The Fujifilm XF 35 mm f/1.4 R lens introduced in 2012 has established itself as a classic within the radius of photography. Despite the arrival of new lens with advanced features, this lens continues to captive me with my unique character, extraordinary image quality and timeless design. Even today, it holds a special place in the hearts of many Fujifilm shooters, which give importance to artistic expression on technical perfection, incorporate themselves.
There was less optic for the ex-system of Fujifilm, I was actually a prime lens, I really fell to the head-over-heels, and my love for it was so strong that it became a catalyst for a whole ecosystem switch, who became a catalyst for switch. That canon used to trigger my jump from full frame. X-system- One of the best tricks I have ever made. Indeed, some of my favorite awards for my portrayal were earned with the help of this beauty, including the main image for this article, which took the first prize in the 2021 statewide picture competition.
Design and construction quality
XF 35 mm f/1.4 r Claims a compact and light design, which makes it a convenient companion for various photography styles, including road, travel and everyday shooting. Its all-metal construction features durability and a premium, while the aperture ring provides tactile reaction, allowing photographers to spontaneously adjust the settings. The design reflects the commitment of Fujifilm to crafting the lens with a retro aesthetics that complements the brand’s mirrorless camera bodies.
Measuring only 187 grams and measuring in about 65 mm diameter, XF makes an ideal balance between 35 mm f/1.4 portability and functionality. The lens feels solid in the hand, and its compact shape makes it ideal for photographers who prefer to shoot in a judicious way. However, a notable negative weather is the lack of weather sealing. This omission can prevent photographers who often shoot under challenging environmental conditions, such as heavy rain or dusty environment.
Despite the absence of meteorological sequence, many users report that the lens has conducted well under various circumstances with proper care. Its strong construction quality has contributed to its longevity, making it a reliable option for long -term use.
Optical performance
One of the standout features of XF 35 mm f/1.4 r It has optical performance. The lens contains eight elements in six groups, including an aspherical element, which contributes to its impressive image quality. The XF 35 mm f/1.4 distributes images with excellent sharpness, especially when f/2.8 or small aperture is closed. Even when the f/1.4 is widely shot open, the lens produces a shallow depth of the area with pleasing the bokeh, presents the background smoothly and attracts attention to the subject Does.
In its most wide aperture, the lens distributes images with a slightly soft rendering that appeals to many photographers for pictures. This tenderness is not a defect, but a characteristic that adds depth and feeling of mood for images. The Bokeh is created by XF 35 mm f/1.4 is creamy and smooth, with spherical highlights that increase the beauty quality of out-of-focus areas.
In terms of sharpness, the lens performs administerously in most frames. While there may be a lack of corner sharpness at f/1.4 as compared to modern lenses, it improves significantly when it is closed. Up to f/5.6, the lens receives excellent edge-to-ejasa sharpness, making it suitable for landscape and architectural photography.
Autofocus performance
The XF 35 mm f/1.4 R autofocus system uses a chronic design, which can be slow and noosier than the new lens prasad of the Fujifilm. In a state of light, autofocus is generally reliable and accurate. However, in low-light scenarios, it can hunt or struggle to immediately focus, which may be a minor discomfort for some users.
Despite its slow autofocus, many photographers continue to use lenses for street and portrait photography due to their optical properties and rendering characteristics. Slightly slow performance can also encourage a more intentional approach to photography, allowing users to focus on composition and time rather than fast shoot shoots.
It is also worth noting that the firmware update for fujifilm cameras has improved autofocus performance of XF 35 mm f/1.4 over the years. When combined with new camera bodies such as X-T5 or X-PRO3, the lens is rapid processing and enhanced autofocus algorithm, making it more viable for modern shooting scenarios.
Comparison with new lenses
Fujifilm has since released XF 35 mm f/2 r wrA lens that provides rapid and cool autofocus, weather sealing and a more compact design. The XF 35 mm F/2 is a solid option for photographers with excellent acumen with a modern, reliable lens and portability.
However, the XF 35 mm f/1.4 stands out for its broader aperture, providing more depth of field control and better low-light performance. The difference between F/1.4 and F/2 may impose minimal on paper, but in practice, the wide aperture of f/1.4 lenses allows for more creative control over background separation and subject isolation.
