Fujifilm GF30 or 45 for landscape

[Chunidam]

I shoot landscapes, often in remote places and some travel (streets scenes for memories but not people). And some set piece portraits of my kids. I just bought a GFX50R as looked amazing value. May keep my D810 for action/kids but sold most of my Nikon lenses for it. Definitely keeping my X100T and my iphone for causal walk around/light travel.

So what wide prime to buy for the 50R? i don’t want to buy a lot of lenses. I am thinking of GF 45. Or maybe the 30mm. In FF I found Nikon 24mm a little wide and preferred the 35mm. Only thing with the Fuji is the resolution is so great I can crop even more. Any thoughts on optical quality of these 2 lenses and view of whether it’s better to go for the wider lens given I can crop so much to my preferred focal length (having the wider lens gives me more flexibility subject to distortion not being too much).

As an aside I may also buy the GF110 for formal portraits and shoot wide open. This lens seems to get very high reviews. (I then will sell my Nikon 85mm FF prime as seems no point having both).

 

[spilla]

Hi -- I have the 50R and both the 45/2.8 and 30/3.5. In terms of optical quality, both of these lenses is outstanding. Both are extremely sharp. The 30/3.5 has a little less chromatic aberration, the 45/2.8 has more resistance to flaring.

I use both lenses often -- seems like you understand these focal lengths which are fairly different from each other. This will all come down to the focal length you want. If you like that 35mmFF focal length, I don't think you'll want to be cropping the 30 all the time. It will take away from your enjoyment not to be able to compose the scene in camera.

 

[goodbokeh]

Chunidam, for lightweight prime carries I opted to skip the GF 45 and went with the 30 & 50 combo. I've since added the 63 ;-) Given your preference for the FF 35mm perspective and wanting to avoid multiple lenses, spilla's advice sounds correct.

My one concern is that you'll find the GFX's narrower 4X3 format pinches with the 45. Maybe take a look at some of your favorite 35mm photos cropped down to 4X3 and see what that feels like.

 

[matteroner]

I like the 45. It's similar to a 35mm ff. I shoot most of my landscape images with the 110 and 45. Occasionally I use a 24mm and the 250. Just depends on how and what you shoot. Optically all the gf lenses are fantastic

 

[Chunidam]

Thank you all so much for these comments. I have decided to go ahead and buy a near mint but used GF45mm lens. I saved a lot which works well for me as a non pro. Depending on how I get on I can also re-trial the wider GF30 lenses with my used GFX50R later as Fuji allow one to do this for a short while. I have now sold all my wider Nikon F mount lenses as will use the Fuji for my “set piece” landscape photographer. Thanks to all for helping me with your comments.

 

[spilla]

Thank you all so much for these comments. I have decided to go ahead and buy a near mint but used GF45mm lens. I saved a lot which works well for me as a non pro. Depending on how I get on I can also re-trial the wider GF30 lenses with my used GFX50R later as Fuji allow one to do this for a short while. I have now sold all my wider Nikon F mount lenses as will use the Fuji for my “set piece” landscape photographer. Thanks to all for helping me with your comments.

You’re going to love it

 

[rick in vegas]

I like zooms for landscape and often find myself at the longest setting. I prefer zoomed in landscapes not so much wide.

 

[Kiwisnap]

I like zooms for landscape and often find myself at the longest setting. I prefer zoomed in landscapes not so much wide.

One reason I own the 100-200.

I would like to own the 250 and the TC but (a) very expensive and (b) probably used rarely vs the cost of owning it.

I might get the TC for the 100-200 first.

 

[El Chubasco]

Have you considered the 35-70? It’s a good lens for landscape imho. I also have the 30mm which mostly stays at home since I got the zoom.



If you are set for a prime, I think the 30mm is the best option.