Fuji Scraps 33mm f/1.0 Lens, Announces Development of 50mm f/1.0 Lens

Fuji Scraps 33mm f/1.0 Lens, Announces Development of 50mm f/1.0 Lens

Fujifilm has been working on development of an extreme lens, a 33mm f/1.0, for its X-mount mirrorless cameras for a little while now. However, the company has announced that they have canceled development of the lens in favor of a new 50mm f/1 lens. 

Fuji's popular X series of cameras is known for having a lot of quality glass. However, Fujifilm's Head of Product Planning, Takashi Ueno, announced that the 33mm f/1.0 prototype had become increasingly large and heavy, tipping the scales at 45.8 oz (1,300 g) and requiring a tripod foot to lend it stability, making it simply too unwieldy for practical use. In its place, the company has announced development of a 50mm f/1 lens (75mm equivalent) that they say will come in under 31.7 oz (900 g). At two pounds or less, such a lens would be a reasonable size for a premium portrait lens and would certainly be an interesting option for wedding and portrait photographers. Of course, the company already has the much beloved XF 56mm f/1.2 R lens, but an f/1 lens would offer an additional 2/3 of a stop beyond that and possibly add image quality improvements with Fuji's latest research and development going into it. It's certainly an exciting time for Fuji shooters! 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

Log in or register to post comments
4 Comments

mmm I would have gone for the 33mm personally...would have been awesome for environmental shots and video...

If it was too big they should have just made it a f1.2

Yes. I'd be way happier with a 33mm f1.2 than with the 50mm f1.

Why? Because of the size?
They already offer the 56 f/1.2 which is a really good lens, which I own myself. Maybe it could do with faster focusing but optically it's splendid.

I probably would have bought the 33 f/1.0 but I can't see myself buying a 50 f/1.0 when I've already got the 56 f/1.2.