Fuji 35mm F2 or Zeiss 32mm F1.8

[oldfashioned1536]

I was originally considering getting the Fuji 27mm (mostly for its compact size), but after playing around with my 18–135 at both 27mm and 35mm, I found that I preferred the 35mm focal length. Now, I'm not sure which would be a better purchase; the 32mm F1.8 Zeiss, or the 35mm F2 Fuji. The price difference is $100 and the pro to the fuji is the WR, while the pro of the Zeiss is that its faster. Another Fuji pro is that they will improve the lens performance via firmware.

 

What do you guys think?

[cug]

The little bit of speed you gain with the Zeiss is more than likely not going to matter much. Sensors will get better and better over time, making high ISO even more possible than today, so the main reason would be decreased depth of field which, given the small difference, is likely more a matter of taste how out of focus areas are rendered than how deep the depth of field is.

 

My personal opinion is that the new XF35 f/2 has wonderful out of focus rendering. I have never used the Zeiss, but in the examples I have seen, I did not particularly like the OOF rendering.

 

And as it is a matter of taste: you need to decide for yourself. Flickr gets more and more photos for these lenses, so take a look and get an initial impression:

 

https://www.flickr.com/groups/fujinon35mmf2/

https://www.flickr.com/groups/touit_32mm/

[Phil]

I agree. The difference from f/2 to f/1.8 is negligible IMHO (it pretty much gets you from ISO 6400 to ISO 5000). From the looks of things, the Fuji should focus faster, and be sharper and have nicer bokeh. If it was f/2 vs 1.4 I could maybe see some merit in the Zeiss, but since it's 1.8 and that's all it really has going for it, I think the Fuji is a no brainer.

[kivi]

OK sports fans, I have the 35/2 mated to my XT-1. Yipee. Reminds me of the Leica M-9 and 35/2 Cron, except lighter by a mile. Now about filters; Fuji says to only use a clear protector filter such as their own offering(although none available in the 43mm mount). Says not to put a UV filter on the lens. What are others doing in this regard?

[cug]

I really like the results I'm getting from my XF35/2:

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/cug/albums/72157660921546609

[Blacksheep]

You know, I have owned both the Zeiss and the Fuji. The f stop difference is negligible. I have only been using the Fuji 35 f2 for a few weeks but it's a charming lens and fast. I am missing nothing about the Zeiss. I sold the Zeiss 32 on Saturday and cleaned my photographic house a little bit for some cold hard cash. 

[Bud]

I had both the Zeiss 12mm and 32mm lenses. After buying the Fuji 35mm and Fuji 10-24mm lenses, I sold both of the Zeiss lenses. I used Zeiss primes on my Canon FF DSLRs, but was disappointed that the Fuji versions didn't have the sharpness or micro contrast of the Canon versions.

 

I recently purchased the Fuji 35mm f2. It's an excellent lens and focuses faster than the older 35mm f1.4. Both are excellent image makers. If I could only buy one, I would buy the f2 version for the weather sealing and smaller size and weight. It costs less too!

 

Regards,

Bud James

 

www.budjames.photography

[calinandra69]

I have Zeiss 32mm and it is ok. I like the sharp of the lenss especialy in corners, but the bokeh it is a little bit...nervous.