Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R review

Fuji XF 35mm F/1.4 R Reviews roundup

Fujinon XF 35mm F/1.4 R reviews roundup: is it worth the price?

Released in 2012, the Fujinon XF 35mm F/1.4 R is a lens designed for Fujifilm mirrorless cameras, with a fixed aperture of f/1.4 and a focal range equivalent to a 53 mm on a full frame camera.

Specs: 

  • Mount: Fujifilm X-mount
  • Full frame eq.: 53mm
  • Optical stabilization: No
  • Weather sealed: No
  • Weight: 187g
  • Min. aperture: f/1.4
  • Max. aperture: f/16
  • Minimum focus distance: 28cm
  • Filter size: 52mm
Fujifilm XF35mmF1.4 R
  • Focal length (35mm format equivalent) f=35mm (53mm)
  • 8 Elements in 6 Groups (Inc. 1 Asph. Element)
  • Angle of view - 44.2 Degrees. Number of blades 7(rounded diaphragm opening)

What do the critics think of the Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R?

Overall, most reviews on the web say that the Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R is a pretty good lens, very versatile, well-constructed (the cylinder is all made of metal), and provides a very good image quality with a lot of sharpness and a beautiful bokeh even in low light thanks to its f/1.4 aperture. Another plus, it comes with a black metal lens hood.

There are some downsides however: images are not that sharp on the edges, so you’ll have to keep your subject in the center of the frame.

Also, the autofocus is a bit slow sometimes, and noisy (that’s bad for video recording). You should know that the autofocus is external (the front element of the lens slightly moves forward and backwards in order to achieve focus).

Anyway, the real question is: should you buy this lens or the Fuji 35mm f/2

Here is what we can say after reading several tests and users opinions in forums:

Both lenses have the same focal range, but the f/2 version is weather sealed and is cheaper, and focusing is internal so nothing moves. Focusing is also faster, silent and more reliable.

Both lenses are about the same weight but the f/2 is slightly smaller.

Optically, it’s hard to tell the difference unless you look carefully at the pictures. The f/1.4 is slightly better: it’s sharper, and corners are less softer than on the 35mm f/2.

So overall, if you need the best optical performances especially for low light situations, and a slightly better bokeh, choose the f/1.4.

If you need a more resistant lens, with a very, very similar image quality and a silent autofocus, choose the Fuji 35mm f/2 (plus it’s more affordable).

Most reviews like…

  • Good value
  • Build quality is great
  • Design
  • Lightweight
  • Wide aperture of f/1.4
  • Optical quality (very sharp & nice bokeh)

Most reviews don’t like…

  • Auto focus is a little bit slow and noisy
  • Images are a little soft towards the edges
  • No optical stabilization
  • Not weather sealed

For more infos about the positive and negatives sides of the Fujinon XF 35mm F/1.4 R, check out the selection of reviews below:

Websites Reviews

Pcmag.com3.5/5 – GOOD (‘The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 35mm F1.4 R is a fast, compact standard-angle lens for Fuji mirrorless cameras, but focus is a little slow and edges are on the soft side.’)

Photographylife.com4.5/5 (‘Overall, I really like the Fuji XF 35mm f/1.4 lens. Its small size, fast f/1.4 aperture, excellent build quality, relatively low price and above all, impressive optics, make it a fine choice for any of the Fuji’s X-series cameras.’)

Photographyblog.com★★★★☆½ Highly recommended (‘The Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R offers a classic standard focal length and an ultra-fast aperture, making it well-suited to street, reportage and low-light photography. Optically it’s also a great lens in its own right, with virtually nothing to complain about, and even the price is reasonable for what you get in return. […] we’d definitely recommend the Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R as a must-have lens for all Fujifilm X-mount users.’)

Ephotozine.com✪✪✪✪½ Highly Recommended(‘With a field of view similar to the classic 50mm standard on a 35mm camera, this lens will already be on many X-Pro1 buyer’s shopping lists. With this lenses ability to deliver extremely sharp images, it should win many fans amongst users of this new camera system. Although the £550 price tag may seem a little on the high side, the build and handling are about right for the price. Add in this optic’s ability to take images you could almost cut yourself on, and you have a winner here.’)

Amazon users reviews

Fujifilm XF35mmF1.4 R
  • Focal length (35mm format equivalent) f=35mm (53mm)
  • 8 Elements in 6 Groups (Inc. 1 Asph. Element)
  • Angle of view - 44.2 Degrees. Number of blades 7(rounded diaphragm opening)

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