Fujifilm Fujinon GF80mm F1.7 R WR review

Bokelishious! Combining a large sensor and this lens should provide shallow focus heaven

Peter Fenech
(Image: © Peter Fenech)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Overall, you really can’t fault the optical performance of this lens - it’s superb. Meanwhile the build is up to the rigours of professional use, outdoors and in the studio. This isn't an action lens, but neither are the GFX cameras action models, so you could argue this is irrelevant. The lens delivers where it truly matters - sharpness and detail. The Fujifilm GF80mm F1.7 R WR is a must have for GFX system users.

Pros

  • +

    Sharpness

  • +

    Contrast

  • +

    Low distortion

  • +

    Basically no chromatic aberration

  • +

    Solid build quality

  • +

    Weather sealing

Cons

  • -

    Slow AF

  • -

    AF motor noise

  • -

    No OIS

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Weighing in at 795g Fujifilm's Fujinon GF80mm F1.7 R WR prime lens is far from petite.  Medium format lenses are always going to seem oversized when compared to an APS-C or even a full rame lens. This is unavoidable, since the image circle of an MF system needs to be that much bigger, to cover the sensor area. This means more glass, a larger diameter and, in turn, more weight.

This naturally drives up the price and with all premium products there are certain expectations. It's likely only professional photographers, or enthusiasts with specialist requirements, are going to buy a lens of this type, so the manufacturers usually add in a strong build for the money. 

GFX100s, with which we went shooting in the forest, in the rain. (Image credit: Peter Fenech)

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Peter Fenech

As the Editor for  Digital Photographer magazine, Peter is a specialist in camera tutorials and creative projects to help you get the most out of your camera, lens, tripod, filters, gimbal, lighting and other imaging equipment.

After cutting his teeth working in retail for camera specialists like Jessops, he has spent 11 years as a photography journalist and freelance writer – and he is a Getty Images-registered photographer, to boot.

No matter what you want to shoot, Peter can help you sharpen your skills and elevate your ability, whether it’s taking portraits, capturing landscapes, shooting architecture, creating macro and still life, photographing action… he can help you learn and improve.