Think of picking this up, only thing putting me off is focus when zooming so was leaning to 100-400 but weight really puts me off... reach would be nice. What microphone setup are you using please? One shot looked really windy but audio was spot on. Cheers 🍻
With Autofocus, you can focus whilst zooming quite easily... but it's the same problem you'd have with the 100-400mm. What I've just tried (and it worked really well) is the 70-300mm with the 1.4x teleconverter, which gives you an effective focal range of 98-420mm. Since I usually shoot wildlife at f/8 it works out well and avoids the weight problem. Okay, this might be a bit long, but it covers much of what I've learned about setting up sound for video over the years. My mic setup is the Rode Wireless Go II. I don't use dead cats (the little wind filters you get with them) but I've got a bit of a history with radio production, so I fit them where I was always told to... Lav mics are really meant to sit around the breastbone because that's where the low end of the voice resonates. That's why I wear the t-shirts I do because I can easily clip the mic inside the t-shirt in the right place. Many TH-camrs make the mistake of having them right up on the throat, and that doesn't work either, or they put them outside their clothes, but the clothes can sometimes give better wind protection. So, the mic itself is actually sitting below the bottom button of my t-shirt, pointing up. Once you've got that sorted out, you need to consider the noise level. A lot of people get a lot of background noise because their mics are recording "hot" (trying to get as loud a sound as possible). You don't need to do that with digital audio recording, however, as it has a rather large "overhead"... So, in the camera (or on the device you're recording on) you make sure your mic is peaking at around -18db. Also, if you have the option, use a low-cut filter as you record. The upshot of all of this is that a lot of the wind rumble and background noise won't even get recorded, or will be recorded at much lower levels. Finally, a good EQ curve for voice is useful. Use a high-pass filter to cut everything below 60hz (or perhaps 80, depending on your voice, you have to try it and hear for yourself what works). Set your low-pass filter to around 18000hz. There are no magic numbers I can give you for the rest of the EQ curve but the basic rule of thumb is that you will want to boost something in the low end, cut something in the middle and boost something in the high end to make your voice sound at its best. As a little tip (and something that wasn't available when I shot this video), there is a new voice isolation setting in Davinci Resolve that can really clean up your audio. It's very good and works with the click of a button. If you're on Adobe, there's also their new Podcast software which does an amazing job of cleaning up audio as well. But, the absolute best thing to do is to get everything else right before having to rely on them.
@Steve Mellor Photo Vlogger Thank you, some good info there. Could have used it last night when trying to setup a on camera shotgun mic. I'll try again later, thank you. Watched your 50-230 a few times as was thinking of starting out on that but not sure. Thanks again 👌
Great video. I love this lens for its portability especially if I’m going on walks with the family. Really enables the lightweight mirrorless Fujis to shine.
Nice overview of a good lens Steve. I managed to get hold of one myself and the XF 1.4x TC to photograph wildlife on my Fujifilm X-S10. I have only used it several times yet but so far overall I am happy with the image quality. The sharpness, detail and contrast are great and that focus limiter and zoom lock are handy too. The only small niggles so far are that when I shot some wildlife with dew covered grass highlights, they were a bit distracting. The other minus for me is that there is no O.I.S switch on the lens. Plus I would like to have had a tripod mount/foot for better balance when using it on a tripod. The autofocus is fast and mostly accurate for photos (but seemed to struggle/hunt when in low light/low contrast scenes). When it comes to video autofocus that is a disappointment for me as there is no subject tracking. Anyway, enjoy using it and keep the videos coming 🙂
I have to admit; I’ve not used it for video at all. The lens is no heavier than the 55-200 so I can see why they didn’t add a foot. It’s more of an action camera, working better when handheld. What I want to do next (soonish, as I’m in need of a new vlogging camera) is a comparison between the 55-200 and the 50-230. I’m pretty excited about the results I’ve had from this, though.
I have this lens arriving today. I think it'll combo lovely with my X-T5 and 16-55mm for when I'm out in the wild etc, without it being too heavy. It should all fit in my 6L Peak Design sling bag (and certainly will in my rucksack). I might even add a teleconverter for big flexibility. I still have my old (non-WR) 56mm to swap-in, for when I need its glorious f1.2. I feel really lucky to have a nice set of equipment, given I'm just a hobbyist.
I also just got myself of this lens, the only problem it has as it will pointing down a little when I am using it on tripod. It will be much better if this lens having the bracket holder.
Thanks for the video, Steve! Fuji just released new firmware for this lens...would love your thoughts on the update! Cheers!
