Fujifilm GF 110mm f2 R LM WR Lens Review
Fujifilm GF 110mm f2 R LM WR Lens
Photography is an art that blends creativity with technical precision, and the tools we choose play a critical role in defining the final output. For medium format photographers using Fujifilm's GFX system, the Fuji GF110mmF2 R LM WR Lens has emerged as a go-to option for portrait work. But does it live up to the hype? In this review, we’ll delve deep into the features, performance, and overall value of the GF110mmF2, comparing it with other lenses in the Fuji GFX line to help you decide if this is the right addition to your kit.
Introduction to the Fuji GF110mmF2 R LM WR Lens
When you think about portrait photography, the first thing that likely comes to mind is the need for a lens that can beautifully render the subject while providing a pleasing background blur or bokeh. The Fuji GF110mmF2 R LM WR lens is designed to do just that, with its 110mm focal length and a fast f/2 aperture making it a perfect choice for isolating subjects and creating stunning portrait images.
But what sets this lens apart in a sea of other portrait lenses? Let’s start by breaking down its specifications and seeing how it compares to its siblings in the Fujifilm GFX family.
Key Specifications of the Fuji GF110mmF2 R LM WR Lens
Focal Length: 110mm (equivalent to 87mm in 35mm format)
Maximum Aperture: f/2
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Lens Construction: 14 elements in 9 groups (including 4 ED elements)
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.9m / 2.95ft
Maximum Magnification: 0.16x
Filter Size: 77mm
Dimensions: 94.3mm x 125.5mm (3.71 in. x 4.94 in.)
Weight: 1010g / 2.23lbs
Weather Resistance: Yes (dust, moisture, and temperature resistant)
Image Stabilization: No
These specs paint a picture of a robust lens built for serious photographers who demand quality and reliability from their equipment. The focal length is ideal for portraiture, offering a flattering perspective without the distortion often found in wider lenses. The fast f/2 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and the ability to create that creamy bokeh that portrait photographers love.
Build Quality and Design: A Lens That Feels Premium
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Fuji GF110mmF2 is its solid construction. This lens is built like a tank, with a metal barrel that exudes durability. The weather-resistant design means you can take it out in challenging conditions without worrying about dust or moisture damaging the internal components.
The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, providing a satisfying tactile experience when manually focusing. The aperture ring clicks decisively into each stop, giving you confidence that you’ve set the correct aperture even without looking at the camera’s display.
In comparison to other lenses in the GFX lineup, the GF110mmF2 is on the heavier side. At just over 1kg, it’s not the lightest lens, but the weight is well-balanced, especially when mounted on a GFX body. This balance is crucial for handheld shooting, making the lens feel comfortable during extended sessions.
Related: GF120mmF4 R LM OIS WR Macro Lens Review
Optical Performance: Sharpness, Bokeh, and More
Sharpness: When it comes to sharpness, the Fuji GF110mmF2 does not disappoint. From wide open at f/2 to stopped down, this lens delivers excellent sharpness across the frame. The center sharpness is particularly impressive, capturing even the finest details in your subject’s eyes, hair, and skin textures.
Bokeh: The bokeh produced by this lens is simply stunning. Thanks to the rounded aperture blades and fast f/2 aperture, out-of-focus areas are rendered with a smooth, creamy quality that helps separate the subject from the background. This quality of bokeh is one of the reasons why this lens is so beloved by portrait photographers.
Chromatic Aberration: Chromatic aberration, often seen as color fringing around high-contrast edges, is very well controlled in this lens. Even when shooting wide open, there’s minimal fringing, which is easily corrected in post-processing if it does appear.
Vignetting and Distortion: Vignetting is present at f/2 but disappears as you stop down. It’s not overly pronounced and can add a subtle vignette to your portraits, which some photographers might find desirable. Distortion is virtually nonexistent, which is expected from a prime lens designed for a high-resolution medium format system.
Color Rendition: The color rendition is natural and pleasing, with accurate skin tones that are vital for portrait photography. The lens does an excellent job of capturing the subtle variations in color, making your images look true to life.
In comparison to other lenses in the Fuji GFX line, the GF110mmF2 stands out for its exceptional optical performance. While the GF63mmF2.8 and GF120mmF4 Macro lenses are also sharp, the 110mm offers a unique blend of sharpness and bokeh that is hard to beat, making it a top choice for portrait photographers.
Focusing: Fast and Reliable in Most Situations
Autofocus performance is crucial, especially when working with medium format cameras where precision is paramount. The Fuji GF110mmF2 features a linear motor that ensures fast, silent, and accurate autofocus. In most lighting conditions, the autofocus locks on quickly and accurately, which is essential for capturing fleeting expressions or moments in portrait sessions.
However, it’s worth noting that in low-light conditions, the autofocus might hunt a bit before locking on. This is not uncommon in lenses with a fast aperture and a long focal length, but it’s something to be aware of if you frequently shoot in dim environments.
Manual focusing is a pleasure with this lens, thanks to the smooth and precise focus ring. The focus peaking feature in Fujifilm’s GFX cameras makes it easy to achieve critical focus when shooting wide open, ensuring your subject’s eyes are tack sharp.
When comparing the autofocus performance with other lenses in the GFX lineup, the GF110mmF2 performs on par with the GF45mmF2.8 and GF32-64mmF4, although it might be slightly slower than the GF23mmF4, which is designed for faster focus acquisition.
Comparing the Fuji GF110mmF2 to Other GFX Lenses
To understand where the Fuji GF110mmF2 stands within the GFX lineup, it’s helpful to compare it with other lenses that photographers might consider for similar types of work.
