Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 Review
Fujifilm's GFX system has quickly become a popular choice for medium format photographers, thanks to its combination of high image quality, compact size, and affordable pricing. The new Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens is a welcome addition to the system, offering a versatile focal length and a fast maximum aperture of f/1.7.
In this review, we'll take a closer look at the Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens and see how it performs in real-world use. We'll also compare it to other similar lenses on the market to help you decide if it's the right lens for you.
Build Quality and Design:
The Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens is well-built and feels solid in the hand. It's made of a combination of metal and plastic, and the weather-sealing is excellent. The lens weighs 780 grams and measures 99.3 millimeters long, which is relatively compact for a medium format lens with such a fast maximum aperture.
The lens has a wide focus ring that is smooth and well-damped. There's also an aperture ring, which is a nice feature for photographers who prefer to shoot in manual mode. The lens has a filter thread diameter of 77 millimeters.
Image Quality:
The Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens produces excellent image quality, with sharp images from corner to corner. The lens is also very good at controlling chromatic aberration and distortion.
At f/1.7, the lens produces a shallow depth of field, which is great for creating portraits with beautiful bokeh. The lens also has a very close minimum focusing distance of 50 centimeters, which allows you to get up close to your subjects.
Here are some sample images taken with the Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens:
Autofocus Performance:
The Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens uses a DC motor for autofocus, which is fast and accurate. The lens also has a good low-light autofocus performance.
Comparison to Other Lenses:
The Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens is one of a few fast normal prime lenses available for medium format cameras. Other similar lenses include the Hasselblad XCD 55mm f/2.5 and the Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 55mm f/1.4.
The Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens is smaller and lighter than both the Hasselblad XCD 55mm f/2.5 and the Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 55mm f/1.4. It's also less expensive than the Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 55mm f/1.4.
The Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens also has a faster maximum aperture than the Hasselblad XCD 55mm f/2.5. However, the Hasselblad XCD 55mm f/2.5 is a bit sharper than the Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens, especially at the edges of the frame.
The Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 55mm f/1.4 is the sharpest of the three lenses, but it's also the largest, heaviest, and most expensive.
Conclusion:
The Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens is a great choice for medium format photographers who are looking for a versatile and fast normal prime lens. The lens produces excellent image quality, with sharp images from corner to corner. The autofocus performance is also fast and accurate.
If you're looking for the sharpest possible lens, the Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 55mm f/1.4 is a better choice. However, it's larger, heavier, and more expensive than the Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens.
Overall, the Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens is a great value for the price and it's a great addition to any Fujifilm GFX system.
Pros:
- Excellent image quality
- Sharp images from corner to corner
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- Not as sharp as the Hasselblad XCD 55mm f/2.5 or the Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 55mm f/1.4
- Can be a bit expensive
Who Should Buy the Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR Lens?
The Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens is a great choice for medium format photographers who are looking for a versatile and fast normal prime lens. The lens is well-built, produces excellent image quality, and has fast and accurate autofocus.
The lens is also relatively compact and lightweight, making it a good choice for photographers who travel frequently.
If you're looking for the sharpest possible lens, the Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 55mm f/1.4 is a better choice. However, it's larger, heavier, and more expensive than the Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens.
Overall, the Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens is a great value for the price and it's a great addition to any Fujifilm GFX system.
Additional Thoughts:
The Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens is a relatively new lens, so there are not a lot of long-term reviews available yet. However, the initial reviews have been very positive, and the lens has quickly become a popular choice for medium format photographers.
If you're thinking about buying the Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens, I recommend that you read some of the online reviews to get a better idea of what other photographers are saying about it. You should also try to rent the lens before you buy it, so that you can see how it performs with your own camera and shooting style.
I hope this review has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.