In this Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 lens review, we’ll examine Fuji’s widest prime lens in the X Series.
Fujifilm continues adding interesting focal lengths to its prime and zoom lens lineup.
Fuji lenses are renowned for their build quality, performance, and image sharpness.
Furthermore, they deliver exceptional output in all shooting conditions.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 Lens
Solid, compact and lightweight lens offering an 121° angle of view for ultra-wide creative shooting.
Unlike most other focal ranges, the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 WR wide prime delivers a creative experience.
It forces you to expand your awareness of composition, framing, setting, and the sun’s location.
If you point such a wide lens up at the sky, the sun will likely be in the frame or affect the amount of light hitting the lens.
However, when is wide too wide, and when would you pick up a lens at this insane 121° angle of view?
Below, I’ll explore everything there is to know about the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR wide prime lens and demonstrate how I put it through its paces.
Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR Specs
Pros
121° angle of view for dynamic and creative fun
Typical Fujifilm solid metal build
Weather sealed for any environment
Lightweight and compact, making it ideal for travel
Optically sharp and corrected for aberration
Ideal for architecture, landscape, and macrophotography
Cons
Niche applications of use
Sometimes this wide is too wide… or is it?
At a 121° angle, it’s hard to avoid the sun
No optical image stabilization
Focal length – 8mm (12mm full-frame equivalent focal length)
Angle of view – 121°
Maximum aperture – f/3.5
Minimum aperture – f/22
Minimum focus distance – 18cm (7.1″)
Maximum magnification – 0.07x
Filter size – Ø62mm
Lens configuration -12 elements in 9 groups (includes 3 aspherical and 2 ED elements)
Dimensions – Ø68mm×52.8mm
Weight – 215g (0.47lb)
Weather resistance – yes
Build & Ergonomics
Since the first Fujifilm X Series lens, Fujifilm has committed to the exceptional engineering and ergonomic design of its camera bodies and optics.
The Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2, XF 35mm f/1.4, and XF 60mm f/2.4 Macro lenses were launched in early 2012.
Their all-metal build, precision X mount, manual aperture ring, dampened focus ring, and ergonomic considerations drew photographers in like flies to honey.
Fujifilm continues to work towards the same core elements in its X and GFX Series of optics.
The compact Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 is no exception to this!
It weighs just 215g (0.47lb) and measures Ø68mm×52.8mm – making it one of Fujifilm’s smaller lens options.
Regardless, it sits comfortably in your hand and is well-balanced when attached to any X Series camera.
Moreover, the ridged and clicky aperture ring and the finely ridged smooth manual focus ring make manual control a dream.
The aperture ring is marked from a maximum aperture of f/3.5 to f/22 and also offers an A setting for automatic – which is kept in place by a handy aperture lock button.
The Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 WR lens is weather-sealed for shooting in dusty, cold, and wet conditions.
It includes a wide flared lens hood to help control lens flare and bright light sources.
Focus Performance
Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 | 1/500 SS | f/8 A | 200 ISO
I found the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 a fast and responsive autofocus lens.
Keep in mind that an 8mm wide-angle lens isn’t typically put to the test by capturing challenging and fast genres such as motorsports.
Furthermore, this lightweight package doesn’t feature linear motors to drive autofocus.
However, given the lightweight element configuration, it’s focusing is snappy without a hint of focus breathing or hunting for subjects.
Even when shooting in low light and stopped down to f/3.5, the lightweight Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 didn’t fail to detect and lock onto its intended subject.
For its niche applications, it’s a fast-focusing lens.
Image Quality
Despite being such a small lens, the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 has a complex lens configuration.
It packs 12 elements in 9 groups, including 3 aspherical and 2 ED elements.
As a result, being wide open at f/3.5, it delivers good subject separation and softens background elements.
Mid-frame elements are crisp and stand out in focus.
It’s not a bokeh monster, as that’s not what it’s designed for. Out-of-focus areas have an appealing blur.
At f/8, the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 produces good sharpness across the frame with slight softening at the corners.
Given its an ultra-wide prime, Fujifilm has done a commendable job correcting for distortion and chromatic aberrations.
There’s absolutely no barrel distortion from this R WR lens.
Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 | 1/250 SS | f/8 A | 400 ISO
Another worthy mention is the level of clarity produced when taking advantage of the wide angle of view closer to subjects.
The 18cm (7.1″) minimal focus distance allows you to get close for creative compositions and shallow depth of field.
Furthermore, the wide angle makes you hunt for leading lines to capture dramatic depth and movement through a frame.
It’s essential to remember that while the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 is corrected for distortion, objects at the edge of the frame will elongate.
Especially in a street scene with a subject moving in or out of frame close to you.
Another potential problem to be mindful of is capturing your feet or cap in the frame – it’s not a deal breaker, but 8mm is ultra-wide.
Considering all that, I was happy with the quality of each photo during the review and editing process.
Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 WR Sample Images
Here are some sample images taken with the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5, using a Fujifilm X-E4.
I review and edit each RAW photo with Lightroom on my 2017 iMac.
I also applied Fujifilm film simulations to the photos to capture the true essence of Fujifilm color.
