When I purchased my FUJIFILM X-Pro2s back in 2016, my decision about what to pair it with was a clear one – prime lenses all the way. There are many blogs all over the interest on the advantages of ‘prime vs zoom’ and vice versa, so this isn’t a piece on that, what this is, is my reasoning for choosing the XF35mmF2 over the XF35mmF1.4.
I was initially leaning towards the F1.4 version, but I was quickly persuaded to at least try the F2. I am, and always will be, a ‘wide open’ type of photographer and with the electronic shutter, this is always an option. Every lens I own is the widest aperture for that focal length – it’s F1.4 (or 1.2 for my XF56mm and F2 for my incredible XF90mm) or nothing! So you may think it odd that I chose the smaller aperture for my XF35mm. And here is why…
As a wedding photographer in the UK, we are blessed with all conditions and, in some cases, literally four seasons on the one day, which makes the weather resistance (WR) on the F2 version almost priceless. Combining this with the weather resistance on the FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (and now FUJIFILM X-T3) means I have absolute confidence in shooting in all weather conditions, without fear water will not impede my shoot. In the image below, I can’t begin to tell you how wet I was. You can see the driving rain coming in from the left – my shirt went see-through it was raining that hard – but I had complete faith in that the lens and body would not let me down, even with the rain cascading down from the sky.
The F2 is incredibly sharp – I’d defy any other fixed focal lens on ANY system to be as sharp as the XF35mmF2 – and it is pin sharp at F2, where it spends most of its time. With its focal length, (and I have tried the 1.4 on many occasions) the depth of field is perfect for wedding portraits and group shots. You can shoot without the fear of the members of the bridal party at both ends of the line being slightly forwards and, as you focus on the bride, becoming a little too soft for comfort. It’s also perfect as we as humans see things as near as dammit 35mm (on APS-C sensors) so when my couples look through their pictures, they can remember being there, because, as a viewer, they are once again placed within the image because of the focal length I used.
Its internal focusing is silent and, when used with the electronic shutter, you will please the ‘grumpy’ members of the clergy and civil servants who conduct the wedding… I’ve previously been told by a vicar before to “sit at the back and do NOT take ANY images, and if I see or hear your camera, I’ll ask you to leave” (that’s another story for another time). Thankfully, I went un-noticed and was even thanked at the end for being so quiet and not taking any images. Oh, the irony.
Unlike the F1.4, the F2 is very snappy to focus and I don’t think it has ‘hunted’ for focus. Ever. Even in strong backlighting conditions it has found its focus in a flash. However, I must point out that the X-Trans 4 sensor on the Fujifilm X-T3 HAS given the F1.4 a new lease of life in that department.
With today’s pricing, the F2 is almost £150 cheaper than the F1.4, and for 2/3 stop difference, you are getting so much bang for your buck. If you are reading this, I urge you to at least try the XF35mm F2… I promise you won’t be disappointed.
