Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR lens review

[@tagchristof]

I've used every lens for the GFX system and this one is by far the loveliest. useful focal length, gorgeous real-world rendering at every aperture, useful in a great many scenarios, and very well-built. it's the stuff lens legends are made of!

[@jimizell]

*GF 80mm has entered the comments,

[@Yupthereitism]

Autofocus sucks

[@Shawn-ky2tw]

@@jimizell lol

[@roxikoko3744]

Best lens. Glued to my GFX 100SII. Main lens at weddings. Every other lens I use are fillers. Such beautiful rendering. You can tell which images have been shot with this lens unlike most other lenses.

[@goatrip69]

Image smoothnes from this lens is amazing.

[@datphatjr]

Have waited for this review for a long time

[@Jwitherow1964]

Dustin said this is his favorite on the gf system, thank you 😊 you have a grand Chanel

[@Kameru-eru]

Amazing review as always!

[@brianbeattyphotography]

man.. I have been DYING to get my hands on this one! Great review, and looks awesome as expected (and as I've heard from anyone that's tried it).

[@theonlyredspecial]

Super lens. Have used it for product photography quite a lot. Really sharp from my experiences. A little noisy if you are in a quiet room but it has to move a lot of glass.

[@randomvedant]

Thanks for the great review, as always! I am happy with my APS-C setup. :) Medium format has a long way to go towards perfection.

[@AdamAllen]

Been waiting on this one.

[@Paul_Rohde]

Nice end music. Nice gallery too.

[@TomRucero]

the end music sounded like the music from The Sims Bustin Out GBA Pet Store

[@michaelwhiles5282]

You managed to escape The Village ? Be seeing You...

[@davidsaut6127]

Happy New Year Chris, I heard Samyang released 35mm F1.4 P back in early December2024. Wish to see you review it since it has price around EUR600 and the new line of Samyang which is P series for Premium/Performance/Prime... Thanks in advance...

[@christopherfrost]

I'm interested too! Hopefully Samyang can get a review copy off to me soon.

[@nicedward7544]

Just sold my Sony FF stuff to get a gfx50. Trying to decide which ONE gf lens i will get lol. I will be adapting 645 glass mostly but need at least one native piece for when i want to do landscape/environmental portraits. This looks tempting but I'll probably go with a zoom.

[@Mamo878]

Yeah, seems like the GF 32-64mm f/4 R LM WR is probably a bit more versatile for your use case.

[@Mattrossphoto]

It’s really mind boggling how the art ef lenses are 1.4 and focus much faster with the fringer than the 80, 55 and 110. My canon 200 f2 is lighting fast with the fringer. After the new firmware the 120 is the fastest.

[@christopherfrost]

You should bear in mind that the glass elements in a MF lens are bigger and heavier, which is harder work for their AF mechanisms (although ultimately I do agree with you)

[@Mattrossphoto]

@ yeah but they also look better thsn the gf glass. The 105, 135, and 40 are sharper and have better contrast that the 80. Only lens that’s beats them on my studio text os the 120 macro but it’s f4😂 I have a vid on my page with raws to download from a studio portrait session where I compared all of my ef and gf glass on the 100sii. My results were 1. 120 2. 40 sigma 3. 105 sigma 4. 35-70gf 5. Cannon 200 f2 6. 80 gf I dismissed the ef glass until I tried it and was blown away

[@jliang70]

@@Mattrossphoto Manual focus Zeiss Milvus is even sharper more contrasty than Sigma ART 135mm. I think 110mm F2 is just different to 105mm and in my opinion better.

[@Mattrossphoto]

@@jliang70 I haven’t got to try it but the 120 lives in my camera I’m a studio f8 guy but I’m outside it’s the 105 or the 200 F2. I’m in a weird spot can’t justify the 120

[@dalkapur]

I have the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art coupled to my GFX100Sii via a fringer and am totally impressed. No vignette, decent AF, sharp and creamy bokeh. A poor mans alternative to the GF 55mm f/1.7.

[@christianschneiderphoto]

Incredible how this company has created a gigantic name for itself when the quality of like everything they release are often in the bottom in all areas. My 5D mKII from 2008 smokes this 8000€ camera 24/7 in picture quality. Says a lot.

[@caleidoo]

Phew, for a second you had me thinking you were actually serious.

[@christopherfrost]

Haha! I like the way you're subliminally mocking Canon fanboys there.

[@sloemo4024]

Have you tried the manual autofocus in stills mode? I don’t get the jerkiness I’m seeing in your videos, in fact it’s quite smooth with the ability to adjust focus in tiny increments.

[@christopherfrost]

It's always looked the same to me, whether in stills or video mode (there really shouldn't be a difference, anyway)

[@AWAShowme]

This one will not be on the list when I can afford a Fuji camera. Thanks for the review.

