Fujifilm Fujinon XF 33mm F1.4 R LM WR review: a classic and successful lens for APS-C hybrids

Fuji and a nice range of light focal lengths

At Fujifilm, there is a plethora of optics for the APS-C sensors of the X mount. In a little over a decade, the company has filled its catalog well and even third-party manufacturers have gotten into it. Some lenses are then revised, corrected and improved duplicates of original models, like the Fujinon XF 56mm F1.2 R WR, a successful revival of a classic focal length.

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An almost completely new focal length

Sometimes newcomers differ from their elders. Thus, the less attentive could believe that there already existed a 33 mm f/1.4 and that our test of the day is only a “tropicalized” version. Nay. If the 23 mm f / 1.4 has known two iterations, the 33 mm is new. However, it does replace the… Fujinon XF 35mm F1.4 R. Are you following? Here, the focal length changes a little to get closer to 50mm (35mm equivalent), compared to around 53mm previously.

The overall design has been changed and the Fujinon XF 33mm F1.4 R LM WR looks very similar to the Fujinon XF 23mm F1.4 R LM WR launched at the same time. The autofocus motors have been improved and the pebble is guaranteed against bad weather.

Two main competitors and an atypical rival

In addition to the aging Fujinon XF 35mm F1.4 R, this new 33 mm faces the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary and the Viltrox AF 33mm F1.4 XF. More original, we also think of the Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO, a manual lens, but very bright, although a little bulky.

For Fujifilm X mount.

Price and availability

The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 33mm F1.4 R LM WR has been available since September 2021. It was then offered at a price of €799.

Ergonomics

Standardization of the range

When we look at the Fujinon XF 33mm and 23mm F1.4 R LM WR, we notice that Fuji has sought to bring some cohesion to its new lenses. The same is true with the XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR, the 33mm being simply a little thinner and lighter.

A fairly premium lens.

Stronger than its elder

If it is not bulky with 73.5 x 67 mm (for 360 g), the 33 mm is however more imposing than the XF 35mm F1.4 R (65 x 54.9 mm and 187 g), which returned almost in a jeans pocket. That said, the 33mm F1.4 R LM WR remains quite compact and will not be difficult to transport.

Note the gasket around the mount.

Well integrated with X mount hybrids

A mix of retro and modernity, the design is sober and successful. The lens manages to fit easily into most Fujifilm bodies, from the “angular” X-H2 (or X-H2S) to the more “elegant” X-T5 or X-T30 II. On this latest model, like the compact X-E4, the optics may however unbalance the whole, all the more topped with its sun visor.

It goes well with the X-H2.

The mix of good quality plastic and metal inspires confidence in the durability of the 33mm. We also appreciate the new construction which guarantees protection against bad weather and dust projections.

Two rings for focus and diaphragm

As with the Fujinon XF 56mm F1.2 R WR, we regret the lack of controls and options on the pebble. In addition to a focus ring, still a bit too fluid for our taste, we only identify a notched diaphragm control ring. The photographer can thus opt for an aperture of f/1.4 to f/16 and has a lockable automatic position. A little sparse for a fairly high-end modern lens.

Only two controls.

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sharpness

The tests in our laboratory are carried out in partnership with Imatest. Software, tools or charts, Imatest offers complete and tailor-made solutions for analyzing and evaluating image quality.

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The notion of sharpness is quite delicate to deal with. This is what we can assimilate to the “sensation of sharpness” or the “precision” that we observe on an image. It can be very different from one lens to another, from one focal length to another and from one aperture to another. It can also vary between the center and the edges of the image.

• We tested the lens with a Fujifilm X-H2 with a 40.2 megapixel APS-C sensor and a resolution of 7728 x 5152 px. Each pixel therefore measures 3.04 µm on a side.

The f/1.4 aperture is a little behind

At the full f/1.4 aperture, there is less sharpness and you have to point to f/4 to get a fairly good sharpness. This is maintained at f/5.6, and to a lesser extent up to f/8 before decreasing quite naturally. The optics are also quite homogeneous between the corners and the center of the image at the best values ​​of the diaphragm.

In terms of sharpness, the XF 33mm F1.4 R LM WR offers performance that falls behind the more premium XF 56mm F1.2 R WR. It’s quite logical, the 56mm being as good as the best value of the 33mm from f/1.4 and giving its maximum performance at f/2.8.

Distortions

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The geometrical aberrations appear when one moves away from the conditions of Gauss. In practice, two types of geometric distortions are often encountered: pincushion distortions and barrel distortions. A third distortion, called mustache, “combines” the two previous ones and proves more difficult to correct in post-production. Some photographic practices seek to reduce these defects, but a very distorted effect can be deliberately sought for an artistic rendering. Distortion should not be confused with the deformations induced by the focal length used, which will amplify or reduce the perspectives.

