Lens ReviewMorten ByskovNovember 22, 2020Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R, Fujifilm X-Pro2, Fujifilm X-Pro1, Fuji XF 35mm f1.4 Lens Review, Sample Images, Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR, Fuji XF 50mm f/1 R WR, fujifilm XC 35mm f/2, Fuji XF 35 1.4, Sample Photos, Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 Sample Images, Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 Sample Photos, fuji 35mm 1.4, fuji 35mm f1.4, fujinon 35mm f1.4, Fujinon XF 35mm f1.4, Fuji XF 35mm f1.4, Fujifilm XF 35mm f1.4, Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R WR, Fuji XF 33mm f/1.4 R WR, Fuji XF 35mm f1.4 sample photos, Fuji XF 35mm f14 sample images, Fuji XF 35mm f/1.4 Review, Fuji 35mm f1.4 review, Fuji XF 35mm f/1.4 Handling and Specs, Alternatives to the XF 35mm f/1.4 R, XF 35mm f/1.4 vs. f/2, Fuji XF 35mm f2 vs. f1.4, Fuji XF 35mm f/1.4 vs. f/2, Fujifilm standard lenses, Fuji standard lenses, Fujifilm XF standard lenses, Fuji XF standard lens23 Comments

Fujifilm 35mm f/1.4 R Review

The Fuji XF 35mm f/1.4 R lens mounted on the Fujifilm X-T3 camera — The XF 35mm f/1.4 R on the Fujifilm X-T3

Fuji XF 35mm f/1.4 R Review

A Review of My Favorite Fuji X-Series Lens

When the first sample images from the XF 35mm f/1.4 R hit the internet in 2012, I was sold on the Fujifilm X Series. It was essentially my gateway lens into the Fujifilm system, combining it with the Fujifilm X-Pro1. It was the only lens I had for the first couple of years until I added the XF 23mm f/1.4 R to my kit.

Out of the gate, the XF 35mm f/1.4 R had growing pains as it was one of the first lenses released at the initial launch of the Fujifilm X Series and Fujifilm X-Pro1. The autofocus speed was somewhat sluggish with a noisy autofocus motor and was plagued by aperture chatter.

The Fujifilm X-H1 camera with an XF 35mm f/1.4 R lens — Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R mounted on the Fujifilm X-H1

Through a number of firmware upgrades and the release of new cameras, most of these issues are history. We now have better autofocus and the lens has a new and improved life, is one the best XF lenses, and I find it fast and responsive on my X-Pro1, X-Pro2, X-Pro3, and other X Series cameras I have tried it on.

Handling and Specs

The size is perfect! The weight, 6.6 oz / 187 g, and dimensions of 2.56 x 2.16" / 65 x 54.9 mm put it in the featherweight category. You can easily carry the lens in a pocket and it will take up very little space in your camera bag. On camera it is well balanced on all Fujifilm X Series cameras I have tried it on. The lens has 7 rounded diaphragm blades.

The Fujifilm X-T4 mirrorless X Series camera with an XF 35mm f/1.4 R lens mounted — The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R mounted on the Fujifilm X-T4

The aperture ring has adequate resistance and is not easily moved inadvertently. The lens hood is made of metal and has a square design at the front. You may or may not like this. It is very efficient and I happen to really like it.

My lens hood is quite bruised after years of use. The XF 35mm f/1.4 R has 8 Elements in 6 Groups, with 1 aspherical element. The minimum focus distance is 11.02" / 28 cm.

The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R shown on a Fujifilm X-E4 — The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R shown on the Fujifilm X-E4

How the XF 35mm f/1.4 R Fits into My Kit

My current lens setup is XF 14mm f/2.8 R, XF 23mm f/1.4 R, XF 35mm f/1.4 R, and XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR. When heading out for a day of shooting I will often take just one or two lenses. The first pick would usually be the XF 35mm f/1.4 R.

We traveled for six weeks in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand in early 2017, and due to space and weight constraints in my backpack, I only brought two lenses, the XF 35mm f/1.4 R and XF 14mm f/2.8 R. The two heavier lenses stayed behind.

I use two different lens hoods. I find the vented metal hood aesthetically pleasing and it helps in getting a good grip on the lens. I use them both.

