Fuji GF 20-35mm F4 R WR Lens Review
Fuji GF20-35mmF4 R WR Lens
If you're a photographer looking for an ultra-wide zoom lens to pair with your Fujifilm GFX system, you've likely heard about the Fuji GF20-35mmF4 R WR lens. But is it truly the game-changer it's hyped up to be? In this comprehensive review, we'll dive deep into every aspect of this lens, from its build quality to its optical performance, and explore whether it's worth the investment.
What Is the Fuji GF20-35mmF4 R WR Lens?
The Fuji GF20-35mmF4 R WR is a wide-angle zoom lens designed specifically for the Fujifilm GFX medium format cameras. With an equivalent focal length of 16-28mm in 35mm format, this lens covers a versatile range of ultra-wide angles, making it ideal for landscape, architecture, and interior photography.
But what makes this lens stand out from the crowd? Let's start by looking at its design and build quality.
Design and Build Quality
When you first pick up the GF20-35mmF4 R WR, you'll immediately notice its solid build quality. Fujifilm has a reputation for producing robust lenses, and this one is no exception. The lens barrel is constructed from high-quality materials, giving it a durable and professional feel. It's also weather-sealed (hence the "WR" in its name), making it resistant to dust, moisture, and even low temperatures. This is particularly beneficial for photographers who often shoot in harsh outdoor conditions.
The lens also features a smooth zoom ring and a responsive focus ring. Both rings are well-damped, providing just the right amount of resistance for precise adjustments. The aperture ring clicks into place with satisfying tactile feedback, and there's a focus limiter switch that can be handy in certain shooting scenarios.
However, it's worth noting that this lens is not exactly light. Weighing in at around 725 grams, it's on the heavier side, especially when compared to standard lenses. This weight is a testament to its high-quality optics but could be a downside for photographers who prioritize portability.
Optical Performance
One of the most crucial aspects of any lens is its optical performance, and the Fuji GF20-35mmF4 R WR does not disappoint. This lens is equipped with 14 elements in 10 groups, including three aspherical elements and one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element. These advanced optics are designed to minimize distortion and chromatic aberrations, ensuring sharpness and clarity across the entire frame.
Sharpness
Sharpness is often the first thing photographers test in a new lens, and the GF20-35mmF4 delivers exceptional results. Center sharpness is outstanding even at the widest aperture of f/4, and it remains consistently sharp across the frame. As you stop down the aperture, the corners sharpen up nicely, making this lens a fantastic option for landscape photographers who need edge-to-edge clarity.
At 20mm, the lens performs brilliantly, with minimal sharpness loss at the edges. As you zoom in to 35mm, the lens maintains its sharpness, proving that it's not just a one-trick pony.
Chromatic Aberration
Chromatic aberration, which often appears as color fringing in high-contrast areas, is well-controlled in this lens. Thanks to the ED elements, there's virtually no visible chromatic aberration, even when shooting wide open. This is a significant advantage for photographers who shoot scenes with a lot of contrast, such as cityscapes or snowy landscapes.
Distortion
As expected with ultra-wide lenses, some distortion is present, particularly at the 20mm end of the zoom range. However, it's nothing that can't be easily corrected in post-processing. Fujifilm has also included lens correction profiles in their cameras, which automatically correct distortion, chromatic aberration, and vignetting in JPEG images.
Vignetting and Flare
Vignetting is another common issue in wide-angle lenses, where the corners of the image appear darker than the center. At f/4, you will notice some vignetting, especially at 20mm. However, it significantly reduces as you stop down to f/8 and beyond. For most users, this is a non-issue, as it can be easily corrected in post-processing or even used creatively.
Flare control is impressive in the GF20-35mmF4. The lens's coatings effectively reduce ghosting and flare, even when shooting directly into the sun. This makes it a reliable option for backlit scenes or dramatic sunrises and sunsets.
Handling and Ergonomics
Handling is an often-overlooked aspect of lens reviews, but it plays a crucial role in real-world shooting. The Fuji GF20-35mmF4 R WR is well-balanced, even on the larger GFX bodies. The zoom and focus rings are positioned for easy access, and the lens doesn't extend when zooming, which is a bonus for maintaining balance on a tripod.
The lens also features full-time manual focus override, allowing you to make quick focus adjustments without switching modes. This can be particularly useful for fine-tuning focus in challenging shooting situations, such as low light or macro work.
