The GF 110 mm f/2 R WR LM is a standout portrait lens for anyone who demands the highest image quality from Fujifilm’s medium-format platform. If your workflow revolves around high-end portraits—either in the studio or on location—and you have (or plan to acquire) an IBIS-enabled GFX body, this lens is worth the investment.
Pros
- Sharp at f/2, edge to edge
- Smooth, natural bokeh
- Durable, weather-sealed build
- Fast, accurate autofocus
- Great subject isolation with IBIS
Considerations
- Expensive (~$2,799)
- Heavy (≈ 845 g)
- No optical stabilization
- Noisy autofocus motor
- Shallow DoF makes focusing tricky
Table of Contents
Overview of the Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 R WR LM Lens
Exploring Fujifilm’s GFX system is like upgrading from first-class to a private jet. This mirrorless medium-format platform is known for its stunning image quality and film-like colors.
At the heart of this system is the GF 110mm f/2 R WR LM lens. It’s designed for portraits and delivers exceptional clarity, smooth background blur, and a striking visual presence.
Whether you’re capturing a windswept outdoor portrait or a softly lit studio headshot, this lens hits the sweet spot. It’s 110mm focal length (about 87mm in full-frame terms) offers ideal compression, working distance, and background separation.
Built for photographers who demand the best, the GF 110mm f/2 performs in any setting. Its fast f/2 aperture and large 44×33mm sensor rival full-frame systems. The weather-resistant build and fast linear motor autofocus let you shoot confidently in the sun, wind, or light rain.
What sets this lens apart is its balance of sharpness and bokeh. Fujifilm’s advanced optics and coatings create crisp detail and a dreamy, painterly background. It’s perfect for highlighting eyes, soft skin tones, and giving portraits a three-dimensional feel.
Unlike many medium-format primes that sacrifice speed for size, the GF 110mm f/2 offers both. It’s portable, powerful, and optically outstanding.
This lens doesn’t just take portraits—it transforms them. Whether you’re a seasoned medium-format user or moving up from APS-C, the GF 110mm f/2 invites you to experience portrait photography at its finest.
GF 110mm f/2 R LM WR Review: Build Quality and Design
The Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 R WR LM lens reflects the high-quality build that the GFX system is known for. From the first touch, it’s clear this lens is made for professionals who value durability and precision.
Built with a mix of metal and high-grade plastics, the lens feels solid but not overly heavy. At about 1,010 grams (2.2 pounds), it’s substantial, yet well-balanced on GFX bodies like the GFX 100 or GFX 50S II. This balance makes handheld shooting more stable and comfortable.
The design is clean and minimal, in line with Fujifilm’s signature style. A standout feature is the manual aperture ring. It clicks smoothly in one-third-stop steps, offering precise, tactile control. For convenience, there’s also an “A” setting for automatic aperture control.
Ergonomics is excellent. The wide, rubberized focus ring turns smoothly and offers great control, ideal for fine-tuning focus on eyes or eyelashes. Despite its large front element and fast aperture, the lens doesn’t feel front-heavy, especially when paired with larger GFX cameras.
Weather resistance is a major plus. The lens is sealed in nine key areas to guard against dust, moisture, and cold temperatures down to -10°C (14°F). Whether you’re shooting in unpredictable weather or dusty environments, this lens is built to keep going.
In short, the GF 110mm f/2 R WR LM is built to last. It’s a serious tool for serious photographers—one that combines excellent handling with rugged reliability. From the precise aperture ring to the robust sealing, every detail supports confident, high-quality shooting.
GF 110mm f/2 R LM WR Review: Key Features and Specifications
This lens is designed specifically for Fujifilm’s GFX system. It covers the large 43.8 x 32.9 mm sensor, delivering outstanding resolution and image quality. With a 110mm focal length (equivalent to 87mm on full-frame), it offers flattering compression and excellent subject separation—ideal for portrait photography.
The wide f/2 maximum aperture allows for shallow depth of field, smooth bokeh, and strong performance in low light. A linear motor provides fast, silent, and accurate autofocus. It works well for both stills and video, even with moving subjects.
