Fujifilm GF 80mm f1.7 R WR Lens Review
Fujifilm GF 80mm f1.7 R WR Lens
The Fujifilm GF80mmF1.7 R WR lens has captivated the attention of photographers, especially those who cherish portrait photography. With its unique combination of a medium format build and an ultra-fast f/1.7 aperture, this lens is positioned as a dream tool for creating stunning images with exceptional bokeh and sharpness. But is it really the best in its class, or does it have quirks that could make you think twice before making the investment?
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Fuji GF80mmF1.7 R WR lens, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a curious beginner, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you decide if this lens is the right addition to your gear bag.
Key Features and Specifications
Before diving into the hands-on review, let’s look at the key features and specifications of the Fuji GF80mmF1.7 R WR lens that make it stand out in the market:
Focal Length: 80mm (63mm equivalent in 35mm format)
Maximum Aperture: f/1.7
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Lens Construction: 12 elements in 9 groups (including 1 aspherical element and 2 Super ED elements)
Aperture Blades: 9 rounded diaphragm blades
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.7m (2.3 feet)
Maximum Magnification: 0.15x
Filter Size: 77mm
Weather Resistance: Yes (dust and moisture-resistant, capable of operating in temperatures as low as -10°C)
Weight: 795g (1.75 lbs)
Dimensions: 94.7mm x 99.2mm (3.73 x 3.9 inches)
Build Quality and Design
The first thing that strikes you about the Fuji GF80mmF1.7 is its robust build quality. Fujifilm has a reputation for crafting lenses that not only perform well but also feel premium in the hand. The GF80mmF1.7 is no exception, boasting a solid construction that inspires confidence. The lens is primarily made of metal, giving it a durable and professional feel. Despite its heft at 795 grams, the lens is well-balanced, especially when paired with a GFX body.
The weather resistance is another significant feature. With a dust and moisture-resistant design, this lens is built to withstand the elements, making it an excellent choice for outdoor photographers who don’t want to worry about sudden weather changes. It’s also capable of operating in temperatures as low as -10°C, so you can take it into cold environments without a hitch.
Handling and Ergonomics
When it comes to handling, the GF80mmF1.7 is a joy to use. The lens is designed with practicality in mind, featuring an aperture ring that clicks positively into place, offering tactile feedback. This makes adjusting the aperture a seamless experience, especially in manual mode. The focus ring is smooth and offers just the right amount of resistance, which is crucial for precise manual focusing.
However, due to its size and weight, the lens might feel slightly front-heavy on smaller GFX bodies like the GFX50R. Photographers with smaller hands might find it a bit challenging to handle for extended periods, especially when shooting handheld. But, for most users, the ergonomics are excellent, and the lens feels like an extension of the camera rather than a cumbersome add-on.
Optical Performance
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter—optical performance. This is where the Fuji GF80mmF1.7 truly shines.
Sharpness
One of the standout features of this lens is its remarkable sharpness. Even wide open at f/1.7, the lens delivers incredible detail and clarity. The center sharpness is superb, and while there is a slight drop-off towards the edges, it’s nothing that will detract from the overall image quality. When stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6, the sharpness across the frame is outstanding, making it ideal for portrait and landscape photographers who demand the highest level of detail.
Bokeh
The bokeh produced by the GF80mmF1.7 is nothing short of breathtaking. Thanks to the wide aperture and the medium format sensor, the lens creates a beautiful, creamy background blur that isolates the subject in a way that few lenses can match. The 9 rounded aperture blades contribute to smooth and circular bokeh, even when stopping down slightly.
This lens excels in creating a three-dimensional effect in portraits, where the subject pops against a softly blurred background. The bokeh is soft, with smooth transitions between the in-focus and out-of-focus areas, making it a favorite among portrait photographers.
Chromatic Aberration and Distortion
Chromatic aberration is well-controlled in this lens, even at wide apertures. Fujifilm has done an excellent job minimizing both longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberration, so you won’t notice any significant color fringing around high-contrast edges.
As for distortion, the GF80mmF1.7 shows virtually no barrel or pincushion distortion, which is expected given its prime lens design. This makes it a reliable choice for both portrait and product photography, where straight lines need to remain straight.
Vignetting and Flare
Wide-open, the GF80mmF1.7 exhibits some vignetting, but it’s not overly pronounced and can easily be corrected in post-processing. By f/2.8, the vignetting is almost entirely gone.
The lens also handles flare and ghosting well, thanks to Fujifilm’s advanced coating technologies. Even when shooting against bright light sources, such as the sun, the lens maintains contrast and resists flare, ensuring your images remain crisp and clear.
Autofocus Performance
Autofocus is another critical aspect to consider, especially for those who shoot in dynamic environments. The Fuji GF80mmF1.7 features a linear motor that provides fast and quiet autofocus. While it’s not the fastest lens in Fujifilm’s lineup, it’s more than adequate for most portrait, street, and even some action photography.
However, in low-light conditions, the autofocus can sometimes hunt, especially when using wide apertures. This is a common issue with many fast lenses and is something to be aware of if you frequently shoot in challenging lighting situations. That said, for most scenarios, the autofocus is reliable and accurate.
Low Light and Depth of Field
The f/1.7 aperture is a game-changer for shooting in low light. It allows you to keep your ISO settings low, even in dim environments, resulting in cleaner images with less noise. This is particularly beneficial for indoor photography, evening portraits, or any situation where lighting is less than ideal.
The shallow depth of field at f/1.7 also opens up creative possibilities. You can achieve a razor-thin plane of focus, which is perfect for isolating subjects and creating dramatic portraits with soft, out-of-focus backgrounds.
