Fujifilm signs its widest-angle lens ever, and it does so by one millimeter

Fujifilm has introduced the Fujinon GF19-35mm T3.5 PZ OIS WR, the second cinema lens with a motorized zoom for the GFX system after the GF32-90mm T3.5 PZ OIS WR launched alongside the GFX Eterna 55. It is the lens with the widest field of view ever offered in the GF format, with an equivalent focal length of 15-28mm in the 35mm format, and will hit the market on July 23 at a suggested retail price of $5,699.

However, the wide-angle record needs to be qualified: on the short side, the new zoom surpasses the existing GF 20-35mm F4 R WR by just one millimeter: the title of the widest lens in the format is contested by a minimal margin, more symbolic as a "flag planted" than practical.

The GF19-35mm shares identical external dimensions with the GF32-90mm, measuring 222mm in length and weighing approximately 2.1kg, allowing the same accessories to be reused and the two lenses to be alternated on the rig without needing to redo the setup. The controls are uniformed as well: three separate rings for focus, aperture, and zoom, all with a gear pitch of 0.8M compatible with follow focuses and external motors from other Fujinon cinema lenses.

Built around the GFX Eterna 55, the internal focus motor enables the autofocus modes of the GFX Eterna 55, while the internal servo system allows for direct control of focus, aperture, and zoom from the camera body. The lens supports open gate recording for the Eterna 55 and integrates optical stabilization, designed for shoulder-held and moving shots typical of documentary work. The aperture remains constant at T3.5 throughout the entire focal range.

On the optical front, the design includes 23 lenses in 15 groups, with four low dispersion (ED) elements and three aspherical elements to contain aberrations, along with Nano GI coating against flare and reflections. The 13-blade diaphragm aims for an almost circular bokeh even when stopped down a few stops, and Fujifilm claims to have minimized the variation of the field angle during focus.

It is worth noting that at launch, the motorized zoom control only works with the GFX Eterna 55: support for other GFX bodies is expected later through firmware updates.