Sealed in nine areas, the lens resists dust and moisture. It remains operational in temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F). The physical aperture ring includes marked stops and an “A” setting for auto control. This tactile design is a hallmark of Fujifilm lenses.
Engineered for edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal aberrations, the lens maximizes the GFX sensor’s resolution with high microcontrast. Four ED elements reduce chromatic aberration and color fringing, especially in high-contrast scenes. Fujifilm’s Electron Beam Coating minimizes flare and ghosting. It enhances contrast and color accuracy, even in backlit conditions.
The 9-blade rounded diaphragm creates smooth, natural bokeh—ideal for portraits with soft, pleasing background blur. With a minimum focus distance of 0.9 meters and a maximum magnification of 0.16x, it offers flexibility for close-up work. The lens weighs approximately 1,010 grams and uses a 77mm filter thread.
The Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 R WR LM is a top-tier portrait lens for the GFX system. It combines a flattering focal length, fast aperture, and premium optics with rugged, weather-sealed construction. This lens is a reliable choice for portrait, fashion, and editorial photographers who want to fully leverage the power of medium format.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 110mm (Equivalent to ~87mm in 35mm format) |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Lens Construction | 14 elements in 9 groups (including 4 ED elements) |
| Special Elements | 4 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements to control chromatic aberration |
| Autofocus Motor | Linear Motor (LM) for fast and quiet AF performance |
| Aperture Blades | 9-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth, natural bokeh |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.9 m (approximately 2.95 ft) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.16x |
| Filter Size | 77mm |
| Weather Sealing | Yes – 9 seals for dust and moisture resistance, operable to -10°C |
| Dimensions | Approx. 94.3mm diameter x 125.5mm length (3.7 in x 4.94 in) |
| Weight | Approx. 1,010 g (2.23 lb) |
| Mount Type | Fujifilm G Mount |
GF 110mm f/2 R LM WR Review: Image Quality Performance
The Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 R WR LM lens delivers outstanding sharpness, even wide open at f/2. In lab tests, the center remains extremely sharp at f/2 and improves slightly at f/2.8. Edge and corner sharpness are excellent from f/2.8 to f/8, with only a minor drop at smaller apertures due to diffraction.
On a high-resolution GFX body, detail stays crisp across the entire frame, even at the widest aperture.
Thanks to its fast f/2 aperture and nine rounded blades, the lens produces smooth, creamy bokeh. The transition from sharp focus to blur is soft and natural. Out-of-focus highlights appear as gentle, circular discs without harsh edges or distracting patterns. This gives portraits a dreamy, buttery look.
Chromatic aberration in blurred areas is minimal, even in scenes with strong contrast between foreground and background.
Color rendering is another strength. The lens captures subtle tones with warmth and accuracy, especially in skin, fabric, and natural textures. Even in low-contrast or monochrome scenes, it reveals fine color gradations. Contrast is bold but balanced—highlights stay clean, and shadows retain detail. This gives images a rich, three-dimensional feel.
Axial chromatic aberration—often seen as color fringing in out-of-focus areas—is very well controlled. Even at f/2, there’s almost no visible fringing in high-contrast or backlit scenes. Lateral chromatic aberration near the edges is also minimal. You might notice a slight amount at medium to narrow apertures, but it’s easily corrected in-camera or during editing.
Distortion is virtually nonexistent. Lab tests show only about 0.44% pincushion distortion, which is negligible in real-world use. Straight lines remain straight, so no correction is usually needed for portraits or detailed shots.
Vignetting, or corner darkening, is mild at f/2. It’s most noticeable against bright, even backgrounds like skies or white walls. However, it’s modest for a medium-format f/2 lens and can be corrected in post. By f/5.6, vignetting is greatly reduced, and by f/8, it’s nearly invisible. In many cases, the slight fall-off at wide apertures can even enhance the mood of a portrait. For even lighting, stopping down to f/4 or f/5.6 solves the issue without sacrificing sharpness.
