Fujinon TCL-X100 II Optical Review - Image Quality, Distortion & Real-World Performance
Fujinon TCL-X100 II
Fujinon TCL-X100 II
Fujinon TCL-X100 II mounted on the Fujifilm X100VI
If you’re researching the Fujinon TCL-X100 II, you’ve probably already come across a lot of glowing reviews praising its convenience and versatility. And to be fair, there’s a lot to like about this lens, especially if you enjoy the shooting experience of the X100 system. But after spending real time with it in a variety of situations, I think the optical performance deserves a more honest and grounded discussion, particularly when you factor in the price point and what you’re actually getting in return.
On paper, it sounds like the perfect upgrade, a simple way to turn your fixed lens camera into a more flexible 50mm shooter without sacrificing the compact form factor. In practice, though, it’s a bit more nuanced than that. This isn’t a bad lens, but it’s also not a magic upgrade that suddenly transforms your image quality or elevates your files to another level. It’s got one major optical quirk you should know about before speeding your hard earned cash. This post will go over the optical performance of this lens. If you’re looking for a review going over the physical attributes of this lens check out this post next.
Price
This attachment usually sells for around $400 USD which I think is ridiculous considering it’s just a focal extender and has no moving parts. The TCL-X100 II frequently goes on sale so I would recommend waiting for the price to drop before picking one up. —> Check the current price on Amazon.
Optical Performance Overview
Let’s get straight into it. From an optical standpoint, the TCL-X100 II does not improve image quality over the native lens. In fact, in some situations, it slightly degrades it, particularly when it comes to distortion. That’s the part that surprised me the most. At around $350 USD, I expected a bit more refinement. If this lens were priced closer to $199, I think the value proposition would make a lot more sense. But at its current price, you’re not buying it for better image quality, you’re buying it for a different field of view, better bokeh and shooting experience. If you’re really interested in buying this lens I’d wait for it to go on sale or check the used market. That way you’ll get better value for money.
📌 Buying this lens used
I bought this lens used and to be honest there isn’t much to it. No mechanical parts or Af motors that can go bad. It’s just glass inside a housing. Only thing you have to consider is:
Make sure the front and back threads aren’t damaged.
Make sure the glass is pristine.
🎯 Pro Tip
Because this is a camera system you toss in a bag or pocket put a filter on the front of the lens. It’s a lot easier to replace a scratched filter than to replace a chipped lens.
Distortion & Image Corrections (JPEG vs RAW)
One of the most noticeable optical characteristics of the TCL-X100 II is distortion. When shooting JPEG, the camera automatically corrects for this distortion in camera, and honestly, it does a pretty good job. You might not even notice anything is happening behind the scenes. But if you’re shooting RAW, it’s a different story. You’ll need to correct distortion in post, and depending on your workflow, that can add an extra step that some photographers won’t love. Personally I shoot my pro cameras in RAW and I shoot this one in jpg because I just use it for fun. So I guess your workflow can play a part in whether or not this lens makes sense for you.
Interestingly, this distortion isn’t always a bad thing. When shooting portraits for example, I noticed it can actually create a subtle slimming effect on faces. It’s not technically “accurate,” but creatively, you could absolutely use it to your advantage, especially in client work. On the other hand if you’re shooting a scene with strong lines like a horizon or architectural features than you’ll definitely notice the distortion.
⭐ Keep in mind that if you have the lenses profile in your raw converter the distortion can be corrected automatically when you import your images. But if you don’t have the lenses distortion profile then the example images below is what you might end up with.
Bokeh & Background Separation
Now here’s where things get a bit more interesting. Because the TCL-X100 II gives you a longer focal length (50mm full frame equivalent), you naturally get more background separation and stronger bokeh compared to the native 35mm field of view.
And yes, it looks good! Ok it’s not going to compare to a 50mm f/1.2 but all things considered it’s decent. You can get that soft, creamy background that a lot of people are chasing. But there’s a catch, to really maximize that effect, you need to shoot close to the minimum focus distance of 0.5m (1.64 ft). So while the bokeh is improved, it’s still somewhat situational. Below are some example shots so you can judge for yourself.
