Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR shown on the Fujifilm GFX 50S II

Fujinon GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR Review

After reviewing a series of Fujinon G-mount prime lenses, the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR will be the first GF zoom lens that I have had a chance to take for a spin.

Fujifilm Canada kindly lent me the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR and a Fujifilm GFX 50S II, along with two other prime lenses, which I will review in the near future as well. Please note the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR used in this review is a pre-production copy.

The clincher with the GF 35-70mm is that it can be yours for $500.00 when bundled with the Fujifilm GFX 50S II, making it the most affordable lens for a Fujifilm GFX Camera. But is it any good? And what are the trade-offs, if any?

Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR shown on the Fujifilm GFX 50S II. Fuji GF 35-70mm review — Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR shown on the Fujifilm GFX 50S II

Introduction

Introduced along with the Fujifilm GFX 50S II in September of 2021, it is as if the two were made to go hand in hand, and I think Fujifilm intended it to be so with the introductory price of $4.499.00 if you bundle the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR with the GFX 50S II.

The stand-alone price for the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR was $999.00 at the time this review was posted.

Fujifilm has prioritized compactness, lightweight, and affordability with this entry compared to some of the other G-mount zoom lenses available.

So, we have established the fact that the bundle deal is great, but how will the GF 35-70mm fare on its own, and is it a lens you should consider for your GFX kit regardless?

Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR — The Fujifilm GF 35-70mmf4.5-5.6 WR

Handling and Specs

At 15.5 oz (440 g) and with dimensions of 3.3 x 2.9", 84.9 x 73.9 mm, the GF 35-70mm is surely compact, and in the GFX ecosystem, only the GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR is smaller and lighter at 11.82 oz (335 g) and dimensions of 3.31 x 1.89", 84 x 48 mm.

While the lens has an airy feel, the quality feels good, and the zoom ring is smooth with the right amount of dampening.

A glaring difference between the GF 35-70mm and other G-mount lenses is that it lacks an aperture ring. Instead, you adjust the aperture with one of the main command dials on your camera.

The filter size is a manageable 62mm, and the lens construction consists of 11 elements in 9 groups with 9 rounded diaphragm blades. The minimum focusing distance is 13.8" (35 cm).

The petal-shaped lens hood attaches without issue and complements the good looks of this lens well.

Seaspan in North Vancouver, Canada, on a late December afternoon at sunset. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR — Seaspan, North Vancouver. Fujifilm GFX 50S II, GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR @ f/20, 35 mm

The GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR has a focal length range equivalent to 28-55mm in full-frame terms. This range should be versatile for a range of topics.

Autofocus is handled by an STM autofocus motor, and I find it to be near-silent and sufficiently fast.

In Action

The GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR was my option for general photography out of the three lenses I had from Fujifilm for my Fujifilm GFX 50S II review, the other two lenses being the GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR and GF 250mm f/4 R LM OIS WR.

It was also the lightest of the three, and I do think that contributed to my using it more than the other two.

There is little, if anything, to complain about in regard to the fit and balance of the GF 35-70mm on Fujifilm GFX 50S II, and I embrace the fact that the lens indeed gives you many options in that 28-55mm focal length range.

A classic Chevrolet on a snow day in Vancouver, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR — Vancouver. Fujifilm GFX 50S II, GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR @ f/5, 58 mm

The Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR is a collapsible design, which means you have to turn the zoom ring away from the “dot” position in order to operate it.

There is a warning sign on the camera's LCD prompting you to do so if the lens is in the “dot” position, its most compact size. The length of the lens at maximum extension is 3.8", 96.4 mm.

I am not a fan of this, but it is not a big issue. It is, however, one extra step you need to take if the lens is in a locked position. It does work to the advantage of the lens, making it quite compact for storage.

I prefer zoom lenses that will not protrude when zooming and with internal focusing, but features such as these are often associated with significantly higher costs.

Fujifilm Fujinon GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR shown on the Fujifilm GFX 50S II. Fujifilm GF 35-70mm review — Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR shown on the Fujifilm GFX 50S II

Image Quality

I was pleased with the image quality from the Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR, but it did not wow me as much as some of the more expensive prime lenses, such as the GF 45mm f/2.8 R WR or GF 80mm f/1.7 R LM WR.

This should not be a surprise, as the above-mentioned lenses are specialized in performing at one focal length only, with a more sophisticated lens formula and higher max f-stops enabling low-light photography.

