Blue Mirror
Never getting tired of these shots – well, I know you might :) Here the XF 35mm f2 in action. So much faster to focus than the f1.4.
The Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R is a legendary lens in Fujifilm’s X-series lineup, loved by photographers for its exceptional image quality, beautiful rendering, and unique character. This review dives into why this lens has become a cult favorite, providing stunning low-light performance, creamy bokeh, and superb sharpness, especially for portrait, street, and documentary photographers who seek an artistic edge in their shots.
With a 35mm focal length (53mm equivalent on full-frame) and a fast f/1.4 aperture, this lens delivers a natural perspective with the added benefit of excellent low-light capabilities and shallow depth of field. The large f/1.4 aperture enables beautiful subject separation with smooth, rounded bokeh that adds a classic, almost film-like quality to images. Despite being one of Fujifilm’s earliest lenses, the XF 35mm f/1.4 continues to impress with its rendering, producing images that feel vibrant, dimensional, and full of character.
Optically, this lens excels in sharpness and contrast, even when shot wide open. With 8 elements in 6 groups, including one aspherical element, the XF 35mm f/1.4 controls aberrations well and maintains edge-to-edge sharpness. Though some minor vignetting may appear at f/1.4, it can often enhance the subject’s isolation, adding to the lens’s distinctive look. Fujifilm’s Super EBC coating also reduces flare and ghosting, ensuring clear, vibrant images even in challenging light.
The lens uses a traditional DC motor for autofocus, which, while not as fast or silent as Fujifilm’s newer lenses, is still reliable and accurate, especially in well-lit conditions. Weighing only 187g, the XF 35mm f/1.4 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for spontaneous shooting. While it lacks weather sealing, its solid metal construction and classic design make it a durable and attractive addition to any X-series kit.
For photographers who prioritize image character and creative flexibility over the latest tech, the Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R is an exceptional choice. Its unique rendering and superb low-light performance make it a favorite for those who want to add artistic depth and classic aesthetics to their photography.
Explore how well this lens performs with high-quality, real-world samples, so you can decide for yourself with my carefully crafted shots!
Never getting tired of these shots – well, I know you might :) Here the XF 35mm f2 in action. So much faster to focus than the f1.4.
Some nice bars and restaurants at the new south exit in Shinjuku.
Yamanote Line at night with the XT2 to see how it performs. The wide dynamic of the (Sony) sensor gives me a lot of opportunities in developing the photos afterwards. Me like!
Trying the XT2 at night… The 35mm f/1.4 isn’t too fast at focusing ! I think I’m going to switch to the f/2, which happens to be weather resistant too (WR).
Trying the different focus mode (including face tracking) in Shinjuku during commuting time.
First night out with my Canon replacement: Fuji XT-2. Not bad :)