Fujifilm GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR seen on the Fujifilm GFX100 II — The Fujifilm GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR shown on the Fujifilm GFX100 II

Fujinon GF 30mm f/3.5 - A Portable General Purpose Wide-Angle Lens for Fujifilm GFX

The Fujifilm GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR has been on my list of lenses to review for a long time, and finally, I had the chance when Fujifilm sent the new GFX100 II for me to test.

The GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR has two R WR siblings: the GF 23mm f/4 R WR and the GF 45mm f/2.8 R WR. Both were very good when I tested them a while back.

But what if you had just one wide-angle lens in the GF lineup? In this case, the 23mm is quite wide, and I would categorize the GF 45mm f/2.8 as a moderate wide-angle lens.

There is nothing wrong with either of these options, but if your budget only allows for one or if you're only prepared to carry one wide-angle lens, would the GF 30mm f/3.5 be enough? Let’s take a closer look and see how it stacks up.

The Fujifilm GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR shown on the Fujifilm GFX100 II

Introduction

The GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR was released in 2020. Since then, Fujifilm has introduced the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR, which may be its biggest competitor, perhaps more so than the GF 23mm and GF 45mm that I mentioned above. I'll outline a few pros and cons of these options below.

Thanks again to Fujifilm Canada for providing the lens for this review. I have not received any input, suggestions, or narrative from Fujifilm. The opinions in this review are mine, and mine only.

When this article was written, the GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR was listed at $1,699.00.

The Vancouver House highrise. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR and Fujifilm GFX100 II. — Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX100 II, GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR @ f/8

Handling and Build Quality

The GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR feels as solid as any other GF lens, which is a good thing. Fujifilm does not cut corners with the GF lenses, meaning you have weather sealing, a great aperture ring, and an amply-sized lens hood.

At 1.12 lb (510 g), the lens feels hefty but not large or overly heavy in the GFX paradigm. The dimensions of 3.31 x 3.91" (84 x 99.4 mm) should not scare you off either, and it is indeed one of the GF 30mm f/3.5’s major strengths, the fact that it is compact and portable.

I tested the GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR simultaneously, and vastly preferred carrying the GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR. On the GFX100 II, it feels like a lightweight and portable lens.

A man walks along the sidewalk on Howe Street in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR and Fujifilm GFX100 II. — Howe Street, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX100 II, GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR @ f/7.1

Specs

Focal length: 30mm, 24mm full-frame equivalent
Aperture range: f/3.5-32
13 elements in 10 groups
Two aspherical elements and three extra-low dispersion elements
Filter size: 58mm
Minimum focusing distance: 1.05' / 32 cm
9 rounded diaphragm blades
Dust and weather-sealed
Dimensions: 3.31 x 3.91" / 84 x 99.4 mm
Weight: 1.12 lb / 510 g
Price: $1,699.00 (at the time this review was posted)

The Fujifilm GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR with and without the lens hood attached. — The Fujifilm GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR on the Fujifilm GFX100 II without and with the lens hood

In Action

Autofocus is fast and silent on the GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR, and it’s a joy to use in the field due to its manageable size and weight. Nothing gets in the way of enjoying the overall experience with this lens.

Regarding the focal length, which translates to a 24mm lens in full-frame terms, this is probably a tad wider than what I would prefer. However, at the same time, this is what makes it a versatile option, as you can easily crop your images in post-processing, especially if you use any of the 100-megapixel GFX cameras.

Ideally, I wish Fujifilm would take out a page from Hasselblad’s book and release a 38mm f/2.5. This focal length would be more up my alley, and the faster f-stop would allow for more creative control, enabling me to shoot with a shallower depth of field.

Image Quality

I have nothing to complain about when it comes to image quality from the GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR. As I have come to expect from Fujinon GF lenses, colors are wonderful, and images remain sharp even in the corners of the frame.

Shooting with the larger-than-full frame format, the actual 30mm focal length yields more natural-looking images than if you were to attempt the same scene with a 24mm full-frame lens, and photos come out well-corrected.

The sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide, depending on the size of your monitor. Please click to view larger photos if you're viewing on your PC or laptop, or pinch-zoom if you’re viewing on your phone.

Radience of the Seas cruise ship docked in Vancouver, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR and Fujifilm GFX100 II. — Canada Place, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX100 II, GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR @ f/9

Fujifilm GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR vs. GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR

At 25.6 oz (725 g), the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR is 42% heavier than the GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR but only slightly bulkier at 3.5 x 4.4" (88.5 x 112.5 mm). My review pointed out the internal focus as a favorite feature.

The GF 20-35mm offers more flexibility, with a range of focal lengths that span from ultra-wide to moderate wide-angle. Image quality from this zoom lens is as good as, or very close to, the quality you get from prime lenses.

Currently, the GF 20-35mm is a compelling choice as it is on sale with a $500.00 rebate and retails for 1,999.00. At this price point, I suggest you consider spending the extra $300.00.

If the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR is not on sale, the value proposition changes, and the GF 30mm becomes a consideration. The GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR has been on the market for longer, and chances are also higher that you could find a used copy at an attractive price. It’s lighter, more compact, and would still do the job as an all-purpose wide-angle option.

You can read my review of the GF 20-35mm here:

Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR - Review

Conclusion

During my test of the GFX100 II, the GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR lens worked well in tandem with the GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens, creating a nice gap between the two focal lengths. You could even opt for a lighter setup by pairing it with the GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR.

In its own right, it's hard to pick on the GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR or criticize it for its flaws. It is only when you start comparing it to other options that things get tricky. Another way to cover a similar focal length is to have the GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR, an excellent standard zoom option, or the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR.

False Creek, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX100 II, GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR @ f/6.4

For the most flexible and high-quality option, consider the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR. However, depending on rebates and your budget, this may not be the best option. It also comes with more bulk and weight, so you should be prepared for that.

If your wide-angle needs aren’t urgent, consider looking out for a potential sale on the GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR or checking the used market. You should be able to find one in the $1.100.00 to $1,200.00 range.

Pros

Portable, lightweight, wide-angle option
Popular focal length
Build quality
Weather resistant

Cons

Hard to pick this over the GF 20-35mm, if the GF 20-35mm is on sale

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 and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR - B&H Photo

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