Four primes, three zooms on new Fuji X-mount lens roadmap
posted Monday, June 25, 2012 at 11:00 PM EDT
Shopping for lenses to mount on your shiny new Fujifilm X-Pro1 compact system camera? Your selection might be a little limited at the moment, but that will soon change, according to a roadmap released by Fujifilm today.
Currently, there are three lens models available for the Fuji X-mount, all of them primes: the Fujinon XF18mm F2 R, XF35mm F1.4 R, and XF60mm F2.4 R Macro. The roadmap shows seven new lenses due to arrive by late next year, and only one of them matches the roadmap leaked earlier this year (although a few others were fairly close.)
The leaked roadmap was spot on with its prediction of a 14mm f/2.8 lens set to arrive later this year. It was rather wide of the mark in predicting that it would be accompanied by an 18-72mm f/4 stabilized zoom, however. The actual lens shown on the current roadmap is a rather shorter, brighter 18-55mm f/2.8-4 stabilized zoom.
For next year, the leaked document was fairly close to predicting the 10-24mm f/4 stabilized super wide zoom that is on the current roadmap. The suggested 70-200mm f/4 OIS is gone, however, replaced by a variable-aperture 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 stabilized zoom.
Two other 2013 prime lenses predicted earlier this year were pretty close to the real deal. Fuji is now suggesting a 25mm f/1.4, and a 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens. Accompanying these is a new addition: a 56mm f/1.4.
More details including 35mm-equivalent focal lengths in the roadmap below, courtesy of Fujifilm. Do note, though, that the images are not necessarily accurate. For example that shown for the 18-55mm standard zoom appears identical to the existing XF60mm image.
Press Release
Fujifilm Announces Roadmap For New XF Lenses For The X-Pro1 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera System
Valhalla, N.Y., June 25, 2012 (EMBARGO UNTIL 10:00 PM ET) – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced plans to offer an expanded selection of FUJINON XF lenses for the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera System that will offer a wide range of new shooting opportunities for professional and advanced photographers. From super wide single length focus to telephoto lenses, users will now be able to freely choose which XF lenses match their shooting style, and allow them to experience the extraordinary image quality of the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 in a variety of new ways.
Fall 2012
Beginning in the fall of 2012, Fujifilm will introduce two new bright and fast aperture prime FUJINON XF lenses: the XF14mm (21mm) F2.8 single focal length lens and the XF18mm-55mm (27-84mm) F2.8-F4 lens.
Each of the new XF lenses are designed to deliver sharp, clear images of unmatched quality with precise aperture control, and beautiful bokeh effects thanks to the design of the molded aperture diaphragm blades. The blades are curved to create a circular image at all aperture settings, while the very edges of each blade are meticulously rounded off rather than cut off, to deliver more pleasing images.
Early 2013
Then in early 2013, Fujifilm will also deliver three more high performance single focal length lenses that include the XF56mm (84mm) F1.4 lens, the pancake XF27mm (41mm) F2.8 lens and the XF23mm (35mm) F1.4 lens.
Middle 2013
Then in middle 2013, Fujifilm will launch a telephoto XF55mm-200mm (83-300mm) F3.5-F4.8 lens and the super wide zoom XF10mm-24mm (15-36mm) F4 lens, both with optical image stabilization.
“The FUJIFILM X-Pro1 is an amazing professional grade camera that delivers outstanding image quality, and we are very excited to announce our plans for an expanded line of new XF lenses that will bring even more functionally to the X-Pro1 system,” said Go Miyazaki, division president, Imaging and Electronic Imaging Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “These new premium FUJIFILM XF lenses are designed to deliver stunning image results, and they also fit seamlessly with the build and beauty of the FUJIFILM X-Pro1.”
The award-winning FUJIFILM X-Pro1 digital camera features a custom-developed 16MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensorTM that incorporates a newly developed filter array and Fujifilm’s proprietary EXR Processor technology. The FUJIFILM X-Pro1 delivers superlative image quality that rivals currently available mid and high-end DSLR models. The FUJIFILM X-Pro1 also features the unmatched 2nd Generation Hybrid Multi Viewfinder, a gorgeous magnesium alloy chassis, and an improved user interface for easy and intuitive operation.
To see amazing images taken with FUJIFILM X-Series cameras, please visit: http://fujifilm-x.com/photographers/en/index.html.
Pricing and availability will be announced at or near the launch time.
About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation, consists of five operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division sells consumer and commercial photographic products and services including film, one-time-use cameras, online photo services and fulfillment, digital printing equipment and service. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras. The Motion Picture Division provides motion picture film, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides binoculars, and optical lenses for closed circuit television, videography, cinematography, broadcast and industrial markets. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. markets a range of Fujifilm products and services. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, or go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 17 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2011, and in the year ended March 31, 2012, had global revenues of $27.8 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.
* At an exchange rate of 79 yen to the dollar.
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