New Fujifilm lenses

FUJINON GF20-35mmF4 R WR Lens

FUJIFILM Australia is pleased to announce the launch of the FUJINON GF20-35mmF4 R WR lens (GF20-35mmF4 R WR) in September, 2022. It will be a new addition to the lineup of interchangeable GF lenses designed for the GFX System of mirrorless digital cameras, incorporating a large-format sensor^*1 approximately 1.7 times larger than a full-frame 35mm sensor.

The GF20-35mmF4 R WR is a zoom lens covering the focal length range from the ultra wide-angle (UWA) 20mm to the wide-angle 35mm (equivalent to 16mm – 28mm in the 35mm format). The UWA coverage captures information-dense subject matter such as wide expanses of landscapes or cityscapes with precise details in high resolution. The wide angle of view, which is far broader than the human field of view, can photograph a subject at a close distance to the camera. The convenience of having the constant F4 open aperture across the zoom range is coupled with the compactness and lightweight of the lens design. It is perfect for users who travel for many hours in search of vast expanses of wilderness, as well as for shooting a full view of a small room.

“Fujifilm’s years of experience and extensive lens design have come together in the GF20-35mmF4 to produce a remarkable zoom lens that delivers standout UWA performance and handling as the latest addition to the GFX System”, says Mr Ryuichi Matoba, the new CEO of FUJIFILM Australia Pty Ltd.

“Photographers will be able to enjoy the widest angled lens in the GFX System to capture a unique perspective like never before and to push the limits of their creativity”, adds Shaun Mah, General Manager of Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices at FUJIFILM Australia.

The GF20-35mmF4 R WR consists of 14 elements in 10 groups, including three aspherical elements, one ED aspherical element and three ED elements, effectively controlling various types of aberrations to provide advanced image resolving performance. The new lens is applied with the Nano GI (Gradient Index) coating that effectively controls angled incident rays to minimise ghosting and lens flair, thus achieving greater image clarity.

The GF20-35mmF4 R WR’s ultimate compact design means it weighs just 725g despite being a constant F4 UWA zoom lens. UWA lenses tend to be huge, but Fujifilm has designed this lens compact to make it more comfortable for landscape photographers who spend many hours outdoors.

*¹ An image sensor that measures 55mm diagonally (43.8mm x 32.9mm) and is approximately 1.7 times larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor

1．Product features

• UWA zoom lens that extends the wide angle region of GF lens lineup in pursuit of premium image quality

The new lens covers focal lengths from the UWA 20mm to wide angle 35mm (equivalent to 16-28mm in the 35mm format), that is the widest in the lineup of FUJINON’S GF lenses to capture information dense subject matter in a wide expanse of landscape or cityscape and to take advantage of the unique perspective of a wide angle lens.

The GF20-35mmF4 R WR consists of 14 elements in 10 groups, including three aspherical elements, one ED aspherical element and three ED elements, effectively controlling distortion and chromatic aberration to achieve advanced image-resolving performance. This is why the lens can present, in superior precision, all information of subject matter recorded within the wide angle of view.

The lens is applied with Fujifilm’s unique Nano GI Coating technology. It seamlessly changes incoming light’s refractive index as it enters the lens to mitigate light reflection, thereby effectively reducing ghosting and lens flair even when there are angled incident rays.

 (2) Compact design that brings portability to large format equipment

The lens is structured almost symmetrically with the aperture at the center to achieve optimum aberration correction and compact lightweight design at the same time. The short flange focal distance, a unique characteristic of mirrorless photographic equipment, has been utilised to the maximum extent to perfect optical design that has the optimum balance between image quality and weight/ size. The lens weighs just 725g, and measures approx. 112.5mm. The use of the highly versatile 82mm filter thread means users can choose from a variety of filters when shooting landscape. The Inner Zoom system is adopted to keep the full length of the lens constant, contributing to its lightweight and ease of zooming.

A total of four aspherical elements are used in each of the lens groups to optimise the overall number of elements and their configuration, thus efficiently correcting aberrations to maintain advanced image quality while keeping the compact form factor. The concave lens surface of strong curvature, typically seen in UWA lenses, is applied with specialised coating with even thickness to reduce ghosting which occurs when coating thickness is uneven.

Magnesium alloy is used for components around the lens mount to make it lightweight and robust at the same time. The shape of components has been updated to keep the lens mount area slim and to accommodate the Inner Zoom system to keep the lens length constant. These features make the lens easy to hold and manoeuvre, unlike other traditional bulky UWA zooms.

(3) A rugged lens that is dust and weather resistant and capable of operating at temperatures as low as -10℃

The lens barrel is weather-sealed in 12 places to ensure dust- and weather-resistance as well as the ability to operate at temperatures as low as -10℃. The front lens element is applied with a fluorine coating to repel water and offer protection against stains. This means users can enjoy the lens with peace of mind to shoot landscape in snow-blanketed fields, in the tropics, or outdoors in harsh weather conditions.

