Fujifilm XF18mm/XF23mm/XF33mm Interview: It’s All About The Resolution And The Future of APS-C (Fujifilm X-H2)

• 3 years ago

Fujifilm has been overemphasizing the resolution improvements that their second generation XF18mm f/1.4, XF23mm f/1.4, and XF33mm f/1.4 bring to the table in the run-up to the Fujifilm X-H2, which will likely have a 33MP+ sensor in it to shoot 8k. It will be interesting to see which lenses Fujifilm chooses to refresh before the X-H2 reaches us next year, but so far Fujifilm is off to a pretty good start.

The only thing I really do not like about the current lineup of refreshed lenses at this time is they lack Fujifilm’s amazing focus clutch technology that can be found on the original XF16mm f/1.4 and XF23mm f/1.4. I really can’t overemphasize how much I love this feature and will miss it if Fujifilm abandons the technology.

Below you can read a summary of the above-translated interview where you can get an idea of how hard Fujifilm is driving home the improved resolution of these lenses and how it will be needed in the future.

• The XF33mm f/1.4 and XF23mm f/1.4 are evolutions of the XF18mm f/1.4
• Megapixels are going to continue to increase so second-generation XF lenses will be ready for the increase
• The XF33mm f/1.4 and XF23mm f/1.4 fix aberrations and increase resolution
• Fujifilm used two aspherical elements and three ed elements that reduce aberrations
• Fujifilm also brought linear motors to these lenses for speed and accuracy
• Fujifilm improved image quality by improving mechanical and optical design
• Fujifilm’s second generation of lenses is also dust and drip-proof
• Lens resolution and the sensor are independent factors
• Resolution no feels abundant with Fujifilm’s new lenses
• You should feel that the resolution is clear
• The XF23mm f/1.4 has a close focus distance of 19cm and if you shoot at that distance the background will be very blurry
• The XF33mm f/1.4 has very smooth bokeh that is good out to the edge
• The 2mm difference between the XF35mm f/1.4 and XF33mm f/1.4 won’t make much difference with bokeh when shooting under the same conditions
• 2mm difference might be a lot to some for fov, but it doesn’t change the picture that much
• Comparing the XF35mm f/1.4 to the XF33mm f/1.4 it about being well rounded as a whole or clear
• Fujifilm doesn’t feel the XF35mm f/1.4 and XF33mm f/1.4 should be compared
• The feel of Fujifilm’s second generation of lenses has been improved so they are very comfortable to use
• XF23mm is the king of snap lens

Fujinon XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR: B&H Photo / Amazon /Adorama

Fujinon XF 18mm f/2 R: B&H Photo / Amazon /Adorama

Fujinon XF 23mm f/1.4 R: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Fujinon XC 35mm f/2: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 R WR: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

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