The Fuji 35mm f1.4 in 2023 - LONG TERM REVIEW

[@ninjesus4079]

usually I find the people doing lens reviews to produce bad pictures but you illustrate this review with impressive photos imo

[@FeralGinger]

That’s extremely kind of you to mention and thank you for watching. I’m definitely on a bit of a resurgence with my photography over this last 12 months but it felt great to compile some of my best work into this video!

[@lxhk3595]

My 35mm 1.4 is a big part of the reason for me, not to leave Fuji. Just shot our vacation, Sicily in spring, and the pictures were gorgeous. The lens did it's job very well in all kinds of challenging situations. So good

[@FeralGinger]

It's still an absolute stunner and been with me longer than any other single piece of gear!

[@andreigriga]

Love your pictures, love your style and the conclusion very much resonates. Expecting my copy to arrive today with XT50

[@martinphilipps8678]

I got it 6months ago for my x-t5 and it quickly replaced my standard zoom as every-day lens. It's fantastic

[@FeralGinger]

ohhh how do you find it on that huge 40mp sensor? I don't believe it's one of the "rated" lenses to get all the detail (not that it really matters) it's a LOVELY bit of glass!

[@martinphilipps8678]

@@FeralGinger i am not pixel peeping. Resolution and sharpness are enough for me. Its the versatility and character of the lens that make it my favourite

[@FeralGinger]

absolutely can't argue with that!@@martinphilipps8678

[@cyanhobbit]

Best lens I've ever used. It's basically stuck to my camera since I bought it. Great video, really nice shots!

[@FeralGinger]

Thanks for the kind words! It's an absolute beauty of a lens and I can't see myself ever being without it! I would LIKE to try the Zeiss 32 at some point though!

[@golden_eye2349]

same! 😍

[@-OEG]

Wonderful lens. The autofocus its just skill. I choose the single point, the second largest AF size and practice alot. If you use this lens as a daily driver you will learn to know the 35mmf1.4R, its Worth it! ❤

[@FeralGinger]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! You're right, it's on one of my cameras 90% of the time!

[@BenjaminKanarek]

My favourite from over 30+ lenses...

[@FeralGinger]

It’s an absolute blessing to own, 30 is a lot to compare to though, what would be your second favourite lens?

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Nice video! I hope they make a mark ii of this lens at some point.

[@FeralGinger]

Dima! I LOVE your videos man! Thank you so much for dropping by and checking mine out 🙏 I would absolutely LOVE a mark ii of this glass, weather resistant, faster focus, and maybe the clutch of the 16mm - we can only hope!

[@mgscheue]

Excellent review and great pictures. I have one on the way for my X-T5. Will be my only Fuji lens.

[@FeralGinger]

Thanks for the kind words, that's a great combo you have!

[@ulfgreger]

I also just love this lens. Just made a KZbin video about it as my only lens on X-Pro1 for 8 years. keep up the good work.

[@FeralGinger]

Thank you so much!

[@mattinterweb]

Well done - nice vid. Looks a beautiful. Do you think pairing this lens with the XT1 will be too slow for street photography?

[@FeralGinger]

Thanks for dropping by, for street photography with that combo you'd just want to prefocus where you think the subject will enter as the XT1 whilst great wasn't the best for continuous focus. You'll smash it man and get EXCELLENT results from that sensor!

[@markogrubisic]

I dont mind the autofocus on this lens becouse the results are just beyond this world ❤

[@FeralGinger]

Right? it's absolutely incredible! It's definitely a lot faster on the later bodies to be fair!

[@Mike-VR]

Great images! Thanks for sharing them. What software do you like using for them tricky X-Trans files?

[@sophsaund304]

I totally agree! I got this lens with an xt1 about 7 or 8 yrs ago, and swiftly sold all my canon kit! Yes it's imperfect but it's the one I use the most and still love ❤️, the only thing that I'd change is a front lens cap that stays on 😂

[@FeralGinger]

Ahh it is fantastic, Thanks for dropping by! Thankfully I gave up with the lens cap and rubber cap years ago and ditched them, I just keep the metal lens hood and nothing more haha

[@xeroeddie]

Great video! My 56mm 1.2 is the one I use the most on my XE3, but even though it takes some amazing portraits, the 85mm equivalent is a bit too restrictive for everyday use. And a bit too heavy too. I'm thinking about selling it and getting this one. Since the 56 is also a slow focuser, I'm probably okay with the 35mm 1.4, in that regard. But year, I'm not sure yet.

[@FeralGinger]

I only hear good things about the 56 1.2! I've actually not had chance to try it out yet but yeah, size is often the most important thing to me too. There is a huge difference between those focal lengths though. I have a 56mm Viltrox and I think I would stuggle to use that mainly, especially for travel but I bet your images look great, XE3 is a dream of a camera too, I actually prefer that body shape over the XE4!

[@ronnham]

Rocking my TTArtisan 35 f1.4 for the 3rd year now and 0 regrets! Best sub-100$ purchase I have ever made!

[@FeralGinger]

I am really wanting to try some of the TTartisan manual stuff! I have their 27mm f2.8 AF and tbh, I love it! Thanks for leaving a comment!

[@ronnham]

@@FeralGinger The 7Artisan 60mm Macro is also a legendary lens 😃

[@FeralGinger]

I'll put it on my radar thank you! The only macro I currently own is the AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 with an adapter, I use it mainly for digital scans of film negatives!@@ronnham

[@LDN_BOX]

Great review, I just picked up a 16mm f1.4 to pair with my 35mm f1.4 which I adore! I actually bought the 35mm f1.4 instead of the f2 so really don’t know what the fast focus feels like and therefore not bothered by it all!

[@FeralGinger]

Ohh the 16mm f1.4 is supposed to be absolutely GOLDEN, not had a chance to try it! To be honest I think the auto focus speed isn't THAT bad in the grand scheme of things, just a shame about the autofocus noise!

[@LDN_BOX]

@@FeralGinger I shoot street, outdoor I never notice the noise! Really the f1.4 & f2 are the same size minus the hood, re weight diff (the 1.4 is v.light too) have to think of the overall balance of your camera body, so what maybe considered slightly heavier may well balance things out better on your camera body re overall ergonomic feel. Therefore, the only consideration, left for me was cost and in the 2nd hand market, there isn't too much of a significant difference. So unless, you are the type to see rain in a weather forecast schedule and immediately think, I MUST go out and shoot than it's a toss up! I am thinking of buying a GR III as my next purchase to fit between my 16mm and 35mm, I quite like the idea of something pocketable without the need to swap out a lens. The 16mm is for wide if I spot something out - so less frequently used, the 35mm is my mainly stay and I might just get rid of my 18/55 f2.8 XF lens and replace with the GR III as I never use it.

[@FeralGinger]

​@@LDN_BOX very interesting insight on them, - thank you! I could definitely do with more WR glass though been in some ROUGH weather with the X-T4! The GRIII is supposed to be fantastic and there is something to be said about having something pocketable (miss my X70 for that exact reason) I got round this by always having a compact film camera in the pocket haha

[@LDN_BOX]

@@FeralGinger you’re spoilt for choice re WR lens with Fuji. I think I’ll give the GR III a spin at somepoint, I like the idea of an everyday carry around which is discreet and complimentary if I decide to take my Fuji out too re inbetween the mm of my Fuji lens. Lumix do fantastic cameras in the portability stakes, images are crisp and renders have character as per their tie up with Leica. The only let down is in low light as their sensor in their smaller portable cameras tend to be micro 4/3 or 1inch sensors and they just aren’t cutting it after dusk imo. I really don’t mind about the numbers re megapixel on them as often with less megapixels on those smaller sensors you get more light as per less but larger pixels so you can still get beautiful images. The size of them lends you to be more adventurous too. Therefore, the GRIII fits the bill all round for me and maybe by the time I get around to it, they’ll update it and I can grab a bargain on the current gen!

[@LDN_BOX]

@@FeralGinger Guess what? I really toyed with the Ricoh, like super did but a few things pulled me back re the lack of tilt screen, lack of view finder isn’t soo bad but the lack of tilt compounds it a little more. So I just bought a new 27mm with the aperture ring instead. Figured for the X-T30 if I take off my grip then I have a tiny quite stealthy set up and then can also screw it back on with the other lens. In short, changes the complexation of what I have and opens up a different style of being more stealthy! I might get the Ricoh someday but I’ve found quite a cool workaround for now! I don’t mind the f2.8 re the size of the pancake as don’t intend for amazing bokeh or portraits, as have other lens which do it better, this is just for grabbing that moment

[@jaapkamstra9343]

Hey great shots! Currently rocking the mitakon speedmaster, but searching for an autofocus alternative because I sometimes miss focus a bit. I think I prefer the look of the fuji 35mm, but also debating the WR 33mm.

