The Fujifilm XF33mm f/1.4 is an interesting lens that is selling well according to Fujifilm, but which lens is the better lens? If you depend on autofocus then the Fujifilm XF33mm f/1.4 is probably for you, but if you’re used to working around slow lenses or working with manual focus lenses the character of the XF35mm f/1.4 is still unmatched.
I am becoming of the opinion that Fujifilm release the XF33mm f/1.4 instead of updating the XF35mm f/1.4 simply because they could not truly improve the lens without ruining what made it special and it shows in the XF33mm f/1.4 announcement. I haven’t seen one photo out of the XF33mm f/1.4 that made me go wow yet, but when Fujifilm launched the X-Pro1 with the XF35mm f/1.4 I was blown away by how close Fujifilm got to the Leica look at a fraction of the price.
The XF35mm f/1.4 is a wow lens while the XF33mm f/1.4 simply is not and Fujifilm doesn’t have to admit defeat now because they have made it clear they aren’t really updating the XF35mm f/1.4. I think many long-time Fujifilm fans will be disappointed by this reality because many wanted an XF35mm f/1.4 replacement that simply increased autofocus performance and added weather sealing while retaining the character from the legendary original lens.
In short, if you are a photographer that is trying to get a magical look get the XF35mm f/1.4 and ignore the XF33mm f/1.4, but if you’re a hybrid shooter that does a lot of video then you should consider the XF33mm f/1.4 over the XF35mm f/1.4.
Fujinon XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujinon XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama