The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2.0 R WR is a beautiful all-round lens. Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it also delivers excellent image quality. In addition, like some cameras, the lens is provided with various seals that make it highly resistant to moisture and dirt.
When picking up the lens, the weight is immediately noticeable. It's a bit heavier than expected. This makes it a very solid impression. This impression is reinforced by the pleasant operation of the focus and aperture ring. Both rings work smoothly and with the right resistance. It's hard not to just turn the aperture ring every now and then. Just because it feels good.
I find the supplied plastic screw lens hood a bit less practical. I use an ultra-thin filter and the lens hood doesn't fit all the way in there. In addition, I prefer to use the bayonet connection somewhat further back than the screw connection on the front of the lens. The lens hood stays in the box with me. I would have preferred Fujifilm to include the LH-XF35-2 lens hood. This is for sale as an expensive accessory. However, affordable alternatives from the Orient are available.
The XF 35 mm f/2.0 focuses smoothly and almost silently. When you combine this with an electronic shutter, you can shoot unobtrusively. The focus is precise and is never wrong. The less light there is, the slower the focusing. The speed is also determined by the camera you use.
Image quality is of course a very important aspect of a lens. After all, it's all about the result on the printout or on the screen. Well, the image quality is fine.
With the aperture fully open (f/2), the images in the center are already nicely sharp. This makes it possible to take very detailed photos even in low light. Try to keep some distance from the subject. When you photograph really up close, the images at full aperture are often a bit soft.
Although the image quality with a fully open aperture can already be called very good, closing the aperture ensures an increase in sharpness and contrast. This is a lens that can produce truly razor-sharp images. I'm sure this is one of the sharpest Fujifilm lenses.
The XF 35 mm f/2.0 hardly suffers from annoying glare. Only when a very bright light source such as the sun or a bright lamp is (almost) in the picture, so-called flare can occur. In my opinion, however, the lens can withstand this quite well. Under normal circumstances in the Netherlands you almost never need a lens hood.
The angle of view (that which you see) corresponds to that of a fifty millimeter objective on 35mm film. I think this is a pretty versatile angle of view. You can photograph anything with it. From head and shoulder portraits to landscapes. But this lens can also be a great asset for street and event photography, for example.
Given the excellent performance, the good construction and the reasonable price (especially during a cashback promotion), I highly recommend this lens.
