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 p.1 #2 · What is your favorite lens(es) on the GFX system, adapted or native? | |
About two and a half years ago, I purchased a 50SII paired with the GF35-70 lens to pursue personal artistic-documentary projects—work that straddles the line between portraiture and landscape photography. Since I have been shooting almost exclusively with prime lenses for many years, I subsequently acquired a range of Minolta Rokkor lenses (which I have since resold), as well as several Fujinon GF lenses, such as the GF45, GF50, and GF63.
For me, weight is a crucial factor. As I do a great deal of walking and prefer not to lug around heavy gear, the larger and heavier GF lenses are simply not an option for me. In any case, I typically only take a single lens with me when I head out.
Then there were the Minolta Rokkors: these were small and lightweight, and they generally produced beautiful images; however, I ultimately wasn't entirely satisfied with their overall performance. Although I have extensive experience with manual focus, I found that the autofocus-equipped GF lenses consistently delivered superior results.
The GF35-70 and GF50 pair beautifully with the 50SII (and also now with my 100SII); they are small, lightweight, and focus quickly, quietly, and precisely—without any focus hunting. I imagine both lenses would perform just as well on the 50S model. The image quality is superb—highly recommended. The GF50, in particular, is capable of producing truly beautiful portraits.
The GF45 and GF63 are also both wonderful lenses that I wouldn't want to be without—lightweight and compact, offering also excellent image quality. Moreover, they are absolutely sharp right from f/2.8. I have used the GF45 extensively for environmental portraits, while I tend to reach for the GF63 for closer-range portraits when I’m looking to capture that distinctive medium-format aesthetic. Okay, the GF55 and GF80 (as well as your Mitakon) are certainly superior in that regard, but they are also all very large and heavy—and the Fujinons are quite expensive.
Therefore, the GF63 could actually be a viable alternative to the Mitakon 65mm; it is incredibly sharp wide open and does not disappoint in any other respect either. Its only potential drawback might be its somewhat antiquated-feeling autofocus motor, which involves movement of the front element and—as mentioned—can be prone to varying degrees of focus hunting. I recently upgraded to the 100SII specifically for its improved autofocus capabilities—including face and eye detection—and on that camera body, both the GF45 and GF63 perform much more smoothly and pleasantly than they did on my 50SII.
So, if I were you, I would give the GF63 a try—or, if cost and weight are not a concern, consider the GF55 or GF80 instead. However, I would strongly recommend testing these lenses on your specific camera body beforehand, as I cannot say for certain how they will perform on your setup. All three lenses are known for having less-than-stellar autofocus performance—an issue which, as previously noted, tends to be more pronounced on the 50-series cameras than on the newer 100-series models.
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I mean, even the ancient 45 is lightning fast (and quiet) in comparison.