[@FeralGinger]

Thank you! Ohhh I really want to try out the Mitakon, heard great things, how do you find it and which body do you use it on? The WR 33mm f1.4 is FANTASTIC but it is CONSIDERABLY bigger and size does matter to me! The 33mm is much faster and WR though!

[@oliviertse224]

Great piece on the lens! Wondering if you’ve come across the aperture blade “chatter” - as mine has but doesn’t seem to be universal. Thoughts?

[@FeralGinger]

Thanks for dropping by! I haven't had that with this lens but I HAVE had it with another so I know what you mean, the flickering sound during shifts in exposure right?

I'm hugely in love with my 35mm f1.4. Portable, versatile and sharp. Plus it has a retro vibe that makes it perfect for everyday life. One question though: Which recipe did you use for the forest image at 3:28? I've been struggling to get a combination of green and red that I like for forest pictures.

[@FeralGinger]

It's fantastic right? Appreciate you dropping by but to be honest, I tend to REALLY struggle with greens with Fuji cameras as they never look exactly how I want from the recipes so I end up doing a lot of the forest images individually, sorry I can't be more help but I DO feel your pain!

[@nesutoneko]

Best lens. For me, AF noise is much more bothersome than AF speed - but any caveats are well worth the IQ & character.

[@FeralGinger]

That's fair, for single point focus honestly it's absolutely fine, I still use it for paid work but yeah, it's quite a loud little lens! Thanks for dropping by!

[@shira_yone]

I really want one because of the lens hood. Though I do wonder if I can just get the hood and use it on some other lens, probably not a good idea.

[@FeralGinger]

Hey thanks for dropping by! I believe it MAY be interchangable with the 18mm f2 but I'm not 100% sure. I know it won't fit on any of my other lenses! You might want to check out SquareHood as they make a few nice designs though they are costly. Hell, my Viltrox 23mm has a Viltrox branded square hood that I purchased separately! What lens are you trying to fit something to?

[@shira_yone]

@@FeralGinger oh it's just the cheaper XC 15-45mm zoom kit lens, which coincidentally also have a 52mm diameter filter size. I presume it'll be fine on the longer focal length but may be obstructed by the hood on the wider side. I will check this SquareHood you mention, thank you for the info!

[@arildthingvoll5967]

Great video! Which film simulation do you mostly use with this lens?

[@FeralGinger]

Honestly I still love the classic chrome look but classic negative has taken my top spot recently

[@Ed-lz4jv]

waiting for my used one to arrive. your photos demonstrate how good this lens can be. I had it 6 years ago but all was stolen . Nice review!

[@bilbo8338]

Damn how did you get it stolen ?

[@FeralGinger]

Thank you for the kind words, this video was a lot of fun to be honest collecting some of my favourite images over the years, glad you have another on the way but I’m sorry to hear you had some gear stolen :(

[@Ed-lz4jv]

@@bilbo8338 they broke into my house and stole ALL my fuji system and more stuff

[@1secondlate]

Any mention this is one of the only few still "made in japan" lens? At least my 5 year old one is though.😅

[@danielbuergo]

I just recently picked up a new one. My previous was long in the tooth. It’s still made in Japan. At least that’s what it shows

[@FeralGinger]

Thanks for dropping by, mine is made in Japan but honestly that doesn’t really stand for much anymore, I’ve got fujifilm cameras that are made in china that are much better built than my older made in Japan cameras. Same can be said for other lenses I have that are made in china that are CONSIDERABLY better built than this haha hope yours is still serving you well though!

[@1secondlate]

@@FeralGinger wow that's surprising to hear! Mine is still doing well and surviving under my amateur care 😅

[@Vartan297]

Was one of these pictures Derby council house?

[@garypentecost833]

My favourite too on my xpro 3

[@FeralGinger]

Ohhhh I’m quite jealous of you having an X-Pro3, hope it is serving you well! Thanks for dropping by.

[@Endr29]

Great video once again! Is it possible to use the lenshood in combination with a lens filter like the Tiffen one?

[@FeralGinger]

Hey thanks for dropping by. I actually DO use it with the lens hood and a Tiffen Glimmer Glass! Fits very well!

