REVIEW: Fujinon XF35mm f1.4R 'versus' X100 + TCL-X100

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In April I did a comparison test between the Fujinon XF18mm f2R and the WCL-X100, which converts the 23mm f2 lens on the X100 to a 19mm f2 lens.  Since then I have added a TCL-X100 to my kit which converts the 23mm on the X100 to a 33mm f2, almost the same focal length as the superb XF35mm f1.4R.  So after using the TCL-X100 out and about I decided to do a back-to-back review on the two lenses and see if the tele converter for the X100 can match the output from the 35mm f1.4 on the X-Pro1.


SIZE
First a quick size comparison.  The TCL-X100 is a big lens, much larger than the WCL-X100, adding an extra 46.5mm to the X100's existing optic, although it's not too heavy at 180g (30g more than the WCL-X100 wide-angle conversion lens).

 If you check out the image above you will see the profile of the X100 has significantly changed with the converter fitted and is now slightly wider front to back than the X-Pro1 with the 35mm.  

 The X-Pro1 stands slightly taller but I do have the handgrip attached to my camera and this accounts for the extra height.  So the size advantage that the X100 usually has has been negated when the TCL-X100 is used.


RESULTS
The good thing about the WCL and TCL converters is they are specially designed for the X100 / X100S / X100T and the firmware has been adjusted to account for any distortion when using the converters.  The result is the images from either converter is spot on from f2 right through to f16.  

 AUTOFOCUS ON THE X100
The AF on the X100 doesn't seem to be affected by the fitting of the converters. I have seen some reports of owners complaining that the AF system on their cameras have been degraded by the fitting of the converter but my own experience using the lens is that I haven't noticed any problems or difficulties with the AF when I use the camera with either converter fitted.


FUJINON XF35mm f1.4R
Now the XF35mm lens has one advantage and that is the extra stop on the aperture over the X100s f2 lens.  The 35mm was one of the original trio of lenses launched with the X-Pro1 back in 2012.  There are rumours of a newer version of the 35mm coming soon with improved AF, but I love this lens for its low light ability, compact design and optical precision.  This is a gem of a lens and one I wont leave home without when heading out with the Fuji camera bag over my shoulder.

 PRICE
The Fujinon XF35mm f1.4 is currently available in the UK for around £399.00 (see HERE)  while the TCL-X100 is slightly cheaper with a street price of around £219.00 (see HERE). 

 PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS
As anyone who reads this blog on a regular basis knows I don't do scientific reviews, I report on how I use the equipment and how I rate them using them for my work.  There are plenty of websites for in depth, pixel peeping reviews available on the internet.  

 Here are a few images taken with the TCL-X100 and some with the XF35mm f1.4.  
TCL-X100
XF35mm f1.4R
TCL-X100
XF35mm f1.4R
TCL-X100
XF35mm f1.4
All of the shots of the Dutch Houses were shot at ISO800 @ f2 on both cameras and using natural light.  The images were converted using LR5 and adjustments made to exposure, contrast and clarity only. 

 Here are some comparison shots taken out in the field -
TCL-X100
XF35mm f1.4

TCL-X100
XF35mm f1.4
TCL-X100
XF35mm f1.4
TCL-X100
XF35mm f1.4
Here are some more images taken on the X100 and the TCL-X100 earlier this year in Portugal.


CONCLUSION
The TCL-X100 makes the X100 more flexible for my style of working.  The focal length of 33mm gives an equivalent field of view of a 50mm standard lens on a 35mm camera.  The ability to have the equivalent of 28mm, 35mm and 50mm in a small camera is a great way to travel.

 Having said that the 35mm f1.4 Fujinon is one of my favourite lenses of all time and it is the one lens that is glued to the front of my X-Pro1 or X-T1.  The quality of the TCL-X100 is fantastic but given the choice I would prefer to have the 35mm f1.4 with me.  However I can recommend the TCL-X100 to any X100 / X100S / X100T users who are considering this converter to make their X100 more adaptable.






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Jeff Carter is an Official Fujifilm X Photographer and was named as a Fujifilm brand ambassador in June 2015. In 2016 he worked with the company on the launches of the Fujifilm X-Pro2 in Tokyo and the Fujifilm X-T2 in Paris in July 2016.  You can view his profile and gallery on the Fujifilm website HERE

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Comments

  1. Alastair Arthur16 December 2014 at 17:15

    Thanks, a useful comparison. I've been holding off on the 35mm based on rumours of an update but might have to get one soon.

    ReplyDelete

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