Fuji GF120mmF4 R LM OIS WR Macro: The GF120mmF4 is often compared to the GF110mmF2 because of their similar focal lengths. However, the 120mm lens is a macro lens, which means it’s designed for close-up work and features optical image stabilization (OIS). While the 120mm can double as a portrait lens, it’s not as fast as the 110mm, and the bokeh isn’t as creamy. If your primary focus is portrait photography, the GF110mmF2 is the better choice due to its wider aperture and superior bokeh.
Fuji GF63mmF2.8 R WR: The GF63mm is a standard lens with a focal length equivalent to 50mm in 35mm format. It’s lighter and more compact than the 110mm, making it a great all-purpose lens. However, when it comes to portrait work, the 63mm doesn’t provide the same level of subject isolation or bokeh as the 110mm. The GF110mmF2 is the clear winner if your goal is to create portraits with a professional, polished look.
Fuji GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR: This versatile zoom lens covers a wide-to-normal focal range, making it a great choice for landscape and general photography. However, its f/4 aperture limits its usefulness in portrait work, especially in low light or when trying to achieve a shallow depth of field. The GF110mmF2, with its f/2 aperture, is much better suited for portrait photography, offering more creative control over depth of field.
Fuji GF80mmF1.7 R WR: The GF80mmF1.7 is another portrait lens in the GFX lineup, known for its slightly wider field of view and even faster aperture. While it offers a bit more flexibility in terms of framing, the GF110mmF2 still holds its own thanks to its longer focal length, which provides a more flattering perspective for traditional portraiture. The 110mm’s bokeh is also more pronounced, giving it an edge in creating images with a strong subject-background separation.
In summary, while each of these lenses has its strengths, the Fuji GF110mmF2 R LM WR stands out as a specialized tool for portrait photographers who want the best in terms of sharpness, bokeh, and overall image quality.
Practical Applications: Who Is This Lens For?
So, who should consider adding the Fuji GF110mmF2 to their collection? This lens is clearly geared toward professional photographers who specialize in portrait work. If you’re a wedding photographer, studio photographer, or someone who frequently shoots editorial portraits, this lens will likely become a favorite in your arsenal.
The lens’s ability to render subjects with exceptional clarity while providing beautiful background separation makes it a standout for any portrait-related work. However, its versatility doesn’t end there. The GF110mmF2 is also well-suited for capturing detail shots, still life, and even some types of landscape photography, where a longer focal length and shallow depth of field can add a unique perspective.
For hobbyists and enthusiasts, this lens represents an investment in quality. While it’s on the pricier side, the performance it delivers justifies the cost, especially if portrait photography is a significant part of your work. The lens’s robust build quality also means it’s a long-term investment that will serve you well for years to come.
Price and Value: Is the Fuji GF110mmF2 Worth the Investment?
With all the impressive features and performance, you might wonder, “Is the Fuji GF110mmF2 worth the price tag?” As of now, this lens is priced at a premium, which is to be expected for a medium format portrait lens of this caliber. However, when you consider what you’re getting—outstanding image quality, superior build, and the ability to create professional-grade portraits—the value becomes apparent.
For photographers who make their living through portrait work, the GF110mmF2 is an investment that will pay off in the form of satisfied clients and standout images. For enthusiasts, it’s a lens that will elevate your portrait photography to new heights, providing a level of quality that’s hard to match with other lenses in the GFX lineup or even other medium format systems.
If budget is a concern, you might consider the Fuji GF80mmF1.7 as an alternative. While it’s slightly more affordable and offers a faster aperture, the 110mm’s longer focal length and the unique quality of its bokeh make it a worthwhile consideration if you can stretch your budget.
FAQs: Common Questions About the Fuji GF110mmF2 R LM WR Lens
Is the Fuji GF110mmF2 suitable for handheld shooting?
Yes, the GF110mmF2 is suitable for handheld shooting, especially in well-lit conditions. However, due to its weight and longer focal length, using a tripod or monopod can help achieve even sharper results, particularly in low-light situations.
How does the bokeh of the GF110mmF2 compare to other lenses?
The bokeh of the GF110mmF2 is one of its standout features. It’s smooth and creamy, with a beautiful falloff that enhances the subject-background separation, making it one of the best in the GFX lineup for portrait work.
Can the GF110mmF2 be used for macro photography?
While the GF110mmF2 is not a macro lens, it does offer a decent close focusing distance of 0.9m, allowing for some close-up work. However, for true macro photography, the GF120mmF4 Macro is the better choice.
Is there image stabilization in the GF110mmF2?
No, the GF110mmF2 does not have built-in image stabilization. Photographers should be mindful of their shutter speed, especially when shooting handheld, to avoid camera shake.
How does the GF110mmF2 perform in low light?
The f/2 aperture of the GF110mmF2 allows for excellent low-light performance, making it a great choice for indoor portrait sessions or shooting in dim environments. However, be prepared to use higher ISO settings or additional lighting if necessary.
What type of photography is the GF110mmF2 best suited for?
The GF110mmF2 is best suited for portrait photography, where its sharpness, bokeh, and focal length shine. It’s also a good option for detail shots, still life, and certain types of landscape photography where a longer focal length is desired.
Conclusion: A Must-Have Lens for Portrait Photographers
The Fuji GF110mmF2 R LM WR lens is a masterpiece in the world of medium format photography. It excels in portrait work, offering unparalleled sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and a premium build quality that makes it a joy to use. While it comes at a premium price, the investment is justified by the results it delivers, making it a must-have lens for any serious portrait photographer working with the Fujifilm GFX system.
For those who are passionate about capturing the finest details and producing images with a stunning depth of field, the GF110mmF2 is an essential tool that will elevate your work and set you apart from the competition.
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