FUJIFILM XF35mmF2 R WR

[Zoom] Wide-zoom | Standard-zoom | Tele-zoom | High-zoom  
[Fixed-focal] Wide angle | Standard | Telephoto | Macro

The X-mount lens lineup is now joined by this new 35mm (53mm full frame equivalent) with the "WR" features including dust/drop proof construction and low temperature performance down to minus 10 degree in Celsius. Since the X-T1, the first X camera to feature the tough construction, was released, Fujifilm has released only wide angle and telephoto fixed focal lenses with the WR construction. So, I can imagine how users are excited about this standard lens. Inside the light (only 170g) and compact barrel, it has 9 elements in 6 groups including 2 aspherical elements. Even though it's a standard lens, the F2 max aperture lets you defocus background softly, expanding the variety of expressions. Of course, resolution of focal peak is wonderful wide open and this makes me want to shoot wide open.

( Photography : Z II / Text : KIMURAX )

Wide open. The depth of field is very shallow and the fallen leaves pop out from the defocused areas in the foreground and the background. In addition, it clearly defined the notchy leaves including the veins and vividly reproduced the gradation of the autumn leaves. The saturation appears to be a bit high, while the color reproduction is deep. Because this is a JPEG image generated by the camera, I'm sure the body also has a lot to do with the image quality, which is very Fuji.

I stopped down slightly to F2.5, but it clearly resolved the hairs albeit the distance. It also perfectly defined the fallen leaves around the cats. If you shoot streets, you will love this quick and quiet AF.

Because of the clear separation between the subject and background, it looks as if it were made by stacking another layer. This is impossible without the sharp focal peak, which is free from ambiguity even when viewed at the original image size.

The AF kept following the moving ear tips. What a soft bokeh and 3D quality. Even an ordinary scene looks different with this lens.

Perfect resolution at F5. The sky wasn't clear as you see, the image still look lively, thanks to the Fujifilm colors.

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The contrast is high enough, realizing the good balance between light and shadow. The bokeh of the cushion in the bottom left seems a bit hard. If you don't like it, change distance and aperture.

Back bokeh is soft overall and you can shoot it like a macro lens.

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The F2 speed may not always stand out in the crowd of high-speed prime X lenses, but as you see, you can get the wonderful bokeh taste with this standard lens. And, you don't have to worry about bad weather condition thanks to the dependable WR construction. This lens is a perfect standard lens to be used with any X body, let alone the tough X-T1. Because of the sharpness wide open, you'll don't want to unmount this lens.

( 19.11.2015 )