Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 4-Years Later (Review)

In this week's gear short, we'll focus on the amazing GF 110mm f/2 for GFX cameras. We'll talk image quality, size, weight, autofocus, and how I use the lens. I'll also discuss why I don't generally make lens recommendations.
My Current Gear List:
GFX 100S - amzn.to/31bzGsW
GF 45-100mm f/4 - amzn.to/3jdAKUi
GF 110mm f/2 - amzn.to/2GfLxig
Fujifilm X-T4 - amzn.to/33b2iEp
Fujifilm X-T3 - amzn.to/3jdBSY2
XF 23mm f/1.4 - amzn.to/3mYuKRG
XF 35mm f/1.4 - amzn.to/2EG2nq4
XF 50mm f/2 - amzn.to/3jh9FzG
XF 56mm f/1.2 - amzn.to/3jiwEKU
XF 10-24mm f/4 - amzn.to/3cBOXrO
XF 16-55mm f/2.8 - amzn.to/33dis06
XF 50-140mm f/2.8 - amzn.to/2S7G1AV
XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 - amzn.to/3rGSQmq
Laowa 9mm f/2.8 - amzn.to/2S782Zt
X100V - amzn.to/34bdwbn
X100V TCL - amzn.to/3hu9yk4
X100V WCL - amzn.to/3atAM7i
Godox XPro-F - amzn.to/2ThYjA5
Godox AD200 - amzn.to/2MdBrBo
Westcott Orb - amzn.to/2P7RaU2
Haida M7 - amzn.to/30iszyD
Haida M10 - amzn.to/3icDz6L
Loupedeck+ - amzn.to/3idDCz8
NiSi X100 Filter Kit - amzn.to/2S7FnDv
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0:00 - Opener
0:50 - What is it and why do I own it?
3:35 - Autofocus
5:33 - Image Quality
7:15 - Negatives
8:50 - Should You Invest? & Slideshow
Links here are affiliate links. I'll get a small kickback (at no cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase.

[@Sroy46]

Best video effort ever I have seen on any gadgets ! Absolute no nonsense !!

[@icogicog8287]

Best most honest and rational comment I have heard about “ should I invest “. As an influencer, and you are, you do have a responsibility, which you obviously take quite seriously. Well done. Excellent review and gorgeous images.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thanks for watching to the end! This is just a resource about this lens, nothing more. I really do hope that only those who actually need/want a lens like this will end up getting it, or any other piece of equipment I talk about, for that matter.

[@diomorph4]

The 110 was the first lens I bought for GFX. It totally blows my mind every time looking at the files. I came from x series, and was used to the 56, which I love but the 110 at 102mp is a site to behold when you catch the magic correctly. In the fuji promo video, one of the guys says it somehow captures the air, and I thought it was just marketing… but now I believe. Thanks for all the videos Dylan! Long time watcher.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thanks for watching, Bryon. There are plenty of marketing exaggerations that get thrown around, but this lens, as you said, deserves them. It's a special piece of glass, for sure.

[@vaskoobscura_]

Beautiful photos. Thanks for this review video.

[@dongliu5002]

I often think about your reviews are so valuable and true, one biggest reason is that you do spend lots of time in using them, and those reviews are real, comparing to those "one day test" youtuber review. :)

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thank you! You can't learn much from one day, that's for sure.

[@davidduffy9806]

Champion review, describing the characteristics of the lens as contrasted with emotive blurting.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

That's what this lens is all about. A few facts and a lot of love. ;)

[@archonmagosaugustus]

what BEAUTIFUL portraits! Thank you for this reviews

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thanks for watching, Augusto. This is definitely my "must-have" for my GFX. It produces great results for the work I want to do with it.

[@victorfeinstein1815]

Thanks for the honest review.I just got mine today and took some pictures and I cannot describe how I am satisfied with words.I used so many 85mm good lenses but this one something else.I am using EIZO monitors and used to say there is EIZO and the other ones.I feel same with this lens.Thanks again.By the way your tattoo project is outstanding.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thanks, Victor! I hope you enjoy this lens. It's an absolutely spectacular piece of glass.

[@morganmccartan6075]

Beautiful selection of photos at the end of your video 👍

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Glad you like them!

[@michaelp1200]

Great video, I’m making up my mind buying this lens and Gfx100s and seeing your gorgeous pictures it really motivates me even more. Could you share how you shoot those beautiful tattoo portraits? Would love to see a behind the scene video setting up and doing your post magic. Keep up the great work and thanks for inspiring me.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Hi Michael, Thanks for watching! Hard to do a BTS video right now since we can't travel, but I've got a couple of videos up about the project. Check out my "Tattoos of Asia Project" playlist. I might even put together a newer version of my "lighting the portraits" video, actually, with a bit more practical information. Thanks again for watching.