[@micahaka]

Please review the Voigtlander Ultra-Wide trio! 10mm/12mm/15mm

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

Ive just wasted money on a XT50 with a couple of lenses when I could have got this 55mm... What did you mean getting sharp pictures at 102mp is no joke? I use a GFX100ii handheld 1/125th upwards with stabilisation every shot looks sharp. I frequently stick it on a monopod if I have time

[@GungKrisna12]

Is it because Fujifilm expects us to slow down and enjoy the moment in taking the photos?

[@zeroken]

best lens on gfx, 55 F1.7 and the 110 F2

[@industryrule-4080]

The fact that Fujifilm has the linear motor (LM) autofocus technology for lenses but chooses not to include it in all of the GFX lenses is very disappointing, considering the prices and intended use of the overall system. Actually, it’s downright stupid.

[@gamebuster800]

over 2000 EUR for a lens that pulses and hitches on autofocus, and has noisy motors. Mind boggling.

[@lumberjack3008]

One of the main reasons why I decided not to enter the GFX system. Slow and loud focusing lenses. Even with the newest lenses. Incredible. (Combined with crappy AF)

[@luciengrillet]

And yet this choice has been made for very intentional reasons : this lens actually has 8 focusing elements (more than half of the total), which allow better optical performance, in particular when it comes to the bokeh rendering. Linear motors just aren’t powerful enough to move all that weight. This lens design has also been applied to the XF56 WR and the decision has been criticised as well. But I own both lenses and they’re probably my favourites of the all Fuji lineup (tied maybe with the GF110 which has linear motors). Regarding the autofocus, as long as you keep in mind that they’re specialised tools not made for fast moving action, I hardly find any reason to complain. Not doing any type of video though.

[@nicedward7544]

​​​@@luciengrillet ^ this is correct. If they somehow made linear motors that could handle the weight of the glass elements reliably the lenses would be even bigger and heavier than they already are as well.

[@jimizell]

@@luciengrillet I don't think enough people realize the trade offs with LM. They just see that it is the "newer faster" AF motor and think it must be the right motor to use at all times.

[@BSCWeddingPhotography]

ooooo this might be lens i go broke for 🤣 I have massive GAS for the gfx system now 😍

[@artur.charaev]

What is interesting to see is direct comparison between GFX 55/1.7 and EF 50/1.2 along with sigma EF 50/1.4 EX (not art).

[@caleidoo]

Why not the Art? It's better than the EX in every way.

[@artur.charaev]

​@@caleidoo because EX is cheap as dirt: it 10 times cheaper than GF 55/1.7 while it has huge front element 77mm and there is almost no vignette. Though you know Art is good, I know Art is good (but personally prefer canon ef 50/1.2), so I guess EX is more interesting than Art, but sure better to have both in comparison.

[@caleidoo]

@@artur.charaev Art 50/1.4 are cheap now as well second hand and have faster focus and way better sharpness. And better coverage on GFX. I've never heard anyone adapting the EX version. I've seen many adapt the Art version, for said reasons. It would make more sense to put an excellent lens on it at that costs 1/8th of the GF 55 F1.7 or so second hand, instead of putting a mediocre EX lens on it that is a little bit cheaper... It's still 100MP, you need to draw the line somewhere. Either go full vintage glass with completely inadequate resolution, but great rendering - like the 1970s Minolta 55 f1.2. Or get the next best option after the GF 55 F1.7 of which the ART 50/1.4 + Fringer or whatever good adapter, is one of a few options.

[@GKhanKutar]

Who cares about corner sharpness at F1.7? You are shooting a model at F1.7, and the centre focus is important. The only weak side is Fuji did not put LM to this lens and 80mm lens. Hard to understand their strategy!!

[@gamebuster800]

I love fujifilm cameras but they really need to step up their autofocus game (or just get rid of it and go all-in on manual focus)

[@lumberjack3008]

The preference for slow and noisy focusing lenses - avoiding LM in most cases (exception: 110 mm) - cripples the flexibility of the whole system extremely. They should change their benchmark "Good enough". High IQ. Only useable with a lot of patience and objects that aren't moving and not in silent environments.

[@joaopaulo24816]

ninguém vê que essas lentes estão uma droga em relação as full frames!?

[@MasticinaAkicta]

Ah medium lenses and cameras. For when full frame becomes boring. But yeah, some lovely stuff there. And most photographers will never touch such. Still look at that quality. WOW.

[@samohara5187]

Great lens review, but having heard it again I have to ask: is the music you use at the end from the Sims? It sounds awfully familiar. 😅 (it's a great pick either way, and have a great New Year!)

[@christopherfrost]

Yup :-)

[@markec123]

I remember when Chris was a reviewer mostly for us poor folk.

[@christopherfrost]

Have you not seen all the low-budget lenses I'm constantly testing? ...I actually have three in my office under embargo right now...

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

Im 55, worked hard, dont smoke, go on holiday or gamble/drink, and Ive got the 100ii and most of the lenses so I DO want Chris to review this stuff. We all make choices. Ken Rockwell has a page 'how to afford anything' if it helps

[@christopherfrost]

@@jukeboxjohnnie I was recently chatting with a PR guy from one of Fujifilm's competitors who said he appreciated me testing GFX, as it helped him with lens choices for his 100ii!

