Fujifilm GF32-64mm f/4 R LM WR

Disclaimer : although I'm in direct contact with Fujifilm France as part of their X-Photographer program, mainly to try out equipment, I bought the GFX100S II body used for this article privately. The same applies to all the lenses and other bodies mentioned throughout the test. Fujifilm did not pay me, did not read this article before publishing it, and never asked me to publish anything.

The impressive zoom

The perfect companion for your medium-format adventures

When switching to a GFX camera, the question of the first lens quickly becomes crucial. And with good reason: switching to medium format often means investing in larger, more expensive lenses than on a full-frame system. The Fujinon GF32-64mm f/4 R LM WR can prove an invaluable ally: it offers a focal range wide enough to cover landscapes, reportage, street scenes and even a few portraits. In short, a “Swiss Army knife” whose f/4 aperture is quickly forgotten, as the medium-format sensor makes it easy to detach shots.

Image quality worthy of Fujifilm's reputation

The first thing that stands out is the sharpness of the images. Even at full aperture, it's impossible to fault the lens: there's no unsightly distortion, very little vignetting and chromatic aberrations are well contained thanks to the optical formula (14 elements in 11 groups, including aspherical, ED and Super ED lenses). I've already pushed the experiment as far as A3+ prints, and the rendering is impeccable from edge to edge.

As for autofocus, I didn't expect to see such responsiveness on a medium-format zoom. Combined with a recent camera body (such as the GFX100 II or GFX100S II), the linear motor (LM) can cope with just about any conditions, including low light. This means you can be confident about street photography or fast-moving scenes, even if you're not using a system designed for extreme action.

A debatable size and aperture

Of course, this zoom is not without its faults. It weighs in at a hefty 875 g, and its dimensions (92.6 mm in diameter, 116 mm long) will quickly remind you of your shoulders on long walks. Not to mention the f/4 aperture, which will limit some in low-light conditions or when looking for ultra-creamy bokeh. That said, thanks to the size of the GFX sensor, you already get a more pronounced separation of planes than with a full-frame camera at f/4. And if you're using a stabilized body, you can afford to go up in ISO without too much fear for image quality. Today, I have no problem shooting at ISO 6400.

Compromises worth making

Over the years, I've come to appreciate the lens’ sturdiness. Tropicalization (WR) isn't just a marketing ploy: I've put it through its paces in the rain and dust, and it's never flinched. The 77 mm diameter for the filters is a standard that avoids having to buy a whole series of accessories, even if this can represent a cost if you're starting from scratch.

Finally, some will find the focal range (32-64 mm) a little short. To cover more subjects, you can invest in the GF45-100 mm f/4 or the GF20-35 mm f/4, but this implies an additional budget and a heavier bag. It's up to you to weigh up your needs, bearing in mind that the GFX's medium-format sensor tolerates cropping very well.

Verdict: a must-have to start

For those wishing to enter the GFX ecosystem with a single all-round zoom, the GF32-64mm f/4 R LM WR ticks a lot of boxes. Its construction inspires confidence, its sharpness is excellent and its autofocus is surprisingly fast. Yes, it's imposing, and yes, its f/4 aperture isn't the brightest on the market. But once you accept these medium-format concessions, you have a lens capable of accompanying you on most of your photographic adventures. For my part, it quickly established itself as the ideal partner for my GFX body, and I'm not about to part with it.

Pros:

  • Versatile focal range covering landscapes, reportage, street scenes and even some portraits.

  • Excellent image quality: sharpness, limited distortion, well-contained vignetting and chromatic aberrations.

  • Responsive autofocus for a medium-format zoom, making it ideal for street scenes and reportage.

  • Robust, tropicalized construction (WR): withstands rain and dust without flinching.

  • Tolerant of cropping and good handling of high sensitivities thanks to the large GFX sensor.

Cons:

  • Size and weight (approx. 875 g) make themselves felt on long outings.

  • Limitingf/4 aperture in low light and for ultra-creamy bokeh.

  • More expensive than full-frame lenses of equivalent focal length.

  • Focal range sometimes considered a little short (32-64 mm) to cover all needs.

  • Filter size (77 mm diameter) may represent an additional investment if you're starting from scratch.

Photos taken with the GF32-64mm f/4 R LM WR