Photography News Issue 41

Photography News | Issue 41 | absolutephoto.com

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The holy trinity Fujifilm’s family of X-series lenses and optical accessories now numbers 24 products with the arrival of the latest XF50mm f/2 R WR, a short telephoto that offers a fast aperture and high performance in a very compact package

Fujifilm XF50mm f/2 RWR

Specs

Price £449, available in black or silver Construction 9 elements in 7 groups, 1x aspherical lens Filter size 46mm Aperture range f/2-16 in 0.3EV steps 35mmformat equivalent focal length 76mm Minimumfocus 39cm Lens diaphragm Nine blades Dimensions 60x59.4mm Weight 200g

Fujifilm’s ever-expanding collection of optics for its X-series cameras features lenses for all budgets, needs and preferences. The system’s early focus was, broadly, on high spec, superfast prime lenses such as the award- winning XF56mm f/1.2 R and that was then followed by cutting edge zooms to give X-users an enviable choice of great options. Recently we have witnessed the arrival of compact primes that offer superb image quality in an elegant and portable bodyform, so we have seen the introduction of the XF23mm f/2 R WR and XF35mm f/2 R WR lenses. These high-performing optics are perfect for general use and also when weight and bulk are important considerations. The launch of the XF50mm f/2 R WR means there isnowa trioof compact primes in the X-series lens system covering a popular range of focal lengths – equivalent to 35mm, 53mm and 76mm focal lengths in the 35mm format. The 50mm focal length on Fujifilm’s APS-C format camera gives a short telephoto effect, ideal for shooting portraits (see image), street candids and general scenic work. Its advanced lens coating helps to keep flare down and deliver high contrast, saturated pictures even in strong back-lighting. With an optical construction of nine elements in seven groups including one aspherical extra-low dispersion element, the XF50mm f/2 R WR gives high optical quality throughout the aperture range with minimal distortion, chromatic aberration

and flare. Used at its wider apertures, you also get lovely smooth background bokeh, and allowing a more comfortable working distance, it makes this new lens ideal for lovely portraits. The lens couples perfectly on X-series cameras to give very swift, accurate and responsive autofocusing in all sorts of lighting. An internal focusing mechanism driven by a stepping motor means that AF is silent and the lens’s external dimensions are constant regardless of subject distance.

Mechanically, the lens is sealed to be weather- anddust-resistant andwill continue to function perfectly in temperatures as low as -10°C. The XF50mm f/2 R WR is the ideal partner for the X-Pro2 and X-T2, both also featuring dust and weather resistant seals, for shooting in adverse conditions. As with many other X-series lenses, the XF50mm f/2 R WR has a smooth, click- stopped aperture ring in 0.3EV steps for precise exposure control with an A position for auto aperture control from the camera.

FujifilmXF23mm f/2 RWR

FujifilmXF35mm f/2 RWR

The Fujifilm XF23mm f/2 R WR gives a moderate wide-angle (equivalent to 35mm in the 35mm format) that is ideal for people photography, general scenes and in crowds where there is limited room or it’s impractical to take a step backwards. An advanced optical design featuring ten elements in six groups includes two aspherical lenses positioned in the focusing group to give edge-to-edge sharpness regardless of the subject distance. This elegant, metal-bodied lens is weather sealed for a reliable performance in poor shooting conditions and will continue working flawlessly in temperatures as low as -10°C. Handling is first class with a smooth manual focus barrel if you prefer to take control and the refined aperture ring is firmly click-stopped in 0.3EV steps to enable very precise control of exposure and depth-of-field too.

Completing the triumvirate of elegant, portable primes is this Fujifilm XF35mm f/2 R WR, a lens giving an equivalent view of 53mm in the 35mm focal length. Its view is roughly similar to that of the human eye so this focal length is massively versatile in terms of suitable subject matter. Indeed, if you had the choice of only focal length to take out, this would be it and the compact proportions of the XF35mm f/2 R WR makes this the ideal take-everywhere lens. Its finish, design and handling are similar to the two other f/2 primes in this collection, so you get a weather-resistant design, a smooth aperture ring that is click-stopped in 0.3EV steps and silent internal focusing. The optical essentials are advanced too. Fujifilmhas used an optical construction of nine elements in six groups including two aspherical lenses to minimise optical aberrations and ensure excellent sharpness at wide lens apertures and make the most of the Fujifilm X-Trans CMOS sensor.

Specs

Price £419, available in black or silver Construction 10 elements in 6 groups, 2x aspherical lenses Filter size 43mm Aperture range f/2-16 in 0.3EV steps 35mmformat equivalent focal length 35mm Minimumfocus 22cm Lens diaphragm Nine blades Dimensions 60x51.9mm Weight 180g

Price £349, available in black or silver Construction 9 elements in 6 groups, 2x aspherical lenses Filter size 43mm Aperture range f/2-16 in 0.3EV steps 35mmformat equivalent focal length 53mm Minimumfocus 35cm Lens diaphragm Nine blades Dimensions 60x45.9mm Weight 170g