Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR Review — The Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR shown on the Fujifilm GFX 50R

The Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR Is the GFX Wide-Angle Zoom Everyone Has Been Waiting For

It took Fujifilm some time, but the wait is over!

Five years after introducing the first GFX camera at Photokina in Germany in 2017, Fujifilm has launched an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR.

Fujifilm does have a couple of prime lens options in this focal length range: the GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR and GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR. The GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR has been the choice of landscape and architecture/interior photographers.

The Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR shown on the Fujifilm GFX 50R

While many photographers have praised the GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR, others came to the GFX system from full-frame cameras, where 16-35mm zoom lenses were important workhorses in their setup. They were missing the flexibility of a wide-angle zoom in their new GFX setup.

When I used Canon several years ago, I had a Sigma 15-30mm lens, followed by the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L, then the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L, and finally the EF 16-35mm f/4L IS.

These wide-angle zoom lenses were essential workhorse lenses for me, and I utilized them for various subjects, including tourism, landscapes, events, sports, and interior real estate photography.

A woman is getting ready to go for a swim at Whytecliff Park near Vancouver on New Years Day 2023. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR. — Whytecliff Park, Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR @ 35mm, f/9, 1/250s, ISO 320

Introduction

With the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR, Fujifilm has finally introduced an ultrawide zoom lens with a full-frame equivalent focal length range of 16-28mm.

While the focal length coverage is not quite the same as that of a full-frame 16-35mm lens, it is a step in the right direction and very versatile.

The GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR was introduced at the September 2022 Fujifilm X Summit. When this article was written, it was listed as a new item, out of stock, with the “coming soon” disclaimer at B&H Photo, and it was listed at $2,499.00.

Thanks to Fujifilm Canada, I got the chance to test the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR over the holidays.

The Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR mounted on the Fujifilm GFX 50R — The Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR shown on the Fujifilm GFX 50R

Specs and Handling

The GF 20-35mm feels surprisingly compact, considering it is an ultra-wide zoom for the larger-than-full-frame GFX series, which covers the 44 x 33mm sensor.

It weighs 25.6 oz, 725 g, which is only slightly more than my old Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS, which weighs 22.6 oz, 640 g. The new Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS, in comparison, weighs more at 30.4 oz, 860 g, but in fairness, it has a faster max f-stop, increased zoom range, and is image stabilized.

My favorite GF 20-35mm feature is the internal focusing, which keeps the lens from protruding when you zoom in or out. We all have different tolerances for weight and bulk, and I found the GF 20-35mm quite comfortable when either out for a walk or cycling. It is bordering on being a bit large for cycling, but it did not tilt the scale for me.

Snow day in Vancouver at the Burrard Bridge. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR. — Burrard Bridge, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR @ 24mm, f/8, 1/125s, ISO 320

The fit and finish on the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR are as good as they get and overall feel like the best-built GF zoom lens that I have tried. It is followed closely by the GF 45-100mm f/4 R LM OIS WR. This goes for the very smooth zoom ring, excellent aperture ring, and lens hood, which snaps into place without any wobble.

The GF 20-35mm optical design includes 3 aspherical elements to control aspherical aberrations. It also features three ED elements and one aspherical ED element to reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range. It has 14 elements in 10 groups and 9 rounded diaphragm blades.

The filter size is 82mm, and the lens measures 3.5 x 2.8", 88.5 x 72 mm. The minimum focusing distance is 13.8", 35 cm.

The Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR and Fujifilm GFX 50R — The Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR shown on the Fujifilm GFX 50R

In Action

I took the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR out cycling on a beautiful day before the snow arrived, then had a blast for a few days when Vancouver was covered in more snow than I ever recall seeing.

I wrapped things up on New Year’s Day by hiking in the beautiful Whytecliff Park area just outside Vancouver.

I no longer depend on zoom lenses for my work or personal projects, but I can certainly see the appeal of having a lens like the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR, especially considering the quality this lens offers.

