Lens ReviewMorten ByskovJanuary 30, 2023Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR Review, Fujinon GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR Review, Fuji GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR Review, Fuji 32-64mm review, Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR sample images, Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR sample photos, Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR image quality, Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR specs, Fuji 32-64 review, Fuji 32-64 vs 35-70, fuji gf 32-64 review4 Comments

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

Fujinon GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR Review - Fujifilm’s Top Tier Standard Zoom Lens for GFX

When we first heard about the GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR back in 2016, some of us snickered at the maximum f-stop of f/4 and somewhat limiting focal length range giving us a 32-64mm, or 25-51mm full-frame equivalent.

This was before giving much consideration to the fact that we were looking at a zoom lens covering the larger 44 x 33mm sensor. This was a rather large lens for what it could do.

Then reality set in and you learned what it takes to create lenses for the larger-than-full-frame format. They are inevitably larger. It also dawned on me that perhaps this focal length range was very useful on a GFX camera.

The Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR mounted on a GFX 50R — The Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR shown on the Fujifilm GFX 50R

A year ago I had a chance to review the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR and although I do not consider myself a “standard zoom guy”, I have to admit I enjoyed the experience.

While I tried the GF 35-70mm there was, however, a nagging voice in the back of my head wondering if the GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR would be better. Would it be worth the extra expense and how would its size and weight play into the experience?

Since the GF 32-64mm was part of the first batch of Fujifilm G mount lenses I was also wondering if there were any signs of this lens becoming dated. Let’s see how I got along with the GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR.

The Arbutus Coffee Shop on a snowy winter day in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR. — Arbutus Coffee, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR @ 48mm, f/5.6, 1/125s, ISO 640

Introduction

The GF 32-64mm was rolled out along with the GFX 50S at its introduction at Photokina in Germany in the fall of 2016.

I was there and recall a six-foot-tall poster with a highly detailed photo captured using the GFX 50S and the GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR. It looked very impressive but the products were so new and hands-on and were for a chosen few only.

It was important for Fujifilm to have a strong standard zoom lens out of the gate and many early adopters of the GFX system gravitated towards the 32-64mm zoom.

At the time this article was written the GF 32-64mm was listed at $2,299.00.

Thanks to Fujifilm Canada, I got the chance to test the GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR over the holidays.

The Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR shown on the Fujifilm GFX 50R

Specs and Handling

We all use our gear differently. While a landscape shooter may have his or her camera and lens combination firmly mounted on a solid tripod for more than 90% of the photos they take, some will hike, cycle, or use it as a walkaround kit. Some gear may never leave a studio setting.

The weight and size of the GF 32-64mm may play a significant role in how you view it and plan to use it. It weighs 1.93 lb, 875 g, with dimensions of 3.65 x 4.57", 92.6 x 116 mm (max. length of 5.73", 145.5 mm), and takes 77mm filters.

While this is insignificant on a tripod it gets a bit hefty as a walkaround all-purpose lens, which is how I used it. The bulk and weight of it were not as bad as I had feared and did not cause too much grief.

The Brockton Lighthouse in Stanley Park, Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR. — Brockton Lighthouse, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR @ 64mm, f/8, 1/250s, ISO 100

I was reviewing the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR at the same time as the 32-64mm. This lens is a tad lighter at 1.6 lb, 725 g, with a smaller footprint, and features internal focus. These attributes make for an overall nicer user experience.

Optically the GF 32-64mm has 14 elements in 11 groups including 3 aspherical elements, 1 super ED element, and 1 ED element. The minimum focusing distance is 1.64”, 50 cm.

You cannot complain about the overall build quality. It feels rock solid in the hand with a smooth operating zoom action and aperture ring.

In Action

The holiday period provided ample opportunities to try out the GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR. I took it cycling, hiking, and out for some street photography. Vancouver was covered in a thick layer of snow which was fun.

As I had the GF 20-35mm from Fujifilm Canada at the same time, I often took the two lenses out at the same time and they made for a wonderful pair complimenting each other well and covering focal lengths from 20-64mm.

