GF 55 1.7 vs the GF 80 1.7

[bofo777]

It looks like the 55 1.7 has the same or similar DC motor as my 80 1.7. That is great for reducing weight and size But if it has the same focusing lag as the 80 that may be disappointing. Can't wait to go to my local camera shop to try it out Hopefully some new Fuji pixel dust on the new 55 motor will persuade me to buy it.

 

[yogi4fitness]

It looks like the 55 1.7 has the same or similar DC motor as my 80 1.7. That is great for reducing weight and size But if it has the same focusing lag as the 80 that may be disappointing.

That would be dissapointing indeed.

Can't wait to go to my local camera shop to try it out Hopefully some new Fuji pixel dust on the new 55 motor will persuade me to buy it.

My only hope is the 55 is an APO design. I skipped the 80/1.7 mainly for that reason.

 

[Rodenmg]

I think it’s strange that it looks exactly like the 80. Even same dimensions and weight. Hummmmm.

 

[yogi4fitness]

I think it’s strange that it looks exactly like the 80. Even same dimensions and weight. Hummmmm.

But its got more blades...and the more the number of blades the better the bokehlicious balls. And its all about the balls. :-D

 

[Rodenmg]

I think it’s strange that it looks exactly like the 80. Even same dimensions and weight. Hummmmm.

But its got more blades...and the more the number of blades the better the bokehlicious balls. And its all about the balls. :-D

I got no follow up after that.

I don’t actually like how most of the GF line with linear motors clunk when not powered up. I hate the feel of the 110 clunking.

 

[yogi4fitness]

I think it’s strange that it looks exactly like the 80. Even same dimensions and weight. Hummmmm.

But its got more blades...and the more the number of blades the better the bokehlicious balls. And its all about the balls. :-D

I got no follow up after that.

I don’t actually like how most of the GF line with linear motors clunk when not powered up. I hate the feel of the 110 clunking.

Tell me about it. There is even a thread on the GF glass thumps and clunks for the whole lineup.

 

[TransientEye]

Yes. You have to wonder if the designers were required to reuse mechanical parts in order to reduce the development and production costs - not unreasonable given the likely small production numbers.

The focal length means that the pupil size should be ~ 30% less than the GF80. Normally this would translate in to a weight saving, but presumably Fuji has added glass to resolve the chromatic aberrations in the GF80 that caused so much trouble on the internet (but oddly, seems never been a problem in actual shooting as opposed to testing, at least for me).

Now, if Fuji could also produce a fast (f2ish) 30 - 35mm with the same filter thread, they would have a very a very compelling prime triplet that would cover pretty much everything that I shoot…

 

[yogi4fitness]

Yes. You have to wonder if the designers were required to reuse mechanical parts in order to reduce the development and production costs - not unreasonable given the likely small production numbers.

I think thats true of every industry irrespective of production volumes. Reuse parts that can be reused in as many products as possible.

The focal length means that the pupil size should be ~ 30% less than the GF80. Normally this would translate in to a weight saving, but presumably Fuji has added glass to resolve the chromatic aberrations in the GF80 that caused so much trouble on the internet (but oddly, seems never been a problem in actual shooting as opposed to testing, at least for me).

Now, if Fuji could also produce a fast (f2ish) 30 - 35mm with the same filter thread, they would have a very a very compelling prime triplet that would cover pretty much everything that I shoot…

--
Photography Blog

 

[Discombobulated]

For the same reason I may not consider GF55. I think GF80 image is amazing only when my subject isn't moving much. The AF-C is jerky in & out of focus on a steady subject for unknown reason. I had to stop focusing before shutter release. It could be the GFX100s issue as well. Fujifilm needs to address these issues and provide a good firmware update and fix this problem.

 

[bobby350z]

For the same reason I may not consider GF55. I think GF80 image is amazing only when my subject isn't moving much. The AF-C is jerky in & out of focus on a steady subject for unknown reason. I had to stop focusing before shutter release. It could be the GFX100s issue as well. Fujifilm needs to address these issues and provide a good firmware update and fix this problem.

Shoot in single shot mode, don't use AF-C. Sony cameras you use AFC even with stationary subjects. Fuji no.

 

[bobby350z]

I think it’s strange that it looks exactly like the 80. Even same dimensions and weight. Hummmmm.

But its got more blades...and the more the number of blades the better the bokehlicious balls. And its all about the balls. :-D

Low noise DC motor too.

 

[themediocreenthusiast]

It looks like the 55 1.7 has the same or similar DC motor as my 80 1.7.