The distortions are quite present.

Despite its fairly long focal length at 50mm in 35mm equivalent, the Fuji 33mm F1.4 R LM WR is quite prone to distortion. In the shape of a pad, they are easily corrected on jpegs by the camera internally, but for raw files, you will have to play a little with your favorite software.

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Chromatic aberrations

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Chromatic aberrations are different kinds of small unwanted color fringing that appear on the image, often in its periphery or high contrast areas. We measure the presence of chromatic aberrations of the lateral type. The appearance of the phenomenon in its violet form can also be due to an “overflow” of electrons from one pixel to another on certain sensors, particularly when the photosites are small. These aberrations are therefore not optical.

Excellent management of aberrations.

The corrections applied are very successful and we hardly notice any unsightly colored fringes altering the edges of the subjects photographed.

Vignettage

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Vignetting usually results in a darkening of the periphery of the image relative to the center. It is measured in IL (Exposure Index) and indicates the difference between the quantity of light received by the edges and that received at the center of the sensor. Vignetting is easily corrected in post-production, but it is also very popular with some photographers.

Very limited vignetting.

Like the 56mm f/1.2, this 33mm f/1.4 is a very good pupil in terms of vignetting. Admittedly, this is a little more marked at full aperture, but attenuates quite clearly from f/2, then remains at this very discreet level thereafter.

In practice

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The focal length corresponds to the field angle (or viewing angle) covered by the device equipped with a lens. It is generally expressed in millimeters and given directly in the name of the lens. The larger the focal length, the smaller the angle of view. We then speak of a long focal length or a telephoto lens. Conversely, the smaller the focal length, the wider the angle of view. This time we are talking about short focal length or wide-angle.

A good 50 mm (in 24×36 mm equivalent)

As often, we are going to push an open door by recalling that the 50 mm is the focal length considered classic, practical a little all the time and recommended for a good start in photography. It then remains an optic of choice in the bag of the amateur or professional photographer, although the 35 mm holds it high at times.

Successful portraits…

The relatively large f/2.1 aperture (in 24×36 equivalent) also allows the lens to be used in low light and allows pretty portraits to be taken. Indeed, the subjects, human or not, are highlighted and separate well from the background. The latter fades into a very “creamy” blur between f/1.4 and f/2.8.

…and a nice one bokeh

The bokeh offers very round bubbles in the center and adopts a more atypical shape on the periphery of the image, while remaining quite aesthetic. We nevertheless notice the presence of subtle typical lines onion ring on the surface of the bubbles.

A lack of optical stabilization not necessarily harmful

We always appreciate being able to count on optical stabilization, but it is very rare on a fixed focal length, which is more luminous and especially in these times of mechanically stabilized sensors. Indeed, to compensate for the risk of motion blur, in addition to the f/1.4 aperture, the photographer can turn to Fujifilm cameras such as the X-T4, X-T5, X-S10 or even X-H2 and X-H2S, having a stabilized responsive cell.

Smooth, high-performance AF motors

Finally, it is worth recognizing the work done by Fuji on the autofocus motors between two generations. If the 35 mm and its friends of the time were slower and noisier, the Fujinon XF 33mm F1.4 R LM WR is very precise and silent. It is well helped by the latest advances in autofocus, which we were able to discover with the Fujifilm X-T5 and X-H2. Focusing is fast, smooth and videographers will appreciate. No pumping effect is observed. The good vintage.

Jpegs from the case

Louis Royer / Digital

Louis Royer / Digital

Louis Royer / Digital

Louis Royer / Digital

Edited raw files

Louis Royer / Digital

Louis Royer / Digital

Louis Royer / Digital

Louis Royer / Digital

Louis Royer / Digital

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Points forts

• Construction and finish.
  

• Large maximum aperture (f/1.4).
  

• Resistance to moisture and dust.
  

• Good level of sharpness from f/4.
  

• Responsive autofocus.

Weak points

• No optical stabilization.
  

• Sharpness down at full f/1.4 aperture.
  

• A little imposing for some Fujifilm APS-C hybrids.
  

• Stroke of the focusing ring a little soft.

Conclusion

Global mark

How does grading work?

The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 33mm F1.4 R LM WR stands out as a good little lens that will satisfy a large number of professional and amateur photographers. We could have hoped for a higher level of sharpness, but we are satisfied with the results obtained, the construction of the assembly, the performance of the autofocus or even the versatility. A good tool without too many concessions.