I also took the lenses out one by one and here I found I enjoyed my outings more so with the GF 32-64mm as it covers focal lengths you could describe as more “normal”. The zoom range starts at a 25mm full-frame equivalent, which is “quite wide” and takes you right up to a standard 51mm equivalent.

Please see the two photos below. The first frame was captured at 32mm and the second at 64mm.

Tennis courts at the Lost Lagoon. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR. — Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR @ 32mm, f/8, 1/125s, ISO 160

Lost Lagoon and North Shore Mountains, Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR. — Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR @ 64mm, f/8, 1/150s, ISO 100

Image Quality

I have yet to review a poor G-mount lens from Fujifilm and the GF 32-64mm was no disappointment either. Sharpness is achieved right into the corners and files have a very pleasant character and at times rival prime lenses.

I reduced the sharpness in Capture One to 90 and reduced the contrast in some of the images in order to minimize an otherwise clinically sharp look.

The results were comparable to what I found in my GF 20-35mm review but without doing side-by-side comparisons, I think the GF 20-35mm pulls slightly ahead with an overall very pleasing look. Perhaps what Fujifilm is able to achieve with its lens design has evolved slightly since 2016.

Please see more sample images at the end of the review and click to view images up to 2500 pixels wide.

The Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR shown on the Fujifilm GFX 50R

Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR vs. GF 35-70mm

The GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR is impossible to ignore in this segment. When this review was published the GF 35-70mm was on sale for the second time in the past few months at $499.95 and at this price point, there would be no doubt in my mind about which one I would pick.

The GF 35-70mm may be slightly behind the GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR when it comes to overall image quality but it is very compact and lightweight in comparison at 15.5 oz, 440 g, almost half the weight.

The GF 35-70mm is missing the aperture ring and has a collapsible design that may be a deterrent to some and depending on your focal length preference the GF 32-64mm may be more attractive if you lean towards wider-looking images. The extra 3mm on the wide end makes a significant difference.

A woman is hiking at Whytecliff Park near Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR. — Whytecliff Park, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR @ 64mm, f/6.4, 1/250s, ISO 100

On the other hand, the GF 35-70mm takes you to 70mm on the long end and you can get a bit closer with its minimum focusing distance of 13.8", 35 cm.

I did find the overall image quality more pleasing with the GF 32-64mm so if optimal end results are a priority over compactness the 32-64mm is still your best choice.

Much will depend on other lenses in your setup and the goals you aim to reach. Personally, I would get the GF 35-70mm and a nice prime at my favorite focal length to compliment it.

At the regular price of $999.95, there is still a considerable gap of $1,300.00 to the GF 32-64mm but arguments for the GF 35-70mm begin to vanish ever so slightly and you may lean more towards the GF 32-64mm depending on your needs.

You can read my review of the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR review here:

Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5 R WR - Review

People are walking along the Stanley Park Seawall on a winter day. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR. — Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 32.64mm f/4 R WR @ 20mm, f/7.1, 1/125s, ISO 500

Conclusion

It is probably not fair to conclude a review with a wishlist but after testing the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR I could not help but imagine the GF 32-64mm with the same weight/size and attributes. I also wish for internal focusing where the lens does not protrude when you zoom as on the GF 20-35mm.

We can always wish for these qualities/features in an upcoming model and it would make such a lens pretty hard to resist. I would not complain if it was a GF 30-80mm f4 R LM WR.

Please do not let my personal preferences or wishes cloud things too much. The GF 32-64mm is still an excellent choice, as is. If the optimal image quality is paramount in its focal length range it is a solid choice.

Boats in Coal Harbour, Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR. — Coal Harbour, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR @ 64mm, f/11, 1/500s, ISO 500

When the GF 35-70mm was introduced we suddenly had an alternative at a lower price point. I suspect photographers will pick this lens for its compact nature and significantly lower cost at the sale price or regular price regardless.

Despite my wishlist, I enjoyed my time with the GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR and have come to appreciate why it has become a favorite choice of many GFX photographers.

Pros

A standard zoom lens for GFX with excellent image quality
Build quality
Weather resistant

Cons

Large and heavy compared to the GF 35-70mm

Price / Availability

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Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R WR - B&H Photo

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Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R 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. It is worth noting that all sample images were captured handheld.

Please click to view larger images.