[keithwee] Preview of the Fujifilm Fujion XF35mm F2 R WR lens

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As always a habit of mine, allow me to give my appreciation to Fujifilm Asia Pacific for allowing me the privilege to share my humble experiences with regards to their new equipment releases.

Just in case you may be interested, some of the previews/reviews I’ve done previously for Fujifilm Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd are:

1. Fujion XF16mm F1.4 R WR at http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1514916

2. Fujifilm X-T10, Fujion XF90mm F2 R LM WR at http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1523181

3. Fujifilm X-A2, XC 16-50 II kit at http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1513374

This time round, I am most pleased to be sharing on the Fujion XF35F2 R WR (XF35/2 for short in this preview)

The XF35F2 R WR is the newest addition to Fujifilm’s line of X-mount lenses and it offers a focal length equivalent to 53mm and a maximum aperture of F2.0.

The ‘R’ and ‘WR’ letters in the name refers to the inclusion of an Aperture ring on the lens and that it is weather resistant (thereby future-proofing this for the current and next much awaited releases coming soon on the horizon)

If interested, you may find the roadmap of X-mount lenses here at: http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/xf_lens/roadmap/index.html

In the box, the standard accessories included are: the lens, a very compact lens hood (there will be two hood designs available, with one included in box) and of course, the standard Fujion cloth lens pouch and manuals.

 

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To share a little background (skip this section if you are only interested in the XF35/2)

The original XF35 F1.4 was announced in 2012 together with the classic Fujifilm X-Pro1. This duo became an instant classic hit with now many Fujifilm users awaiting the next generation of the X-Pro1 rangefinder camera.

The XF35 F1.4 R has an optical formula of 7 aperture blades, 8 elements in 6 groups (with 1 aspherical element) and a min focusing distance of 0.28m.

Dimensions-wise, it came in at 187g, had a 52mm filter size, a length of 55 mm and a diameter of 65mm and of course an aperture ring running from f1.4 to f16.

Its appeal was its elegant simplicity, the standard 50mm focal length with a maximum aperture of F1.4 coupled with great handling and most of all, the beautiful rendering of images that still has users who stand by it in 2015.

So a question that some may ask is: Why fiddle with a cult classic lens?

It is all for you, the user.

As all brands do, Fujifilm improves, and the aim is to provide customers choices where possible and of course, to ensure that updated lens technology ends up in the hands the consumers. (They also do need to sell things as they grow lol)

For one, the AF accuracy and speed of the XF35/2 is very significantly improved over the XF35/1.4’s amongst many other improvements which I will share more in a while.

And the XF35/2 heralds this movement, appearing now in front of us just before the X-Pro2’s release, allowing us a glimpse of how the rangefinder design will evolve in Fujifilm.

In fact, as we go along, one point to note is personally, the XF35/2 isn’t a replacement for the XF35/1.4 but rather an alternative choice with its own strengths.

 

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Official product photos of the XF35 F2 WR in its silver and black versions; designed to complement the black and silver versions of Fuji X-mount cameras.

The Fujion XF35mm F2 R WR now sports 9 aperture blades in a rounded diaphragm opening, 9 elements in 6 groups (including two aspherical elements now).

The lens is equipped with an inner focusing system and stepping motor, achieving an autofocus timing of 0.08s (complying with CIPA guidelines in high performance mode), numbers don’t really make much sense to me with every new camera release screaming its the fastest nowadays but using it wise, it is significantly faster than the XF35/1.4.

Issues with the motor movements from the XF35/1.4 while focusing is no longer felt with the inner focusing system in the XF35/2.

Physically wise, my first impressions were: “how petite this lens is”. The XF35/2 has now shrunk considerably to 45.9mm in length with a diameter of 60mm (vs the 55mm length and 65mm diameter of the XF35/1.4) and at now 170g (vs 187 g of the XF35/1.4)
It’s a compact size I appreciate and love a lot, especially on the X-T10 which I did this preview on.

For the entire duration of the loan, I used the XF35/2 with the X-T10 and there wasn’t any need for the camera grip with the excellent balance and compactness this setup gave.

 

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The XF35/2 is equipped with an aperture ring presenting values of F2 to F16 in 1/3 steps and a setting denoted by ‘A’ on the ring for Program or Shutter Priority mode.

Despite being smaller than its predecessor, Fujifilm has managed to place a focusing ring in front of the aperture ring. Both rings are very responsive to manage and control with very clear hard clicks on the aperture ring.

The focusing ring is very nicely damped with good tolerances and there are no worries of knocking it off set values accidentally.

the XF35/2 mounted on the Fujifilm X-T10

For the ones expecting quality construction, the lens exterior uses all metal parts and features a weather and dust resistant structure with eight seals on the lens barrel, working at temperatures as low as -10℃.

 

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Duo.

 

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A visual representation of the size difference of the XF35/1.4 and the XF35/2.

XF35/1.4 on the left and XF35/2 on the right

The XF35/2 sports a 43mm filter size, a testament to the wish to produce a lens suited for a rangefinder camera body design.

Not forgetting the flagship model, here’s the XF35/2 mounted on the flagship X-T1.

 

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A few more photos of the lens and it mounted on the Fujifilm X-T10, or simply the setup I did this preview on.

The petite black.

 

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Of course, not forgetting: We shall now move into some samples of the images from the XF35/2.

Before that however,

Disclaimer:

1. I’m a casual user and not paid to do this. Hence please do not expect to see photos of professional or worthy-to-buy prints standards.

I’m trying my best and if I fall short, I do understand that I have much to learn.

2. A pre-production model of the XF35/2 was used with a Fujifilm X-T10 running firmware ver 1.01 for the preview. My understanding is that there will be further updates rolling out very soon to fully maximize the XF35/2’s capabilities.

 

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I had the privilege of using the XF35/2 for around 3 weeks and notably, have grown very appreciative of the improved AF speed, accuracy and of course – the compact lens size. Focusing was smooth and there was no notable instances of hunting on the lens whether shooting in bright daylight or in low light.

The included hood helps in providing some protection against accidental knocks though I didn’t really use it.

All the shared images were taken in either:

1. Aperture Priority mode
2. SR+ Mode
3. Advanced Filters mode.

There were a few instances I had to revert to manual focus to grab focus and these were generally very close up shots shooting near the minimum focusing distance of the lens.

Handling wise, the XF35/2 on the X-T10 was a joy due to the good balance and the overall much more compact footprint as compared to the X-T10, XF35/1.4 setup.

The focal length of approx. 50mm meant that this was an extremely versatile lens and of course, an everyday lens and I seek to show this by organizing the samples across a variety of shooting situations.

 

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a 53mm focal length is useful for everyday shots, and this includes portraits.

 

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the tilt-screen of the X-T10 made this shot much easier.

 

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a selfie.

Meal times.

 

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The items that hold meaning to one.

(this shot was done by a friend)

I do love Char Kway Teow

 

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How does the bokeh from the Xf35/2 look?

I am neither a balls lover, a master of balls or a balls critique (yes pun intended), but I do like the way the images turn out.

 

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having fun with some of the 'mostly missed by users' Fujifilm Advanced filters. (or what a Creamy bro calls them: Toy filters :bsmilie: )

Identity

 

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another one.

 

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From the Hot Rod Photoshoot workshop organised by Fujifilm SG where Singapore's official Fujifilm ClubX (on Facebook) was also invited.

 

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Various lighting situations.

At the Mid autumn decorations at Tampines Interchange.

At Punggol Drive road

 

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Randomness.

 

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Further randomness.

Baby Tiger

Me-Self