Fujifilm has always been known for its APS-C offerings. The company’s X series models have gained immense fame amongst varied genres of photographers, and it appears that it won’t change anytime soon. However, upon the launch of their GFX series cameras, Fujifilm proved that they are just as good at making medium format models. And now, Chinese third-party lens makers are likely to create AF options for these users.
According to Asobinet, the Federation of Independent Photographers on Weibo have revealed that Chinese lens manufacturers are preparing to announce the first-ever third-party autofocus lenses for the Fujifilm system. The launch will happen in May, but the details of what the lens could be about are still scarce. If confirmed, this lens will be pretty huge for medium format cameras. GFX cameras are expensive, and so, an AF lens can further help to move the monopoly away.
At the moment, there are a few Fujifilm GFX lenses from third-party lens makers. This includes TTArtisan 90mm f1.25, a manual focus lens made for portrait photographers. There is also Laowa which offers 17mm f4 Zero-D GFX, 55mm f2.8 Tilt-shift 1X Macro, and 35mm Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5× Macro, amongst others for medium format cameras. Mitakon Zhongyi has launched 65mm f1.4 GFX and SG-image MF 75mm f1.2 are some other options as well. However, none of the lenses have manual focus only, no electronic contacts, no autofocus, and no communication with the camera body for EXIF data or lens corrections.
If you have the patience to become accustomed to the nuances of this lens, its heavy girth is worth the lower price point. As with anything, it becomes easier and quicker to use with practice. The versatile focal length is ideal for a variety of applications, and the character provided by this lens inspires a lot of creativity. The Mitakon 65mm f1.4 lens is a welcome choice within the Fujifilm GFX lineup.
Brittany Smith, Reviewer, The Phoblographer
A third-party autofocus lens for the Fujifilm GFX system will be quite competitive. The current GFX lenses are expensive, and they can range anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000. Photographers who want two or more lenses will find it challenging to buy them all at once. A new AF lens can also help one to grow the kit, without spending thousands of dollars. If they manage to price the lens closer to $1000, they will be able to get a few offerings to build their arsenal.
Keeping this in mind, 50mm to 65mm range at f1.8 or faster in AF range can be helpful to portrait photographers. Medium format, after all, is used by portrait and landscape photographers the most. So many third-party brands have showcased the ability to make decent lenses, and an AF addition will only get better. It remains to be seen which third-party Chinese lens maker will be the first to leave their mark on history.