DC motor this? Not good?

Explaining the Different Types of Lens Autofocus Motor

While every lens design may or or less look the same, the technology and components contained inside can be very different, particularly the autofocus motors. When it comes to autofocus (AF) systems in camera lenses, there are several types of autofocus motors used to achieve fast and accurate...

fstoppers.com

That is great for reducing weight and size But if it has the same focusing lag as the 80 that may be disappointing. Can't wait to go to my local camera shop to try it out Hopefully some new Fuji pixel dust on the new 55 motor will persuade me to buy it.

--
Shooting On The Fly Everyday!

 

[bofo777]

It looks like the 55 1.7 has the same or similar DC motor as my 80 1.7.

DC motor this? Not good?

Explaining the Different Types of Lens Autofocus Motor

While every lens design may or or less look the same, the technology and components contained inside can be very different, particularly the autofocus motors. When it comes to autofocus (AF) systems in camera lenses, there are several types of autofocus motors used to achieve fast and accurate...

fstoppers.com

That is great for reducing weight and size But if it has the same focusing lag as the 80 that may be disappointing. Can't wait to go to my local camera shop to try it out Hopefully some new Fuji pixel dust on the new 55 motor will persuade me to buy it.

Yea it's like buying a Maserati and opening the hood and finding a $1500.00 Fiat engine in it.

 

[Discombobulated]

It looks like the 55 1.7 has the same or similar DC motor as my 80 1.7.

DC motor this? Not good?

Explaining the Different Types of Lens Autofocus Motor

While every lens design may or or less look the same, the technology and components contained inside can be very different, particularly the autofocus motors. When it comes to autofocus (AF) systems in camera lenses, there are several types of autofocus motors used to achieve fast and accurate...

fstoppers.com

That is great for reducing weight and size But if it has the same focusing lag as the 80 that may be disappointing. Can't wait to go to my local camera shop to try it out Hopefully some new Fuji pixel dust on the new 55 motor will persuade me to buy it.

"Not good?" is loaded question. The thing is... LM is newer and better.

 

[yogi4fitness]

It looks like the 55 1.7 has the same or similar DC motor as my 80 1.7.

DC motor this? Not good?

Explaining the Different Types of Lens Autofocus Motor

While every lens design may or or less look the same, the technology and components contained inside can be very different, particularly the autofocus motors. When it comes to autofocus (AF) systems in camera lenses, there are several types of autofocus motors used to achieve fast and accurate...

fstoppers.com

That is great for reducing weight and size But if it has the same focusing lag as the 80 that may be disappointing. Can't wait to go to my local camera shop to try it out Hopefully some new Fuji pixel dust on the new 55 motor will persuade me to buy it.

Yea it's like buying a Maserati and opening the hood and finding a $1500.00 Fiat engine in it.

I would hate it. I hate when manufacturers cut corners (no pun intended) but charge premium prices.

But then Fujis GF glass is competitively priced compared to premium FF glass. Heck I paid the same price for my Sony GM 24-70V1 lens as I paid for the GF45-100. And the GF glass is in a whole another league plus its MF lens. So I still think GF glass is a bargain for what it delivers in IQ.

 

[Rodenmg]

It looks like the 55 1.7 has the same or similar DC motor as my 80 1.7.

DC motor this? Not good?

Explaining the Different Types of Lens Autofocus Motor

While every lens design may or or less look the same, the technology and components contained inside can be very different, particularly the autofocus motors. When it comes to autofocus (AF) systems in camera lenses, there are several types of autofocus motors used to achieve fast and accurate...

fstoppers.com

That is great for reducing weight and size But if it has the same focusing lag as the 80 that may be disappointing. Can't wait to go to my local camera shop to try it out Hopefully some new Fuji pixel dust on the new 55 motor will persuade me to buy it.

Yea it's like buying a Maserati and opening the hood and finding a $1500.00 Fiat engine in it.

I would hate it. I hate when manufacturers cut corners (no pun intended) but charge premium prices.

But then Fujis GF glass is competitively priced compared to premium FF glass. Heck I paid the same price for my Sony GM 24-70V1 lens as I paid for the GF45-100. And the GF glass is in a whole another league plus its MF lens. So I still think GF glass is a bargain for what it delivers in IQ.

I honestly don’t understand why this seems to be such an issue. The only non-LM GF I have is the 45 f2.8 and I never even think about it’s AF capabilities. It just does it. ???