In summary:
The Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 R WR LM is one of the sharpest lenses in the GFX lineup. It offers:
- Edge-to-edge clarity
- Smooth, natural bokeh
- Vivid, accurate color rendering
- Minimal distortion and chromatic aberration
While there is some light fall-off at f/2, it’s easy to manage and often adds character. This makes the lens a top choice for portrait, editorial, and fine-art photography on Fujifilm’s medium-format cameras.
GF 110mm f/2 R LM WR Review: Autofocus Performance
The GF 110mm f/2 R WR LM lens uses a linear motor for autofocus. Despite its large glass elements, it focuses quickly on good lighting.
On GFX 50S and 50R bodies, it typically locks focus in about 0.3 seconds when contrast is strong. This speed is more than enough for most portrait work. However, it’s slower than smaller-format lenses or high-end X-Series systems.
The lens performs well with still or gently moving subjects but struggles with fast action. Autofocus slows near the 0.9 m close-focus limit, where hunting becomes more noticeable. This makes it less ideal for quick tracking at close range.
In moderate to bright light, autofocus is highly accurate. The lens consistently nails focus, even wide open at f/2. Fuji’s contrast-detect system and the lens’s precise motor work well together. Photographers report near-perfect focus in good conditions.
Tests confirm sharp focus exactly where intended—ideal for portraits where eyelash-level precision matters. At f/2, the depth of the field is extremely shallow. Even slight subject movement or camera shake can cause a miss. This is a natural limitation of shooting wide open, not a flaw in the lens.
The linear motor isn’t silent, but it’s not disruptive. In quiet environments, you may hear a soft whir or “warble” during autofocus or when waking the camera. It’s quieter than older GFX lenses like the GF 63mm f/2.8. For still photography, the noise is rarely an issue. However, video shooters may find the motor noise and focus breathing distracting.
In low light, autofocus performance depends more on the camera than the lens. Below EV 0, the lens may hunt and slow down significantly. Using AF-assist lighting helps reduce hunting. In very dark or complex backlit scenes, focus may become erratic or slow. Adding a fill light or a small constant light source improves reliability.
For backlit portraits, extra lighting helps the camera lock focus on the subject’s face more consistently.
When paired with GFX bodies that support face and eye detection, such as the GFX 50R, 100S, or 100 II, the lens performs very well. It locks onto eyes with high accuracy, even at wide apertures. Detection works reliably as long as the subject’s face has enough contrast.
Even with sunglasses or partial shadows, the system often finds the correct focus point if one eye is visible. In very dark or strongly backlit scenes, detection may slow or shift slightly, but overall accuracy remains excellent.
In real-world use, the GF 110mm f/2 delivers fast and accurate focus for portraits and studio work. Just be mindful of lighting and subject movement when shooting wide open or in challenging conditions.
Real-World Usage and Sample Scenarios
The Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 R WR LM is a standout portrait lens for the GFX system. In real-world use, it lives up to its reputation.
In the studio, it delivers sharp eyes and smooth background blur—ideal for portraits. At f/2.8 to f/4, it produces edge-to-edge sharpness on a GFX sensor. Wide open at f/2, the depth of the field becomes razor-thin. You can capture a single eyelash in focus while the rest of the image melts into a soft blur.
This shallow focus creates the classic “floating head” look, drawing attention directly to the subject’s eyes. In controlled environments, it’s easy to nail focus and achieve this effect.
Studio lighting also benefits from the lens’s design. Thanks to nine rounded diaphragm blades, highlights appear as smooth discs, not harsh rings. This is especially useful for rim lights or catchlights that enhance the separation of the subject.
Despite its solid build, the lens feels balanced on a tripod or monopod. It weighs about 845 grams (1.87 lb) and measures 138 × 115 mm. The focus ring turns smoothly, making manual adjustments easy, especially when tethered to a GFX 100S for precise live-view focusing. Weather sealing adds peace of mind in humid or dusty conditions.
The 110mm focal length flatters facial features. It reduces nose prominence and blurs backdrops beautifully, especially at f/2. Even at f/2.8 or f/4, background texture stays subtle and doesn’t distract from the subject.
Natural light also pairs well with this lens. Near a large north-facing window, it isolates subjects against softly lit backgrounds. At f/2, placing your subject a couple of meters from the window and farther from the background creates a smooth gradient and a film-like look. During golden hour, sunspots and branches turn into creamy bokeh. Backlit scenes under trees produce soft rim lighting on hair and shoulders.
On a GFX 100S or 50R, the 110mm lens provides a field of view equivalent to that of an 87mm lens on a full-frame camera. For head-and-shoulders shots, you’ll stand about 2.5 to 3 meters away. At f/2.8 to f/4, you get strong subject separation with some environmental context—great for editorial or lifestyle work.
In low light, the f/2 aperture is a game-changer. GFX cameras don’t excel at high ISO, so shooting wide open helps keep ISO between 800 and 1600. This lets you freeze motion without slow shutter speeds. With in-body stabilization (like on the GFX 100S), you can handhold at 1/60s or slower and still get sharp results.
The depth of the field on medium format is extremely shallow at f/2. At two meters, the sharp zone is just a few centimeters deep. Focus on the eyes, and even the nose may blur. This makes the lens ideal for intimate, expressive portraits. Busy backgrounds turn into soft, pastel washes. Stopping down to f/4 or f/5.6 adds context while keeping pleasing separation.
Many photographers use this lens to “paint” with focus. You can lock onto one eye and let the rest of the face fall gently out of focus. This look is hard to achieve on smaller formats. In weddings or editorials, you can focus on a ring or bouquet and let the face blur behind it, perfect for storytelling.
Because focus is so critical at f/2, many users rely on Eye-AF or manual focus with live view. In the studio, zoomed-in tethered focusing ensures precision. Outdoors, continuous Eye-AF helps track slight movements. The lens’s weather resistance also shines in tough conditions. Paired with a sealed GFX body, it handles rain, dust, and splashes with ease.
Despite its size, the lens balances well on GFX bodies, especially the GFX 100 II with its grip. The weight shifts toward the camera, reducing fatigue during long sessions. While it’s heavier than smaller-format lenses, it feels solid and dependable. For portraits, it offers a rare mix of sharpness, bokeh, and durability in one package.
Fujifilm GF Portrait Lens Comparison Guide
Lens Specifications Overview
| Lens | Focal Length (35mm EQ) | Max Aperture | Min Focus Distance | Size & Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR | 80mm (~63mm eq.) | f/1.7 | 0.6m (1.97ft) | ø 103 × 154mm, ~845g |
| GF 110mm f/2 R WR LM | 110mm (~87mm eq.) | f/2 | 0.9m (2.95ft) | ø 115 × 138mm, ~845g |
| GF 120mm f/4 R LM OIS WR Macro | 120mm (~95mm eq.) | f/4 | 0.28m (0.92ft) | ø 92 × 163mm, ~705g |
Note: “35mm EQ” refers to the full-frame equivalent focal length for framing comparison.
Focal Length & Framing Characteristics
GF 80mm f/1.7 (63mm equivalent)
On GFX bodies, this 80mm lens behaves like a traditional “short tele” or tight-wide portrait lens. It works well for three-quarter or environmental portraits. You can include contextual background while maintaining good subject separation.
GF 110mm f/2 (87mm equivalent)
This sits in the classic portrait range, roughly equivalent to an 85mm on full-frame. It’s ideal for head-and-shoulders or bust-style portraits. Because of its medium-format field of view, you’ll stand about 2.5–3 meters away for a tight headshot. This gives your subject room to relax while you shoot.
GF 120mm f/4 Macro (95mm equivalent)
At baseline, it’s very similar in framing to the 110mm. However, its real distinction is being able to focus extremely close (0.28m). You can switch from portraiture to 1:2 (half-life-size) macro without changing lenses. In portrait mode, expect a 95 mm-equivalent view that’s great for headshots or detail crops.
Maximum Aperture & Depth-of-Field
GF 80mm f/1.7
Strengths: The f/1.7 maximum aperture is the fastest of the three. On medium format, f/1.7 yields a very shallow plane of focus, comparable to f/1.2 on full-frame in terms of subject isolation. This makes it the lens of choice when you need extreme background blur in low light or want that “cinematic” look.
