Fujifilm Fujinon GF 110mm f/5.6 T/S Macro Lens Review

Following on from our review of the 30mm f/5.6 T/S lens, we now look at Fujifilm’s T/S sibling, the 110mm f/5.6 T/S Macro lens. This gives a “35mm equivalent” field of view of around 87mm, an ideal focal length for many photographers looking for a Macro optic. Add to this the Tilt/Shift function and we have something quite unique for Fujifilm medium format users. We now explore the features, handling and technical performance of the new lens, using the 100MP Fujifilm GFX100 II camera body. It should be an interesting journey.

Fujifilm Fujinon GF 110mm f/5.6 T/S Handling and Features

Taking the issue of converging verticals, what the camera sees is of course optically correct, but that is not what our brains want to observe, so using shift to “correct” those converging verticals, although now optically incorrect, puts things back to what we generally expect to see around us. Interestingly, this only works one way, vertically. If we take the example of railway lines receding into the distance, our eyes and brains accept the converging horizontals without question. To “correct” this effect would be quite bizarre. The 110mm lens enables shift of plus or minus 15mm, enough for most requirements. 

Taking the issue of diagonal planes of focus, the lens will allow plus or minus 10 degrees of tilt. This enables wider apertures to be used, as we tilt the plane of focus to follow the diagonal line of the subject matter. So no longer do we rely totally on small apertures for depth of field in these situations. This can be very useful for close up product photography. It is especially useful in a 100mm medium format lens as there is reduced depth of field from the focal length and the format as well. This is even more true at macro distances.

As well as the tilt and shift functions the lens can also rotate as a complete unit, adding more versatility. The 110mm is slightly lighter and yet slightly larger than the 30mm, but is not provided with a dedicated tripod ring/mount. The instructions caution against trapped fingers, and although with normal care this is unlikely to be a problem, there are numerous release catches, locking knobs and adjustment knobs as well as the lens tilting and shifting, so there is plenty going on that needs to be watched and operated properly.

All of this still results in a large, bulky and heavy lens. The 110mm weighs in at 1255g and measures 95mm x 149mm. The filter thread is a reasonable 72mm. The front element is well recessed, but the central optical unit does move forwards within the outer helical thread. The lens as a whole also slightly lengthens as we focus closer. However, the front element does remain fairly well shielded.

Apart from the main body of the lens, with its maze of shift/tilt/rotate controls, the only other adornment is the manual focus ring, as this is indeed a manual focus lens, not surprisingly. Despite being only f/5.6, the focusing aids of the camera make manual focusing very straightforward, more so as the longer focal length makes the point of focus easier to pinpoint. Again, Fujifilm caution that auto exposure may not be accurate when shifting and tilting, but in fact it does not seem to be too far adrift and easily corrected if necessary. Focusing is down to 0.43m, for a maximum magnification of 0.5x, or 1:2, also referred to as half life size. This is as close as macro lenses used to go, although current versions do tend to go to the true macro magnification of 1x, 1:1 or life size. However, this can be forgiven as we have here a medium format lens and this remarkably close focusing is very welcome as it is.

Optical construction is 11 elements in 9 groups, including 1 Aspherical and 2 ED (Extra Low Dispersion). The diaphragm comprises 9 rounded blades. Nano GI coating completes the picture and is well proven to reduce flare to miniscule amounts.                                                                                             

It is possible to use the lens hand held, even if it is somewhat unwieldy, but to extract the full quality from the amazing resolution possible it really does benefit from being tripod mounted. In any event, for macro shots this does enable more accurate framing. Another layer is added to the already impressive advantages in that we can also use the tilt/shift at extremely close distances, ensuring more of our subject can be in focus and any distortions can be corrected as well. 

Fujifilm Fujinon GF 110mm f/5.6 T/S Performance

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is very uniform across the frame, at very well controlled levels. This should not be obtrusive in most photography, but if for some reason further correction is needed, there are software solutions.

Distortion is almost zero, actually measuring at -0.08% barrel. This is an excellent result and the lens is virtually rectilinear.

Bokeh is pleasantly smooth and apart from the other qualities of the lens, we can add to that the medium format “look” that is so distinctive.

Fujifilm Fujinon GF 110mm f/5.6 T/S Chromatic Aberration Charts

Fujifilm’s coating technology is well proven and excellent. Even with the most severe lighting tests it is almost impossible to generate any significant artefacts.

Vignetting is present at very modest levels.

Fujifilm Fujinon GF 110mm f/5.6 T/S Sample Photos

Fujifilm Fujinon GF 110mm f/5.6 T/S Aperture range

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Value For Money

The [AMUK]Fujifilm Fujinon GF 110mm f/5.6 T/S|Fujifilm Fujinon GF 110mm f/5.6 T/S[/AMUK] Macro lens is priced at £3499.00

Alternatives within the GF system might be:

• [AMUK]Fujifilm Fujinon GF 120mm f/4 R LM OIS WR Macro|Fujifilm Fujinon+lens[/AMUK], £2499
• [AMUK]Fujifilm Fujinon GF 110mm f/2 R LM WR|Fujifilm Fujinon+lens[/AMUK], £2599

There are also a couple of Pentax 645 lenses that, although not usable on the Fujifilm cameras, do offer a benchmark regarding lens costs.

[AMUK]HD Pentax-FA 645 90mm f/2.8 ED AW SR Macro|HD Pentax-FA+lens[/AMUK], £3699

[AMUK]SMC Pentax-FA 645 120mm f/4 Macro|SMC Pentax-FA+lens[/AMUK], £1549

Fujifilm Fujinon GF 110mm f/5.6 T/S Verdict