In this guide, we’ll put aside the realities of life and financial responsibility and pretend we have an unchecked budget to buy whatever Fujifilm gear we want.
I thought it’d be a fun little exercise to examine what you can get for ever-increasing budgets – from a modest $1,000 to an eye-watering $10K!
It’ll also help potential buyers of a new camera kit to understand what kind of bang-for-buck is possible – especially with Fujifilm.
Fujifilm X Series cameras deliver exceptional image quality, color reproduction, and a pure joy of photography.
What’s more, they’re far cheaper than their full-frame counterparts from other leading brands like Canon, Sony, and Nikon.
I’ve been working with Fujifilm cameras and lenses for a decade and am clearly an advocate for the brand.
I’ve also spent more than my share of money at the camera store buying cameras and lenses over the years.
Let’s do some imaginative play now and go on a Fujifilm shopping spree. It’s on me!
It’s Fun To Make Believe
When my kids were little, they loved playing “shopkeeper.” They would turn the living room into an imaginary cafe, bookstore, or pet store.
They “entertained” us and themselves for hours, keeping busy, tidying up, stacking shelves, and making imaginary transactions.
Lego bricks or Monopoly money was the day’s currency, and they even had a little plastic cash register and scanner.
Even in the park, they’d turn the play equipment into a cafe, and I’d buy imaginary coffee with tanbark (tanbark is the Australian term for wood chips).
I remember those times fondly, as children’s industrious nature and imaginative output were a delight to witness. I’m smiling right now just thinking about it.
Remembering those times (they’re all grown up now) also had me wondering what it would be like to go on a Fujifilm shopping spree with endless currency.
It makes me want to play pretend and imagine a wallet full of cash or a credit card that wasn’t maxed out for once!
I guess playing make-believe is no different from creating savings goals or simply researching what you want to buy next.
Most of those dream purchases tend to stay in my dream state.
Making The Most Of $1,000
While $1,000 Australian dollars (around $660 in USD) doesn’t seem like much money, and it certainly isn’t enough to buy a new camera, it’s still enough to upgrade your kit.
$1,000 can stretch a long way with a wide range of high-quality prime lenses.
Furthermore, you’d still have cash left over to upgrade your camera bag, invest in new memory cards, or purchase additional batteries.
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Let’s take a look at what $1,000 buys these days.
Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR
A few years ago, Fujifilm released a range of compact prime lenses ideal for some of the smaller and more affordable X Series cameras.
The XF 35mm f/2 was one of the first in that range and offered a smaller and more affordable alternative to the original XF 35mm f/1.4.
Available in silver or black, the f/2 version is compact, weather-resistant, and features a nice wide aperture.
It retails for around AU$600 (US$400), leaving a nice chunk of change to pick up a PRF-43 Fujinon Protection Filter for around AU$100 (US$66).
Finally, put the remaining change in savings, ready for the next lens purchase. You can also pick up a good-quality camera strap!
Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
If you want to squeeze as much value for money out of $1,000 as possible, the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm zoom lens is your best option.
It retails for around AU$1,000 (US$660) and offers an excellent focal range dial for portraits, product, and wildlife photography.
The XF 55-200mm boasts a good f/3.5-4.8 aperture, fast linear motor focusing, and has the added benefit of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
Adding this lens will complete your kit if you already own a wide prime or an 18-55mm zoom.
Squeezing More Out Of $2,500
It’s time to increase the stakes with a significant jump in our imaginary budget.
AU$2,500 (US$1,650) opens up a far greater range of Fuji gear within your reach.
For most hobbyist and enthusiast photographers, $2,500 is the sweet spot.
That kind of money allows for the purchase of higher-quality lenses and even a new Fuji X Series camera body.
Fujifilm X-S20
Fujifilm X-S20
I recently reviewed the Fujifilm X-S20 and found it an incredibly capable and reliable X Series Fuji camera. It features a 26MP X Trans 4 image sensor and a fast X Processor 5.
Beyond that, the X-S20 boasts 7-stop, 5-axis In Body Image Stabilization for effective low-light shooting.
The X-S20 is ideal for entry-level or enthusiast photographers looking for a camera suited to still photography and high-quality videography.
It records 6.2K at 30P in 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording or 12-bit RAW externally.