[@KurtisPape]

My eyes are wider than 16mm, I never understand how 50mm is considered what the eyes see. Or am I just super human haha!

[@zyxyuv1650]

Where is the Samyang 35mm f/1.4 'P' FE (Prima)? I had it in my shopping cart on B&H and it suddenly disappeared from the site. Now I'm thinking of conspiracy theories...Like maybe Samyang sent a 'Prima' out to Christopher Frost for review, but his test results were so shockingly bad that it would bring disaster and shame on the entire Samyang brand, and after Christopher informed them of this, they had to postpone the launch.

[@christopherfrost]

Haha, no, I haven't seen one yet but hopefully one will make its way to me in the new year.

[@rogerhampton2844]

It doesn’t really matter that the autofocus is slow, it’s hardly suitable for sports or wildlife, unless you’re a masochist.

[@Léon-x3c]

In my opinion, assuming GFX cameras keep improving, we’ll get to a point where the bodies will be fast enough so it’d be great if the focus motor isn’t completely obsolete by then. Again, assuming you keep your glass a long time.

[@caleidoo]

@Léon-x3c A new body is not making every lens focus faster. Some come with a certain speed and that's it.

[@yuidfbse]

For the price and weight, I find the wide-open performance of this lens beyond mediocre, that simple. This is an F2.8 lens basically if you want proper performance and doesn't offer in in any way any performance or practical usability advantage to a comparable premium FF lens. No deal.

[@Handleneeds3or]

looks like fuji just putting a full fame lens with large image circle on gfx 😂

[@RickMentore]

Mr Frost you are errantly judging this lens focus speed by Full Frame standards!

[@maxime_rhmr6608]

That is an expensive nifty fifty :)

[@Yayadays111]

might be controversial but all the digital MF photos I have seen just don't have that MF look.

[@johnadams3038]

I don't see the appeal of MF cameras when FF cameras have much sharper lenses with bigger apertures... the sharpness and contrast of this lens is bad compared to for example FF Sony GM lenses

[@EdvardKALEN]

Here the matrix itself is larger, and its resolution is very high. Sony lenses are tested on other less demanding cameras.

[@Bayonet1809]

Not sure what more you could reasonably want; the corners are sharp stopped down just a bit, and the centre is sharp wide open. Or do you compose your shallow-depth-of-field subjects in the corner?

[@johnadams3038]

​@@EdvardKALEN If we assume your statement is somewhat correct, then why didn't Fuji create a lens that can resolve 100MP? Either way it's obvious that GM lenses are better, because we look at the final result. Whatever the case, final result is better and visibly sharper than this lens which is also full of aberrations, which has nothing to do with resolution.

[@johnadams3038]

@@Bayonet1809 What reasonably I would want is, better quality and not mid-quality for what is supposed to be high-end MF camera. Using your logic, I suggest then you just buy a toy camera if IQ isn't important to you. Like, have you heard of astro-photography where people use the max-aperture of a lens, I guess not lol

[@Bayonet1809]

@@johnadams3038 If you are serious about astrophotography then you would use an equatorial tracker and would be stopping down for more even illumination anyway, even with Sony GM lenses. F/2.8 is a perfectly reasonable aperture for such purposes.

[@sunlbx]

first?

[@Carthodon]

You are indeed.

[@christopherfrost]

Llongyfarchiadau

[@EdvardKALEN]

I still don't understand why this system exists. Very expensive cameras, very expensive optics, while both the optics and the cameras themselves are technologically far from fullframe cameras. The only advantage here is the size of the sensor. But those for whom it is THAT important will buy themselves a Hasselblad or Phase One.

[@christopherfrost]

The key benefit is those 100mp images which are frankly amazing...if you actually NEED that level of detail, of course. And MF images do have a certain 'look' to them which can be quite appealing, and the 4x3 aspect is nice, too

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

Have you used one? Ive sony a7riv kit the results are great but GFX is another level. The pictures straight out of camera pop and shine. Dont want chinese hasselblad or phase. GFX depreciation is hard to bear but the images are jaw dropping you need to see actual files to appreciate it.

[@EdvardKALEN]

@@christopherfrost Yes, of course, the larger sensor, the more impressive images you can get. The question is that objectively the vast majority do not need this. And those who may really need it (for printing in popular publications, on billboards, etc.) - they earn enough to buy an even better camera.

[@corktail7900]

a good use case for fujifilm medium format cameras, especially in the 400mp pixel shift mode is art preservation, some people use it for film scanning but that seems a bit excessive. it really is just equipment for those who are in too deep and want to print huge photos.

[@EdvardKALEN]

@@jukeboxjohnnie Yes, I had the opportunity to use their first camera for a while when it first came out. GFX 50s I think it was called. The detail is good, but it's not enough for me.