Autofocus Performance
One thing I can’t fault this lens for is how well it integrates with the system. Mounted on cameras like the Fujifilm X100V or Fujifilm X100VI, autofocus is still just as bad as it was before. Let’s be honest here. Fujifilm really needs to step up their auto focus game. Everything from their GFX 100s to the X100 system all suffer with industry worst autofocus performance. I know some of you might read this and get offended because you’re 100% in love with Fujifilm. And to be honest I am too. I love what Fujifilm are doing. But they really need to out R&D into bringing that AF system out of the 90s.
🎯 Pro Tip from someone who’s shot with this camera system a lot. Don’t rely on continuous AF to track your subjects. Set your camera to single shot and use your joystick or touch the screen to select AF points. Trust me you’ll get a lot less blurry shots that way.
Versatility Across the X100 System
Fujifilm X100VI with the WCL and TCL lens attachments.
The TCL-X100 II and the WCL-X100 II are both designed specifically for the X100 lineup, using the 49mm front mount, and it works across every generation from older models all the way up to the latest bodies. I really applaud Fujifilm for that. It’s great to know that you can invest in this attachment and know it will work on future generations of the the X100 series. There are no guarantees though Fujifilm could change it up in the future who knows but realistically, I don’t see Fujifilm changing this anytime soon. The X100 formula works, and this lens fits right into that ecosystem.
Sample SHots
Real-World User Experience
Using the TCL-X100 II is… a bit of a mixed experience. On one hand, it’s simple, you screw it on and start shooting. On the other hand, it’s not quite that effortless. You’ll usually need to remove your filter first, stash it somewhere, then attach the converter. It’s a small thing, but it does slow you down. The system is definitely not built for speed.
And then there’s portability. One of the biggest strengths of the X100 system is how compact and pocketable it is. Once you attach the TCL, that changes. It’s no longer a pocket camera, you’re now in “camera bag” territory. Or a two pocket setup. When traveling through Europe I put the X100V in one pocket and the TCL in the other pocket and I was good to go. It was a two pocket setup and to be honest still better than lugging around a camera bag.
Another small but important detail worth mentioning, both the TCL and WCL converters block the built-in flash. So if you rely on that for fill light or creative use, you’ll need to switch to a hot shoe flash to avoid casting shadows from the lens.
To be perfectly frank, none of these things are deal breakers for me. I really love how this camera and lens combo forces me to slow down and be more intentional with my shooting. It’s almost nostalgic in a way. screwing the lenses on and off is very reminiscent of using an old vintage M42 lense which for me is a fun experience. There is something so cool about the buttons and dials on the camera. It’s very tactile and for me anyway it adds to the shooting experience.
Fujifilm X100VI with the WCL and TCL lens attachments
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
So, is the Fujinon TCL-X100 II worth buying? Honestly… I can’t give you a straight yes or no. If your goal is maximum image quality, this isn’t the answer. You’d be better off with an interchangeable lens system like the Fujifilm X-T5 and a dedicated portrait lens. And if you’re chasing extreme bokeh, full-frame is still better or better yet the GFX system.
But that’s not really the point of this lens or the X100 system is it? This is about experience. If you look at the TCL-X100 II purely in terms of value for money, it’s hard to justify at full price. But if you look at it as something that enhances the enjoyment of shooting, it starts to make a lot more sense. And that’s where I land with it. It’s not perfect. It’s not even exceptional optically. But it is fun and allows me to easily connect with my love for photography. I can toss it in a pocket and head out the door. And sometimes, that’s reason enough. For me this is my family cam. I bring it with me to family events and document what’s going on. The TCL just allows me to get more portrait shots. It’s more fun than a smart phone and not as cumbersome as a full frame system. It’s in that perfect sweet spot of convenience and portability.
My advice? Pick one up used or wait for a sale. That’s where this lens really starts to feel like a smart addition to your kit.
If you’re into street photography I recommend the black body with the black lens. This silver setup attracts a lot of attention.
