Last Updated on 05/10/2017 by Chris Gampat
The Fujifilm 120mm F4 R LM OIS WR Macro is one of the first lens offerings from the G Format lineup, and it’s a pretty decent lens overall. In fact, there isn’t a single major problem with it besides maybe its large size. But when it comes to performance, it’s very sharp, focuses quickly, has image stabilization built in, and beautiful bokeh. What more could a photographer want?
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very sharp
- Image stabilization
- Very good build quality
- Lovely bokeh
Cons
- Pretty huge
- Perhaps too sharp for portraits
Gear Used
We tested the Fujifilm 120mm F4 R LM OIS WR Macro with the Fujifilm GFX 50s and various flashes, ND filters and gels.
Fujifilm 120mm F4 R LM OIS WR Macro Tech Specs
Specs taken from the Fujifilm official listing
Type | GF120mmF4 R LM OIS WR Macro |
---|---|
Lens configuration | 14 elements in 9 groups (includes 3 extra-low dispersion elements) |
Focal length (35mm format equivalent) | f=120mm (95mm) |
Angle of view | 25.7° |
Max. aperture | F4 |
Min. aperture | F32 |
Aperture control |
|
Focus range | 45cm – ∞ |
Max. magnification | 0.5x |
External dimensions : Diameter x Length* (approx.) * distance from camera lens mount flange |
ø89.2mm×152.5mm |
Weight* (approx.) *excluding caps and hoods |
980g |
Filter size | ø72mm |
Accessories included | Lens Cap FLCP-72II Lens rear cap RLCP-002 Lens hood Lens case |
Ergonomics
The Fujifilm 120mm F4 R LM OIS WR Macro is a pretty long lens, and when you consider it vs the camera body size, it’s also pretty skinny. The lens’ body is dominated by a massive focusing ring along with an aperture ring behind it. Then there’s the metal body and an almost-as-large lens hood. The hood has a window for you to adjust a lens filter if you need to.
The front of the lens has a big 72mm filter thread. Keep this in mind when you use ND filters or any other type of lens filter/attachment.
Without the hood, the Fujifilm 120mm F4 R LM OIS WR Macro becomes a whole lot smaller. If you’re using a filter, you’ll probably end up just using it this way anyway.
Like the other new G format lenses, the Fujifilm 120mm F4 R LM OIS WR Macro has this special setting on the aperture ring. The C mode lets the camera control the aperture. Here, you’ll also notice other switches like the OIS and more.
Build Quality
Though I got to take the Fujifilm GFX 50s and the 63mm f2.8 into the rain, I didn’t take the 120mm f4 out. However considering what I’ve put Fujifilm’s gear through when it comes to NYC rain storms, I’m sure it can put up with most of what mother nature will throw at it.
Ease of Use
Typically speaking, this is a pretty simple lens to use if you know how to use lenses with an aperture ring. If you don’t like aperture rings, just set the lens to the C mode and it will be like operating a DSLR.
Autofocus
In pretty much every situation, the autofocus of the camera and lens combination seemed to be perfectly spot on. In low light, the speed suffers a bit but when using the Fujifilm 120mm F4 R LM OIS WR Macro, I didn’t miss a shot at all unless the camera and lens were focusing at macro distances.
Image Quality
The Fujifilm 120mm F4 R LM OIS WR Macro is overall a really good lens. It delivers solid image quality and while I’ve given the Fujifilm system some flak for slow lenses, this is one that I’ll make the exception for due to the fact that I like the bokeh and it’s a macro lens. Still though, I’m sure that faster macro lenses are possible.
Bokeh
This lens is wonderful when it comes to bokeh. That has to do with the fact that it is a macro lens. So go ahead and focus up close and personal.
Chromatic Aberration
Like other lenses for the G format, the Fujifilm 120mm F4 R LM OIS WR Macro lacks any sort of major chromatic aberration issues. You can rest assured that it’s a fantastic lens.
Color Rendition
Here’s where I’m sort of torn. I really like the colors from the 63mm f2.8, but the 120mm f4 Macro is giving that lens a run for its money. The colors here are really something special. Granted, part of this has to do with the sensor and the film simulations you’re working with.
Sharpness
One thing you can guarantee is that any macro lens is going to have amazing sharpness. The Fujifilm 120mm F4 R LM OIS WR Macro is no exception. Like the 63mm f2.8, I feel it’s probably even too sharp for portraiture.
However with that said, this lens has a slightly special character to it that I don’t see with many other macro lenses on the market.
Extra Image Samples
Conclusions
Likes
- Sharp
- Image stabilization
- Close focusing
- Nice bokeh
Dislikes
- Kind of large, but I understand that.
The Fujifilm 120mm F4 R LM OIS WR Macro is a very nice lens addition to the Fujifilm G format system. I personally like the 63mm f2.8 a bit more, but there isn’t anything at all wrong with a lens like this. There is something about it I can’t quite put my finger on that didn’t let me easily fall in love with it. I always ended up reaching for the 63mm instead. The Fujifilm 120mm F4 R LM OIS WR Macro is a good portrait lens, though I recommend either using it with lots of natural light or in a studio situation with a flash. But then, you risk getting overly sharp portraits. For that reason, you may want to relegate a lens like this to macro shooting situations like products.
The Fujifilm 120mm F4 R LM OIS WR Macro receives five out of five stars. It’s great. Want one? Check out Amazon for the latest prices.