[@albertovasari8430]

Great video and beautiful images!

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Cheers, Alberto. Good glass and wonderful subjects does make it easy!

[@icogicog8287]

Stabled upon this now. Great as always. I happen to have both the 110 and the 80 (terminal GAS I know). Even with the 100s I do have a little trouble with both lenses (the 80 perhaps a bit worse, although I love the wider field of view for more environmental portraits) with doing an accurate eye focusing. I am sure in part is my old hands and technique……but would love if Fuji could improve its eye/face detection in both the X and GFX systems. Great work with your portraits!!

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Lucky you! That 80mm is much more my style of focal length, but it wasn't around when I bought this lens. Hopefully sometime soon I'll be able to give it a proper test. I agree that Fujifilm could really use a boost in the eye AF department. For now, I mostly just use single point AF. I have a much higher hit rate with that.

[@RedShiftedDollar]

They need to rename eye AF to eyelash AF. It misses nearly 100% of the time because it picks up on the contrast of the eyelashes which are super easy targets and super easy to bring into super sharp focus. it doesn't have the intelligence to ignore the easy target and go for the circular iris/pupil or focus on the reflections within the eye. It does a good job detecting the eye, it just needs to go one layer deeper and detect these critical features within the eye.

[@saucelove]

Absolutely beautiful photography you have! I’m not shy! The GF 110 IS PURE PERFECTION! BUY IT! I purchased in August 2021! It truly is a masterpiece! Nothing matches medium format these days! ESP with the 110mm!

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

It's a great lens, no doubt.

[@fingersmcginty]

Really appreciate the honesty (not that other reviewers aren't honest, but few give that "should I buy this" part). I have the GFX 50S II, a very recent purchase, my first so-called medium format (that term is getting a little loosy-goosy), with its very inexpensive (relative to camera) kit 35-70. It's a slow, slow lens. But hey, I have it. Now given the budget (or more accurately, the lack of), have to decide on a prime. I am going to try an adapter first, when I can find a lightly used Metabones one, to use my Zeiss Milvus 100 f/2 ZE (Canon EF mount). I know I'll get some vignetting, but for certain portraits that may be totally acceptable. If it's crap, then the 110mm -- instead of buying a car. It would be interesting to see a comparison (by you) of this with the newer FUJIFILM GF 80mm f/1.7

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Hi Michael, Yes, budget is always a concern. I just keep comparing these prices with Schneider lenses for the Phase One cameras and I don't feel so bad when I come home with one. Ha! If I can get a hold of the 80mm f/1.7, I'd love to do a comparison. Chances are I won't be purchasing it myself as I have the 110mm, but once our COVID restrictions calm down here again, I hope that I can borrow it from my local Fujifilm office for a while to test. Stay tuned.

[@just_eirik]

Thanks for this review. Your photos look amazing! Love your editing! I want it lens because I love the 85mm’ish fov and good subject separation. But I’m just a hobby photographer and can barely justify the gear I have. :P Instead I went for the Mitakon 65mm 1.4, which I know is much worse in terms of image quality, but it’s only like 5-600 usd. Hope I’ll like it when it arrives.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

I had that Mitakon for a while. It's not a bad lens at all. Not on the level of the 110mm in terms of image quality and a VERY different focal length. My main gripe was how difficult the manual focus ring was to turn. Hopefully they've improved that for you!

[@acanuck1679]

Articulate, compelling and convincing. If I do move over to Fuji's GFX system, this is one lens I would make sure to acquire. Thank you.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

If this is a focal length and aesthetic you like, it's definitely a worthwhile investment.

[@rotorfpv4117]

This lens costs the same as 50s now:/

[@paddington2063]

my dream GFX lens. I dont know if I can ever justify it though. I use 2 adapted vintage lenses, the Mamiya 80mm 1.9 and Contax 135mm 2.8 and they render beautifully. I'm used to the speed of MF now, I think people should really try it. The 110 is for an even more niche market than GFX is already imo

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

It's a gorgeous lens. One day, you'll find a reason to justify it! haha.

[@Slipsch]

One of the best lens Fuji ever made and have high resolving power, but they might need to update it if they going to release a new camera with higher resolution like 150mp or 200mp.

