Yes, I am also curious how this lens compares to the 23 and 30mm GF primes. I have not tested them side by side, but from the reviews I have watched so far I get the impression that the 23mm still matches or exceeds the zoom in image quality, but has less distortion and may be faster the focus with the linear motors. The 30mm is not as great of a lens, and doesn't have the linear motors, so I expect this one to be quite similar to the 20-35mm f4 in image quality and to be of no real added value next to the 20-35mm f4, unless you like its compacter size or like this lens at a lower budget. Those are just my first impressions from behind my computer, and as owner of the 23 and 30mm primes, but I could be wrong. I always find that the first lenses, the 23mm, the 110mm and the 250mm, are the best and most uncompromising in the line-up, followed by the 45-100mm zoom. The rest is still very good, but all have a little something.
@@Edwin-- hey Edwin, thanks for your thoughts, they seem pretty plausible to me. Just looking at the uncorrected distortion on both ends of the GF 20-35mm in this review gives me a sense of what you are saying. Thanks for your observations on both your prime lenses too. It's frustrating when reviewers only look at lenses in isolation rather than making comparative judgments, but I guess it's all about selling lens and only providing a credible amount of criticism, isn't it? At least this reviewer did a good job of showing parameters such as distortion rather than just talking about it. It was also streets ahead of those whose only comments are around "edge to edge sharpness"!
I have both the GF 23 and the new 20-35. Only had a chance for a few test shots so far but the zoom is at least as sharp as the GF23 all the way through the focal length and aperture range. I found the zoom sharper in the corners wide open but both excellent. Any difference in focus speed isn't noticeable. Both are good without being exceptional but that's probably a limitation of the GFX system anyway. When used with lens profiles, distortion corrects fine on both. Uncorrected the zoom has barrel distortion at the wide and and pincushion at the 35mm end so somewhere in the middle it's probably distortion free :) Given it's similar in size, weight and aperture to the GF23, I cant see any reason to choose the prime except for price.
I am actually intrigued that Fuji came out with such a good zoom at the wide end that, I believe, makes the 23 and the 30 essentially obsolete. The cost is i but the quality is excellent and the sale of the 23+30 will make up for the cost. The ability to do decent Astro with it a plus given that there isn’t a good native choice and adaptive lenses often do not results the 100mp well.
I actually totally agree. The 23 and the 30 are accumulating dust and I should sell them. I had recently had an opportunity to do astrophotography with it an the results were outstanding. For landscape this is a must with the 45-100 and the 100-200
I saw this video today and I find it clear, comprehensive, technically very valid and also intellectually honest. I therefore immediately subscribed to your channel. Thanks ❤
Loved seeing the cat zooming around. This is definitely a tempting option to compliment the 35 to 70. Although now the 23 mm F4 can be had for half the price on the used market. I wonder how much of a difference that extra 3 mm makes.
Dustin, thanks for what you are doing! I do not miss a single video. All lens purchases for my Sony camera are done only after viewing your videos! Sorry for off topic comment. I would like to see how Samyang/Rokinon 135 1.8 compares to 135 1.8 G-Master. Its less than half the price! Does it offer comparable performance? What is your expertise on it? I would really like to know your opinion. A review would be great! A head to head shootout with G-Master would be stellar! Thanks in Advance!
Would be interesting indeed, but the Sony 135mm f1.8 GM is a very tough one to beat. That is one of the best primes Sony makes in my opinion, it's really good!
Disagree 100% I use the 30, 45 and 100-200 between F11 to F16. No issues. I just returned from a 53 day travel photo trip to Prudhoe Bay in Alaska with over 9000 images. What you are speaking is internet lore.