Good to see you again
Thanks, Jon. It's good to be back. Hope you're doing well :)
Think of picking this up, only thing putting me off is focus when zooming so was leaning to 100-400 but weight really puts me off... reach would be nice. What microphone setup are you using please? One shot looked really windy but audio was spot on. Cheers 🍻
With Autofocus, you can focus whilst zooming quite easily... but it's the same problem you'd have with the 100-400mm. What I've just tried (and it worked really well) is the 70-300mm with the 1.4x teleconverter, which gives you an effective focal range of 98-420mm. Since I usually shoot wildlife at f/8 it works out well and avoids the weight problem.
Okay, this might be a bit long, but it covers much of what I've learned about setting up sound for video over the years.
My mic setup is the Rode Wireless Go II. I don't use dead cats (the little wind filters you get with them) but I've got a bit of a history with radio production, so I fit them where I was always told to... Lav mics are really meant to sit around the breastbone because that's where the low end of the voice resonates.
That's why I wear the t-shirts I do because I can easily clip the mic inside the t-shirt in the right place.
Many TH-camrs make the mistake of having them right up on the throat, and that doesn't work either, or they put them outside their clothes, but the clothes can sometimes give better wind protection. So, the mic itself is actually sitting below the bottom button of my t-shirt, pointing up.
Once you've got that sorted out, you need to consider the noise level. A lot of people get a lot of background noise because their mics are recording "hot" (trying to get as loud a sound as possible). You don't need to do that with digital audio recording, however, as it has a rather large "overhead"...
So, in the camera (or on the device you're recording on) you make sure your mic is peaking at around -18db. Also, if you have the option, use a low-cut filter as you record. The upshot of all of this is that a lot of the wind rumble and background noise won't even get recorded, or will be recorded at much lower levels.
Finally, a good EQ curve for voice is useful. Use a high-pass filter to cut everything below 60hz (or perhaps 80, depending on your voice, you have to try it and hear for yourself what works). Set your low-pass filter to around 18000hz. There are no magic numbers I can give you for the rest of the EQ curve but the basic rule of thumb is that you will want to boost something in the low end, cut something in the middle and boost something in the high end to make your voice sound at its best.
As a little tip (and something that wasn't available when I shot this video), there is a new voice isolation setting in Davinci Resolve that can really clean up your audio. It's very good and works with the click of a button.
If you're on Adobe, there's also their new Podcast software which does an amazing job of cleaning up audio as well.
But, the absolute best thing to do is to get everything else right before having to rely on them.
@Steve Mellor Photo Vlogger Thank you, some good info there. Could have used it last night when trying to setup a on camera shotgun mic. I'll try again later, thank you. Watched your 50-230 a few times as was thinking of starting out on that but not sure. Thanks again 👌
Great video. I love this lens for its portability especially if I’m going on walks with the family. Really enables the lightweight mirrorless Fujis to shine.
Totally agree! It's so light, compared to the 100-400mm, which is really the only other option.
Nice overview of a good lens Steve. I managed to get hold of one myself and the XF 1.4x TC to photograph wildlife on my Fujifilm X-S10. I have only used it several times yet but so far overall I am happy with the image quality. The sharpness, detail and contrast are great and that focus limiter and zoom lock are handy too. The only small niggles so far are that when I shot some wildlife with dew covered grass highlights, they were a bit distracting. The other minus for me is that there is no O.I.S switch on the lens. Plus I would like to have had a tripod mount/foot for better balance when using it on a tripod. The autofocus is fast and mostly accurate for photos (but seemed to struggle/hunt when in low light/low contrast scenes). When it comes to video autofocus that is a disappointment for me as there is no subject tracking. Anyway, enjoy using it and keep the videos coming 🙂
I have to admit; I’ve not used it for video at all. The lens is no heavier than the 55-200 so I can see why they didn’t add a foot. It’s more of an action camera, working better when handheld.
What I want to do next (soonish, as I’m in need of a new vlogging camera) is a comparison between the 55-200 and the 50-230. I’m pretty excited about the results I’ve had from this, though.
I have this lens arriving today. I think it'll combo lovely with my X-T5 and 16-55mm for when I'm out in the wild etc, without it being too heavy. It should all fit in my 6L Peak Design sling bag (and certainly will in my rucksack). I might even add a teleconverter for big flexibility. I still have my old (non-WR) 56mm to swap-in, for when I need its glorious f1.2. I feel really lucky to have a nice set of equipment, given I'm just a hobbyist.
Hope you enjoy it!
@@SteveMellorPhotography Cheers. Yeah it's worked out great. I've been able to get really sharp shots even at maximum zoom and withotu a tripod.
I also just got myself of this lens, the only problem it has as it will pointing down a little when I am using it on tripod. It will be much better if this lens having the bracket holder.
I believe you can get a foot that will work on the lens. To be honest, I've not looked as I've not had the needs for it.