FUJIFILM Unveils the Compact Ultra-Wide-Angle GF20-35mm F4 R WR Zoom Lens
While the APS-C X-mount system was undoubtedly the main attraction at FUJIFILM’s event, the company hasn’t forgotten about its medium format GFX System. The GF 20-35mm F4 R WR is a new compact ultra-wide zoom lens from FUJIFILM for the GFX System. The new lens offers a 16mm to 28mm equivalent 35mm focal range. In addition to offering an ultra-wide angle of view, Fujifilm claims their cameras can capture minute details in rich information scenes, such as landscapes or cityscapes.
Even though it was created to be used with Fujifilm’s medium format camera systems, the lens has been developed with user-friendliness in mind and is hence relatively small and light.
“Photographers will be able to expand creative horizons with what is now our widest GF lens, with numerous options to beautifully freeze every detail in landscape, travel, and architecture photography. It also has the added convenience of a constant F4 maximum aperture throughout its focal range, which ensures exposure consistency and fast, accurate autofocusing regardless of the focal length,” said Victor Ha, vice president of the Electronic Imaging and Optical Device Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “Unlike traditional large-format photography gear which is heavy and bulky, the compact and lightweight design of GF20-35mmF4 R WR enables mobility for photographers on-the-go.”
For effective control of distortion and chromatic aberration, the optical design of the GF20-35mmF4 R WR consists of 14 elements in ten groups, including three aspherical, one ED aspherical, and three ED elements. With the help of these components, the lens produces clear, high-resolution photos with an edge-to-edge sharpness of up to 100 megapixels at all focal lengths and aperture settings. Fujifilm’s proprietary Nano GI coating technology, which reduces reflected light to decrease flare and ghosting while enhancing sharpness, color, and detail, further ensures optical excellence.
Only 4.4 inches (112.5mm) long and weighing 25.6 ounces. Despite being a UWA zoom lens (725g), the GF20-35mmF4 R LM WR features a filter thread size of 82mm, giving photographers the freedom to use various filters when making landscape photos.
The physical length and weight of the GF20-35mmF4 R WR remain the same at all focal lengths, thanks to an internal zoom mechanism.
To maximize the overall number of elements and their configuration, each lens group uses a total of four aspherical elements. This effectively corrects aberrations to retain high image quality while maintaining the small form factor. To reduce ghosting, a specific coating with an equal thickness is placed on the concave lens surface of strong curvature, which is generally found in UWA lenses.
Components around the lens mount are made from magnesium alloy as part of the design to make them both lightweight and durable.
Here are some sample pictures:
Like all FUJIFILM G Mount lenses, the GF20-35mmF4 R WR has a weather-resistant construction with 12 sealed points that protect the lens from moisture and dust while also keeping it functional in low temperatures of 14°F (-10°C). Fluorine coating is added to the front lens element to deter water, fingerprints, and other stains.
The GF 20-35mm F4 R WR is anticipated to go on sale in early October 2022 with an MSRP of $2,500.
More info on FUJIFILM’s website.
