Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR § 03 Head to head
Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR vs Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro
Fujifilm 50mm f/3.5 has a wider field of view. Laowa 55mm f/2.8 is 0.6 stops brighter maximum aperture.
The Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR is a 50mm f/3.5 prime, and the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro is a 55mm f/2.8 prime. On paper they trade blows, with 5 advantages each.
Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR 
Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro 01
Key differences
Why is the Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR better than the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro?
- Wider field of view (50mm vs 55mm)
- 1010 g lighter (335 g vs 1345 g)
- 121 mm shorter (48 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 50mm F3.5 R LM WR?
- 0.6 stops brighter maximum aperture (f/2.8 vs f/3.5)
- Longer reach (55mm vs 50mm)
- Focuses 28 cm closer (0.27 m vs 0.55 m)
- More aperture blades (15 vs 9)
- Newer design (2024 vs 2019)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro has the edge: its f/2.8 aperture gathers more light than f/3.5.
- 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.
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Specification
| Specification | Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR | Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 55mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.8 ◆ |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Standard prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Medium Format | Full frame |
| Weight | 335 g (11.8 oz) ◆ | 1345 g |
| Dimensions | 84 mm (diameter) x 48 mm (length) | 168.5 x 85 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.55 m (21.7 inches) | 0.27 m ◆ |
| Maximum magnification | 0.1x | — |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | — |
| Aperture ring | Yes | — |
| Aperture blades | 9 (rounded) | 15 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 9 elements in 6 groups (includes 1 aspherical element) | 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 | 2019 | 2024 |
| Price | — | $1,249 launch price |
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Size
- A · Fujifilm
- B · Venus
- 48 × 84 mm
- 168.5 × 85 mm
The Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro is 120 mm longer and 1010 g heavier than the Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR.
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Sample frames
Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which lens has the brighter aperture, the Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM 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 opens to f/2.8, against f/3.5 on the Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR, 0.6 stops brighter.
- Which is lighter, the Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR or the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro?
- The Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR weighs 335 g, 1010 g less than the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro (1345 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM 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 0.55 m for the Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR.
- Do the Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM 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 50mm F3.5 R LM WR or the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro has the edge: its f/2.8 aperture gathers more light than f/3.5.
- Is the Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR or the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro better for macro photography?
- 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.
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