It doesn’t leave you much change at around AU$2,350 (US$1,560).
Although, with the handful of cash left over I recommend picking up a spare battery.
Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro
Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro
If you’ve always wanted to try macro photography, a $2,500 budget opens up a world of possibilities.
The Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 is a high-quality and optically sharp macro lens. Thanks to its wide aperture, it’s also suitable for portraits and product shots.
The weather-sealed lens features fast linear motors for focusing and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
The XF 80mm f/2.8 retails for around AU$1,900 (US$1,260), leaving you about AU$600 (US$398).
With that nice chunk of change, I’d recommend picking up an on-camera flash and macro photography light diffuser to complete your kit.
Alternatively, invest in a carbon fiber tripod for your macro and portrait work.
Here’s $5,000 – Go Nuts!
Now, we’re starting to get serious.
Imagine someone handing you an imaginary blank check for AU$5,000 (US$3,300) to spend at an imaginary camera store.
I can picture it now – waltzing in and all the shop assistants standing in a line, clapping and leading me to the Fujifilm cabinet.
“Mr Cromie! It’s so good to see you here again, sir. Would you like a latte while you browse the Fuji range, sir? Here, have a seat, sir. Now, what takes your fancy today?”
Fujifilm X-T50
Fujifilm X-T50
The all-new Fuji X-T50 shares many similarities with its older, pro-level brother, the X-T5. We’ll cover the flagship Fuji photography camera in a bit.
The X-T50 features the same 40MP image sensor, X Processor 5, and 5-axis IBIS.
It includes fast autofocus performance, robust build quality, and a new Film Simulation Dial for quick access to 20 built-in film sims for ultimate Fuji color.
Available in three premium finishes, the X-T50 retails for around AU$2,600 (US$1,700).
Highly accessible yet featuring powerful performance, it rides the boundary between entry-level and enthusiast photography.
That leaves AU$2,400 (US$1,600) left over—why stop now?
Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR
Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR
The 23mm focal distance is one of the most popular among photographers.
With a full-frame 35mm equivalent, the focal range delivers a natural field of view wide enough for landscape and street photography.
The Fujifilm XF 23m f/1.4 is an incredibly sharp prime lens with a wide aperture to capture exquisite subject separation and background blur.
The Fuji 23mm is my favorite focal length. It’s built tough, weather-sealed, and features fast autofocus performance in any lighting conditions.
The XF 23mm f/1.4 retails for around AU$1,500 (US$1,000).
After adding this lens to the shopping cart along with the X-T50, we’re left with about AU$1,100 (US$730). What’s next?
Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR
Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR
To complement the 23mm focal range of the XF 23mm f/1.4, I’d opt for the Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2.
It’s a super compact short-telephoto prime lens with a wide f/2 aperture.
Being a 75mm full-frame equivalent, the lens is ideal for product photography and portraits.
I own a copy of the XF 50mm f/2 and employ it for the product shots I use here on Shotkit.
It’s a compact, robust, weather-sealed lens ideal for enthusiasts who prefer prime lenses over zooms.
It retails for around AU$700 (US$460).
With a few hundred dollars remaining, you can pick up a high-quality camera bag like the Wandrd Prvke 21 for around AU$330 (US$200).
Check out our review of the Wandrd Prvke range here.
You’ve Won The Fuji Lotto – $10,000 Stress-Free
It’s time to ramp up the imagination and move beyond imaginary play and into the realm of near-delusion.
In any situation, AU$10,000 (US$6,600) is a stupid amount of money.
Although some pro-photographers probably spend double that every financial year.
As a working-class lad, it’s undoubtedly fun to daydream about the Fujifilm kit I would buy with that kind of cash.
It’s appropriate to look at a complete kit in this price range, including a camera, lenses, bag, and accessories.
While it would be fun to consider a Fujifilm GFX camera, even the GFX 100S II alone wouldn’t leave enough to buy a lens.
Let’s stick with the Fujifilm X Series.
Fujifilm X-T5
Fujifilm X-T5
Without hesitation, head straight to the Fujifilm cabinet and grab an X-T5.
The Fujifilm X-T5 is the Fuji flagship photography camera, the fifth generation in the series.
I’ve shot with every generation from the X-T1 to the X-T4 and recently reviewed the outstanding X-T5.