One downside, however, is the lack of a tripod collar. Given the lens's weight, a collar could have helped distribute the weight more evenly when mounted on a tripod. Nevertheless, the lens's compact design makes it easy to pack and carry, despite its heavier weight.
Autofocus Performance
Autofocus performance is another strong point of the GF20-35mmF4 R WR. The lens is equipped with a linear motor that provides fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus. It's particularly impressive when focusing on distant subjects or tracking moving objects. The autofocus is also highly reliable in low-light conditions, locking onto subjects quickly and accurately.
For those who prefer manual focus, the focus ring is responsive and provides a smooth, precise feel. The lens also offers focus peaking and magnification assist features in compatible Fujifilm cameras, making manual focusing a breeze.
The Ideal Lens for a Variety of Genres
The Fuji GF20-35mmF4 R WR is not just a one-trick pony; its versatility makes it a valuable tool for various photography genres.
Landscape Photography: This is where the lens truly shines. The ultra-wide focal range, combined with excellent sharpness and minimal distortion, makes it perfect for capturing expansive landscapes. The weather-sealing also ensures that you can take this lens into the harshest environments without worry.
Architecture and Interiors: The wide-angle capabilities of this lens are ideal for architecture and interior photography, where capturing the entirety of a space is crucial. The lens's ability to minimize distortion is particularly beneficial here, ensuring straight lines remain straight.
Astrophotography: While the f/4 aperture might seem limiting for astrophotography, the lens's sharpness and low distortion make it a solid choice for capturing the night sky. Pair it with a tripod and longer exposures, and you can achieve stunning astrophotography results.
Travel Photography: The lens's wide focal range and compact size make it an excellent travel companion. Whether you're capturing the sweeping vistas of a national park or the intricate details of an ancient temple, the GF20-35mmF4 can handle it all.
Street Photography: Although not its primary use case, the lens can also work for street photography, particularly if you're interested in environmental portraits or capturing large urban scenes. The fast autofocus and sharpness ensure you won't miss a moment.
Is It Worth the Investment?
At a price point of around $2,500, the Fuji GF20-35mmF4 R WR is a significant investment. However, when you consider the lens's build quality, optical performance, and versatility, it's clear that you're getting what you pay for. For professional photographers who need a reliable ultra-wide zoom lens, this is a worthy addition to their kit.
For enthusiasts or those on a budget, the price might be a bit steep. However, if ultra-wide photography is a significant part of your work, the investment is justified. The lens's performance will likely exceed your expectations and last you for years, making it a long-term investment in your photography.
FAQs
Is the Fuji GF20-35mmF4 R WR lens compatible with all Fujifilm cameras?
No, the GF20-35mmF4 R WR lens is specifically designed for Fujifilm's GFX medium format cameras. It is not compatible with Fujifilm's X-series cameras.
Can this lens be used for video work?
Yes, the GF20-35mmF4 R WR can be used for video, particularly for wide-angle shots. Its fast and quiet autofocus is beneficial for video recording, and the lens's optical quality ensures sharp and clear footage.
How does the lens perform in low light?
While the f/4 aperture is not the brightest, the lens performs well in low light thanks to the GFX camera's excellent high ISO performance. For best results, it's recommended to use a tripod or increase the ISO setting.
Does the lens have image stabilization?
No, the GF20-35mmF4 R WR does not have built-in image stabilization. However, many GFX cameras feature in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which can help reduce camera shake when using this lens.
How does this lens compare to other ultra-wide options?
The Fuji GF20-35mmF4 R WR is unique in its class, offering a broader focal range and superior optical quality compared to many other ultra-wide lenses. Its build quality and weather resistance also set it apart from competitors.
Is this lens suitable for professional use?
Absolutely. The GF20-35mmF4 R WR is designed for professionals who demand the highest quality in their gear. Its optical performance, build quality, and versatility make it a top choice for serious photographers.
Conclusion
The Fuji GF20-35mmF4 R WR lens is a remarkable piece of equipment that lives up to its reputation. Whether you're a landscape photographer looking to capture the grandeur of nature, an architect focusing on the intricate details of buildings, or even an enthusiast aiming to take your photography to the next level, this lens offers the performance and reliability you need.
Its combination of sharpness, build quality, and versatility makes it a standout choice for GFX users. While the price may be a consideration, the value it provides in terms of image quality and durability justifies the investment. If ultra-wide photography is a significant part of your portfolio, the GF20-35mmF4 R WR is a lens that will not disappoint.
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