[@Juventinos]

well you are the reason I m considering this. well you and Mattias Burling. I have a Hassy system, with the 1.1 medium format crop , I m rich poor... I have all the lenses except for the 24 and the 50. have you ever shot with a bigger sensor? what do you think will I miss the sensor if I come down to 1.3-1.4 corp? also the H system lenses are made by fuji, so I m expecting that type of quality form this 110m. similar to the 120 f4 v2 my guess.

[@toburton15]

Greetings and thanks for the channel. I am a X-System user and had the opportunity to use the GFX 100S with the 110mm lens at a FujiFilm sponsored event in Charlotte, NC. I was overwhelmed by the results of the system. What other GFX lenses have you invested? I am a portrait shooter and enjoy the 56mm/85mm focal length. Many thanks,

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Hi Travis, It's quite a thing, the GFX system... I currently own the 45-100mm, 80mm, and 110mm. In the past, I've had the 45mm and 63mm. I really miss the 45, but couldn't justify having it alongside the zoom, which I needed for work. Good luck with your decisions!

[@brianbeattyphotography]

great review. for Canon, you should check out the 85 1.4L. Super lens and much better than the 1.2 EF version (I owned both and sold the 1.2). Haven't tried the 1.2 RF yet but I hear that could give the 110 a good challenge

[@ChrisThe1]

the 1.2 rf is easily the best lens canon has ever produced. It's the only lens that could get close to the 110, and it still isn't as sharp

[@danmorris2750]

Hi, thanks for your review - it's really excellent and informative. I'm considering buying this lens, but have a Q about the lens hood. For general outdoor shooting, do you find it's completely necessary to use the hood? I'm just a little concerned about how intimidating it wokd make the lens and setup for candid shooting. Cheers, Dan

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Hi Dan, thanks for watching. For what it's worth, my hood is still in the box. ;)

[@dongliu5002]

Is it possible that you might could do a tutorial about how you edit those raw files(Tattoos portrait) . I know it might take hours to finish but a brief of steps might be very helpful. Thank you . By the way, I just purchased this lens before your video a few days ago and did make some hours shots yesterday. This lens is perfect.:)

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Glad you're enjoying the lens. Honestly, my post production is very simple. Mostly just exposure, highlights, shadows, and a little clarity around certain areas. What is it that you hope to learn about?

[@fjzingo]

Beutiful images you have taken with the magic 110. The 110 and the 45 are just crazy good lenses for the gfx system.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

They really are! I miss my 45mm. I couldn't justify having it and the 45-100 f/4. :(

[@fjzingo]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer fully understandable, I got the 32-64 ...but probably end up selling it.

[@drc4563]

Vey good video. Thank you. Which wider primes do you like in the system. You also mentioned you have shot with Nikon in the past. Did you ever use the 135mm DC lens. How did that compare to the 85mm f1.4 for portraits.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thanks for watching. I've only had a little experience with the excellent 23mm. Hard to say anything about the others. It's also been years since I shot anything on a Nikon camera, especially with a lens as long as 135mm. Unfortunately, I can't offer you much on that front.

[@jaroslavtvrdy1123]

I more like 80/1.7 or AF-adapter for sigma art 135/1.8 - this distance cover full sensor on 1.8 - i love this lens on Fuji ;-))

[@mortenthorpe]

favorite aperture for 70-105 mm portraits. - 3.2!

[@josephschimmer302]

Since I have started using the Fuji X system I am always longing for what seems to be the „Leica look“. This GFX lens seems to offer it exactly - for half the price and double the size ;-)

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Tradeoffs. haha

[@ateliercunha2876]

Where is the link to the video about the "full length panoramic shots", which you talk about at about 3 minutes of this video? Thanks.

[@ChrisThe1]

the rattling is due to the lens using linear motors instead of a less efficient rotating design. Scary, but not really problematic

[@dfj555]

I've owned several GFX cameras, nice cameras and nice lenses, amazing shots. Now the negatives, heavy, clunky, and slow focusing. I sold all my GFX gear and purchased the Leica M11 with three M lenses, 28mm F1.4, 50mm F2 APO, and 90mm F2 APO. Haven't looked back since.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Very different beasts. I personally never could make my hands enjoy working with a Leica camera. The GFX system has it's place in my kit though and produces the images I want when it's needed. Enjoy your camera!

[@ramonacosta7579]

Dylan, at the 2 and a half minute mark you talk about panorama style photography, I couldn't find the link. Can you link to the video please? Interesting channel! Thanks!

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

There was a card at the top of the video. :) Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZKwoZ6Hl8ioo6s

[@OfAngeline]

I just got 50sii. Trying to decide between the 80 and 110. What do you think?

