Fujifilm XF35 mm F1.4 R Lens

Product Information

The f/2 WR is better suited to photographing in poor weather conditions and is great for video. So street photography in all conditions – as long as the lighting remains decent – is great with this lens. Final Verdict – Fuji XF 35mm f/2 R WR vs. XF 35mm f/1.4 R

The XF 35mm F1.4 R is by no means a slouch of a lens; if you decide to go with this lens you will end up with better overall low light performance, better image stabilization performance with the X-H1 (and likely any future X-Series cameras with IBIS), and shallower depth of field for that creamy bokeh that portrait photographers love so much. You just need to be able to live with the negatives of this lens; like the moving front element, no weather sealing, and the loud AF motor. It’s also compact, with a 35mm focal length (53mm equivalent focal length). Making the lens and mirrorless camera combo like the Fuji X-T2 or X-T4 the perfect duo. Another, later 35mm prime lens from Fuji is the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2. Released in 2015, it was a more affordable alternative to the f/1.4. I even use it for food photography as well as I like the way it brings out the texture and colour of food. And with the F/1.4 maximum aperture lets in enough light in dimly-like restaurants and adds beautiful bokeh to dishes.

When looking at build quality alone, the 35mm f2 is nicer. It’s a single barrel with internal focusing, so nothing moves. The 35mm f1.4 has two barrels where the outer barrel dances around when focusing. I’ve dropped the 35mm f2 from waist high on concrete by accident once, and everything is still fine. Most lenses wouldn’t survive that. Don’t drop your lenses obviously. Its autofocus isn’t the fastest, but it’s more than good enough when paired with any of the newer Fuji cameras (including the X-T2 and later). Personally, the Fujinon XF 35mm f1.4 R was my first lens for my Fujifilm kit and I spent years with it before adding a second one.

I had the opportunity to try both, with an unprejudiced choice to make, cost irrelevant. I found the operation of the f2 to be in a whole different league, I think no-one disputes that, but optically they were closer than I thought. The f1.4 was really nice from f4 down into the corners, where the f2 stays a bit smeary until f8. In the centre the f2 was superb, especially at f2.8.If you’re new to the Fuji X Series lens system, there’s a good chance you’re grappling with a decision between Fuji’s 23mm and 35mm lens offerings. I have to say, this comparisons really threw me off. Even though the f2 is a full stop slower and should have a full stop difference in terms of depth of field, it doesn’t. Additionally, the lens is well-built and durable, making it a great option for photographers who want a reliable camera lens that will last for many years. Overall, the Fuji 35mm f/1.4 is one of the best lenses available for Fujifilm cameras, offering excellent image and performance in all shooting conditions. Does the Fuji XF 35mm f/1.4 Flare?