The Fujifilm XF 35mm F/1.4 Lens Review

Build and Design

Weighing in at 187 grams and measuring 54.9mm in length, this lens is a bit heavier than its f/2 counterpart but still strikes a perfect balance between portability and functionality. It offers a 52.5mm equivalent field-of-view on a full-frame camera and has one aspherical element to limit distortion and spherical aberration. The super electron beam coating (EBC) is designed to reduce flares and ghosting for better contrast.

The metal build makes for a premium look and feel, but unlike the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2, it’s not weather-sealed and won’t stand up as well in wet shooting conditions. The aperture ring is a favorite feature of mine, offering firm aperture adjustments in one-third increments.

Optical Performance

The XF 35mm f/1.4 excels in sharpness from f/2.0 onward, but the corners do get soft at 1.4. This is perfect if you’re going for that film-like image quality, especially when paired with Fujifilm’s in-body simulations. Having owned the 35mm f/2 version, I purchased this one in hopes of a dreamier rendering for portraits and scenic views, and it certainly delivers in that regard. It would also be great for landscapes and architecture.

A f/1.4, this 35mm absolutely shines in low light. This is the lens I’d grab for nighttime street photography, indoor portraits, or dimly lit events, although the slower autofocus can be a challenge in those conditions (more on that below).

Depth-of-Field

So here’s where we uncover the real magic of this lens. In my humble opinion, the bokeh and background rendering of the 35mm f/1.4 are unmatched. The lens creates smooth, creamy, out-of-focus areas with a natural transition between sharp and blurred regions. If you’re a portrait photographer or are looking to capture more creative, artistic shots, this may be the only lens you need. The image quality is almost cinematic, and this helps set it apart from newer lenses that prioritize technical performance over stylistic merits.

Autofocus

If you’ve ever done a web search for reviews of this lens, you’ve seen criticism about the autofocus performance. While much of the criticism is valid, I find it can also be a bit exaggerated. The older motor is noisy, similar to the one found on the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2, and while I wouldn’t consider it loud, I’d still hesitate to use this lens in quiet environments.

It’s not as snappy or silent as Fujifilm’s newer linear-motor lenses, especially in lower lighting situations where it tends to “hunt” for the subject. This is where the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 delivers, but in good light, autofocus on the 35mm f/1.4 is generally reliable. However, for natural light photographers, this is a minor inconvenience that has little influence on the lens's overall performance.

Cost

For its age, the $599.95 price tag of the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 could be a dealbreaker. With two newer, weather-resistant lenses in the same focal length range – the aforementioned 35mm f/2 (retails for $399) and the 33mm f/1.4 ($799) — it can be hard to justify the cost. Still, it’s a great middle-of-the-road option for photographers on a tighter budget.

Use Cases

• Street Photography: The focal length is versatile enough for street photography, but stick to daytime captures for more reliable autofocus. It closely mimics the field of view of the human eye, offering a natural perspective that feels intimate and immersive.
• Portraits: While not a traditional portrait lens like the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2, the 35mm f/1.4 is a strong contender for environmental portraits and tighter headshots. The character-rich rendering can add an emotional quality to more casual portrait work.
• Travel: For travel photography, the lens’s compact form factor is a major advantage. It won’t add bulk to your kit and can be a dynamic pinch hitter for landscapes and candid moments

Final Thoughts

If you’re a Fujifilm X-series shooter looking for a versatile, fast prime lens with a personality all its own, the 35mm f/1.4 is a solid investment. It’s not perfect by modern standards, but it remains one of the most beloved and enduring options in Fuji’s lineup for a reason.