Fujifilm X-E4 + XF 8mm f/3.5 | 1/500 SS | f/8 A | 200 ISO
Fujifilm X-E4 + XF 8mm f/3.5 | 1/125 SS | f/8 A | 800 ISO
Fujifilm X-E4 + XF 8mm f/3.5 | 1/250 SS | f/5.6 A | 400 ISO
Fujifilm X-E4 + XF 8mm f/3.5 | 1/250 SS | f/11 A | 400 ISO
Fujifilm X-E4 + XF 8mm f/3.5 | 1/250 SS | f/9 A | 200 ISO
Fujifilm X-E4 + XF 8mm f/3.5 | 1/180 SS | f/8 A | 400 ISO
Fujifilm X-E4 + XF 8mm f/3.5 | 1/500 SS | f/8 A | 200 ISO
Fujifilm X-E4 + XF 8mm f/3.5 | 1/250 SS | f/8 A | 400 ISO
Fujifilm X-E4 + XF 8mm f/3.5 | 1/60 SS | f/5.6 A | 1600 ISO
Fujifilm X-E4 + XF 8mm f/3.5 | 1/125 SS | f/3.5 A | 400 ISO
Fujifilm X-E4 + XF 8mm f/3.5 | 1/125 SS | f/5.6 A | 800 ISO
Fujifilm X-E4 + XF 8mm f/3.5 | 1/500 SS | f/4.6 A | 800 ISO
How I Tested the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 WR
Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR
I tested the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 paired with my Fujifilm X-E4.
The X-E4 features a 26MP (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 4 image sensor and X Processor 4.
It was a fun experience walking around with such an ultra-wide-angle lens, and I found that it elevated my awareness of my settings and the scenes that unfolded before me.
I’m a city kid and tested the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 in my hometown of Melbourne.
I was very focused on interesting architectural corners and street scenes.
While I would’ve loved to get out into the field and shoot landscape or astrophotography, it wasn’t possible when testing the lens.
I shot with manual aperture, ISO, and shutter speed and relied on the lens autofocus for image sharpness.
Alternatives
While the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 is the widest X Series prime lens, Fuji also offers a couple of other ultra-wide-angle lenses.
The Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 is a popular all-purpose wide zoom ideal for architecture, street, landscape, and astrophotography.
It features OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation) plus a rebuild in 2021 to include weather-sealing.
The R WR lens is impressive across the focal range and produces stunning images with excellent corner sharpness.
Its focus is quick!
Another alternative is the Red Badge Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 WR lens.
I’ve reviewed it and found it delivered stunning photos with sharp corner performance.
The linear motor design makes focus performance outstanding, and even extreme corners stand out in high-resolution crispness.
Compared to the 8mm, it offers greater versatility but with a much higher price.
However, the fixed lens hood and expensive filter adapter configuration would turn many landscape and architectural photographers away.
If you’re looking for an ultra-wide prime, the 8mm is for you. If it’s an ultra-wide zoom you’re looking for, then I recommend the 10-24mm.
Value for Money
As discussed earlier, the Fujifilm X Series offers three ultra-wide lenses at various price options.
Given its build quality, image output, and niche applications, the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 delivers the best value for money.
It sells for around $1,400 AUD (around $900 USD), a price that landscape, architecture, and astrophotographers can afford.
The Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 sells for around $1,600 (approx. $1,000 USD), and the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 for a whopping $3,100 (approx. $2,000 USD).
The Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 is excellent value for money.
FAQ’s
What is the Fujifilm 8mm equivalent to?
The Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 offers an 8mm focal length, equivalent to a 12mm full-frame focal length. Fujifilm X Series cameras feature an APS-C-sized image sensor with a 1.5cm crop.
What is WR in Fujifilm lenses?
Fujifilm or Fujinon lenses featuring WR in their product title include weather sealing. A WR lens features a rubber gasket that forms a dust and moisture seal between the camera body and the lens. The smooth manual focusing ring and aperture ring prevent moisture ingress.
Why are Fujifilm lenses expensive?
Fujifilm offers a wide range of prime and zoom lenses for amateur, hobbyist, and professional photographers. The range includes lenses with similar focal ranges at different prices. Some Fuji lenses are expensive; others are affordable.
Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 WR Review | Conclusion
Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 | 1/250 SS | f/13 A | 400 ISO
The Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 WR ultra-wide lens may be for niche applications, but it’s a lot of fun to shoot with.
As creatives, it’s not often we step outside of our comfort zone or typical workflow and experiment with new tools of the trade.
I typically work with less-wide Fujifilm primes, including 16mm, 23mm, and 27mm.
I’ve got a pretty good idea of the field of view I’ll see when I peer into the viewfinder.
What I found most impressive about the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 is how much of the scene is included in the 121° angle of view.
Furthermore, taking such a wide-angle lens into my usual inner-city settings allowed me to explore new creative options.
I typically scan at eye level for scenes, compositions, and subjects.
However, I spent the days testing the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 with a focus on cityscapes and skyscrapers.
Undoubtedly, the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 WR isn’t a lens for all occasions. But that’s okay – that’s what the 35mm or 50mm lens in your camera bag is for.
It’s a lens for the creative capture of vast spaces and it does a fantastic job at that!
What are your thoughts on the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5? Have you ever shot with an ultra-wide lens, and what genres did you use it for?
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 Lens
Solid, compact and lightweight lens offering an 121° angle of view for ultra-wide creative shooting.
Disclaimer: All recommendations are impartial and based on user experience, with no bias to the products or the brand. The products in this post may contain affiliate links.
