Fujifilm's fast-focusing weather-sealed 35mm, the practical alternative to the dreamy f/1.4.
The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR was launched in 2015 as a compact, weather-sealed alternative to the original XF 35mm f/1.4 R. Providing the same 53mm equivalent perspective, it traded one stop of aperture for dramatically faster autofocus, weather resistance, and a smaller size. It quickly became one of the most popular XF primes.
Optical quality is excellent with sharp results from wide open and very good corner performance. Autofocus is fast and nearly silent using an internal motor, a massive improvement over the f/1.4's sluggish DC motor. Build is metal with full weather sealing when paired with a weather-sealed body. The aperture ring has firm, satisfying clicks.
Fujifilm X mount only, 43mm filter thread. The choice between this and the XF 35mm f/1.4 R is one of the most discussed decisions in the Fujifilm community. The f/2 WR is the practical choice for reliability and speed; the f/1.4 is the emotional choice for character and bokeh.
Good value used. Check the aperture ring, AF motor, and weather seal around the mount. The lens is robust and reliable with few common issues. An excellent everyday prime for the Fujifilm X system. The small size pairs particularly well with the X-E and X-Pro bodies.