The Fujifilm GFX 100S II and GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR

The Best Value Fujifilm GFX Camera

I just re-read my Fujifilm GFX 100S review, and two things amazed me. First of all, a little over five years have flown by since the GFX 100S was introduced in 2021, and I will be posting this review of the GFX 100S II exactly five years to the date after the GFX 100S review.

These facts may seem trivial, but they can be used to reflect upon changes over the past five years. For example, the GFX 100S II has the same body style as its predecessor and uses the same sensor, but the camera has been improved in several ways, which I will get into below.

On a personal note, I reviewed the GFX 100S during a good period when I was ramping up this review site.

Fujifilm GFX100S II and GF 100-200mm — The Fujifilm GFX 100S II and GF100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS

Introduction

The GFX 100S II was introduced almost two years ago in May of 2024, and it has been popular ever since. Two things led me to this review. First of all, my buddy Chris was inquiring about the GFX 100S II as he was curious to see how it would perform with the GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR, and it would be great if I could help him out.

Secondly, I reviewed the GFX100RF over the holidays, and I couldn't help thinking about the GFX 100S II as an interchangeable-lens option instead of the fixed-lens GFX100RF.

Photographers looking to upgrade from the GFX 100S or jump into the GFX system are primarily considering five improvements over the 100S.

Autofocus performance with subject recognition
New X-Processor 5 vs. 4
Improved image stabilization, IBIS, from 8 vs. 6 stops
Lower base ISO, 80 vs. 100
Faster frame rates, 7 vs 5 fps.
Better EVF: 5.76m-Dot OLED EVF vs 3.69m-Dot
The new exterior Bishamon-Tex wrapping, which is a textured leather pattern inspired by traditional Japanese design

When this article was written, the Fujifilm GFX 100S II was listed at $5,699.95.

Vancouver skyline view on a winter day with Mount Baker in the background. Sample image from a Fujifilm GFX 100S II and Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR. — Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 100S II, Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR @ f/8

Handling and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed, and really appreciate, is the new 5.76m-Dot OLED EVF. With its 0.84x magnification, this makes for a nice immersive experience.

The new Bishamon-Tex wrapping looks cool, feels great, and provides a solid grip on the camera. It’s the same as used on the flagship GFX 100 II.

In my opening paragraph, I mention how time has flown by since the GFX 100S release, and keep in mind I am reviewing the GFX 100S II almost two years after its release. This led me to feel that the body design is a bit dated.

That said, buttons are well laid out, and everything functions well. I love the top LCD, and the rear LCD does what I need it to do.

You could take an "if it ain’t broke" approach to this, but feel the 100S II is due for a refresh.

Specs

102MP 43.8 x 32.9mm BSI CMOS II sensor
X-Processor 5 image processor
Video: 4K30 Video; F-Log2 Gamma
5.76m-Dot OLED EVF
3.2" 2.36m-Dot tilting touchscreen LCD
400MP pixel shift multi-shot
8-stop image stabilization, IBIS
SO 80-12800
Max. 7 fps.
Dual Card Slots: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
20 film simulation modes
Weight: 1.9 lb / 883 g (with battery and media)
Price: $5,699.95 (at the time this review was posted)

Fujifilm GFX 100S II, GF 20-35mm, GF 500mm, and GF 100-200mm. — Fujifilm GFX 100S II, GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR, GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR, and GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS

In Action

(The following was also posted in my GF 500mm f/5.6 review)

I met my buddy Chris at Burnaby Lake in British Columbia for a short hike and some wildlife photography. Chris brought his Nikon Z8 and Nikkor Z 180-600mm lens so that we could make a few comparison notes.

The first thing we both noticed right away was the lower weight of the Fujifilm GFX 100S II and GF 500mm f/5.6 combo—about 1.3 lb. This makes handheld operation so much more enjoyable with the Fujifilm setup.

However, Chris’s Z8 and 180-600mm setup is arguably more flexible, offering more reach and a wider zoom range. A better lens for comparison would have been the Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5.

For static topics, ie, birds that weren’t moving, the Fujifilm GFX 100S II and GF 500mm performed okay, but as soon as we ventured into any kind of tracking, we both agreed that the Nikon Z8 and 180-600mm were a better choice.

Although I enjoy wildlife photography, it is not among my frequent topics, as you may see from the sample images in this review. I would typically use a long telephoto lens for cityscapes and landscape photography, with the occasional wildlife photo thrown in, but otherwise I would gravitate toward shorter lenses.

For general-purpose photography, I found the GFX 100S II to be more decisive, accurate, and consistent compared to the GFX 100S.

Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver, BC, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm GFX 100S II and GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR. — Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 100S II, GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR @ f/9

Image Quality

I always feel spoiled when I review GFX cameras, and perhaps next to Hasselblad cameras, it doesn’t really get any better. Hint to Hasselblad here—when will you send me your X2D II for review? I would love to compare the experience to Fujifilm GFX cameras.

Colors from the GFX 100S II are typical Fujifilm vibrant, and I also enjoyed the black-and-white conversions, but I don’t see improvements from the GFX 100S, so if sheer image quality is what you are after, the GFX 100S may do the trick for you.

I should mention that I reduced the sharpness to zero for the sample images in this review.

The sample images in this review can be viewed at up to 2500 pixels wide, depending on your monitor's resolution. 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.

A car drives up Low Level Road in North Vancouver by the Cargill Grain Terminal. Sample image from a Fujifilm GFX 100S II and Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR — Low Level Road, North Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 100S II, Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR @ f/8, 200mm

Conclusion

Picking a GFX camera can be a tricky endeavor. The GFX100 II is a marvel, but at 3 grand more. You can read my review of it here:

Fujfilm GFX100 II - Review

The GFX100RF is another marvel, but for other reasons. I quite enjoyed my test period with this camera over the holidays, and if I only had a split second to choose between it and the GFX 100S II, I would pick the GFX100RF.

Portability is key here, but remember it’s a personal choice. If you are looking for a workhorse camera, the GFX100S II would be my pick out of the three current GFX options.

It represents good value compared to the GFX100 II, and, crucially, you have access to a long line of GF lenses, plus you can adapt many manual-focus lenses if you so desire.

Train tracks near the harbour in North Vancouver, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm GFX 100S II and Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR. — North Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 100S II, Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR @ f/8

If you are open to buying used, the GFX 50R is still a favorite of mine, though I no longer own it (the curse of a camera reviewer, often switching things up).

As a long-time X-Pro user, I favor the rangefinder-style with a dedicated exposure compensation dial. This is probably why I like the GFX100RF, but feel hopeful that Fujifilm, one day, may tempt us with a modern GFX 50R-style camera with a couple of portable prime lenses. How about a GF 35mm f/2.8 and 75mm f/2.8, or updated GF 63mm f/2.8?

All this wishing for newer updated cameras is perhaps nonsense and irrelevant when it comes to the GFX 100S II, but alternatives are worth keeping in mind. I still feel the GFX100S II is due for an update. Perhaps autofocus can get another boost, especially when tracking wildlife photography, and if they shave a bit of weight off, I wouldn’t complain.

And yet, keep in mind that there are many genres for which the GFX 100S II will be an amazing camera, delivering top-notch image quality in the hands of talented photographers.

Thanks to Fujifilm Canada for providing the GFX 100 II and three excellent GF lenses for this review. Fujifilm has not provided any narrative or input.

Please see more sample images below

Pros

Best value GFX
Excellent image quality
New improved EVF

Cons

Not fast enough AF tracking for demanding users

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 links 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 GFX 100S II - B&H Photo

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