Another significant difference lies in rendering. The XF 35 mm f/1.4 has a specific form described as many “magical” quality. It is characterized by a slightly soft edges on the rendering, smooth bokeh and broader aperture, giving images a unique beauty that is difficult to repeat with a more modern lens.
While XF 35 mm F/2 is a more practical option for those that prefer speed and weather resistance, XF 35 mm f/1.4 remains a favorite option for photographers who give importance to image character and artistic expression Are. It is not uncommon to find photographers who own both lenses, use F/2 version for harsh situations and rapid book shooting, and more intentional, F/1.4 version for artistic work.
Apart from XF 35 mm F/2, Fujifilm has also introduced XF 33 mm f/1.4 r lm WrA lens that provides a slightly wide area of ​​view and involves modern progress. The XF 33 mm f/1.4 has a linear motor autofocus system, which provides silence, immediate and reliable performance, making it suitable for capturing action or shooting in a hurry. It also includes weather sealing, increasing its durability in wet or dusty environment.
While the XF 33 mm f/1.4 distributes sharp and clean images, XF 35 mm f/1.4 provides a more characteristic rendering. Many photographers XF describe images as a depth over 35 mm f/1.4 and a unique heat that adds an emotional quality to photographs. The XF 33 mm f/1.4 on the other hand offers excellence in technical performance, better acuity, rapid autofocus and better corner-from-corner stability. However, for those who prefer mood and artistic nature, XF 35 mm f/1.4 remains a favorite.
Practical applications
The 35 mm focal length (equivalent to 53 mm on a full frame sensor) provides a versatile area of ​​the view suitable for a wide range of photography styles. This versatility makes it a lens for several fujifilm shooters, whether they are capturing road scenes, pictures, landscapes or events. I personally have found it useful for almost every style of photography, which I practice, perhaps except macro, wildlife and sports (and yet, I can fix it in a pinch for indoor gym sports) .
In portrait photography, XF 35 mm f/1.4 is a natural perspective and anxel in creating images with pleasing background separation. Comprehensive aperture allows photographers to shoot in low-light conditions to preserve the image quality and reduce noise, without resorting to high ISO settings.
For street photographers, the compact size and light design of the lens makes it ideal for clear shoots. Its prudent appearance and near-silver operation allow photographers to mix in their surroundings, capturing authentic moments without attracting attention.
Landscape photographers can also appreciate the lens for its sharpness and color rendering. When closure at f/5.6 or f/8, XF 35 mm f/1.4 saves excellent details and vice versa, allowing it to capture comprehensive vista and complex architectural details.
In addition, the artistic rendering of the lens makes it a great choice for fine art photography. Photographers who aim to create images developed with a sense of apathy, often move towards XF 35 mm f/1.4 due to their specific look.
conclusion
In an era where technological progress continuously pushes the limits of lens design, the Fujifilm XF 35 mm f/1.4R remains a testament for permanent appeal of classic optics. Its unique rendering, capable of producing images with a specific and pleasing beauty, inspires photographers who prefer character and mood on clinical acumen.
Although it cannot make the fastest autofocus or strongest construction compared to the new lens, its optical properties and the character that offers images make it a nourished tool in the Fujifilm X-series lineup. For those photographers who attach importance to the image character and are ready to embrace the quirks of an old design, XF 35 mm f/1.4 R provides an awarded experience that overcomes the discovery of technical perfection.
Its ability to produce images with a touch of depth, heat, and apathy ensures its place as a classic lens that remains relevant and revered in modern photography. Whether you are an experienced professional or an aspiring amateur, Fujifilm XF 35 mm F/1.4R is a lens that will elevate your photography and inspire you to create stunning images for the coming years.
In summary, Fujifilm xf 35 mm f/1.4 r More than just one lens; It is a creative partner who encourages photographers to detect artistic aspects of their craft. Even with the availability of new, more technically advanced options, this timeless classic continues to hold its land, proving that the great lenses are not only defined by their specifications, but defined by those unique qualities They are made that they bring in every frame.
TL; Dr. This is a lens that I will never get rid of.