My Experience with the Fujinon GF55mm f/1.7 – Crafted to Trigger GAS

On Saturday, Fujifilm had one of its Italian Roadshow gear presentation in the lovely town of Trento just 30 minutes car drive away from my home.

Much to my surprise, they already had the Fujifilm GFX100II and the Fujinon GF55mm f/1.7 R WR there for testing. And I could test it for about 30 minutes only.

Now, initially I wrote an article that contained both, my GFX100II and my GF55mmF1.7 first impressions.

But I decided to split it up in two parts for one reason: the launch of the Fujifilm GFX100II has overshadowed what I believe is a true gem of a lens: the Fujinon GF55mm f/1.7.

So much so, that I believe Fujifilm should have given this lens a separate launch date.

But that’s how it is.

And that’s why FujiRumors wants to bring the GFX system world into the right balance again by giving the wonderful Fujinon GF55mmF1.7 the space it deserves.

So, here are my first impressions without GFX100II distraction.

Fujinon GF55mmF1.7 R WR – Perfection Achieved

INSANE!

I shot everything at f/1.7.

The reason?

It was so sharp wide open, that I was scared to stop down and to hurt my eyes with even sharper images (if that is even possible).

The good thing?

If you need to take a rest from all that sharpness, then just look at the background of the image and enjoy a massive relaxation for your eyes thanks to a wonderful, dreamy-creamy and buttery-smooth bokeh.

And the autofocus?

Surprisingly fast autofocus for a lens without linear motor in it. I mean, I used it initially on my Fujifilm GFX100S, and my first reaction was to read on the lens front element if there is really not “LM” (linear motor) written on it. I was very positively surprised. Having had experience with the GF80mmF1.7, I can say the GF55mmF1.7 is a significant step up compared to it.

Sure, Linear Motor lenses might still be faster. But shooting with the GF55mmF1.7 won’t be a frustrating experience in terms of autofocus. Actually quite a pleasing one it was for me.

I have also made a tracking test using the Fujifilm GFX100II and GF55mmF1.7. I will share the results in the second part of the review where I talk about the Fujifilm GFX100II, because I need to talk about settings, test conditions to put the results in proper context. So watch out for that one coming soon.

Two problems!

  1. The depth of field is very shallow. Used on my GFX100S, I had images where the top of the eyelash was in focus and the eye pupil itself not (see sample below). If you are going to shoot it wide open it certainly will help to have the best autofocus possible. And the best autofocus possible you get is with the GFX100II.
  2. True story: after my third “wow” while I was testing it and reviewing the images, my wife said: “but you are not going to buy it, right?” So now we have a problem. A problem that hopefully a nice dinner in a fancy restaurant and a couple of flowers will be able to solve.

Overall Conclusion

Not the lightest lens on the world, but it is also not too big for an f/1.7 lens. Well balanced overall with my GFX100S.

At f/1.7 it is so sharp that, true story, my wife complaint when she saw the images because she could notice every single little imperfection of her skin.

They say Bokeh is subjective, but this one is objectively very good.

Fujifilm said during X Summit that they use the aspherical lens manufactured with ultra precision resulting in the reduction of axial chromatic aberration and onion ring effect. it is also their first GF lens with 11 aperture blades for near perfect circular aperture.

If you love the versatility of the 40mm-ish full frame equivalent focal length, then this is the one!

And look, I own the Fujinon GF50mm f/3.5 and love it for its fantastic portability. But versatility comes not only from size, but also from speed. And at f/1.7 the GF55mmF1.7 opens up other possibilities in terms of low light performance and subject separation that make it just more suitable and flexible for more use cases.

I can totally recommend this lens if all you want in your life is the humble need for optical perfection in your images :D.

That’s at least my impression after 30 minutes of use. I had no time to test chromatic aberration, focus breathing and what not. So if those are critically important things for you wait for further reviews. Although what I’ve read so far is that also chromatic aberration is well controlled and Fujifilm actually emphasised during launch at the X summit the “reduction of axial chromatic aberration” and “less color fringe“.

Samples

Down below I will share three samples. All taken at f/1.7 using the Fujifilm GFX100S.

  • Sample 1 + Crop = shows how impressively sharp the performance is at f/1.7
  • Sample 2 + Crop = shows how shallow the DOF is and how that can lead to slightly out of focus images
  • Sample 3 = enjoy the smooth bokeh background

Get Yours

And the Rest of the New Gear

Fujifilm GFX100 II IBIS Performance with GF Lenses (vs GFX100S)

Thanks to a new smart system that relies not only on the gyro sensor to stabilise the sensor, but also uses data from the image sensor itself to fine tune stabilisation (more about it in our X summit summary), the Fujifilm GFX100II is capable of achieving 8 stops IBIS.

But this peak 8 stops performance is achieved not with all lenses.

In the chart above shared by Ken L Photo (in text format below) you can see how many stops of IBIS you get on the GFX100II with each GF lens. Also, you get the IBIS performance comparison with the Fujifilm GFX100S.

