Restoring Normalcy

The Fujifi lm XF 35mm f/2 R WR is the second lens for Fuji’s X series of cameras that offers a focal length of 35mm, but is a stop slower. Shridhar Kunte put it through its paces.

The first 35mm lens for Fujifilm X series cameras was launched with the introduction of the series four years ago. The first version was faster, at f/1.4. This new, smaller version comes at an affordable price point. The big plus in its offering is the weather resistant tag. Considering the high level of quality that Fuji has maintained with all its previous lenses, I was quite keen to find out the image quality the 35mm could deliver.

Features

Fujifilm’s camera line-up does not have a full frame offering yet. With X series sporting APS-C sensors, the lens offers an angle-of-view equivalent to 53mm on a full frame sensor—similar to that of the human eye. The lens is implanted with four special elements, two of which are extra-low dispersion and two aspherical elements. The lens contains a total of 9 elements arranged in 6 groups. There are 9 blades in the aperture diaphragm for circular bokeh while shooting portraits. The XF 35mm focuses down to a minimum distance of 0.35m, at which point the magnification achieved is a rather modest 0.135x... not great but good, considering the focal length.