New Fujifilm XC 35mm lens rumored - will it be the perfect entry-level lens?

(Image credit: Fujifilm)

In yet more exciting Fujifilm news, it looks as if the next lens we're set to receive from the Japanese imaging company will be the Fujinon XC 35mm lens (as reported by Fuji Rumors). This will be equivalent to a 53mm focal length on a full frame sensor.

Fujifilm has two main ranges of lenses for the X-mount, the XC and the XF. The XF lenses are Fuji's premium range of lenses, which are typically made of metal and house features such as aperture rings and larger apertures. Meanwhile, Fujifilm's XC range tends to be geared towards entry-level users.

• Read more: Best 50mm lens

XC lenses are lighter, more compact and they also tend to be manufactured in China rather than Japan (although we wonder whether this might soon change).

So, why should Fujifilm entry-level enthusiasts be excited by this lens?

Well, the XF 35mm f/1.4 is one of Fujifilm's most popular premium primes. As the APS-C equivalent of a 50mm lens, 35mm is a versatile focal length that can be applied to a variety of genres. You can currently pick up the XF 35mm f/1.4 for £499 ($599), which, while not overly expensive, is a little pricier than what some may be willing to invest.

Fujifilm's current X-mount lens roadmap shows two 35mm primes - is there room for a third? (Image credit: Fujifilm)

Proving the 35mm focal length's popularity even further, Fujifilm even offer a second XF 35mm. This version has a maximum aperture of f/2 and is on sale for around £369 ($399). While this is cheaper than the f/1.4, it might still be quite an expensive prospect for entry-level users.

A CF version of this lens would likely be made out of plastic rather than metal and have a narrower maximum aperture. However, these two adjustments would make the lens both significantly lighter and cheaper.

Considering that Fujifilm's XC lens line-up currently only consists of two zooms (ranging respectively from 16-50mm to 50-230mm), we would wager that there's definitely a market for an Fujifilm 35mm prime.

Our hope would be for a maximum aperture of f/2.8 (or wider!) and a price tag of around £200. However, we'll simply have to wait and see what surprises Fujifilm have in store!

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With over a decade of photographic experience, Louise arms Digital Camera World with a wealth of knowledge on photographic technique and know-how – something at which she is so adept that she's delivered workshops for the likes of ITV and Sue Ryder. Louise also brings years of experience as both a web and print journalist, having served as features editor for Practical Photography magazine and contributing photography tutorials and camera analysis to titles including Digital Camera Magazine and Digital Photographer. Louise currently shoots with the Fujifilm X-T200 and the Nikon D800, capturing self-portraits and still life images, and is DCW's ecommerce editor, meaning that she knows good camera, lens and laptop deals when she sees them.

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