Fujifilm XF 33mm F/1.4 R LM WR Vs. XF 35mm F/1.4 R | 5050 Travelog

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Fuji XF 33mm f/1.4 vs. XF 35mm f/1.4?

Is There a Winner?

It has been a month since I picked up my new Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR and when I reviewed it I promised a head-to-head putting it up against my older but much loved Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R.

In my XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR review I wondered if I would have a new favorite in this lens or if I would gravitate toward the XF 35mm f/1.4 R after a while. To get some clarity on how the two lenses perform for similar scenarios I took them out for a casual walk.

I do apologize in advance for not bringing a tripod to produce completely accurate comparison photos but the fact is, I rarely use a tripod, and to get a meaningful comparison I shot the two lenses the way I usually would, handheld and on the go.

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Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 and XF 35mm f/1.4 Specs Comparison

Let us take a quick look at some of the specs where the two lenses differ.

XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR

• Price, $799.00

• 50mm (35mm full-frame equivalent)

• 2 aspherical, 3 ED element

• Linear autofocus motor - Yes

• Locking "A" position aperture ring - Yes

• Weather-resistant - Yes

• Rounded 9-blade diaphragm

• 15 elements in 10 groups

• Minimum focus distance: 11.8" / 30 cm

• Dimensions: 2.6 x 2.9" / 67 x 73.5 mm

• Weight: 12.7 oz / 360 g

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R

• Price, $599.00

• 53mm (35mm full-frame equivalent)

• 1 aspherical element

• Linear autofocus motor - No

• Locking "A" position aperture ring - No

• Weather-resistant - No

• Minimum focus distance: 11.02" / 28 cm

• Rounded 7-blade diaphragm

• 8 elements in 6 groups

• Dimensions: 2.56 x 2.16" / 65 x 54.9 mm

• Weight: 6.6 oz / 187 g

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Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 vs. XF 35mm f/1.4 - On Paper and Physical Differences

You could easily ignore the difference of 2mm in focal length between the two lenses but in my experience, the sample images below will show that this difference is not insignificant.

On paper, the optical ingredients sound more lucrative in the new XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR with 2 aspherical and 3 ED elements vs. one aspherical element in the XF 35mm f/1.4 R.

For pleasing bokeh the XF 33mm sports 9 rounded diaphragm blades vs. 7 in the XF 35mm f/1.4 R.

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The weight gain when picking up the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR is nearly double that of the XF 35mm f/1.4 R and to some, this will be a deal-breaker. I prefer the stylish metal lens hood of the XF 35mm f/1.4 R over the run-of-the-mill plastic hood of the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR.

The aperture ring on the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR is a tad wider and feels more refined and it can also lock the aperture in the “A” position which you cannot do on the XF 35mm f/1.4 R.

I am torn as to which I prefer. The locking mechanism is handy but is placed where my left thumb is positioned on the lens and ever so slightly hinders a smooth operation of the aperture ring in comparison to the XF 35mm f/1.4 R.

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Autofocus is fast and silent on the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR with the linear motor, LM, and the whole experience feels very smooth. But the XF 35mm f/1.4 R is no slouch when it comes to autofocus speed. It does, however, have an audible sound as it locks in but I find it a very minor issue.

If weather-sealing is important to you there is only one choice in the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR. With that said I have used the XF 35mm f/1.4 R extensively over the past many years in various weather and climate conditions and have not had any issues.

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Optical Viewfinder Difference

I am almost exclusively using the electronic viewfinder, EVF, to preview my images but if you prefer the optical viewfinder, OVF, there will be a noticeable difference in how much of your view will be blocked by either lens.

I took the two images with my iPhone and please note I did not attach the lens hood to the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR which obviously would make for an even more pronounced difference. The XF 35mm f/1.4 R lens hood will not make a significant difference.

Thanks, Guido, for bringing this issue to my attention in the comments.

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Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 vs XF 35mm f/1.4 - Image Quality

With so much love thrown at the XF 35mm f/1.4 R even I was happily surprised to see improvements in sharpness, clarity, color rendition, and quality of bokeh.

I will go as far as to say images coming out of the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR will breathe new life into your photos. You especially notice the improved corner sharpness and overall look of the files, even when viewing at screen size.

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You can shoot more confidently at f/1.4 knowing the lens will deliver. These types of accolades do sound familiar and you will be able to read similar compliments if you check my review of the XF 35mm f/1.4 R.

But remember almost ten years have passed since the XF 35mm f/1.4 R was introduced and we now have an entirely new lens in front of us with specs that have been improved on all fronts.

Does this mean should you throw your XF 35mm f/1.4 R in the recycling bin or put it up for sale? I am keeping mine as a more portable option and it pairs well with the X-Pro1 which was released at the same time.

There have been so many great photographs taken with this lens and there will be more to come.

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Depending on your monitor size you can view my sample images up to 2500 pixels wide and I hope this will give you some insight into my findings. Images are SOOC, straight out of the camera.

The sample images are shot hand-held and are from the same vantage point but compositions may vary slightly. The photos were shot in RAW and processed in Capture One.

Make sure to click on the photos to view larger images for comparison.

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Conclusion

Despite doing this head-to-head lens review, I am not a big fan of doing them as each lens really should be reviewed in its own right and I find the images captured in this review to be a bit forced as you have to stop, take a shot, then switch lenses only to take the same shot again.

Multiple factors will play into the decision of which lens to buy or keep and when it comes to the XF 33mm f/1.4 and XF 35mm f/1.4 I view them both as winners.

Are you planning to buy a new lens or are contemplating an upgrade? Which lenses do you already have? If you are buying a new lens I find the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR, $799.00, represents a better value than the XF 35mm f/1.4 R at $599.00.

If you shop for a used lens, you should, however, be able to find an XF 35mm f/1.4 R for much less, and all of a sudden the value proposition is more level.

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If you are looking for a stealthy street shooter solution the XF 35mm f/1.4 R is still tempting with its lower weight and less bulk but with that said I have been quite thrilled with the street photos I have been able to capture with the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR and if anything this is the lens I gravitate towards these days. I do not mind the extra weight and size.

I think it is important not to let nostalgia and the history of the XF 35mm f/1.4 R sway you in that direction. The XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR is the better lens on most accounts. Yes the XF 35mm f/1.4 R has character but it could be due to its flaws.

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I will encourage you to view as many photos as you can from these two lenses as they render differently. Please do let me know in the comments if you have had experience with both of these lenses or if you have any questions.

For full reviews of the lenses compared in this article:

Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R WR - ReviewFujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R - Review

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate links below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR - B&H PhotoFujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R LM WR - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.

Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR vs. XF 35mm f/1.4 R - Sample Image Comparison

Please see more sample images below. Editing was done in Capture One and I only made slight levels and exposure adjustments. I have not applied film simulations.

Please click to view larger images.

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Fujifilm XF Standard and Telephoto Lens Reviews

Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WRFujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WRFujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 RFujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WRFujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WRFujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WRFujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 RFujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR

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