Full Chart

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WATCH Fujifilm X Summit NOW: Fujifilm GFX100 II, GF55mmF1.5, GF Tilt Shift and MORE – LIVE on FujiRumors

Fujifilm X Summit – LIVE COVERAGE
(refresh for updates)

Fujifilm X Summit – The Full Coverage Live!
SUMMARY + SCREENSHOTS

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Fujifilm Releases Significant Firmware Updates for Many XF/GF Lenses (plus X-A3, X-A10, XA20)

Fujifilm has released firmware updates for plenty of lenses that will make the autofocus more silent, the aperture operate smoother and also give better tracking performance while zooming.

That’s a very nice upgrade especially for video shooters.

Not all lenses will get all these three updates. You can find the full detailed list below.

Firmware Details & Download Links

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Fujifilm X/GFX Deals – Save up to $800

Instax Wide Printer

Save 20% on the Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Printer. As far as I can see only BHphoto offers also a free wide film pack on top of it (worth another 20 bucks).

Fujifilm X/GFX Deals

GFX Deals

X Series Deals

At the time of this post, AmazonUS here and BHphoto here are offering the Fujinon GF50mm f/3.5 with a 30% rebate. At BHphoto here, you also get a free UV filter on top of it. This is not an official deal, so no idea how long it will remain available.

Best on Kickstarter

Power Junkie V2

Blind Spot Gear has launched Power Junkie V2 on Kickstarter, which allows you to power also your Fujifilm cameras using the Sony NP-F batteries. This is definitely something interesting for filmmakers.

For all the details check out this dedicated kickstarter page here.

SnapPack Anti-Theft Travel/Commute Bags

Check out the SnapPack Anti-Theft Travel/Commute Bags on Kickstarter here.

Spinn

The new Spinn CP is now available on Kickstarter (Click here). It’s a different way to carry your camera and an update to their previous CP version. It now comes with two different base plates and a adjustable comfort strap made in five colours. From recycled raw materials.

Heipi Tripod

After an extremely successful campaign at Kickstarter, the much praised Heipo Travel Tripod has now moved on Indiegogo and is keeping raising money there.

Feiyu

The well known company Feiyu launched the world’s first 4-in-1 Gimbal on Kickstarter (Click here to read all details and preorder it). As usual it comes with kickstarter launch discount.

DxO Deal

Anyone who downloads the free trial of DxO Pure RAW2 before February 12 (at this page) will receive a 30$ coupon towards the cost of purchasing DxO PureRAW2. The coupon is then valid for 30 days.

So, try for free and if you like it get it with $30 discount here.

Capture One eBooks

This is the lowest price ever offered by Alex on his Capture One eBooks. Here are all the details:

Use code “FUJIRUMORS” to get an additional 10% OFF on top of all the discounts!

miXed Deals

Sigma X Mount Deals

Deals by Category

Brand Related Deals

All Fujifilm Deals

Used Fujifilm Gear at B&H Photo

Used Fujifilm Gear at Other Stores

Officially Recommended Cards by Fujifilm

CFexpress Type B Cards

Out of all the CFexpress cards mentioned above, these are the cards without any compromise in performance at all:

For more details check out this article.

UHS-II SD Cards

Power Banks officially recommended by Fujifilm

Instax Wide Printer Joins Fujifilm X/GFX Deals and More

Instax Wide Printer

Fujifilm has just launched a rebate on the Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Printer. You save 20% on the printer and as far as I can see only BHphoto offers also a free wide film pack on top of it (worth another 20 bucks).

Fujifilm X/GFX Deals

GFX Deals

X Series Deals

At the time of this post, AmazonUS here and BHphoto here are offering the Fujinon GF50mm f/3.5 with a 30% rebate. At BHphoto here, you also get a free UV filter on top of it. This is not an official deal, so no idea how long it will remain available.

Topaz

Both the Video AI and Image Quality AI app got a $50 discount (Click here). The deal ends January 31.

DxO Deal

Anyone who downloads the free trial of DxO Pure RAW2 before February 12 (at this page) will receive a 30$ coupon towards the cost of purchasing DxO PureRAW2. The coupon is then valid for 30 days.

So, try for free and if you like it get it with $30 discount here.

Capture One eBooks

This is the lowest price ever offered by Alex on his Capture One eBooks. Here are all the details:

Use code “FUJIRUMORS” to get an additional 10% OFF on top of all the discounts!

Skylum Luminar

Skylum has launched a rebate on Luminar NEO that is ending in a few days

Check out all the details at the dedicate Skylum page here.

Spinn

The new Spinn CP is now available on Kickstarter (Click here). It’s a different way to carry your camera and an update to their previous CP version. It now comes with two different base plates and a adjustable comfort strap made in five colours. From recycled raw materials.

miXed Deals

Sigma X Mount Deals

Deals by Category

Brand Related Deals

All Fujifilm Deals

Used Fujifilm Gear at B&H Photo

Used Fujifilm Gear at Other Stores

Officially Recommended Cards by Fujifilm

CFexpress Type B Cards

Out of all the CFexpress cards mentioned above, these are the cards without any compromise in performance at all:

For more details check out this article.