[@bwellington3001]

I am considering buying this used. How would the AF perform on X-T30??

[@FeralGinger]

Hey thanks for dropping by, FUNNILY enough I'm actually working on an X-T30 video at the moment (seemingly a VERY underappreciated camera) and I usually have this mounted to it! It's really quite snappy for most stuff, obviously it's not going to be a sports lens but I use it regularly and have used the X-T30&35 for paid event work too and been VERY happy with the outcome

[@bwellington3001]

@@FeralGinger i went ahead and ordered a used 35mm 1.4, full package and good condition for around 380 usd where i live. Also an extra grip from aliexpress.. that’s gonna be enough for my gear purchases for now 📸 I was thinking about new viltrox 27 1.2 but it’s around 100 usd more than used fuji and also quite large.

[@FeralGinger]

That's a decent haul, would be interested in your thoughts on the grip on the X-T30, I did look at quite a few before committing to the lensmate thumbrest. I really want the Viltrox 27 1.2 and the 75 1.2 for my paid work but you're right, they are HEFTY. I'll mostly likely get one of them down the line and do a review but I can't ever imagine using a lens that large as my daily carry!@@bwellington3001

[@officialusmanqureshi]

do you find the focus and aperture rings kinda loose?

[@FeralGinger]

hey thanks for dropping by! Mine feels pretty good overall, the focus is a LITTLE loose but the aperture feels spot on though not as tight as my Viltrox lenses (I actually find them too tight) but you're not the first person I've heard mention this!

[@officialusmanqureshi]

@@FeralGinger haha yeah, I came from a Sony system so the fuji lens I got kinda felt sloppy, but I wasnt sure if its my lens or if its just the way fuji builds them lol

[@FeralGinger]

:') most Sony glass I had and I've used has been plastic and without aperture rings to be fair but yeah I have heard some are a little loose that said, I am finding the viltrox stuff to be a step ahead in terms of build quality!@@officialusmanqureshi

[@parmanduke]

The folks who raved about this lens knock it for the 33mm f1.4 wr. I have this lens and for ,e it doesn’t get better than this image wise. Af for my use is great. Not paying $899 for a slight upgrade in af.

[@FeralGinger]

I had the option to go for the 33mm recently and I stuck with my 35mm haha. both are VERY good, for paid work I have used the 35mm a lot and still do but I feel the 33mm would be a better option in that realm! Glad we agree though, the 33 is a costly beast and HUGE!

[@SlavaVeres]

What do you think of new Fujinon 33mm/f1.4? If it was a bit cheaper I would upgrade my 35/2

[@FeralGinger]

The 33mm is a LOT faster for focusing, and generally a bit better in almost every aspect, it just doesn’t have quite the same flaws(read character). If I were starting again I’d realistically choose the more reliable glass, especially for pro work - a missed shot doesn’t get you paid!

[@danielbuergo]

@@FeralGingerAnd that’s the thing. These newer lenses fujifilm has brought out of late is geared towards the pro or prosumer for sure. The tack sharp and tack focus of these new lenses are geared towards exactly this

[@谭毅锋]

how should I choose between viltrox 27mm f1.2 and xf 35 f1.4?

[@FeralGinger]

The Viltrox is around twice the size/weight but weather sealed, faster to focus and faster aperture and "clinically" sharper. The Viltrox really is a BIG unit though. Try before you buy!

[@谭毅锋]

@@FeralGinger thanks

[@stcstwwlove]

I would like to hear your opinion on 33mm f/1.4. Or know if u move to the 33?

[@FeralGinger]

Thanks for dropping by. The 33mm by all means is a mostly better lens for 95% of people. My issue is that I feel it’s not as unique in the images that it creates, it doesn’t have the same look/flaws that draw me to the 35mm f1.4. I can definitely see why in 2023 most people would be drawn to the 33mm over the 35mm though! I still use the 35mm for plenty of paid gigs though and find on the X-Trans 4 bodies (I’m currently using the X-T30 and X-T4) it’s plenty fast enough for MOST situations.

[@Justachamp772]

I have a XS-10, been using it with my kit lens 18-55mm for over a year now, should I get F1.4 or F2 35mm?

[@FeralGinger]

Thanks for taking the time to comment! What you have done is absolutely the best way to get used to a camera. The 35 1.4 is a little bigger (not much and does balance well on the X-S10) it's brighter and has character, much better for dark shooting. The 35 f2 is VERY VERY fast at auto focusing in comparison. For my money it's always the f1.4 but it depends if you need that speed of auto focus! For what it's worth I had an EXCELLENT time with the 35mm f1.4 on my X-S10!