It is a joy to work with and is well-balanced on my GFX 50R. However, due to the larger grips on the GFX 100S or GFX 50S II, I suspect it would be even better.

The autofocus speed is adequate for the photos you see in this review.

Sunset Beach in Vancouver on a winter day with fresh snow. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR. — Burrard Bridge, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR @ 20mm, f/6.4, 1/125s, ISO 400

Image Quality

The image quality from the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR is truly stunning. I viewed my sample gallery on a 4K monitor and noticed sharp images from the center to the corners, featuring the clarity and color rendition expected from a lens in this price range. It certainly did not disappoint.

I reduce the sharpness in Capture One to around 90 and often reduce the contrast in some images to minimize an otherwise clinically sharp look.

Please see more sample images at the end of the review and click to view images up to 2500 pixels wide.

The Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR with the lens hood attached and mounted on a Fujifilm GFX 50R — The Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR shown on the Fujifilm GFX 50R

Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 vs. GF 23mm f/4

If you shell out another $100.00, you can buy the GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR instead, but I find it hard to find compelling reasons to do so.

The GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR is more expensive, slightly heavier, and larger than the GF 20-35mm f/4, but it offers only one focal length.

Usually, prime lenses perform better than zoom lenses, but I am not sure this is the case when comparing these two lenses. I looked through all my sample images from both lenses on my 4K monitor and struggled to see any meaningful difference in the image quality. In fairness to the GF 23mm, I have not made large prints to see if this holds in such a scenario.

The coastline at Whytecliff Park near Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR. — Whytecliff Park, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR @ 20mm, f/8, 1/250s, ISO 250

With money in hand at the counter, I would pick the GF 20-35mm over the GF 23mm due to this lens's more compact nature and the flexibility of the entire 20-35mm zoom range.

The GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR remains an excellent lens and a viable choice, especially if you can find a used copy and save a significant amount of money. I'm unsure if we'll see the GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR at discounted prices in the future, but this could also make it a more appealing option.

You can read my review of the GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR here:

Fujifilm GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR - Review

Snow covered trees at Alexandra Park by English Bay in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR. — Alexandra Park, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR @ 20mm, f/7.1, 1/125s, ISO 500

Conclusion

I am usually careful with comments like “slam dunk” or “hit a home run,” but I think these expressions would fit the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR. It feels like a no-fuss lens where nothing gets in the way of making great images.

If you are a landscape photographer, it will not break your back or take up too much room in your pack. It is weather-sealed and can withstand the elements in challenging shooting conditions.

If you are an architecture or interior photographer, the GF 20-35mm covers a crucial focal length range.

It would have been nice if the lens had a maximum f-stop of f/2.8. If you own either the GFX 50S or GFX 50R, I am sure you would have welcomed OIS, an optical image stabilizer, in this lens as well. But the fact is, it would have made the lens cumbersomely large and most likely even more expensive.

Low tide at Coal Harbour on a December day in Vancouver. — Coal Harbour, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 50R, GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR @ 20mm, f/10, 1/125s, ISO 250

I predict that all future GFX cameras will have IBIS, so this issue will become less of an issue.

Speaking of expensive, I still think $2,499.00 is a tough pill to swallow, but competitively speaking, it is not much more than you would pay for equivalent top-tier full-frame options.

If you are on a budget, check out the new Laowa 19mm f/2.8 Zero-D at $999.00. It will give you a wide-angle option for your GFX camera but will not match the Fujifilm GF 20-35mm in terms of optical performance and versatility.

Pros

Finally, an ultra-wide G-Mount zoom lens
Versatile zoom range
Internal focusing and great build quality
Optically stellar

Cons

Somewhat limiting zoom range when compared to full-frame alternatives

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR - B&H Photo

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Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR - Sample Images

Please see the sample images below. Editing was done in Capture One and I used Fujifilm film simulations for some of the photos. It is worth noting that all sample images were captured handheld.

Please click to view larger images.