaves access to the lens’s focus ring. The magnetic filters lift off easily, and the included divided case gives them a place in the bag. In my setup, the hood also cleared the small Godox iT20 flash without the shadow I was concerned about.
Why I use mist
The mist filter is the one I reached for most. I like the glow around bright areas and the softer, nostalgic character it can give my personal photographs. That effect is a creative choice rather than an improvement in optical sharpness.
My impression and disclosure
The kit felt thoughtfully designed for this small camera-and-lens combination. I had not used the polarizer extensively at recording time, so the review is strongest on fit, handling, and the mist look. Freewell sent the kit for testing.
Watch on YouTube and view the original product links. Some shopping links in the original description may be affiliate links.