posted Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 9:35 AM EST
Whereas 2017’s GF 23mm F4 lens whetted the appetites of GFX customers on the lookout for a wide-angle lens, some customers, myself included, nonetheless longed for one thing that wasn’t solely a bit wider but additionally provided the flexibility of a zoom lens. Effectively, 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 superb 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 totally take pleasure in my GF 32-64mm F4 R WR lens — it is a unbelievable normal zoom — however it could’t fairly seize a really expansive vista. And then again, the GF 23mm F4 earned its place in my package however I felt hamstrung by the fastened focal size. The brand new GF 20-35mm F4 R WR blends what I like concerning the GF 32-64mm F4 with what I favored 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, within reason compact, all issues thought-about and does not compromise regarding picture high quality. The GF 20-35mm F4 lens may be very sharp all through the zoom vary, even when capturing extensive open. Whereas my detailed picture high quality evaluation shall be in my full evaluation, the quick model is that the lens is optically wonderful. Based mostly on my intensive 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 “free,” in my view. 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 a bit unhealthy climate stand of their manner.
As for autofocus, it is a fairly swift lens. I want so as to add the caveat that I shoot with the unique GFX 50S, which has fairly poor AF efficiency total, however the GF 20-35mm F4 lens felt a bit sooner than the GF 32-64mm, though maybe not fairly as quick because the GF 23mm F4. The lens can focus carefully sufficient for foreground parts, 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 Arms-on Overview, however for now, I am going to sum up by saying that the lens has been well worth the wait. It is a wonderful addition to the GFX ecosystem and is a flexible, spectacular choice for wide-angle purposes. Whereas I proceed work on the evaluation, head over to our new Fuji GF 20-35mm F4 R WR Gallery. There you may discover many real-world pictures, sharpness take a look at pictures, and even an evening sky shot (albeit not an particularly good one — F4 is a little bit of a limiting issue right here).