 

[yogi4fitness]

It looks like the 55 1.7 has the same or similar DC motor as my 80 1.7.

DC motor this? Not good?

Explaining the Different Types of Lens Autofocus Motor

While every lens design may or or less look the same, the technology and components contained inside can be very different, particularly the autofocus motors. When it comes to autofocus (AF) systems in camera lenses, there are several types of autofocus motors used to achieve fast and accurate...

fstoppers.com

That is great for reducing weight and size But if it has the same focusing lag as the 80 that may be disappointing. Can't wait to go to my local camera shop to try it out Hopefully some new Fuji pixel dust on the new 55 motor will persuade me to buy it.

Yea it's like buying a Maserati and opening the hood and finding a $1500.00 Fiat engine in it.

I would hate it. I hate when manufacturers cut corners (no pun intended) but charge premium prices.

But then Fujis GF glass is competitively priced compared to premium FF glass. Heck I paid the same price for my Sony GM 24-70V1 lens as I paid for the GF45-100. And the GF glass is in a whole another league plus its MF lens. So I still think GF glass is a bargain for what it delivers in IQ.

I honestly don’t understand why this seems to be such an issue. The only non-LM GF I have is the 45 f2.8 and I never even think about it’s AF capabilities. It just does it. ???

I dont know either. I dont even know what motors are in each. I just look for how fast it acquires focus for my use cases and so far even the GFX50R has been doing well. I am only thinking I'll be blown away with the GFX100II AF capabilities. I am more worried about CA on the new 55 and if it ticks that item and the AF is reasonably fast I am in.

 

[bofo777]

It looks like the 55 1.7 has the same or similar DC motor as my 80 1.7.

DC motor this? Not good?

Explaining the Different Types of Lens Autofocus Motor

While every lens design may or or less look the same, the technology and components contained inside can be very different, particularly the autofocus motors. When it comes to autofocus (AF) systems in camera lenses, there are several types of autofocus motors used to achieve fast and accurate...

fstoppers.com

That is great for reducing weight and size But if it has the same focusing lag as the 80 that may be disappointing. Can't wait to go to my local camera shop to try it out Hopefully some new Fuji pixel dust on the new 55 motor will persuade me to buy it.

Yea it's like buying a Maserati and opening the hood and finding a $1500.00 Fiat engine in it.

I would hate it. I hate when manufacturers cut corners (no pun intended) but charge premium prices.

But then Fujis GF glass is competitively priced compared to premium FF glass. Heck I paid the same price for my Sony GM 24-70V1 lens as I paid for the GF45-100. And the GF glass is in a whole another league plus its MF lens. So I still think GF glass is a bargain for what it delivers in IQ.

I honestly don’t understand why this seems to be such an issue. The only non-LM GF I have is the 45 f2.8 and I never even think about it’s AF capabilities. It just does it. ???

I dont know either. I dont even know what motors are in each. I just look for how fast it acquires focus for my use cases and so far even the GFX50R has been doing well. I am only thinking I'll be blown away with the GFX100II AF capabilities. I am more worried about CA on the new 55 and if it ticks that item and the AF is reasonably fast I am in.

The 55 for my use is for event and wedding photography and if it acts like my 80 and does pick up focus quick enough like my 45 and 110 it is not a lens that I will buy. I just don't want another lens like the 80 that I am not even confident taking it to the event.

 

[paulraphael]

I would hate it. I hate when manufacturers cut corners (no pun intended) but charge premium prices.

They're not cutting corners. It likely has nothing to do with money. Linear motors only work with relatively small and light focusing groups. To use one, Fuji would have had to cut corners on the optical design—to compromise image quality for focusing performance. This does not seem to be their design directive for GF lenses.

I wouldn't assume that the focusing motors are a major part of the lens cost at these price points. Fuji just released their most expensive lens in the series, and it doesn't even have a focusing motor.

 

[JimKasson]

I would hate it. I hate when manufacturers cut corners (no pun intended) but charge premium prices.

They're not cutting corners. It likely has nothing to do with money. Linear motors only work with relatively small and light focusing groups.

Linear motors, or VCAs, are capable of moving large masses at great speeds. There are reasons why you might not want to design a lens that way, but you could if you wanted to.

To use one, Fuji would have had to cut corners on the optical design—to compromise image quality for focusing performance. This does not seem to be their design directive for GF lenses.

I wouldn't assume that the focusing motors are a major part of the lens cost at these price points. Fuji just released their most expensive lens in the series, and it doesn't even have a focusing motor.