Fujifilm September Announcements
New Products Announced at the Fujifilm X Summit Prime 2021
Fujifilm GFX 50S II, GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR, XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR, XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR Previews
After a slow summer, I was expecting a somewhat quiet release of the Fujifilm GFX 50S II, but Fujifilm had a few extra items for the September 2, 2021 product announcements. Along with the GFX 50S II a new standard zoom, the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR was also released.
While the Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR was expected this fall it was unknown when exactly we would see this lens. It was good to finally see this lens being announced.
In a surprise move, Fujifilm also announced the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR and the development of several new lenses. Unfortunately, the shipping date of the XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR has been delayed to February 2022.
This will be a preview and my take on the news.
Fujifilm GFX 50S II
Stealing the headlines is the new Fujifilm GFX 50S II. The GFX 50S II is in many ways a clone of the popular Fujifilm GFX 100S with a 51-megapixel sensor instead of 102-megapixels as seen in the GFX 100S and with a lower price tag of $3,999.00 it will surely lure in new medium format photographers. In comparison, the Fujifilm GFX 100S retails for $5,999.00.
The word cloned may carry a negative connotation but in the case of the GFX 50S II and Fujifilm GFX 100S, I see this as a positive.
Fujifilm got many things right in the GFX 100S and if you compare it to the first iteration of the GFX 50S we now lose the hump on the back, we gain IBIS, a new processor, in a camera with a sleek new styling, improved ergonomics, all at a lower price point. The viewfinder is now fixed and you will not be able to get a tilted EVF as in the GFX 50S.
Fujifilm has been reporting strong sales of the GFX 100S but not everyone needs 102-megapixels. It can be a stumbling block in post-processing and if you mainly share photos online or make moderately sized prints the 51.4-megapixels in the Fujifilm GFX 50S II should be more than enough. 51 megapixels is probably all you would want if you are an event photographer.
It is great to see the new Nostalgic Negative film simulation has been carried through to the Fujifilm GFX 50S II. While some will downplay the importance of film simulations they have become a cornerstone in my editing process. A film simulation can be an excellent starting point in your editing and Nostalgic Neg. was probably my favorite when I reviewed the Fujifilm GFX 100S.
Fujifilm GFX 50S II Specs
51.4-Megapixel CMOS Sensor (44x33mm), medium format
Smaller design IBIS with 6.5 stops
Weight: 2 lb / 900 g (body with battery and memory cards)
1.8 lb / 821 g (body only)New PSAM mode dial
3 fps. continues shooting
19 film simulations incl. the new Nostalgic Neg.
EVF: 3.69M dot, 0.77 magnification
NP-235 battery - Same at the Fujifilm X-T4
Video: 1080p 30p
Video specs are somewhat limited in the Fujifilm GFX 50S II in comparison to the GFX 100S and it also only shoots 3 fps. in comparison to 5 fps. on the GFX 100S, probably due to faster readout from the BSI sensor on the GFX 100S.
Update: November 2021
Fujifilm GFX 50S II - First Impressions
Thanks to Beau Photo here in Vancouver, I have now had a brief hands-on with the Fujifilm GFX 50S II, and perhaps unsurprisingly, I liked it very much. It feels identical in the hand compared to the GFX 100S and that is a feeling of a rock-solid camera.
The question on everyone’s lips is; How is the autofocus performance compared to the GFX 100S? It was a very brief test but while I felt autofocus was fine for the street photography I did and at the same time it is not as confident as on the GFX 100S. I would need much more time to bring more clarity on this.
To get an idea of some of the features you can expect from the Fujifilm GFX 50S II, you can read my review of the GFX 100S here:
Check price and availability at B&H Photo:
Fujifilm GFX 50S II at B&H
Fujifilm GFX 50S II / GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.5 at B&H
Update: January 2022
I have now posted my GFX 50S II review:
Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR
In a smart move, Fujifilm is making this standard medium format zoom lens, the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR, available for an additional $500.00 or a total cost of $4,499.00 when bundled with the GFX 50S II. Buying the lens separately will set you back $999.00.
I suspect many will opt for the bundled combo, simply because it would give you an affordable and versatile setup from the get-go. Some will also buy the combo and later sell the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR with a tiny profit in order to put money towards other favorite Fujinon GF lenses.
At first glance, I am slightly worried about the slower max f-stop of f/4.5-5.6 as it eliminates low-light shooting to a certain degree. On the other hand, the Fujifilm GFX 50S II has IBIS which will help keep your camera steady at slower shutter speeds.
I had the same worry when I reviewed the GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR and it performed admirably and even featured decent bokeh when shot wide-open. The same may be the case with the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR and I am looking forward to a hands-on test.
Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR Specs
11 elements in 9 groups (1 aspherical, 2 ED)
Minimum focusing distance: 35 cm
Filter size: 62mm
Size: 84.9mm x 73.9mm when collapsed, 96.4mm x 95.7mm at 70mm
Weight: 15.5 oz / 440 g
Check price and availability at B&H Photo:
Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR at B&H
Update: January 2022
I have now had a chance to review the GF 35-70mm zoom and you can find my review here:
Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR
My favorite Fujifilm XF lens is the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R and personally, I am excited about the announcement of the Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR. Expectations are high but will they be met?