UHS-II SD Cards

Power Banks officially recommended by Fujifilm

Fujifilm Launches New GFX Deals with up to $1,800 Savings

Fujifilm has launched huge Fujifilm GFX camera and lens deals. You can save up to $1,800. Here are the deals:

Cashback Deals*

Purchase a GFX50SII body or GFX50SII body with lens kit, with up to three eligible Fujinon GF lenses and save up to $1,800. To submit your claim click here.

COMPLETE LIST OF QUALIFYING GF LENSES

Some combo samples:

Excluded GF Lenses: GF50mm3.5 R LM WR lens and GF20-35mmF4 R WR lens

Instant Rebate

* APPLICABLE OFFER TERMS

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Fujifilm XF/GF Lens Deals (save up to $500) and GFX50R $1,500 Off

Well, now it’s your turn to try to resist to GAS ;). I failed in less than 48 hours and grabbed a discounted Fujinon GF50mmF3.5 here in Italy.

The latest temptations you shall try to resist better than I did are:

The gear that gives you access to the deals is:

GFX Gear

Buy within April 3 and submit your claim by May 3.

X Gear

Buy within March 27 and submit your claim by April 26.

Peak Design

Third Party

Full list on X mount deals on Samyang/Rokinon, Mitakon and Lensbaby lenses

Deals by Category

Officially Recommended Accessories by Fujifilm

Brand Related Deals

Coupon Code Deal

All Fujifilm Deals

NEW DEALS: Save up to $500 on Fujinon GF Lenses and Freebies with XF/XC/MKX Lenses and X-T4 Purchase

Well, now it’s your turn to try to resist to GAS ;). I failed in less than 48 hours and grabbed a discounted Fujinon GF50mmF3.5 here in Italy.

The latest temptations you shall try to resist better than I did are:

The gear that gives you access to the deals is:

GFX Gear

Buy within April 3 and submit your claim by May 3.

X Gear

Buy within March 27 and submit your claim by April 26.

Deal Details

These are mail-in rebates (except for GFX50R). So buy your gear now, submit your claim and then you’ll receive your money back in form of a pre-paid MasterCard (for the GF lens deals) or get your freebie (for XF/XC lens deals).

BHphoto has all the instruction on how to submit your claim next to each item in offer: just click “rebate available” and then “view details“.

Similar deals run also in Europe here.

RUMOR, NEWS and COMMUNITY

Oops I did it Again: I Bought my Dream Lens and Here is Why

image taken with Fujifilm X-T4 and XF80mmF2.8
image taken with Fujifilm X-T4 and XF80mmF2.8

I Failed

I tried, but I failed.

And I failed in less than 48 hours.

I am afraid too many of you guys know what I talk about: try to resist to G.A.S!

It all started February 1st, when Fujifilm launched new deals here in Italy (and all over Europe). And to my surprise, the deals included one of my top 3 Fujifilm items on my 2022 wishlist.

Less than 48 hours after the launch of deals, I found myself at my local photography store, my credit card flying over the sales counter and in my bag a box containing the Fujinon GF50mmF3.5.

And don’t worry, my wife approved this purchase… now all I need is her to approve also my other two Fuji-dreams gear 2022, meaning this camera and this lens ;).

I am Happy I Failed :)

Here is why I bought it, and I am so excited about this lens.

As you know, last year I bought into the Fujifilm GFX system by treating myself with a Fujifilm GFX100S and Fujinon GF32-64mmF4.

My main application for this wonderful combo is landscape photography.

So how is that working out?

Well, my go-to bag for hiking is my Camslinger Outdoor. I love the practicality of it to a point, that I won’t buy gear (for landscape photography) that does not fit in there. And despite having a sensor about 70% larger than full frame, the GFX100S with GF32-64mmF4 still fits!

So, for me, this combo is compact enough, and I can easily make my usual 4 to 6 hours hike with the GFX100S and GF32-64 on my hips.

Why do I say this?

Because I want to make clear that I don’t perceive the GFX100S with GF32-64 as too big for the purpose of landscape photography, especially considering what it is: a 100 megapixel medium format system that I can carry around all day on my hips. It’s frankly amazing.

But while it is a surprisingly compact combo for the purpose of landscape photography, the GFX100S combined with the GF32-64mmF4 is not small enough for my taste to bring it with me for more casual shooting, may it be for my street photography or to document my family life.

By getting the Fujinon GF50mmF3.5, though, the whole combo gets substantially smaller and lighter, making it much more portable and easier to pick also for casual photography.

And to be clear: my well-equipped APS-C system is and remains king when it comes to flexibility, performance and value for money. I still take my X system with me on hikes, on my travels, on my day trips with family and I also blindly trust it in crucial moments like when I had to photography my first wedding.

But owning the GF50mmF3.5 simply gives me more options and opportunities to pick up my GFX100S more often if I want to.

I am very happy with my purchase and I can’t wait to use use it comprehensively starting with this weekend.

We (my family and me) are probably going to the town of Sirmione this Saturday. I have never been there and can’t wait to test my new lens in such a wonderful little lake town.

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