Creatively, they offer the ability to shoot with a shallow depth of field. They also cost two to three times more.

Unfortunately, I cannot comment on comparisons with other G-mount zoom lenses, as I have not tried them. I would be interested to hear in the comments below whether anyone has compared it to the GF 32-64mm f/4 R LM WR. I would expect the 32-64mm to be better but with more bulk, weight, and a heftier price tag.

Update: I have now had a chance to review the GF 32-64mm. You can read the review here:

Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR - Review

I have plenty of sample images in this review from the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR and hope this will give you a chance to judge for yourself and to see the image quality you can expect from this lens.

Please make sure to click on the images to view up to 2500 pixels wide, depending on your monitor size.

People walk along the sidewalk after a snow fall on Cambie Street in Vancouver, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR — Vancouver. Fujifilm GFX 50S II, GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR @ f/8, 52 mm

Fujifilm GF 35-70mm vs. GF 50mm f/3.5

While one is a zoom lens and the other is a prime lens, I mention this comparison between the GF 35-70mm and GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR only because they are the two most compact and affordable options in the G mount lineup.

It also occurred to me that given the choice it would be hard to pick a favorite. Much will come down to which other lenses you have, the types of jobs, projects, or gigs you need or want to cover, and which type of lens you prefer.

The weight difference is not leaps and bounds, but the GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR is the more compact option with better build quality and feel. It also features one aspherical element, is a stop faster, and has an aperture ring. But you will have to “zoom with your feet”.

A rollerblader skates across Robson Square while people sits at the front steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 50mm f/3.5 R WR — Robson Square, Vancouver. Fujifilm GFX 100S, GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR @ f/8

With the money in hand at the counter, I would pick the GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR, assuming both are $999.00. But that is just me, as I tend to gravitate toward prime lenses. Admittedly, it would be nice to have them both, as the GF 35-70mm expands the range of focal lengths for a gig and lets you adapt quickly.

If you decide to get the GF 35-70mm as a bundle with the Fujifilm GFX 50S II, the equation changes, and many, myself included, would likely opt for the GF 35-70mm and then worry about adding a prime lens of choice later to complement your setup.

You can read my full review of the GF 50mm f/3.5 here:

Fujifilm GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR - Review

The Imagine banner at the Vancouver Art Gallery for the Yoko Ono Exhibit. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR — Vancouver Art Gallery. Fujifilm GFX 50S II, GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR @ f/5.6, 50 mm

Conclusion

With the fear of repeating myself, Fujifilm has made the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 almost irresistible when purchased as a bundle, and it is a splendid way to get started with the Fujifilm GFX 50S II.

As a stand-alone lens at $999.00, the equation becomes trickier, but I can easily imagine GFX photographers adding this lens to their kit, perhaps to complement one or two prime lenses. If they do so, they will be getting a well-rounded kit zoom option that will cover the standard zoom range.

You should be prepared for a lens with a slower-than-usual max. f/4.5 on the wide end and f/5.6 on the telephoto end of the focal length range.

ISO performance in newer cameras is improving, so this may be a feature limitation you can accept, especially if you mainly photograph outdoors in favorable lighting conditions or on a tripod for landscape photography.

The Burrard Bridge and False Creek in Vancouver, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR — Burrard Bridge, Vancouver. Fujifilm GFX 50S II, GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR @ f/8, 61 mm

I would largely view the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR as a lens to combine with one or two other lenses in the GFX system. If you have decided to opt for the GFX system, you probably did so to unlock the best possible image quality, and you owe it to yourself not to skimp on lenses if you have made it this far.

With this statement, I hope you do not think I have written off the GF 35-70mm. On the contrary, the GF 35-70mm can absolutely be used on its own and will produce excellent images, but there are better lenses in the lineup, and combining them could be the key to a well-rounded kit.

For more sample photos from the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR, please see my review of the GFX 50S II also:

Fujifilm GFX 50S II - Review

Pros

An affordable standard zoom lens for the GFX system
Weather resistant
Compact and lightweight
Versatile zoom range

Cons

Collapsible design
Lacks an aperture ring

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so at no additional cost by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us, helping us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.

Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR - Sample Images

Please see the sample images below. Editing was done in Capture One, and I used Fujifilm film simulations for some of the photos, especially Nostalgic Neg. and Acros.

Please click to view larger images.