The big question is, how will it compare with the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R, a lens that has received accolades from photographers for years now? How can Fujifilm improve upon it?
I realize Fujifilm is not replacing the XF 35mm f/1.4 R. We are talking about two lenses separated only by 2mm (and $200.00), and as far as I know both lenses will be in the lineup. The XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR will be the first 50mm full-frame equivalent XF lens.
Will it be a more clinically correct lens such as the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR or will they be able to maintain or create a lens that renders with a desirable character as we have come to love from the XF 35mm f/1.4 R?
It is great to see the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR will have a 58mm filter diameter which means it will be in the same size category as the XF 14mm f/2.8 R which I find to be a perfect fit for my X-Pro cameras.
I was secretly hoping for this but feared it would be 62mm as in the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR. I am also happy to see it will get the linear motor, LM, which should ensure fast autofocus.
The XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR will be priced at $799.00. I had anticipated it would have been higher given the $999.00 price tag of the recently released XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR.
The minimum focusing distance of 30 cm is interesting as well as it should be able to handle decent close-up photography.
Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR - Specs
15 elements in 10 groups, (2 aspherical, 3 ED)
Minimum focusing distance: 30cm
Filter size: 58mm
Size: 2.6 x 2.9" / 67 x 73.5 mm
Weight, 12.7 oz / 360 g
Check price and availability at B&H Photo:
Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR at B&H Photo
Update, November 2021
I have now had a chance to review the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR and you can read my review here:
Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR
I have owned three copies of the older XF 23mm f/1.4 R. It is a long story that you can read in different parts of my blog. The first XF 23mm f/1.4 R was sold when we started our travel blog.
I bought it again when I sold all my Canon gear and switched to Fujifilm. This copy was stolen in Rome, and eventually, I bought another one in Hong Kong which I sold shortly after acquiring the new XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR.
That was a long segway into my thoughts on the new XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR. I sold my copy of the older XF 23mm f/1.4 R recently because the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR was so good that I could not justify keeping the 23mm lens.
Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR
It appears Fujifilm has continued the trend from the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR with its design and similar pricing level to the XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR, adding the linear motor, making it weather-resistant, and removing the clutch mechanism.
I think it is a stellar move solidifying the X Series with yet another top-notch lens. Upcoming sample images will show if it lives up to the excellent qualities of the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR. I have no doubt that it will which puts me in a bit of a conundrum.
Will this be the fourth XF 23mm lens that I buy? I am contemplating it as I am typing this. Stay tuned. I hope to at least review the XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR as soon as I can get my hands on one. The lens should be available in February of 2022.
Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR Specs
15 elements in 10 groups (2 aspherical, 3 ED)
Minimum focusing distance: 19cm
Filter size: 58mm
Size: 2.6 x 3.1" / 67 x 77.8 mm
Weight: 13.2 oz / 375 g
You can read my review of the older XF 23mm f/1.4 R here:
Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R - Review
Check price and availability at B&H Photo:
Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR at B&H
Update, January 2022
I have now had a chance to review the XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR and you can read my review here:
Fujifilm Development Announcements
For the Fujifilm X Series, a couple of new lenses will be announced in 2022, the XF 150-600mm, and a new concept seamless still/movie lens, the XF 18-120mm will also see the light of day in 2022.
For Fujifilm GFX I was very excited to see the development of a Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens which should be released in 2023. It’s a long wait but surely something to look forward to.
A long-awaited Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f4 R WR lens was also announced and we should see this lens in 2022. A GF tilt/shift lens was also mentioned but so far there is no release date mentioned.
Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR
New Fujifilm Lens Roadmaps
Please see the new Fujifilm XF and GF lens road maps below.
Fujifilm X Mount lens roadmap
Fujifilm GF Mount lens roadmap
Fujifilm Product Announcement Summary
I am excited about the two XF lenses announced today, the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR and XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR. I have no doubt that these two lenses would perform very well on my X-Pro cameras and would be a really good fit. I have not decided if I will pre-order but admit I am tempted.
I have often alluded to the fact that I am tempted by the GFX cameras and yet again I kick the can down the road as I still find the GFX system a pricey hill to climb, even at 4 grand. The weight of the GFX 50S II also has me hesitating.
This does not mean that I cannot see and appreciate the qualities of larger-than-full-frame cameras. At this point, however, I am wondering what will happen to used GFX 50R prices and also wondering if there is a GFX 50R Mark II on the horizon, perhaps with a BSI sensor with a faster sensor read-out and faster autofocus. I think I would prefer the layout and styling of a 50R.
Looking ahead the Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR was probably the most exciting surprise news today as this would be a stellar first lens for the GFX system. It is certainly a lens that could get me to seriously consider a GFX camera for myself at some point.
I am in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia attending a wedding this week. I have been exploring my old hometown, and been out and about with my X-Pro3, XF 35mm f/1.4 R, and XF 14mm f/2.8 R all week, and really enjoying this setup. As I wrap this up I am contemplating how the new XF lenses may fit into my kit.
Let me know in the comments below if any of the news has you excited or if you are taking a backseat wait-and-see approach?
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