This Fuji 35mm prime lens for Fuji X-mount cameras takes photos that are just, wow .. AMAZING. It's simply difficult to believe that a smaller format lens like this can hold its own against the larger Nikon and Canon lenses, and not in any way to take away from those, but after shooting for a good deal of time with this lens, I would have to say that it is every bit the peer of its more well-known brethren. The image clarity is simply astounding: sharp, rich photos that can achieve outstanding bokeh due to its very large F/1.4 aperture, and the defocusing effect is really nice due to the number of shutter petals used in its design. But this is a lens that you might just want to beyond portraits: use it outdoors, on the street, really anywhere, because the images are just simply that good.
You're not going to have a wide angle capability here because you are working at 35mm (about 52mm equivalent), but once you start seeing how the shots come out, you'll start forgiving that shortcoming. Add to this that the lens is so light that once you've put it on your X-A1, X-E1, X-M1, or X-Pro, and you'll nearly be working at point-and-shoot weights.
This lens does not come with built-in image stabilization. But once you see the photos, it likely won't matter to you. And because the Fuji X cameras shoot very low noise at very high ISO levels, coupled with the fact the lens opens up all the way to F/1.4, image stabilization really isn't that important.
The lens is a bit pricey, but most reviewers are coming down on the side that some of these Fuji X-mount lenses (and this is one of them) are comparable with professional brand lenses many times their price. This is simply an amazing set of lenses that deserve your investigation if you have not looked into them yet. This lens alone might be all you need to draw you into looking into the Fuji X-mount system. Five stars, and absolutely without hesitation!
PLUSSES
++ Very good image quality, with good color and sharpness
++ HUGE aperture allows for low-light shooting and good bokeh
++ Lightweight and generally small
++ "XF" build quality puts it in the league of Fuji's other amazing "XF" lenses
MINUSES
-- A tad expensive for what it is (but it goes on sale, so keep your eye's peeled)
-- Shutter blades pretty "clacky" during autofocus
-- Autofocus speed not the fastest
-- The newer XF 35mm F/2 is much faster, quieter, smaller, and much cheaper (so if you don't need that extra F/1.4 aperture, go with the newer model)
-- No lens case supplied (I know I am harping on this, but all Fuji lenses should come with beautiful Fuji lens cases)
Update after shooting with this lens for a month in France:
This lens is just crispy good. Images can be so sharp as to be startling. I used this lens in museums, in cathedrals, in train stations, really just about anywhere without thought of low light in the setting, and just knocked off shot after shot of gorgeous images. You have to use your "built-in zoom" (i.e., your feet) when using the lens, but that's just a matter of weening yourself off the convenience that zoom lenses provide (and that also account for their general inability to reach the image quality of primes; the world of camera equipment is a world of trade-offs!). And, because of the very wide aperture (F/1.4), you can pretty much not worry about the lack of image stabilization. Just take time to compose your shot, and the images can be just amazing. Coupled with the high-ISO/low noise performance of the Fuji X cameras, this wide-aperture lens just continues to amaze. After shooting with it for weeks, I can see firsthand why so many people rave about it, as they do for many of the Fuji primes. It's light and small, too, so when you slap it on your X mount camera, you are at near point-and-shoot weight. The aperture blades and the focusing motor are a bit noisy at times (there is a firmware update for many of the Fuji cameras to help reduce this, as well as firmware updates for the lens itself; make sure you have updated both your camera AND your lens to the latest firmware from the Fuji support site), but in most settings, you'll never notice it (also turning off continuous focusing will help with focusing noise will help). But this is an extraordinary lens that I say will compete with the best of the larger brands, and at a fraction of the weight. It's easily a five-star lens on nearly all counts.
Fujifilm XF35mmF1.4 R
4.8 | 529 ratings
Price: 599
Last update: 12-22-2024
About this item
Focal length (35mm format equivalent) f=35mm (53mm)
8 Elements in 6 Groups (Inc. 1 Asph. Element)
Angle of view - 44.2 Degrees. Number of blades 7(rounded diaphragm opening)
Filter Size 52mm
Focus range : Normal 0.8m - ∞, Macro 28cm - 2.0m. Max. magnification 0.17x
8 Elements in 6 Groups (Inc. 1 Asph. Element)
Angle of view - 44.2 Degrees. Number of blades 7(rounded diaphragm opening)
Filter Size 52mm
Focus range : Normal 0.8m - ∞, Macro 28cm - 2.0m. Max. magnification 0.17x
Product information
| Product Dimensions | 2.17 x 2.56 x 2.56 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 6.6 ounces |
| ASIN | B006UL00R6 |
| Item model number | XF-35mm F1.4 R |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Customer Reviews |
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars
(529)
4.8 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #50 in Mirrorless Camera Lenses |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | January 9, 2012 |
| Manufacturer | FUJI9 |
| Language | English |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
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