posted Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 9:35 AM EST
Whereas 2017’s GF 23mm F4 lens whetted the appetites of GFX customers in search of a wide-angle lens, some customers, myself included, nonetheless longed for one thing that wasn’t solely a bit wider but in addition supplied the flexibility of a zoom lens. Nicely, that exact lens is now accessible within the type of the Fujifilm GF 20-35mm F4 R WR zoom lens. Providing a 35mm-equivalent focal size vary of 16-28mm with a continuing F4 aperture, the GF 20-35mm F4 R WR is a wonderful wide-angle zoom lens for the GFX and particularly well-suited to panorama and journey pictures.
Fujifilm GFX 50S with GF 20-35mm F4 R WR lens at 35mm (28mm equiv.), F9, 1/9s, ISO 100. This picture has been edited.
I completely take pleasure in my GF 32-64mm F4 R WR lens — it is a unbelievable commonplace zoom — however it might probably’t fairly seize a really expansive vista. And however, the GF 23mm F4 earned its place in my equipment however I felt hamstrung by the fastened focal size. The brand new GF 20-35mm F4 R WR blends what I really like concerning the GF 32-64mm F4 with what I appreciated concerning the GF 23mm F4 lens, making a nearly-perfect ultra-wide zoom lens for the medium-format GFX system. The GF 20-35mm F4 has nice construct high quality, in all fairness compact, all issues thought of and would not compromise regarding picture high quality. The GF 20-35mm F4 lens may be very sharp all through the zoom vary, even when taking pictures broad open. Whereas my detailed picture high quality evaluation shall be in my full evaluate, the brief model is that the lens is optically glorious. Primarily based on my in depth expertise with Fujinon GF lenses, that is not shocking, however that does not make the information any much less good.
Fujifilm GFX 50S with GF 20-35mm F4 R WR lens at 31mm (25mm equiv.), F11, 1/3s, ISO 100. This picture has been edited.
Regarding construct high quality and “really feel,” the information is equally constructive. The lens has a sturdy, pro-level appear and feel, together with a wonderful devoted aperture management ring. The main focus ring feels fairly good, too, though, like many different GF lenses, it is barely too “unfastened,” for my part. Nonetheless, it is simple to dial in focus manually. As evidenced by the “WR” within the mannequin identify, the GF 20-35mm F4 R WR lens is climate resistant. It dealt with snow, rain, and chilly climate with aplomb. It is constructed to resist the calls for of passionate nature and panorama photographers who do not let somewhat unhealthy climate stand of their manner.
As for autofocus, it is a fairly swift lens. I would like so as to add the caveat that I shoot with the unique GFX 50S, which has fairly poor AF efficiency general, however the GF 20-35mm F4 lens felt a bit quicker than the GF 32-64mm, though maybe not fairly as quick because the GF 23mm F4. The lens can focus carefully sufficient for foreground components, however with a most magnification of 0.14x, it’s miles from a macro lens.
Fujifilm GFX 50S with GF 20-35mm F4 R WR lens at 29mm (23mm equiv.), F13, 2.1s, ISO 100. This picture has been edited.
There will be far more to say in my full Fujifilm GF 20-35mm F4 R WR Palms-on Evaluate, however for now, I will sum up by saying that the lens has been definitely worth the wait. It is a wonderful addition to the GFX ecosystem and is a flexible, spectacular choice for wide-angle functions. Whereas I proceed work on the evaluate, head over to our new Fuji GF 20-35mm F4 R WR Gallery. There you may discover many real-world pictures, sharpness check pictures, and even an evening sky shot (albeit not an particularly good one — F4 is a little bit of a limiting issue right here).
