FUJIFILM GF 45-100mm lens f/4 – Review

Introduction-

The FUJIFILM GF 45-100mm f/4 lens is a mid-range zoom lens. It is specially designed for FUJIFILM’s GFX medium format cameras. It is a versatile lens that can be used for a variety of shoots be it commercial or travel photography.

I often use the GF 45-100mm f/4 lens for shooting portraits at my studio, headshot sessions on location and also for a wide range of commercial projects.

All my photographic gear is from FUJIFILM and I have been using it for several years now. I feel the GF 45-100mm lens is a great choice for FUJIFILM medium format camera as it covers the gap between the GF 32-64mm zoom lens and the GF 100-200mm lens. This large gap between GF 32-64mm and GF 100-200mm is difficult to cover because there are many instances where you need to shoot in between this range be it for commercial or portrait sessions specially when the space does not allow you to move. From wide-angle to portrait-length range, it is a useful lens and can suite a variety of situations. Here, the GF 45-100mm fits in perfectly.

The focal length of the lens for a full frame camera is a 36-79mm equivalent.

You can also check out my review of the FUJIFILM GFX 50R: https://www.josejeuland.com/fujifilm-gfx-50r-medium-format-camera-review/

FUJIFILM GF 45-100mm lens material and build-

The GF 45-100mm is a magnesium alloy and glass lens, with special zoom and focus rings made of rubber. This helps in maintaining a good resistance. Manual focusing is socially easy in using this lens because it is slightly bigger than other lens but it has a comfortable hand grip while rotating it. On the whole the GF 45-100mm lens is totally worth the value.

The lens has built-in image stabilisation which is very useful while shooting in low light conditions such as during sunrise, sunset or indoors. The GF 45-100mm is completely weather resistant, shooting in adverse climatic conditions will not cause any issues.

Specifications-

. Focal Length: 45-100mm
. Max. Aperture: f/4
. Min. Aperture: f/32
. Format Compatibility: Medium Format
. Lens Structure: 16 elements in 12 groups
. Aperture Blades: 9
. Focus Details: Linear AF Motor, Internal Focusing
. Filter Thread: 82mm
. Dimensions: 144.5mm x 93mm / 5.69 in. x 3.66 in.
. Weight: 1005g / 2.21 lb
. Mounts: FUJIFILM G

The photographs from using GF 45-100mm are of high quality and very sharp and clear contrast. I often experiment with the focal lengths and noticed the consistent quality of the images at all focal lengths and apertures. The lens has the ability to produce a very soft and neat bokeh effect where everything except the subject is blurred. The Gf 45-10mm pairs very well with the GFX50R or 100.

How I use the lens during my photoshoot?

It is normal for me to keep changing often my lenses while I am shooting. Specially if I need to separate the subject from the background or foreground. For this, I prefer to use a prime lens such as the 110mm (my review about this lens: https://www.josejeuland.com/fujifilm-fujinon-gf-110mm-f-2-lens-review/), 63mm or 45mm Clients will have specific needs and requirements and one has to deliver these requirements accurately. For these requirements change of lens is needed according to the shot and the elements required in the frame. These conditions are only if I need to shoot with a bigger aperture than f4, if it is not needed then with the GF 45-100mm I can manage so many shooting situations.

Conclusion-

Moreover, I would like to state that since I have been using the GF 45-100mm lens, it has made my workflow much easier. It is an all-around lens and I am happy to shoot a whole variety of subjects with this lens. Currently, this is my go-to lens.