Reviews of the new Fujifilm 35mm continue to sprout up across the Internet. This time we present two that, despite having been written in completely different styles, come to an equally positive conclusion about the product. In our opinion, the fact that the two reviewers have very different methods of testing photographic gear is positive, as hearing varied opinions can help users gain a more complete understanding of a product’s strengths and weaknesses.
So let’s start with the review at CameraLabs by Gordon Laing. This website doesn’t need any introduction. It has been around for more than 10 years and is one the most detailed and precise review websites you can find.
Gordon tested the new lens and focused on comparing it with the old 35mm f/1.4 that was released four years ago with the X-Pro1. He confirms that despite the aperture difference, the new lens is actually better than the old one, highlighting both sharpness and AF performance. As he states:
You might assume the XF 35mm f2 plays second fiddle to the more serious-looking XF 35mm f1.4 which helped launch the system almost four years earlier – a simpler option perhaps, designed for smaller bodies or budgets. But in most of my tests, the newer lens out-performed the XF 35mm f1.4 to become my preferred choice.
Is the old 35mm still a contender? Gordon explains that there are few advantages such as the shorter focus distance, extra sharpness in the corners and of course the fastest aperture of f/1.4. However he concludes by saying:
Overall I still preferred the newer XF 35mm f2: it focuses faster and more quietly, it’s sharper in the middle of the frame where it counts, it’s weather-sealed, it’s a little smaller and lighter, and it’s also a bit cheaper.
Read the full review of the XF 35mm f/2 on Camera Labs by clicking here or on the image below.
Copyright © Gordon Laing – Used with permission
Click on the photo to read the full review on Camera Labs.
Street and wedding photographer Olivier Duong, who is also the co-founder of the Inspired Eye magazine we wrote about a few days ago, concentrates on the aspects he likes the most about a standard lens such as the Fuji 35mm (same angle of views as a 50mm for 36×24 format). Olivier shows a series of interesting portraits that highlight the quality of the bokeh, even though it is a f/2 lens designed for an APS-C camera. Then he shows examples for one of his favorite genres: street photography. Even though he prefers a wider angle of view, his findings are positive here as well:
Between you and me I was a bit afraid to use this lens too much for street photography because I didn’t want it to start affecting the way I shoot, it’s that good!
Olivier thinks this lens can be good for anything, from weddings to portraits and various genres in between. It is a lens that can be trusted if we use his own words.
Read the full review of the XF 35mm f/2 on Inspired Eye.
Click on the photo to read the full review on Inspired Eye.