What we liked about the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4.
The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 offers a winning combination of compactness and lightweight design, making it a valuable investment for photographers on the go. Despite its small size, this lens delivers exceptional image quality that will leave you impressed. With its classic rendering style, the photos captured with this lens evoke a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of the film era. The result is nothing short of magical.
Whether you’re an enthusiast or a professional, the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 is a versatile option that excels in various shooting situations. Its wide maximum aperture of f/1.4 ensures excellent low-light performance, allowing you to capture stunning images even in challenging lighting conditions. The lens also offers a shallow depth of field, providing beautiful background bokeh and subject separation, which can add an artistic touch to photographs.
What we disliked about the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4.
When it comes to the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 lens, there is very little to dislike. However, it would be great to see an upgraded MKII version with robust weather sealing and an improved autofocus system.
Is the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 still worth buying in 2023?
The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 lens continues to be a highly regarded and sought-after lens in the Fujifilm X-series lineup. While newer lens options may have been released since its introduction, the XF 35mm f/1.4 lens remains a popular choice among photographers for several reasons.
First and foremost, the lens offers a fast maximum aperture of f/1.4, which allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur (bokeh). This makes it well-suited for various genres of photography, including portraits, street photography, and documentary photography.
Additionally, the XF 35mm f/1.4 lens is known for its exceptional optical quality, delivering sharpness, contrast, and excellent color rendition. Its versatile 35mm focal length (equivalent to 53mm on a full-frame camera) provides a natural perspective, making it suitable for everyday shooting and capturing a wide range of subjects.
While newer lenses may offer additional features or improved optical performance, the XF 35mm f/1.4 lens remains a reliable and capable choice, especially considering its favorable reputation and image quality. Ultimately, the decision to purchase this lens in 2023 depends on your specific needs, shooting style, and budget. It is advisable to compare it with other lens options available and consider factors such as your preferred focal length, desired aperture range, and the types of photography you intend to pursue.
Is the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 a good option for macro?
When paired with Fuji’s Macro Extension Tube, you can expect semi-decent results
However, the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 is not a dedicated macro lens, primarily due to its minimum focusing distance and magnification capabilities. While it is a versatile lens with a wide maximum aperture and excellent image quality, it does have some limitations for macro photography. Beloware a few reasons why it may not be the best option for macro:
Minimum Focusing Distance: The XF 35mm f/1.4 lens has a minimum focusing distance of around 28 centimeters (approximately 11 inches). This distance may not allow you to get as close to your subject as you would need for true macro photography, where the goal is to capture extreme close-ups with high magnification.
Magnification: The lens has a maximum magnification of around 0.17x. While this is decent for general close-up photography, it falls short of the magnification capabilities of dedicated macro lenses that can achieve 1:1 (life-size) magnification or higher. Macro lenses allow you to capture fine details of small subjects, such as insects, flowers, or intricate textures, at a much higher level of magnification.
Specialized Macro Features: Dedicated macro lenses often come with additional features optimized for close-up photography, such as internal focusing systems to maintain a constant working distance, extended focusing ranges, and enhanced optical designs that deliver edge-to-edge sharpness and minimize distortions specific to macro photography.
If you are primarily interested in macro photography, it would be more suitable to consider a dedicated macro lens, as these lenses are specifically designed for close-up work, offering greater magnification capabilities, closer focusing distances, and specialized features that cater to macro photography needs.
Does the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 have OIS?
No, the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 does not have OIS so the lens is best utilized on a camera body with IBIS.