Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR § 03 Head to head
Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR vs Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro
Fujifilm 45mm f/2.8 has a wider field of view. Laowa 55mm f/2.8 has a longer reach.
The Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR is a 45mm f/2.8 prime, and the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro is a 55mm f/2.8 prime. On paper the Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR comes out ahead, 5 advantages to 4, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR 
Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro 01
Key differences
Why is the Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR better than the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro?
- Wider field of view (45mm vs 55mm)
- 855 g lighter (490 g vs 1345 g)
- 81 mm shorter (88 mm vs 168.5 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (62 mm vs 77 mm)
- Covers a larger sensor format (medium-format vs full-frame)
Why is the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro better than the Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR?
- Longer reach (55mm vs 45mm)
- Focuses 18 cm closer (0.27 m vs 0.45 m)
- More aperture blades (15 vs 9)
- Newer design (2024 vs 2017)
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Which should you buy?
- street For street photography, the Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR has the edge: it is 855 g lighter to carry.
- landscape For landscape photography, the Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR has the edge: it goes wider, to 45mm against 55mm.
- macro For macro photography, the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro has the edge: it focuses closer, down to 0.27 m.
- portrait For portrait photography, the Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR has the edge: it is 855 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR | Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 45mm | 55mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Wide-angle prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Medium Format | Full frame |
| Weight | 490 g (1.08 lbs) ◆ | 1345 g |
| Dimensions | 84 mm (diameter) x 88 mm (length) | 168.5 x 85 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.45 m (17.7 inches) | 0.27 m ◆ |
| Maximum magnification | 0.14x | — |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | — |
| Aperture ring | Yes | — |
| Aperture blades | 9 (rounded) | 15 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 11 elements in 8 groups (includes 1 aspherical and 2 ED elements) | 14 elements / 11 groups |
| Filter size | 62 mm ◆ | 77 mm |
| Lens mount | Fujifilm G | Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fujifilm G, L-Mount |
| Released | 2017 | 2024 |
| Price | — | $1,249 launch price |
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Size
- A · Fujifilm
- B · Venus
- 88 × 84 mm
- 168.5 × 85 mm
The Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro is 80 mm longer and 855 g heavier than the Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR.
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Sample frames
Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR or the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro?
- The Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR weighs 490 g, 855 g less than the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro (1345 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR or the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro?
- The Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro focuses down to 0.27 m, against 0.45 m for the Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR.
- Do the Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR and the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR or the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro better for street photography?
- For street photography, the Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR has the edge: it is 855 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR or the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro better for landscape photography?
- For landscape photography, the Fujifilm GF 45mm F2.8 R WR has the edge: it goes wider, to 45mm against 55mm.
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