THE FUJI LENS WITH A HINT OF MAGIC - FUJIFILM 33MM F1.4

I just took this 33mm f1.4 out for a first test run today. It's excellent. The fast continuous autofocus is working great (combined with my X-T5 camera with its all-important firmware update). Seems very sharp too.

I bought it to provide a good low light alternative to my beloved 16-55 f2.8, but I'm also loving the little things like how the 33mm doesn't stick out as much - so doesn't feel like it's going to get bashed when I'm moving through crowds.

I was afraid that 33mm on a crop sensor would be too tight for street photography, but it definitely isn't for mine. I still found myself having to walk in quite close.

I think it'll be more challenging to use than some shorter focal length Fuji lenses, for street photography, as it lacks the immediate wow factor of their distortion and ability to keep all the background in-shot. But I think that's exciting, as the 33mm has to work harder to decide what to include or exclude from a shot.

I'd still like using 16mm or 18mm capability on a separate lens for some 'fancy' close-in shots, but otherwise this 33mm gives me almost everything.

It certainly is my favourite lens. It hasn’t left my camera since I first got it. It’s a great focal length, not to mention quality is amazing!

The 35mm f1.4 is a magical lens. Not sure it's worth getting the 33mm if you own the 35mm.

This is the only lens I owe for now, it’s so easy to shoot with! The photos always turn own magical, there’s something very special to this lens. Def a keeprr

I’ll probably still get the 35mm f1.4. But I’ll probably still check this one and the f2

My fave lens is still the 35mm 1.4 but the 33 is certainly great as well!

I own the 35mm f/2 which is my go-to focal length. I do think the 33mm f1.4 is a special lens but it is not giving me substantially different results compared to my 35 f/2 which is decently sharp and renders backgrounds quite similarly. At the same time, the 35mm is tiny which is a considerable advantage in itself. I might rent Vitrox's recent 27mm f/1.2 to see if its bright aperture is worth the additional weight.

Sure it blocks the VF of the XPro which USP is the OVF.

It’s pure magic for video work as well! Quick focus and very little chromatic aberration if shooting wide open. I like to use it with a pro mist filer and it gives even more magic 🔥

Wait till he gets his hands on the new Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 XF for FujiFilm. 😉

MY PRESET, MY GEAR, MY FAVORITE LENS! BUY M Y STUFF ! BUY MY STUFF! USE MY AFFILIATE LINK!

I have the 35mm f1.4 and see no need to upgrade. It is just so so good. At f1.4 I'm looking for center sharpness and nice bokeh. If I need corner to corner sharpness the 35 f1.4 more than holds its own at f5.6-f8 vs the 33. The 35 is rather portable vs the large 33. If you are more photo than video than no need for upgrade whatsoever.

Here's the deal with the new LM primes: they're incredible. When I bought into the Fujifilm system for my travel kit, the first 3 lenses I bought were the 18mm f/2, 27mm f/2.8, and the 35mm f/1.4. I love the 35mm for many reasons, but its size, weight, and "character" won me over. Fast forward to now and I've had this 33mm for over a year and I have used the 35mm maybe 3-5 times. I've even packed it and decided to swap it out for the 33 instead. Why? It just has everything I want in a 50mm equivalent lens for travel. Now it's weather sealed and has true top notch image quality.

Ok .. ok I give in !! I already own the 35mm 1.4 so I always just kinda ignored the reviews.. but I I’m finally gonna rent this lens to see if I should just upgrade.. if I do someone will get a good deal on my 35 mm

But you can buy a FF camera and get a lens that’s as-good or better for 1/2 the cost and the same size. That’s the problem with these new lenses. No doubt the 33/1.4 is a great lens but you have to consider other alternatives

Thanks for the review.

The 23mm f/1.4 is my favorite Fuji lens. I would not replace it with the 33mm f/1.4.

I wouldn't agree about "fuji give you an options", I would say fuji give you an options without good option:
1. old 35mm f1.4 - it's actually very good and good enough sized, but no weather sealing and slow motor
2. 33mm f1.4 - almost perfect, but price and size. It's too much for the most amateurs.
3. 35mm f2 "fujicron" it's actually basic plastic one, but fuji renew and rehoused it. Slow aperture and no any magic, not it's not bad and quite compact, but you can take plastic one for almost nothing.

4. 35mm f2 plastic one - same 35 f2 fujicron but in plastic.

So after all there is no good choice, 4 lens and no good compromise.. Such wide segmentation in single focal range means fuji wish to dive into your pockets badly. The right strategy was to renew old 35 f1.4 instead of rehousing cheaper plastic lens. But Fuji wanted to release and protect sells of more expensive 33mm f1.4

Is the size of the lens a problem with the Xpro framelines in the ovf? How much of the bottom right of frame is obscured by the lens?