Fujinon GF 32-64mm f/4 R LM WR

An everyday standard zoom for GFX cameras

- Peter Fenech

1 The tough metal barrel feels as if it can readily withstand the rigour of outdoor assignments.

2 The 2x zoom range is short by regular camera standards, but medium-format zooms are rare, especially of manageable size.

3 The constant f/4 maximum aperture is very good for a medium-format zoom, and makes exposure adjustments and video shooting simpler.

Medium-format cameras are more accessible than they’ve ever been, yet they remain a fairly niche area of the market. Any medium-format optic is going to be large compared with the latest crop of APS-C mirrorless lenses or even full-frame models, due to the larger image circle. This Fujinon standard zoom fits this description – it is not a small lens by any means. However, it’s still surprisingly light when you pick it up. No construction compromises have been made, though, and it is incredibly solid, being perfectly balanced on a Fujifilm GFX 50R body. The barrel does extend when zoomed, but focusing is internal.

It essentially handles like any recent Fujinon X-series lens. All of the controls are comfortable to operate, with just enough resistance. The front filter thread is also of a manageable diameter, so many photographers’ existing filters should be compatible.

Performance

Even wide open, this lens is razor-sharp at the centre, revealing tremendous levels of detail with superb contrast. There is a slight drop-off at the edges, but this is minimal, and the results remain stellar. Medium-format optics need to perform well at small apertures too, and the 32-64mm does not disappoint.