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Photography News Issue 27 absolutephoto.com
First tests
FujifilmXF35mm f/2 RWR £299
Specs
Format APS-C (equivalent to 53mm in 35mm format) Mount Fujifilm X-mount Construction 9 elements in 6 groups Special lens elements 2 aspherical Coatings Fujifilm Nano GI, Super EBC Filter size 43mm Aperture range f/2-16 in 0.3EV steps Diaphragm 9 blades Internal focus Yes Manual focus Yes Minimum focus 35cm Focus limiter No Maximummagnification 0.135x Distance scale No Depth-of-field scale No Image stabiliser No Tripod collar No Lens hood Compact plastic hood. LH-XF35-2 available as optional extra Weather-sealed Yes, and dust resistant with eight seals. Works down to -10°C Dimensions (lxd) 60x45.9mm Weight 170g Contact
Fujifilm offers two 35mm focal length lenses, the 35mm f/1.4 R that was launched when the X-system was announced in 2012 and it has now been joined by the 35mm f/2 R WR. The new lens sells at £299 compared with £367 for the older lens. Having the option means a potential dilemma for newcomers to the X-system and those with the 35mm f/1.4 who might think having a weatherproof version of this popular focal length is a benefit. So what are the differences and which one is the best to go for? Leaving the optical innards aside for the time being, the 35mm f/2 is a compact lens, smaller and a little lighter than 35mm f/1.4, but you would expect to see that as there is a full f/stop difference in their maximum apertures. Eight seals are used around the lens barrel to give the lens its weather- and dust-resistant qualities. It can work in temperatures as low as -10°C. AswithotherX-seriesR-designated lenses, there is an aperture ring click- stopped in 0.3EV steps. There is an A setting which has no lock to engage
program mode. The action of the aperture and focusing rings is smooth with the right amount of resistance so no issues here at all. A thin plastic lens hood comes supplied and this screws onto the 43mm filter thread. An optional metal hood is also available. There is an internal focusing system with lightweight elements and a stepper motor to enable fast, silent and accurate autofocus. Speed is impressive with the lens zipping past the point of focus and then, very smartly, back to the subject. Optically, the lens is very sharp from f/2 onwards with the centre being very impressive frommaximum aperture onwards. The extreme corners were less good and softness was evident. This softness went with stopping down and the lens shone from f/5.6, with f/8 being the best aperture for overall sharpness and fine detail was nicely rendered. Quality did drop off from the peak of f/8 at f/11 and f/16, but diffraction wasn’t excessive and f/16 is still very useable especially with some judicious use of unsharp mask.
Whether the lens’s WR feature has any appeal depends onwhat you shoot because not everyone wants to shoot in the rain or in a sandstorm. I did use the 35mm f/2 in rain and experienced no problems, but that is also true of the non-WR 35mm f/1.4. Probably the WR benefit will come in seriously bad conditions and keeping nasties out of the innards will help with long-term reliability. WC
Optically, the lens is very sharp from f/2 onwards with the centre being very impressive
The 35mm f/2 versus 35mm f/1.4 We took out both Fujifilm 35mm lenses and tried them side by side on an X-T1 body with the combinations fixed on a Benro carbon-fibre Travel Angel tripod using the self-timer to fire the shutter. Raws were processed in Lightroom with default sharpening. Sharpness at maximum apertures is impressive with the f/2 lens being marginally superior to the f/1.4 version at the centre as well as the edges. Stop down the f/1.4 lens to f/2, though, and it catches up and both lenses then more or less match each other from that point onwards. Optically, both lenses are impressive and there is little to choose between them– except that small difference at their respectivemaximumapertures. In terms of focusing the new lens is definitely superior. It is noticeably quicker and smoother than the f/1.4 version so well suited to subjects like street photography where snappy focusing is essential. The new lens is also silent. The old lens isn’t exactly loud but from behind the camera the difference is significant.
fujifilm.eu/uk/ fujifilm-x.com
F/2
F/2.8
How it rates
Verdict Fujifilm’s latest addition to the X-system is a capable performer with swift AF and the ability to produce very sharp pictures. Use the lens at its mid apertures and you can get critically sharp A2 prints with no problem at all. Given the 35mm f/2’s price, smaller profile, more responsive AF and WR characteristics it is a very tempting proposition. However, if you own the 35m f/1.4, the reasons to buy the f/2 are less compelling. You’ve got to balance the benefit of the extra f/stop in low light or for very shallow depth-of-field against quicker AF, smaller bodyform and its WR characteristics. Optically there is not much in it. Features Weatherproof, compact, silent AF and decent maximum aperture Performance Very sharp at its optimum apertures and still more than acceptable wide open Handling Very fast and silent AF is impressive, and its compact nature is very welcome Value formoney Deserves serious consideration as it makes a very fine ‘take everywhere’ lens Overall There is a great deal to like and enjoy with this lovely little lens. Recommended Pros Optical performance, compact, good price Cons Nothing except the A setting has no lock – as with all X-lenses 24/25 24/25 24/25 24/25 96/100
Images Our test pictures were shot on a FujifilmX-T1 with the electronic shutter selected and the self-timer used to give vibration- less release. The camera and lens were mounted on a Gitzo Traveller tripod with the Raws processed through Lightroom CC.
F/4
F/5.6
F/8
F/11
F/16
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