I recently took out the Fuji XF 35mm f2 lens and did an evaluation / review of it. On that day I went out to a San Diego pier (Oceanside) and wanted to see how it performed in a “Street Shooting” environment. Below you can see my video review of the lens and some sample photos.
Here’s a link to the lens on Amazon
Looks like a great piece of kit. How would you say it compares to the 18-55 f/2.8-4 at 35mm?
Hey Mark! At 35mm the 18-55 widest is f3.6. The 18-55 is heavier and larger (although it’s not all that large, the 35mm is just so small). The 18-55 does have OIS, which is nice. The 35mm f2 is weather sealed which is nice. The 18-55 is more versatile because of it’s zoom range. The 35mm costs less. The 35mm has a 43mm filter thread, might be hard to find filters / adapters for that while the 18-55 uses a 58mm filter thread.
Thanks Sonny. One last question………….How does it compare in the corners.
I can’t really speak with authority on that. I didn’t do a comprehensive image to image test. Comparing shots I’ve taken, there doesn’t seem to be much difference.
Thanks for the info Sonny!
I have been thinking of buying a prime lens in the future. Because of your review I may have to try this one. Thanks Sonny for taking the time to share your knowledge.
You’re most welcome! I really liked the 35mm f2 for several reasons. Lightweight, discreet and great image quality. Also the water resistant design didn’t hurt!
I have been looking into getting a general purpose kind of prime… still not sure if this is the one. What I do know is the AF on the 35 f1.4 is OK in good light generally, and works much better on the X-T2 compared to the X-T1, but is generally garbage for AF in low light. 35 f2 is slower optically but one of the fastest AF lenses in the Fujifilm lineup. I have noticed its color and intangibles (character) are not quite as pleasing to me as the f1.4… but my use is going to require AF in low light so I am in a pickle.
It looks sharp enough across the frame for general purpose at wider apertures, but still a little soft at the edges for landscape type shots even closed down to f8… I guess you can’t have EVERYTHING.
I just wish they’d release a 35 f1.4 MII that has the newer AF tech… that’d solve my problems.
Maybe I’ll just go with the 23 f1.4…
Duane, I know what you mean! I wish they’d put some of the features of certain lenses on others to make the perfect (mostly) lens. I’ve thought the same thing with camera bodies many times!