[@borromine]

Very beautiful images. Am too busy with my business to use the 110 much. But when I do, one would almost think I am a great photographer. The Fuji 50S and the 110 mean that I no longer miss my Pentax 67. Which I had between 1980 and 2015. Great, succinct review. But Hélas, watching it makes me think I have to get the 100S. (Which I want for grand children portraits and 24::65 landscape panos. I’m hoping the 100S will be almost as good as the Fuji 617. And faster cheaper and much more versatile…) Again, just a perfect, useful, good length review.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Glad it was helpful. The 100S is a BIG step up, that's for sure. The difference in speed is unbelievable. But, then the file sizes...

[@borromine]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer I had meant to ask about file size. I have a 2019 iMac. What does one need for storage when using Lightroom with 100S. And lastly, will 50S II make more sense?? The only reason to use 100S seems to be for very large prints, architecture works and…25::65 single shot pano. Very interested in your thoughts on this. But happy to wait for your comments on channel when 50SII come out in…September??

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Hey, man! Sorry, I only just saw this. Files are around 90-120MB a piece when using lossless compressed raw. Not too bad. No need to upgrade anything on your editing machine, I wouldn't say. I'm using a Ryzen 3700X with 32GB of RAM and have no issues at all in C1. My honest opinion in this is that the resolution of both of these cameras is overkill for most things. If you want it, you want it. But, as I said in my 100S review, very few people need it. I won't be even looking at the 50S II because it's a step backwards from this camera in terms of resolution and autofocus. It took a lot to get me to go from a 50R to the 100S and I don't see myself switching bodies until this one fails me. When speaking of prints, it's all about viewing distance. I've printed a billboard sized image from a 16MP X-T10 file (see that here: facebook.com/dylangoldbyphotographer/photos/384167908685700). If you focus on things like this, you'll never find what you're looking for. Hope that helps!

[@borromine]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer thanks for getting back to me. I have the 50S. Which I love. I’m getting the 50SII with 35-70. For weight and ibis. I’m hoping to do away the my FX system except for wildlife. I really need to get my mind off gear as much as I can. So attempting to use only one camera system is my plan. My main interest is landscape snd architecture (& grandchildren). As it is I have a complete tilt shift kit with TS adapters and canon / Pentax 645 lenses. I had the Cambo Actus which I liked but too much set up time felt like ok me a hassle. It’s very helpful to hear your views. I hope I am not making g a mistake getting the 50SII. Again. Thanks for comments

[@ADHDgrapher]

Fairly new to the system but I've made my lens road map before jumping in. I got a 50R with 50mm for peanuts (in MF terms) and now there are two must haves for me, this one and the 250... and I think it'll be this one first.

[@mortenthorpe]

the GF 250 f4 is a monster! i borrowed it about a year ago, with the gfx 100s, and ohh my! my gfx 50r is amazing though, and the gf110 is super cool

[@ADHDgrapher]

@@mortenthorpe I've gotten the 250 two months ago, what a delight!

[@mortenthorpe]

@@ADHDgrapher if you want to see a Sony camera fanboy(thrilled with his awesome full frame), show him a GFX…

[@rotorfpv4117]

This lens or cheaper voigtlander Apo skopar 90 LM?

[@marcusnz232]

I would love to see some non-portrait images taken with this lens. All I can ever find is endless headshots! It must be useful for other things too surely? Your excellent slideshow had some similar images to what I shoot when in SEA and so thanks for that! Most reviews are just endless posed headshots rather than environmental and travel work.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Hi Marcus, Cheers for watching. I think you'll find that people are showing its strengths. Close-up portrait work is where this lens really comes into its own. Typically, I wouldn't have it with me when I travel because of its size and weight, but I happened to bookend two trips, one for my Tattoos of Asia project and one with my wife. That meant I had it with me and definitely wanted to make use of it since it was destroying my back. haha. Glad it was helpful!

[@marcusnz232]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Thanks - it was. I am moving to GFX as we speak. Nailing down the correct starting lenses is proving tricky as I can't quite replicate what I would use in other formats (2 identical bodies, WA fast zoom on one, 70-200 2.8 on the other) and I need to accept I won't be working the same way. Just to add extra confusion, my dealer has a BNIB 100 unit (a single one!) at the same price as the 100s. If the 50 had PDAF I would stick to that but CDAF just won't work for me, I'd never consider the 100 at the original price but at the same price as the 's' version it's an added consideration for the better EVF and a few other (minor) things. I'm pleased to have found your work - it's in the ballpark of my own preferred subjects and so on!

