FUJIFILM XF 56mm F1.2 for X Mount and GF 20-35mm F4 for G Mount Announced

Lens News

by Olaf von VossSeptember 8^th, 2022

Today, FUJIFILM not only unveiled its latest mirrorless camera, the X-H2, but also two new lenses: the all-new FUJIFILM XF 56mm f/1.2 is a perfect match for the X-H2’s new s35 sensor, while the FUJIFILM GF 20-35mm f/4 is more suited to the GFX line of medium-format digital cameras.

The new FUJIFILM X-H2 camera was already teased at the last X Summit in Omiya (article here), but now it has become reality. And with it, two new lenses will also join FUJIFILM’s arsenal. The first lens, the FUJIFILM XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR (85mm equivalent in 35mm format), is of course a perfect match not only for the new X-H2, but for any camera in the X series.

The other new lens, the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR, is aimed at GFX users as it is a G-mount lens that covers medium format sensors, found on the FUJIFILM GFX 100S, for example. The focal length range of 20-35mm corresponds to an ultra-wide angle of 16mm to 28mm in standard 35mm format.

FUJIFILM XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR

The new FUJIFILM XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR could be considered quite an exceptional portrait lens, as it is in the light telephoto range while also being very fast. Therefore it should be able to produce really creamy bokeh while also delivering distortion-free lines and thus appealing portrait images. But of course, you can do whatever you please with such lens, be it filmmaking or wedding portraits.

But wait a minute, there already is a FUJIFILM XF 56mm f/1.2 prime lens out there, right? Correct, and this new release is its direct successor. FUJIFILM claims that this updated model features improvements in minimum focusing distance (now down to 50cm from sensor plane), image-resolving performance and pleasing rendering of out-of-focus background (aka bokeh).

Furthermore, the new version has an “almost perfectly” circular aperture, resulting in minimal chromatic aberrations and other distortions.

According to Victor Ha, vice president of the Electronic Imaging and Optical Device Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation,

this design allows beautiful bokeh with busy backgrounds melting away from their subjects to create an isolating effect untouched by any other lens.

The lens design, consisting of 13 elements in eight groups including two aspherical elements and one ED element, also helps to suppress various types of aberration including chromatic aberration and spherical aberration.

High-refractive technology from the higher-up FUJINON cinema lenses trickled down into the development of the eight elements used in the focusing group to minimize light bleed within highlights, which, again, improves overall image quality and subject detail.

A DC motor is used to drive the focusing group for precise and fast AF, and the front lens element is applied with fluorine coating to repel water and offer protection against fingerprints and other unwanted nastiness.

The new FUJIFILM XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR lens weighs 15.69 oz. (445g) and measures about 3″ (76mm) in length. The lens sports weather-resistant seals in 9 places, and it is certified to operate at temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C).

FUJIFILM GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR

The next item on our list is the brand-new GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR zoom lens. Since this lens is intended for GFX medium format cameras, here’s a quick refresher on the sensor used in these cameras:

The GFX series cameras have a huge sensor that measures 55mm diagonally (43.8mm x 32.9mm), which is about 1.7 times larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor. Therefore, the GF 20-35mm here is equivalent to an ultra-wide angle zoom lens with 16-28mm in the 35mm world.

This new zoom lens has a fast aperture of f/4 across the zoom range, yet has a fairly compact body design. Here is Viktor Ha again:

Unlike traditional large-format photography gear which is heavy and bulky, the compact and lightweight design of GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR enables mobility for photographers on-the-go.

The optical design of the FUJIFILM GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR consists of 14 lenses in 10 groups, including three aspherical lenses, one ED aspherical lens, and three ED lenses that provide effective control of distortion and chromatic aberration. According to FUJIFILM, the lens delivers high-resolution images up to 100 megapixels and edge-to-edge sharpness at all focal lengths and aperture settings. In addition, a so-called Nano GI coating has been applied to help minimize ghosting and flare effects.

This zoom lens is 112.5 mm long (4.4″) and weighs 725 g. It has a standard 82mm filter thread, which is quite unusual for such a wide-angle lens. Another nice feature of the GF 20-35mm is the internal zoom mechanism, which provides a consistent physical length throughout the zoom range.

A magnesium alloy is used for the parts around the lens mount to create a lightweight yet rugged lens, something that is mandatory for professional use. Just like the XF 56mm, this new zoom lens is weather sealed and features 12 sealed points that protect the lens from dust and moisture.

Pricing and Availability

FUJIFILM’s XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR will be available in late September. The price has bee st to $999.

The FUJIFILM GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR is expected to be available in early October 2022, so slightly after the XF 56mm, and it’s priced $2,499.

Link: XF 56mm f/1.2 website | GF 20-35mm f/4 website

What do you think? Would one of these new lenses be worth considering for your daily work? Please share your experiences in the comments below!