Not sure about the new XF33/f1.4

[Yannis]

Hi,

I recently tested the XF33/f1.4 and yes AF and IQ are both great! But, size and weight are also quite large, making the whole Fuji experience less enjoyable for me. Personally I dont need the WR (have the 35/f2 for that) and CAF maybe be worse with the old 35/f1.4 but not by that much that I cant take a nice portrait. I am seriously thinking of selling that lens and getting a used 35/f1.4 at a lower price. Any opinions on that?

[SGinNorcal]

I have the 33f1.4 and like it very much.  I also like the little f2's, I have the 23mm.  My logic was the 23 is most likely to be used outside in good light where the 33mm would double up as a portrait lens indoors or other potentially poor light uses.  I don't plan to use this FL in my hiking kit so the larger size isn't a concern.  I don't have and haven't used the 35f1.4 and have heard about its "character".  But to me the 33 is an ideal blend of IQ w/o being clinical, awesome light capture, and great color rendering.  I don't really notice AF which I guess is a compliment to not think of it.  I recently had the 33 on and took some wide open shots of plum blossoms to see the bokeh.  Pretty awesome results IMO with stunning details corner to corner.  I may also end up with the 35f2 for size reasons but can't see parting with the 33.

[Edp]

I have the 18mm f1.4 WR LM R, which is pretty much the same size, and it’s on the camera 90% of the time.  During my trip to Spain, I didn’t find it overly burdensome or conspicuous.     The viltrox 75mm f1.2 on the other hand…… that was chunky.  

[Blue Zurich]

I guess all the lens size comments are relative. Unless you aren't used to something larger such as EF/RF L glass, the bigger front element fuji lenses can seem big. Me, I think the 33 1.4 is very small overall  and well balanced on the X-T and X-Pro series. 

[Edp]

up until a few months ago, I was only using a canon 5D with large EF zooms.   The stuff I have now with the x-t5 is  veritably Lilliputian. I love it.  

[AntoineNL]

On 4/14/2023 at 7:18 PM, SGinNorcal said:

I have the 33f1.4 and like it very much.  I also like the little f2's, I have the 23mm.  My logic was the 23 is most likely to be used outside in good light where the 33mm would double up as a portrait lens indoors or other potentially poor light uses.  I don't plan to use this FL in my hiking kit so the larger size isn't a concern.  I don't have and haven't used the 35f1.4 and have heard about its "character".  But to me the 33 is an ideal blend of IQ w/o being clinical, awesome light capture, and great color rendering.  I don't really notice AF which I guess is a compliment to not think of it.  I recently had the 33 on and took some wide open shots of plum blossoms to see the bokeh.  Pretty awesome results IMO with stunning details corner to corner.  I may also end up with the 35f2 for size reasons but can't see parting with the 33.

Exactly my reasoning for having the 33/F1.4 and 23/F2. I traded in the 35/F2 for the 33/F1.4.

[Fuji XRaw Studio]

I have the 33mm 1.4 Fuji lens & absolutely love it. It is able to focus very quickly & accurately. The lens contrast is very good & I do not mind the size of this lens when paired with my Fuji XT-3 camera.( I like to shoot with the battery grip attached to my XT-3, although I know others may not like to use a battery grip for their shooting needs.) I also have the Fujicrons f/2 lenses, 23mm,35mm & 50mm. They are wonderful, tiny & compact & pair well with any of the Fuji camera bodies. They offer exceptional value for their respective price points. I have not used or owned any of the Viltrox lenses, but reviews on this lens have been very complimentary with respect to build quality, autofocus performance & cost.

[XFGPhotography]

Got the 33m with an X-H2 around 5 months ago and I can say that it is very good. The size isn't really bothersome as my previous gear was a Canon 7D2 with 24-70 2.8 and I say that was huge. Overall even the hugest Fuji's aren't really that huge tbh. But I understand what you mean when you say that the 33mm 1.4 is very chunky vs the f2 as my partner uses an old x-t20 with a 23 35 50 f2 and when I let her borrow my 33mm she has the same comment that it doesn't feel like fuji anymore since she got into the fuji lineup with the mindset that these cameras and lenses will be the smallest in class. Oh yeah what body are you using, I was initially leaning on buying the older 1.4s as they were smaller but most of my friends who got x-h2 and x-t5 told me don't bother since its a waste pairing with an x-h2 and x-t5 since the older lenses can't render the whole 40mp, whatever it means  I just photograph for fun and just took their advise that I should follow Fuji's website on which can utilize the sensor on the x-h2 properly.