2. Product name, release date and price

Product name	Release date	RRP (including GST)
GF20-35mmF4 R WR	September 2022	$4,099

FUJINON XF56mmF1.2 R WR Lens

FUJIFILM Australia is pleased to announce the launch of the FUJINON XF56mmF1.2 R WR (XF56mmF1.2 R WR) in September, 2022. It will be a new addition to the lineup of interchangeable XF lenses designed for the X Series of mirrorless digital cameras, which are renowned for their compact and lightweight design and outstanding image quality delivered with Fujifilm’s proprietary colour reproduction technology.

The XF56mmF1.2 R WR is a fast prime lens with the mid-telephoto focal length of 56mm (equivalent to 85mm in the 35mm format). It succeeds the popular F1.2 open aperture of its predecessor (FUJINON XF56mmF1.2 R; the “previous model”) with significant improvement in minimum focusing distance, image-resolving performance and beautiful rendering of out-of-focus background. Areas in focus show every detail in high resolution, while its open aperture can produce beautiful bokeh in the background to make the subject stand out, giving added definition to the image. The previous model was popular for portrait photography due to its F1.2 open aperture and mid-telephoto characteristics. With the new lens minimum focusing distance is improved to facilitate table-top photography and can also cater to a wide variety of shooting situations including street photography.

“With an ultra fast F1.2 aperture and high image quality with gorgeous bokeh and excellent autofocus capabilities, the XF56mmF1.2 R WR truly delivers for portrait photographers whilst being compact and lightweight for easy handling” says Mr Ryuichi Matoba, the new CEO of FUJFILM Australia. “Our FUJINON lens technology continues to evolve, and we are pleased to be launching an improved version of such an iconic model”, says Shaun Mah, General Manager of Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices at FUJIFILM Australia.

The XF56mmF1.2 R WR consists of 13 elements in eight groups including one ED element and two aspherical elements to achieve improved image-resolving performance over the previous model. Eight elements are used in the focusing group to minimize chromatic aberration, spherical aberration and comatic aberration to produce advanced image-resolving capability from MOD to infinity. The minimum focusing distance is reduced to just 50cm from the sensor surface, 20cm shorter than the previous model.

1．Product features

(1) Outstanding image-resolving performance and stunning bokeh

Metal molds used to manufacture the aspherical elements are polished to within one-hundred thousandth of a millimeter, that are capable of reducing the onion-ring effect in bokeh. The lens design, consisting of 13 elements in eight groups including two aspherical elements and one ED element, suppresses various types of aberration including chromatic aberration and spherical aberration to achieve edge-to-edge image sharpness and smooth background bokeh.

 

The lens also uses three highly refractive elements, as part of the focusing group of eight elements to minimise chromatic aberration and comatic aberration. The result is advanced image resolution from MOD to infinity.

 

This is the first Fujifilm lens to use 11 diaphragm blades to achieve a near-perfect circle in the aperture*¹, with the previous model featuring seven. The new model provides a near-perfect circle even when the lens is stopped down only slightly from being wide open to create beautiful bokeh in a wide range of situations.

 

*¹ As of September 9, 2022

 

(2) Unrestrained photographic approach with the fast mid-telephoto lens

The new lens is a perfect choice for portraiture as it gives clear separation to the subject from its background. In addition, the minimum focusing distance has been reduced to just 50cm*², 20cm shorter than the previous model, thanks to its improved resolving capability at MOD. The appeal of this fast mid-telephoto prime is its suitability for a great variety of situations beyond portrait photography.

 

*² Distance from the sensor surface; The minimum distance from the front end of the lens is approximately 41cm.

 

(3) AF function driven by an evolved DC motor for fast and accurate autofocus

A DC motor is used to drive the focusing group of eight elements and aperture unit for precise autofocusing. The lens can attain focus quickly and accurately to seize a decisive photo opportunity even when shooting with a shallow depth-of-field, in which accurate focusing is essential.

The use of a bearing mechanism has successfully reduced friction that arises when the DC motor is driving lens elements. The reduction of lens-driving friction means minimal motor noise.

 

 

(4) Advanced practical usability with dust and weather resistance and capability of operating at temperatures as low as -10°C

• The lens is designed to take maximum advantage of the compact and lightweight X Mount System, weighing just 445g and measuring 76mm despite being a fast prime lens with the open aperture of F1.2.

 

• The lens barrel is weather sealed in 9 places to ensure dust and weather resistance as well as the ability to operate at temperatures as low as -10°C. The front lens element is applied with fluorine coating to repel water and offer protection against stains. Users can enjoy the lens with peace of mind to take photos outdoors in rainy or dusty conditions.

 

2. Product name, release date and price

Product name	Release date	RRP (including GST)
XF56mmF1.2 R WR	September, 2022	$1,729