Along with the announcement of the new Fujifilm X-S20 mirrorless camera (buy here), the company also released a new ultra-wide-angle lens. The Fujinon XF8mm F3.5 R WR lens (buy here), like the rest of Fuji’s X system, is an APS-C lens. With an 8mm focal length, it’s an extremely wide lens, offering a similar field of view to that of 12mm on full frame. This provides a massive 121º field of view.
With an f/3.5 aperture, it’s not too terribly fast. However, when it comes to depth of field, pretty much anything more than a couple of feet away from the end of the lens on one this wide should be in focus. Fuji describes it as an “incredibly compact […] lens that will help image makers unlock another way of creatively seeing the world”. And with an angle of view this wide, they surely will.
Fujifilm XF8mm F3.5 R WR – Ultra-wide-angle
Wide-angle lenses are often the tool of choice for landscape photographers. Not always, but often. Even this lens might be a little wide for some landscape photographers, though. At 121º, the field of view here is extremely wide. It has a minimum focus distance of 18cm, making for a very unique perspective on close-up subjects. Fuji says the lens is also ideal as a general carry-around lens and, oddly, for vlogging. For vlogging, though, I think this might be just a tad too wide, but this is a matter of personal taste.
Light, compact and ready for all weather
The lens weighs only 215g and is very small at only 68×52.8mm. Fuji says its compact nature is due to the distortion-controlling elements being at the very front of the lens. There are 12 elements in total in 9 groups. These include three aspherical elements and two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements to control distortion, spherical aberration, and astigmatism.
The lens’ lightweight, compact form factor provides portability, allowing users to enjoy UWA photography without being burdened with heavy or cumbersome equipment. The effective positioning of the aspherical and ED elements has enabled appropriate aberration correction and the compact and lightweight design at the same time, defying the typically large UWA lens form factor. It is just over 2 inches long, weighing approximately 7.6 ounces (215g), making it an easy everyday carry item in any photographer’s kit.
The lens is weather-sealed and IP52 rated, which means it’s not fully waterproof, but it is “protected against direct sprays of water up to 15 degrees from the vertical”. Basically, it covers most inclement weather conditions. The lens barrel itself is sealed at 10 locations and can operate in temperatures as low as -10ºC (14ºF). A fluorine coating on the front element also repels rain and dirt to help keep your images crystal clear.
Price and Availability
The Fujinon XF8mm F3.5 R WR lens is available to pre-order now for $799 and begins shipping on June 29th.
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