Comparisons to Other Lenses
How does the GF80mmF1.7 stack up against other lenses in Fujifilm’s medium format lineup? Let’s compare it to a couple of alternatives:
Fuji GF110mmF2 R LM WR
The Fuji GF110mmF2 is often seen as the gold standard for portrait photography within Fujifilm’s GFX system. It offers a longer focal length and slightly narrower aperture, which results in a more pronounced background blur. The GF110mmF2 is also slightly heavier and more expensive.
Key Differences:
Focal Length: The GF110mmF2 provides more compression, which can be more flattering for portraits, especially headshots.
Bokeh: The GF110mmF2’s bokeh is even creamier, thanks to the longer focal length.
Portability: The GF80mmF1.7 is more compact and lighter, making it more suitable for travel and on-the-go shooting.
Fuji GF63mmF2.8 R WR
The Fuji GF63mmF2.8 is a more compact and lighter alternative, offering a standard focal length that’s versatile for a variety of shooting situations. However, it doesn’t match the shallow depth of field or low light capabilities of the GF80mmF1.7.
Key Differences:
Aperture: The GF63mmF2.8 can’t match the GF80mmF1.7’s ability to create shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh.
Size and Weight: The GF63mmF2.8 is more compact, making it easier to carry around, especially for street photography.
Versatility: The GF63mmF2.8 is more of an all-rounder lens, whereas the GF80mmF1.7 is more specialized for portraits.
Related: Fujifilm GF 110mm f2 R LM WR Lens Review
Practical Use Cases
So, where does the Fuji GF80mmF1.7 truly excel, and who is it for? Here are some practical use cases where this lens shines:
Portrait Photography
This is where the GF80mmF1.7 is most at home. The combination of a medium format sensor and an ultra-fast f/1.7 aperture makes it a dream lens for portrait photographers. Whether you’re shooting in a studio or outdoors, this lens delivers stunning results with beautiful subject isolation and bokeh.
Event and Wedding Photography
For event and wedding photographers, the GF80mmF1.7 offers a blend of sharpness, speed, and bokeh that’s hard to beat. The weather resistance also means you can confidently use it in various environments without worrying about damaging the lens.
Low Light Photography
Thanks to its wide aperture, the GF80mmF1.7 is perfect for low light situations. If you often find yourself shooting in dimly lit venues or at dusk, this lens will allow you to capture sharp images without resorting to high ISO settings.
Artistic and Fine Art Photography
The unique look that the GF80mmF1.7 can create, with its shallow depth of field and medium format rendering, makes it an excellent choice for artistic and fine art photography. If you want to create images that stand out, this lens will help you achieve that.
Price and Value for Money
At around $2,300, the Fuji GF80mmF1.7 is not a cheap lens, but considering its performance and the niche it fills, it’s a worthwhile investment for serious photographers. The lens offers exceptional image quality, build, and versatility, making it a valuable addition to any medium format kit.
While it may be a significant expense, for those who are dedicated to portrait, wedding, or fine art photography, the investment can pay off in the quality of images you’re able to produce.
Pros and Cons
To summarize, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Fuji GF80mmF1.7 R WR lens:
Pros:
Exceptional sharpness, even wide open
Beautiful bokeh with a pleasing rendering
Fast f/1.7 aperture for low light and creative depth of field
Solid build quality with weather resistance
Versatile focal length for portraits and more
Cons:
Expensive, not accessible for everyone
Slightly heavy and may feel unbalanced on smaller GFX bodies
Autofocus can hunt in low light situations
Some vignetting at wide apertures
FAQs
Is the Fuji GF80mmF1.7 suitable for landscape photography?
While the GF80mmF1.7 is primarily designed for portraits, it can also be used for landscape photography, particularly if you want to create a unique perspective with a shallow depth of field. However, for traditional landscape shots with a large depth of field, other lenses in the GFX lineup might be more suitable.
How does the GF80mmF1.7 perform in video work?
The GF80mmF1.7 is not specifically designed for video work, but it can still deliver stunning results thanks to its sharpness and bokeh. However, the autofocus might not be as fast or smooth as you’d like for video, especially in dynamic scenes.
What are the alternatives to the Fuji GF80mmF1.7?
Alternatives include the Fuji GF110mmF2 for those who want even more subject isolation and a longer focal length, or the Fuji GF63mmF2.8 for a more compact and versatile option.
Can the GF80mmF1.7 be used for street photography?
Yes, but it’s not the most discreet option due to its size and weight. However, if you’re looking for a lens that can create striking, isolated subjects in a street photography context, it can certainly deliver.
Is the Fuji GF80mmF1.7 worth the price?
If you’re serious about portrait or fine art photography and you work within the medium format realm, the GF80mmF1.7 is a valuable tool that justifies its price with its performance and image quality.
Does the GF80mmF1.7 have image stabilization?
No, the GF80mmF1.7 does not have built-in image stabilization, so you’ll need to rely on the camera’s stabilization (if available) or use a tripod in low light situations.
Conclusion
The Fuji GF80mmF1.7 R WR lens is a remarkable piece of glass that excels in portrait photography, offering exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and solid build quality. While it has a few quirks, such as its price and weight, the lens delivers a unique combination of medium format quality and fast aperture performance that’s hard to find elsewhere.
For photographers who are invested in the Fujifilm GFX system and are looking for a lens that can elevate their portrait work to new heights, the GF80mmF1.7 is a compelling option. Its ability to create stunning images with a dreamy background blur makes it a favorite among portrait and fine art photographers alike.
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