The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R with an alternative vented lens hood — Fujifilm X-Pro2 and Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R with an alternative vented metal hood

Alternatives to the XF 35mm f/1.4 R

A Mark II version of the XF 35mm f/1.4 R has been discussed at length over the years. Topping the wish list is silent autofocus and the lens getting the WR badge for a weather-resistant lens.

I have used the XF 35mm f/1.4 R in rain, snow, and in dusty conditions and it is still working. I do try my best to keep the lens covered in the rain either under my arm or an umbrella.

An XF 33mm f/1.0 was on the roadmap for a while but Fujifilm dropped this option in favor of an XF 50mm f/1 R WR, which was released in September 2020.

While many had hoped for a viable alternative to the XF 35mm f/1.4 R the XF 50mm f/1 R WR became an entirely different lens and you can read more about it in my review here:

Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR - Review

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 and XF 35mm f/1.4 R lens — XF 35mm f/1.4 R mounted on the Fujifilm X-Pro2

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R vs. XF 35mm f/2 R WR

I had the XF 35mm f/2 R WR for about a year and while it is an excellent lens I ended up trading it for the f/1.4 version. From time to time I still miss the silent autofocus, speed, and assurance of having a weather-resistant lens.

Follow the link to my review of the XF 35mm f/2 R WR:

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR - Review

With the identical optical performance the more affordable XC 35mm f/2, $199.00, is also worth considering.

The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R lens mounted on a Fujifilm X-Pro1 camera — The XF 35mm f/1.4 R mounted on a Fujifilm X-Pro1

Manual Focus Alternatives to the XF 35mm f/1.4 R

There are several manual focus third-party options available and especially the Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II and 7Artisan 35mm f/0.95 has caught my eye as appealing alternatives or perhaps as an addition the XF 35mm f/1.4 R.

I have only had brief hands-on experience with the Mitagon and I was very impressed with the construction quality. Both lenses offer one extra stop of light and promise beautiful bokeh. I hope to be able to try these out at some point.

Fujifilm X-Pro2 mirrorless camera with the XF 35mm f/1.4 R lens — The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R mounted on a Fujifilm X-Pro2

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R Image Quality

The XF 35mm f/1.4 R is incredibly versatile. It is equally good for portraits, landscapes, travel, street photography, or even product photography.

It is sharp and has great bokeh but more importantly, it has a character, which is hard to describe. The lens delivers again and again. What you see out in the field will come back with you in your files and rarely will you be disappointed.

The XF 35mm f/1.4 R mounted on the Fujifilm X-T4 — The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R mounted on the Fujifilm X-T4

Conclusion

If you are an enthusiast or pro, I could certainly recommend this lens as your first XF lens if you are contemplating the Fujifilm X Series. Of all the Fujifilm lenses I have tried this is a clear favorite of mine.

At $599.00 it is not an inexpensive option but it will likely last you a lifetime and once you start editing your files you will see what I mean.

Luckily in the Fujifilm XF lens lineup, we also have the XF 35mm f/2 R WR, $399.00, if autofocus speed, a smaller size, and weather sealing is important to you.

Image quality with both lenses is great but when you have tried the XF 35mm f/1.4 R you realize images produced with this lens have a special look and feel.

The following statement is perhaps rather bold. My wife and I recently completed a quest to travel to 50 countries in a span of 50 months. If I was about to set out for another 50 countries and was limiting myself to just one camera and one lens the XF 35mm f/1.4 R would be my choice and I would most likely pair it with my Fujifilm X-Pro3.

It may sound like a silly and hypothetical scenario but I have often wondered what it would be like to free myself from as much gear as possible with just one versatile and powerful camera lens combination.

The XF 35mm f/1.4 R mounted on a Fujifilm X-Pro1 — The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R mounted on a Fujifilm X-Pro1

Pros

Wonderful image quality full of character
Fast f/1.4 f-stop
Compact for an f/1.4 lens

Cons

No weather resistance
Buzzy autofocus

Update: November 2021

Fujifilm has now release the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR. I have had a chance to review it and you can read more about it here:

Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR - Review

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

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Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R - B&H Photo

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Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R - Sample Images

Below are a few of my favorite travel captures using the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R. The photos are edited in Lightroom or Capture One Express and I have used Fujifilm film simulations such as Velvia, Acros, and Classic Chrome.

Please click to view larger images.