Fujifilm XF 8mm F/3.5 Review

A compact and relatively affordable prime lens, the new Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR lens is the widest in the Fuji X range. The 8mm focal length has a “35mm equivalent” field of view of 12mm, which is a compelling temptation for the wide-angle photographer. Lenses as wide as this are capable of stunning perspectives but are not the easiest of optics to handle well. Let’s couple up the new lens with the equally new Fujifilm X-S20 26.1MP body and see how it handles and performs, both in the field and in the technical tests.

Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 Handling and Features

The lens is compact, measuring just 68mm x 53mm. It is also very light, weighing in at a modest 215g. It is weather resistant, a virtually essential feature, and it is unfortunate that the body used to try the lens out is not, thus negating some of the benefits. The finish on the lens is excellent, as it is with all Fujifilm lenses. There is a provided petal lens hood, and this bayonets cleanly into place. It is secured by a firm and reliable click stop. Within the bayonet fit for the hood is a conventional 62mm filter thread.

First up is the electronic and beautifully smooth manual focus ring. There is no AF/MF switch on the lens, so this is controlled via the camera menus. Focusing is down to 0.18m, for a maximum magnification of 0.07x. This is reasonably close, and an 8mm lens is unlikely to be needed any closer.

As has been commented on in previous reviews, Fujifilm certainly knows how to make superb aperture rings, and this one is no exception. Although the click stops cannot be switched off, something that videographers might have preferred, the clicks are very well-damped and very slick indeed. There is a release button that locks the aperture ring either into the A setting or out of it. This prevents accidentally engaging A when using the aperture ring, or accidentally moving the ring out of the A setting when controlling the aperture with the camera.

Optical construction is 12 elements in 9 groups, including 3 Aspherical and 2 ED (Extra Low Dispersion). Fujifilm’s Electron Beam Coating technology is well known as being very efficient at reducing any possibility of flare. The diaphragm comprises 9 blades in an attempt to improve bokeh, although such a wide-angle lens is probably not where we look for the smoothest out-of-focus effects. Reduced focus breathing will be welcomed, particularly by videographers.

There is no built-in OIS, so the lens relies upon IBIS within the camera body.

The extra wide angle is useful for videographers who are pursuing vlogging, especially with cameras such as the Fujifilm X-S20 that actually have a dedicated Vlog mode. In a general sense, the lens is suitable for all subject matter, but more of a challenge for subjects such as portraits, wildlife and sports where, although not impossible, the subject matter needs to be pretty specific to work. For vlogging, landscape, architecture and interiors the lens comes into its own and is a powerful choice for these subjects, although it can be a challenge to use well.      

Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 Performance

Central sharpness is outstanding at f/3.5 and f/4, excellent from f/5.6 to f/16 and very good at f/22. The edges are good at f/3.5, very good from f/4 to f/11, good at f/16 and fair at f/22.

Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 MTF Charts

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is very well controlled, especially for such a wide lens, and in normal use, there is no real sign of any colour fringing. If some special circumstance need further correction, then there are always software solutions.

Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 Chromatic Aberration Charts

Distortion measures at just -0.62% barrel, which is fantastic for an 8mm lens. It is highly unlikely that any further corrections will be needed.

Bokeh is not really the main consideration with an 8mm lens, and it can tend to look somewhat smeary at the edges. However, generally, it is very acceptable.

Flare is well under control, even with very bright light sources in the frame. A very creditable performance, especially with such a wide-angle lens.

Vignetting is present but not excessive for the focal length.

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Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 Sample Photos

Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 Aperture range

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Value For Money

The [AMUK]Fujifilm Fujinon XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR|Fujifilm+lens[/AMUK] lens is priced at £799.

Fujifilm has two zoom lenses that come close to covering similar wide angles, but at a cost of bulk and of cash.

• [AMUK]Fujifilm Fujinon XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR|Fujifilm+lens[/AMUK], £1499
• [AMUK]Fujifilm Fujinon 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR|Fujifilm+lens[/AMUK], £949

Samyang and Laowa also have some possible options:

• [AMUK]Laowa 10mm f/2.8|Laowa+lens[/AMUK], £345
• [AMUK]Laowa 7.5 mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine Lens|Laowa+lens[/AMUK], £759
• [AMUK]Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D|Laowa+lens[/AMUK], £479
• [AMUK]Samyang 10mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS CS|Samyang+lens[/AMUK], £379

The new lens seems fairly priced.

Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 Verdict

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