Testing the Fujifilm X-T2 on Tokyo’s Cherry Blossoms

cherry blossoms over Zenpukuji River Park

There’s a special kind of excitement that comes with unboxing a new camera. In 2017, that camera for me was the Fujifilm X-T2, paired with the highly-praised XF 16-55mm f/2.8 lens. After years with my trusty Pentax K-3, this new kit felt like a different beast altogether. To get a feel for its dials and controls, I headed out for what I thought would be a quick walk around my neighborhood.

That walk led me, as it often does, toward the Zenpukuji River. To my surprise, the cherry blossoms lining the park were still hanging on. They were past their peak, to be sure, but their fading beauty provided the perfect subject for my new gear.

cherry blossoms along concrete bank river

The Fujifilm X-T2 EVF changed my life

As I started shooting, one thing immediately changed my world: the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). I’d always dismissed EVFs as a gimmick, but I was so wrong. Framing a shot of blossoms hanging over the water, I could see a perfect preview of the final image before I pressed the shutter.

Zenpukuji River Park cherry blossoms high fenced concreted banks

My old Pentax’s optical viewfinder was great, but I was always guessing at the final exposure until I got home to my computer. The X-T2’s EVF made creating the exact image I wanted intuitive. Yes, there was a little screen lag, but engaging the booster grip’s “boost mode” fixed that instantly.

sakura river and bridge

A new standard in sharpness

And the lens? The XF 16-55mm is a beast. It’s big, it’s heavy, and it has no image stabilization, seemingly defying the “small and light” promise of mirrorless. But when I got home and saw the results, I didn’t care.

kindergarten students in buggies at Zenpukuji River Park cherry blossoms

The sharpness was simply on another level. I could see the fine texture on every single petal, the subtle color shifts from pink to white, and the crisp separation between the flowers and the soft, blurred background. It was a combination of camera and lens that felt like a match made in heaven. The images weren’t just good; they were stunning.

concreted bank river cherry blossoms

Conclusion

That day at Zenpukuji River Park sold me completely on the Fujifilm X-T2. The lens was worth every penny (though I wisely omitted the exact cost when mentioning it to my wife).

Zenpukuji river sakura in spring

What about you? For other photographers, was there a piece of gear that completely changed the way you shoot? And for my fellow Fuji users, what’s your take on the legendary 16-55mm lens? Let me know in the comments!

women under cherry blossoms

Where is Zenpukuji River Park?

It is between Hamadayama (Keio-Inokashira line) and Minami-Asagaya (Metro Marunouchi line) stations. There are three ways to get there:

  1. walk from the stations. It is a little far, but possible.
  2. Sugimaru Bus, which you can catch at those stations.
  3. Kanto Bus, from either Kichijoji or Nakano stations.

Here it is on Google Maps:

Photo gear for this shoot

  • Camera body: Fujifilm X-T2
  • Lens: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
Picture of Rohan Gillett
Rohan Gillett

Rohan has photographed Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5 these days. The project will take more than one lifetime to complete.

You might also like

External related websites