[@Justachamp772]

@@FeralGinger Thank you sir, i will think of that now, also now I am thinking of buying another zoom lens to cover more so how is the XF 55-200mm lens by fuji or should get the XC 50-230mm, or the 1.4 prime, as all are around the same price range in my country which is india

[@richbrook101]

@@FeralGinger Would the AF on the 35mm f1.4 be fast enough for travelling, taking street photos of people, architecture for example?

[@FeralGinger]

Absolutely, I have used this on PLENTY of occasions for travel! and I've used it at paid graduation ceremonies where it has held up well!@@richbrook101

[@FeralGinger]

@@Justachamp772 honestly I have no experience with either the 55-200 or the 50-230 but I'm actually in the line for one myself! Mostly for travel though I use a short prime like the 35mm!

[@DJBastor]

At 4:08 is that dean village

[@FeralGinger]

It is indeed, we're regular visitors! Well spotted!

[@oscarabello84]

don't you think that this lens with the glimmerglass 1, a lot of contrast is lost and changes a little co

[@FeralGinger]

Hey thanks for stopping by! You definitely lose some contrast but the softened highlights definitely makes the images feel closer to a "film-like" experience (I saw this as someone who still shoots film regularly!) I also find the glimmer glass stops the over-sharpened look that you get in some 4k footage. Hope this helps!

[@rakoksy]

Great lens but I swapped it for Norton 35 1.2. No regrets!

[@FeralGinger]

Ohhh I have been gassing for the for a WHILE! It looks like SUCH a good lens! Thanks for stopping by!

[@venom2k2]

I got the Voigtländer Nokton since June and I am still not sure if it can and will replace my Fuji 35mm. Manual focus is fun but in some settings it is not cutting it for me. Might need more training but photographing my kids is a true pain in the ass sometimes. Sometimes I am lazy and rely on autofocus. Either way, both lenses are fantastic :)

[@JosephLSSimpson]

From the quality of these images I don’t know if I believe that this lens has any drawbacks!! Is there a Sony e mount equivalent?

[@FeralGinger]

Haha I feel the same way sometimes! Tough question, the closest lens VISUALLY speaking is probably the 7artisans 50mm f1.1 lens but iirc that's Leica mount only. Sony traditionally go for very clinically accurate glass whereas this 35mm had it's own "character". If you're wanting something with character I'd definitely check out some of the 7artisans or TTartisans stuff as I know they DO make some e-mount glass but they're all mostly manual focus. Other than that my money would go on the INCREDIBLE Zeiss 32mm f1.8, they do a Sony version and the Fuji version would actually be the lens I owned if this 35mm f1.4 didn't exist!

[@hellni79]

@@FeralGinger do the 7artisans /Ttartisan 35mm for x-mount give something anyway close to the fuji 35mm?

[@sabhiuddinshermuhammad7165]

How much in doler

[@FeralGinger]

you can easily pick them up used for $3-400!

[@seed157]

Oh man, the weight of it is just such a turn off. Im sute Viltrox made a great lens. I use their 85mm 1.8 and its absolutely fantastic. But soooooo heavyyyyy... At any case great review as always mate!

[@FeralGinger]

Very kind of you to say! Vitro’s do make some great glass, I’m actually getting some excellent results from their 56mm f1.4 currently and I’m HIGHLY tempted by the 75mm f1.2 but what I really want more than anything is for Fuji to re-released the 18mm pancake lens! A faster focusing, quieter water resistant version would be an instant purchase!

[@kevin-sj3wt]

why is it a turn off, really love a light camera so we can handle it single handedly

[@seed157]

@@kevin-sj3wt i think you need to read my comment again. Their 85mm is just too heavy. I believe it is because it was designed initially for full frame but adopted to apsx later on

[@JosephLSSimpson]

First!

[@FeralGinger]

Thank you for your advice on this video brother. Eternally grateful 🙏

[@mex5341]

600$ lens with bad AF and CA , lol Fuji

[@FeralGinger]

To be fair they only keep this line because the fans love the character. There are three more 35mm lenses in their line, one coming in at a mere $199 that is plentyful fast in terms of autofocus and image quality. At least we have these options 🙂