The camera boasts a 40MP X Trans 5 HR image sensor and ultra-fast X Processor 5.
As a pro-grade camera, the X-T5 features dual UHS-II SD card slots, 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization, and up to 15 FPS continuous burst mode.
It’s one of the sexiest digital mirrorless cameras on the market, thanks to its retro-inspired design and compact form.
It retails for around AU$2,900 (US$1,900) for the body only.
Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR
One of the best lenses in the Fujifilm X Series range is the XF 16-55mm f/2.8.
The premium Red Badge Fuji zoom offers an excellent landscape, architecture, portraiture, and travel focal range.
Furthermore, the constant f/2.8 aperture enables excellent outcomes in low light and when striving for background blur and subject separation.
The weather-sealed 16-55mm is super fast thanks to its linear focusing motors.
The lens retails for around AU$1,800 (US$1,200), meaning you can pick up the Fujifilm X-T5 and the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 and still have plenty left over for additional lenses.
Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM WR
Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM WR
The second best zoom lens in the Fujifilm X Series range is the Fuji XF 50-140mm f/2.8.
The telephoto zoom range and constant f/2.8 wide aperture make it an ideal multi-purpose workhorse.
The XF 50-140mm powers through product photography, portraiture, wildlife, and birding with lighting-fast autofocus and Optical Image Stabilization.
The Red Badge Fuji lens produces exceptional images with edge-to-edge sharpness throughout the focal range.
It’s a delight to shoot in any conditions.
As for the price, it retails for around AU$2,500 (US$1,650), leaving you with about AU$2,800 (US$1,850). What to do, what to do?
Fujifilm X100 VI
Fujifilm X100 VI
While grabbing a fast aperture wide prime or a macro lens would make a lot of sense, there’s no fun in that.
After all, it’s an imaginary scenario, so let’s be a little reckless and buy a second Fuji X Series camera.
Why on earth would you need a second camera, I hear you ask? I’m not necessarily talking about a second interchangeable lens X camera.
However, enthusiasts or professionals would benefit from owning the X-T5 with the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 and an X-T50 or a second X-T5 with the XF 50-140mm f/2.8.
Instead, grab the Fujifilm X100 VI, which retails for around AU$2,800 (US$1,850).
I recently reviewed the Fuji X100 VI and found it an excellent all-purpose yet powerful X Series camera.
Being the sixth generation of the X100 camera, it boasts flagship-grade features and performance.
Like the X-T5, it houses the latest 40MP X Trans 5 image sensor and X Processor 5 chip.
It also features a 5-axis, 6-stop IBIS, 6.2K/30P video, and an impressive 11fps burst mode.
You’d use the X-T5 and a pair of Red Badge zooms for serious work and carry the X100 VI everywhere.
Thanks to its compact form and 521g (1.15lb) weight, it would make the ideal street and travel photography camera.
That’s a grand total of exactly AU$10,000 (US$6,600) gone but never forgotten!
Alternatively…
If you want to be a real square, then ditch the Fujifilm X100 VI and optimize your X-T5 kit to the max.
You can grab the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 Macro lens for around AU$1,100 (US$730), leaving you with about AU$1,700 (US$1,100).
Next, add these items to your shopping cart:
A couple of Fujifilm NP-W235 Lithium batteries will set you back around AU$260 (US$170) for both.
A pair of SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB UHS-II SDXC memory cards will cost around AU$400 (US$260) for both.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L Version 2 at around AU$600 (US$400).
The remaining AU$400 (US$265) can be used to purchase a lightweight carbon fiber travel tripod.
That’s it; you just spent a whopping $10,000 on your dream Fuji photography kit!
Will You Require Gift Wrapping?
Sadly, we must return to reality and pack away our empty wallets and expired credit cards. It was fun while it lasted.
There is no imaginary $10,000 or even a measly $1,000 to spend on camera gear.
But that shouldn’t ever stop you from dreaming of the ultimate Fujifilm kit.
If anything, I hope this guide inspires you to set some goals and work towards your dream kit.
Imagine the fun you’ll have taking stunning photos with the best and most affordable Fujifilm kit for you.
So what do you think? How would you spend thousands of dollars at the camera store?
Would you buy Fujifilm, and if so, what would be the first item in your basket?
Dream big!
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