It’s corner-to-corner tack sharp, even at f/2.

The first thing that I noticed is just how sharp this lens is. Is it a good lens in real world use? Is this lens worthwhile to own? I want to spend most of my time discussing my experiences using this lens to create pictures. I’m not going to talk a whole lot about the technical aspects of the Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 R WR lens, as that information is already plentiful on the internet. The only limitation to creating interesting pictures is the photographer, and not the camera or lens. Many of the greatest photographs ever created were captured using a standard prime lens. If you think this focal length is boring, that should motivate you all the more to use it and prove the statement wrong. I completely disagree with that sentiment! It’s only boring if you create boring pictures with it. There are people who will never purchase this lens because they believe that it’s not possible to create interesting photographs with it. Something that I’ve heard said many times over the last five or so years is that the 50mm focal length (or, in the case of this lens, the 50mm equivalent focal length) is the most boring of all focal lengths. I’ve used standard prime lenses off and on for twenty years now, although this is my first Fujinon lens with this focal length. This focal length is very common, and is often the first prime lens that one purchases. It’s neither wide-angle nor telephoto, but sees roughly the same as the human eye, which is why it’s known as the standard lens.

The Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 R WR lens is a “standard” prime lens on Fujifilm X cameras, giving a full-frame equivalent focal length of about 52mm. I know that one shouldn’t judge a book by the cover, so I didn’t hesitate to attach it to the camera and put it to the test. When I opened the box and saw the lens for the first time, I was disappointed by how ugly it was.

I didn’t do any research on the 35mm f/2 lens prior to the purchase–I just knew that I wanted it because of the focal length and price–so what arrived in the mail was a surprise. What an incredible bargain! This lens normally sells for $400. When I purchased my Fujifilm X-T30, I took advantage of a bundle deal that was being offered, and added the Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 R WR prime lens to the camera for an additional $100.

Darktable fuji film simulation