[@mrz1342]

Hi, for me the most important thing is what you mentioned at 6:40” for having 110mm. But despite of weight and size, do you think the new 80mm on my gf100s would provide the same feeling quality (at 6:40”)? Or because of better subject compression bokeh and not distortion for portraits on 80mm, having leaner motor for faster auto focusing, still you recommend 110mm? Thank you

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

I have the 80mm, but haven't been able to work with it in this style yet. From the way that I have been working so far, I'd say that the 80mm doesn't really produce images this way. It doesn't flatter the subject in quite the same way because of the shorter focal length. Until I've spent more time working in this way, it's hard to say. What I would say now is that the 110mm is a lens I'll never part with.

[@mrz1342]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer I was told that I can achieve the portrait quality with 100mm on my 45-100 lens and no different than having 110! Is it true?

[@bartlevenson7851]

How about a nikon 105mm 1.8?

[@walterlopez1924]

Hello, I'm from Argentina and sorry for my English, there is only one option for this type of lens... to buy it... the first thing in a photo camera is to obtain this excellent image quality... the rest... is secondary ..

[@bartlevenson7851]

Nowadays there is the Mitacon 85mm 1.4 speedmaster.

[@borromine]

One question this review does bring up: gf 80mm vs 110mm. 80mm a bit smaller, a bit lighter. Of course not the classic 85mm length tho.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Honestly, I'd have bought the 80mm if it existed at the time. The GF 110 is a spectacular lens, but the 80mm is more my focal length. Who knows what the future holds? A lottery win, perhaps?

[@borromine]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer yes. Hard to keep up. Fortunately or sadly I have lots of old equip waiting to be sold to KEH. So eventually hope yo get the 80mm.

[@filibertkraxner305]

I use my 110 on a GFX50 R for both portraits and dance. For anything static, it's brilliant but in low (stage) light, the AF is too slow. How would you rate the GFX100S AF performance in low light, with the 110? Big improvement or not spectacular. I'm now on the fence whether or not I need a second (FF) system to photograph dance performances. Would love it if I could make the GFX system work instead.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

A huge improvement, but still not the ideal system for fast moving low light work in my opinion.

[@filibertkraxner305]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer I was afraid you were going to say that ;-) Oh well, the next loan it is , lol.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

It might work for the way you shoot. That's just my experience. Perhaps find one to test before you make your final decision. :)

[@filibertkraxner305]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Good idea. Although I'm not looking forward to dealing with 102MP files, if I could make the GFX system work for me, I'd retain better image quality. And save a bit of money. I'll rent one for my next performace shoot. Thx for your responses!

[@rotorfpv4117]

And for that reason isnt it better to buy manual lens like voigtlander ?

[@mugdays]

9:09 Your accent changes in the span of about a second lol

[@JuanLopez-oz9kh]

Hi; I am looking at a gfx; but will be using it with non fuji lenses. One question; What would be a good lens and adopter for gdx? It will be used for portraits only landscape photography; I love using manual lenses. Don't care for autofocus. Thanks

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

I only have experience with a Nikon F- GFX converter from Fotodiox and I'll say it worked, but wasn't well made. Aside from that, I can't really provide any other advice.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thank you so much for watching. It's hard to evaluate things in a day, so I always try to only offer a long term review.

[@paddington2063]

Hi, I use Fotodiox adapters for 2 vintage lenses. One for Mamiya 645 and the other for Contax C/Y. Gorgeous IQ from both. Will be adapting RB67 lenses soon.

[@JuanLopez-oz9kh]

@@paddington2063 thank you! I was looking at Mamiya lenses. What focal length are yours?

[@JuanLopez-oz9kh]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer nikon to GFX? Do nikon ff cover the sensor of a gfx? Nikon has good glass

[@unstanic]

Hey! Should I buy this lens? Please don't ignore me :P

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Whether you do or not, you will not be ignored. ;)

[@izak001]

relative good, but 80/1.7 is game changer - now is 110/2 history, that nobody buy ;-))

[@FL18644]

How about 105 1.4 ?

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Fujifilm doesn't make a 105 f/1.4 and I have stopped using third party lenses for the time being.

[@FL18644]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer why ? Sigma 105 / Nikon 105 you don't like?

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

I've used several different adapters to convert lenses to the GF mount and in the end, I've always found the native lenses superior for my type of work. Most of the time, I'm looking for autofocus that doesn't fail, no issues with firmware updates, and excellent optical performance for the GFX. That makes the native lenses the choice for me.