Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R

Fujifilm X

Review

The Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R is a classic prime lens that has become a favorite among many Fujifilm X-series camera users. This lens boasts a versatile focal length of 35mm, which is approximately equivalent to 53mm in full-frame terms, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of photography styles, including portraits, street, and general-purpose shooting.

With a fast maximum aperture of F1.4, this lens excels in low-light conditions, allowing for beautifully blurred backgrounds and striking subject isolation. The lens features a robust and compact design, weighing in at just 187g, which makes it an ideal carry-around lens for everyday photography. The build quality is solid, with a metal barrel and a smooth focusing ring that adds to the overall positive user experience.

In terms of optical performance, the XF 35mm F1.4 R delivers sharpness across the frame, with a pleasing bokeh aesthetic that photographers often seek. It performs exceptionally well when stopped down, making it suitable for landscape photography as well. Additionally, the lens has a stepping motor for fast and quiet autofocus, ensuring that you won't miss a moment, which is particularly useful for event photography.

Nevertheless, there are some considerations to keep in mind. While the lens does produce very sharp images at F1.4, some users report slight softness in the extreme corners, especially at wider apertures. Furthermore, the lens lacks weather sealing, which could be a drawback for those looking to shoot in challenging conditions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fast maximum aperture of F1.4 perfect for low-light conditions
• Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
• Solid build quality with a metal barrel
• Excellent sharpness and beautiful bokeh
• Fast and quiet autofocus performance

Cons

• Some softness in the corners at wider apertures
• No weather sealing, limiting use in harsh conditions

Verdict

Overall, the Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R is a fantastic lens that offers great value and performance for Fujifilm X-series camera users. Its fast aperture, lightweight construction, and versatility make it a go-to choice for many types of photography. While it does have a couple of minor drawbacks, the positives far outweigh the negatives, making this lens a highly recommended addition to any Fujifilm photographer's toolkit.