As soon as upon a time, a full body digital camera was the last word goal of all severe digital photographers. However with the launch of its medium format GFX collection, Fujifilm moved the goalposts. Now, the Fujifilm GFX 100S II presents a much bigger sensor and 102MP decision that wipes the ground with even the highest-resolution full body cameras. However this comes at a worth, particularly whenever you’re constructing a lens system.
There’s not a lot doubt that the GFX 100S II is among the finest medium format cameras available on the market, and with its well-rounded specs and a worth no increased than a number of the finest full body cameras, it is also one of many finest skilled cameras at this time.
The GFX 100S II is definitely the transportable and inexpensive choice within the GFX line-up, whereas the GFX 100 II is the full-fat skilled mannequin and is the one to decide on for high-end industrial work, and particularly video. So with that in thoughts, for the GFX 100S II we’ve targeting Fujifilm’s extra inexpensive GF lenses, along with lenses that steadiness nicely on the smaller (nicely, it’s relative!) GFX 100S II physique.
This doesn’t imply any compromises in efficiency. There are actually no weak factors within the GF lens vary. Nevertheless it does imply being a little bit extra wise concerning the specs. Fujifilm’s longer telephoto primes and tilt-shift lenses are extremely fascinating however extraordinarily costly, and doubtless extra applicable for the flagship GFX 100 II.
We’re picturing a mixture of journey, panorama and a few industrial/product pictures for the GFX 100S II, the place portability is more likely to be an element, simply as a lot as prices. So with that in thoughts, right here’s our record…
Greatest lenses for the Fujifilm GFX 100S II
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This was the unique ‘go-to’ normal zoom for the GFX collection and it nonetheless stacks up nicely at this time. The focal vary is fairly modest at an efficient 25-51mm in full body phrases, however restricted zoom ranges go together with the territory on the planet of medium format. In order for you a regular zoom that’s a little bit longer, take a look at the Fujifilm GF 45-100mm f/4 R LM OIS WR, which additionally has OIS. If the focal vary matches your wants, although, the GF 32-64mm f/4 R LM WR is a superb purchase, with nice dealing with and stellar picture high quality. It’s a disgrace it’s fairly costly, although – there’s a cheaper GF 35-70mm f4.5-5.6 WR lens, however that’s a finances choice with no aperture ring. Sacrilege!
A pancake lens on a medium format digital camera seems like a contradiction in phrases, however that’s successfully what this lens supplies, with a useful on a regular basis 40mm efficient focal size and an f/3.5 most aperture that’s a bit primary by full body digital camera requirements however nonetheless completely acceptable on a medium format mannequin – and whereas this lens is one in all Fujifilm’s least expensive GF lenses, its optical efficiency continues to be superb, although it does lose some definition on the edges. But when your essential curiosity is journey and road pictures, then this little lens is virtually a no brainer.
The unique ‘normal lens’ for the GFX system, the GF 63mm f/2.8 R WR is a 50mm equal lens with a modest f/2.8 most aperture however wonderful optical efficiency within the heart of the body and remarkably good sharpness on the edges, too. It’s not massively costly by GFX requirements, however the GF 63mm f/2.8 R WR actually reveals what Fujifilm’s bigger format sensor is able to.
In case you like brief focal lengths and wide-angle views, the GF lens vary doesn’t offer you a complete lot of decisions. In reality, that is it for wide-angle zooms. Fortunately, the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR performs brilliantly for a lens of this kind, with excellent heart decision and sharp element on the edges – although you actually need to cease right down to f/8 to get the perfect outcomes. The GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR is an costly lens to purchase, however it’s simply how it’s with medium-format extra-wide lenses. The GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR, for instance, is not any cheaper and limits you to a single focal size.
If the common GF 32-64mm normal zoom is a little bit brief on your liking, then this GF 45-100mm f/4 R LM OIS WR may make an excellent various, providing an extended attain of 36-79mm equal. Our lab take a look at present superb optical efficiency, with good edge sharpness too. It’s nonetheless not an extended zoom vary, however so long as you don’t thoughts shedding a little bit on the vast finish you may discover it extra helpful than the GF 32-64mm f/4 R LM WR. It additionally has optical stabilization – although that’s maybe a throwback to first-generation GFX cameras which didn’t have IBIS.
There’s no equal of the ever present 70-200mm zoom within the GF lens line-up, however the GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR comes shut, with its 79-158m efficient focal vary. The utmost aperture is simply f/5.6, which may very well be a downside, however it is a very useable, transportable lens and – maybe much more necessary – it’s comparatively inexpensive. The zoom ‘attain’ may rule it out for sports activities and wildlife pictures, however it might make an excellent journey/panorama lens for longer views.
The distinctive decision of the GFX 100S II sensor will enchantment to macro followers on the lookout for the last word wonderful element rendition, and this lens appears to be like like the apparent candidate, with a 95mm equal focal size providing a good working distance and optical stabilization thrown in. There’s a catch, although. Fujifilm calls this a ‘macro’ lens, however it solely goes as much as a 0.5x magnification, not a real ‘macro’ 1.0x. Fujifilm is just not the one lens maker to do that, alas. The picture high quality helps make up for this, although, as it’s fairly distinctive, particularly whenever you cease right down to f/8 and past.
That is the closest factor to a traditional ‘portrait’ lens within the Fujifilm GF lens line-up. The GF 110mm f/2 R LM WR has an efficient focal size of 87mm (let’s name it 90mm), and whereas the f/2 most aperture may appear a little bit missing in comparison with the 85mm f/1.4 and f/1.2 lenses on full body cameras, don’t neglect that this lens’s longer focal size brings intrinsically shallower depth of discipline, so the subject-background separation shall be robust. The Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 R LM WR can also be ridiculously sharp within the heart of the body, and whereas it loses a little bit sharpness in the direction of the sides, who places their portrait topics on the fringe of the body?