Photo © Elia Locardi

5 minute read

Pick the Best GF Lens for Your Photo Style

When working with the GFX system, lens choice couldn’t be more important, so here’s our guide to getting it right

When creating with the GFX System, the resolution of the images is so high that it’s extremely important to consider even the tiniest detail. That’s why FUJIFILM GF lenses offer ultimate image quality to photographers from all photographic styles.

Later, we’ll give you our GF lens suggestions for a number of popular genres, but first, let’s find out a little more about the science behind the system.

The G Mount

The extra-large sensor used in the GFX System requires a large lens mount, so Fujifilm created the G Mount. Its 65mm diameter, 26.7mm flange back distance and 16.7mm minimum back focus distance are part of the reason the GFX50S, GFX50R, and GFX100 are so compact for larger format models.

Learn photography with Fujifilm, Pick the GF Lens for Your Photo Style — Photo © Paul Von Rieter

The mount features 12 electronic contacts that send and receive data between the body and lens. And with the addition of the H Mount adapter, it maintains electronic compatibility with nine SUPER EBC FUJINON HC interchangeable lenses and one teleconverter developed for the GX645AF.

The GF Lens Series

The short back focus distance provides flexibility when it comes to lens design, so the wide range of dust- and weather-resistant GF lenses can be compact, yet still feature fast maximum apertures and deliver impressive edge-to-edge sharpness.

When you also consider these lenses have been developed to offer extreme resolving power to future-proof against further developments in sensor technology, it’s clear GF lenses make a sound investment for any photographic style or genre – now and for many years to come.

Architecture and Interiors – GF23mmF4 R LM WR

GF23mmF4 R LM WR is an ultra wide-angle prime lens that offers the 35mm equivalent of an 18mm optic, ideal for those who like to get a lot into their frame.

Photograph of BROOKLYN BRIDGE made with FUJINON GF23mmF4 R LM WR — Photo © Derek Fahsbender

Landscape – GF30mmF3.5 R WR

With a 35mm equivalent focal length of 24mm, GF30mmF3.5 R WR is a wide-angle prime lens that’s perfect for framing landscapes in glorious detail.

Expansive wide photo of mother and child walking on deserted sandy beach on a fine day. Made with GF30mmF3.5 R WR — Photo © Alison Conklin

Street – GF45mmF2.8 R WR

GF45mmF2.8 R WR is a wide-angle lens that offers the 35mm equivalent of a 36mm optic and an aperture of F2.8, making it perfect for candid moments.

Boy playing with ball illuminated by golden sunlight against a background of dark shadow — Photo © Ben Chrisman

Travel – GF50mmF3.5 R LM WR

GF50mmF3.5 R LM WR is the smallest and lightest lens in the GF lineup and provides a fantastically versatile 35mm equivalent focal length of 40mm.

Distant twin propellor engine plane flying against a blue sky framed between the leaves of a plant in the foreground — Photo © Kirth Bobb

Documentary and Portraits – GF63mmF2.8 R WR

GF63mmF2.8 R WR is a standard lens that has the 35mm equivalent of a ‘nifty fifty’ 50mm optic and, with a perspective that’s very close to that of the human eye, it’s extremely versatile for documentary pictures and portrait subjects.

Portrait of smiling woman lying in bed smiling illuminated by a streak of natural sunlight — Photo © Ryan & Heidi Browne

Low Light and Portraits – GF80mmF1.7 R WR

With an aperture of F1.7, GF80mmF1.7 R WR is the fastest in the GF Lens line. Combine this with a 63mm equivalent focal length and you have a great option for bokeh-rich portraits and challenging lighting conditions.

Photo 2023 © Alison Conklin

Low key food photograph of lunch served in the limited light of an antique oil lamp.

Photo 2023 © Alison Conklin

Close up of man and woman in an intimate nose to nose position and looking into each other's eyes

Photo 2023 © Alison Conklin

Portraits – GF110mmF2 R LM WR

GF110mmF2 R LM WR is a mid-telephoto lens that offers the 35mm equivalent of an 87mm optic and, when combined with the larger format GFX sensor, makes astounding portraits.

Portrait of a bride with a colourful head dress pictured in front of a vibrant floral display. — Photo © Petronella Lugemwa

Macro – GF120mmF4 R LM OIS WR Macro

GF120mmF4 R LM OIS WR Macro is a mid-telephoto, half life-size macro lens equivalent to a 95mm lens on a 35mm camera. It also features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to help preserve the finer details.

Macro photograph of a fly on a flower — Photo © Karen Hutton

Sports and Wildlife – GF250mmF4 R LM OIS WR

GF250mmF4 R LM OIS WR is a telephoto prime lens that offers the full-frame equivalent of a 198mm optic, allowing you to frame every stunning detail of the action, without influencing it.

White mountain goat and kid walking up a steep rocky ridge, framed against clear blue sky. — Photo © Seth K. Hughes

Architecture, Landscape, and Interiors – GF20-35mmF4 R WR

Whether it’s a sprawling vista, towering skyscraper, or grand interior, GF20-35mmF4 R WR’s 16-28mm equivalent focal length will ensure you gain every detail for epic results.

Long exposure wide angle landscape photograph of a lakeside pier at sunset with big sky of blue and broken cloud

Photo 2023 © Karen Hutton

Wide angle photograph of bride and groom kissing on the steps of a cathedral with towers stretching above them in converging verticals

Photo 2023 © Petronella Lugemwa

wide angle photograph of a cathedral interior with intricate designs on the ceiling.

Photo 2023 © Petronella Lugemwa

Photojournalism – GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR

When you need both quality and versatility, GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR 2x zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent of 25-51mm makes the perfect choice.

Close up of hands playing mini trumpet — Photo © Ibarionex Perello

Travel and Everyday – GF35-70mmF4.5-5.6 WR

GF35-70mmF4.5-5.6 WR offers a versatile equivalent focal range of 25-51mm in a lightweight, portable body that’s perfect for on-the-go photographers framing fleeting moments.

Full portrait of a young girl dressed smartly, wearing a sun hat and sunglasses standing on a spacious city-centre terrace with skyscrapers and shining sunshine in the background.

Photo 2023 © Kara Mercer

Landscape photograph of a cactus at sunset with the desert landscape in the background

Photo 2023 © Kara Mercer

Portrait of baby girl sitting on a wing-back armchair smiling at the camera

Photo 2023 © Kara Mercer

The Ultimate All-Rounder – GF45-100mmF4 R LM OIS WR

GF45-100mmF4 R LM OIS WR combines lightness in weight, weather-resistance, a constant F4 aperture, versatile focal lengths, and OIS. And with a 35mm equivalent of 36-79mm, this zoom lens will let you frame a huge variety of subjects in all sorts of conditions.

Pancake stack on diner table in front of woman and young girl who are looking st each other smiling in excitement

Photo © Alison Conklin

Moody black and white landscape photograph of meandering river banked by mountains and lit by rays of sunshine streaming through a break in dark clouds

Photo © Justin Black

Wildlife and Portraits – GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR

With a 79-158mm equivalent focal length, GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR 2x telephoto zoom lens is just as at home framing portraits as it is nature and wildlife images. And its weather-resistance and OIS make it a go-to model if you’re photographing in challenging conditions.