Fuji GF 20-35mm f/4

As a passionate landscape photographer, I’m always on the lookout for gear that enhances my ability to capture the beauty of the world around me. One of the key tools to accomplish this is a stellar wide angle zoom lens. When Fujifilm announced the GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy to mount to my GFX 50s II. After spending time exploring various landscapes and compositions with this lens, I’m excited to share my thoughts and experiences with you.

First Impressions

Unboxing the GF 20-35mm was a nice surprise. The lens has a solid, well-built feel that immediately gives you confidence in its construction and weather-sealing. It’s clear Fujifilm designed this lens to withstand the intensity of outdoor photography. The weather sealing is a requirement for the shooting I like to do, especially since I often find myself shooting in unpredictable weather conditions in the Colorado rockies. Knowing that this lens can handle dust, moisture, and cold temperatures is reassuring when I’m far from the comfort of my Jeep.

Versatility at Its Best

One of the first things I noticed was the versatility of the 20-35mm focal length. It translates to 16-28mm in 35mm format, which is perfect for capturing wide landscapes and dramatic compositions. The 20mm end offers an ultra-wide perspective, ideal for those sweeping shots of mountains or the expansive sky. I took it to Rocky Mountain National Park and was blown away by how much of the scene I could fit into my frame. Even at 35mm, the lens maintains a wide angle but allows for a bit more focus on specific elements. I definitely miss the 11-15mm range of my 11-24mm f/4 lens, but this is so much lighter that I really cannot complain.

Stunning Image Quality

The image quality is simply outstanding. Fujifilm’s reputation for excellent optics holds true here. The lens, despite its size, somehow has minimal distortion and aberrations, resulting in ultra sharp, clear images. I was particularly impressed with the edge-to-edge sharpness, which is crucial when shooting wide landscapes. I’ve shot with it numerous times and have yet to find a negative to any qualities of the images it produces, regardless of focal length or aperture.

Handling and Performance

Despite its robust build, the GF 20-35mm is surprisingly lightweight at 725 grams – just about the same weight as my Canon 16-35mm f/4L. This makes a massive difference during long hikes or when carrying gear for extended periods on any of my typical excursions. Paired with my Fujifilm GFX 50S II, it feels well-balanced and comfortable to use, whether handheld or mounted on a tripod.

Real-World Use

One memorable outing with this lens was a sunrise shoot at Rocky Mountain National Park. The 20mm focal length allowed me to capture the vastness of the mountains as the scene transitioned from night to dawn, with every detail of the meadow, creek, and mountains rendered beautifully. The versatility of this lens means I can adapt to different scenes and compositions without constantly switching lenses, which is a game-changer in the field.

Final Thoughts

The Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR has become an indispensable part of my GFX kit. Its combination of wide-angle versatility, exceptional image quality, and rugged build makes it perfect for landscape photography. Whether I’m capturing the grand vistas of RMNP or the subtle details of a local beach when visiting family in San Diego, this lens consistently delivers stunning results. If you’re a landscape photographer using the Fujifilm GFX system, I can’t recommend the GF 20-35mm highly enough.