Fujifilm Adds New Ultra-Wide Lens to its GFX Medium Format Lineup

On the same day on which Fujifilm revealed a stunning new H-X2 APS-C camera with the largest sensor ever for that format, and a new lens for its X Series cameras, the brand also revealed a new GFX medium format ultra-wide lens with some very robust specs and features. This latest GFX creation is the Fujinon GF20-35mm f/4 R WR lens and offers a new light, compact ultra-wide 35mm equivalent focal range of 16mm to 28mm.

The new lens has been produced for easy use and high portability despite its medium-format parameters. Thus, lightweight compactness was a design priority.

With these factors in mind, the Fujinon GF20-35mm f/4 R WR lens has been assembled from a total of 14 elements in 10 groups that include one extra-low dispersion aspherical element, 3 aspherical elements and 3 standard ED lens elements. With all of these working together with the rest of the optics, the Fujinon GF20-35mm f/4 R WR can capture images of up to 100 megapixels with a sharpness that’s befitting of the GFX medium format cameras the lens is designed for.

Specifically, according to Fujifilm, the focal range and construction of the lens give it the ability to take in ultra-wide angles while also capturing the high detail levels of complex panoramas like city scenes and natural landscapes. A new Nano GI coating further improves optical quality by helping to reduce reflected light for minimal ghosting and lens flair while increasing sharpness, detail and color quality.

Fujifilm also claims that having a total of four aspherical elements in each of the lens groups optimizes all of the elements in the device to efficiently correct for aberrations despite a compact build.

Another part of the Fujinon GF20-35mm f/4 R WR’s design is a magnesium alloy build lens mount for toughness and to maintain its compact, light build. Another important design-toughening feature is the weather-resistant assembly with 12 sealed points for protection against dust and moisture even though the lens isn’t considered to be fully moisture-proof.

Fujifilm has also given the front glass of the lens a fluorine coating that repels water while minimizing smudges and fingerprint marks. What’s more, this piece of Fujifilm glass can operate smoothly at temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celcius (14 degrees Fahrenheit.)

The Fujinon GF20-35mm f/4 R WR lens goes on sale in October for a suggested retail price of USD $2,499.