Trade-offs: Wide-open at f/1.7, corner sharpness and edge bokeh can soften slightly. Many users stop down to f/2.8–f/4 for bullet-proof crispness while still retaining creamy background separation.
GF 110mm f/2
Strengths: f/2 on medium format is still extremely shallow enough to “float” the subject off the background. It’s a sweet spot for portraits because center and corner sharpness at f/2 is already outstanding (unlike the 80mm at f/1.7, which sometimes needs to close down a bit). It yields a graceful, gradual bokeh transition.
Trade-offs: Slightly slower than f/1.7 means you may need a bit more light in dim situations. However, you gain improved overall sharpness, wide open. Many shooters favor f/2.8–f/4 for edge-to-edge acutance with enough background fall-off.
GF 120mm f/4 Macro
Strengths: At f/4, you still get respectable background separation on medium format, particularly at close distances, while achieving outstanding sharpness across the frame.
Trade-offs: It cannot achieve the ultra-shallow look of f/1.7 or f/2. However, because it’s a macro design, it remains tack-sharp corner to corner even when wide open. It also has less breathing and is more forgiving of focus errors if you stop down to f/5.6–f/8.
Primary Use Cases
| Use Case | GF 80mm f/1.7 | GF 110mm f/2 | GF 120mm f/4 Macro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Portraits | Excellent for tight headshots & artistic shallow-DoF | Classic head-and-shoulders with razor-sharp eyes at f/2 | Very sharp headshots; allows detail close-ups (rings, hands) |
| Natural-Light Portraits | Outstanding in low light; dreamy bokeh | Balanced bokeh vs. sharpness; forgiving on focusing | Good separation outdoors; need more light or higher ISO |
| Environmental Portraits | Can include surroundings but may want to stop down for context | Can show a bit of environment at f/2.8–4 | Typically stop down to include more context; not ideal for wide environments due to focal length |
| Macro/Product & Detail | Not a macro lens—limited close focus | Not a macro lens—minimum 0.9m focus | Designed for up to 1:2 macro; perfect for rings, jewelry, flowers |
| Editorial/Weddings | Creative low-light scenes, fashion | Reliable portrait work; wedding portraits/restraints | Can include surroundings, but may want to stop down for context |
| Video/Filmmaking | Beautiful bokeh but slightly heavier; noticeable focus breathing | Smoother bokeh roll-off; still some breathing | Minimal breathing; lens stabilization helps handheld macro/vlogging |
Optical Design & Rendering Characteristics
Sharpness & Contrast
GF 80mm f/1.7
- Wide Open (f/1.7–f/2.8): Exhibits slight softness in the corners at f/1.7 but very high contrast in the center. By f/2.8–f/4, center-to-corner sharpness is excellent. Contrast is generally very strong, imparting “pop” to subjects.
- Stopped Down (f/4–f/11): Diffraction begins to set in after f/5.6, but you still get plenty of micro-contrast for crisp detail.
GF 110mm f/2
- Wide Open (f/2): Outstanding sharpness in the center and very good edge sharpness. Contrast is high even at f/2, so images appear three-dimensional.
- Stopped Down (f/2.8–f/8): Peak performance, with corner resolution matching the center by f/4. Contrast remains strong, making tonal rendition very pleasing.
GF 120mm f/4 Macro
- Wide Open (f/4): Excellent edge-to-edge sharpness typical of a dedicated macro design. Contrast is slightly more neutral than the two faster primes, giving a very “true-to-life” rendering, excellent for product and nature work.
- Stopped Down (f/5.6–f/11): Virtually no change in sharpness until diffraction becomes perceptible around f/8–f/11. Ideal for still-life and flat subjects.
Bokeh & Background Rendering
GF 80mm f/1.7 Creamy and smooth around f/1.7–f/2, with pronounced separation. F/1.7 allows specular highlights to render almost as perfect circles, but you may see very faint onion-ringing in extreme highlight situations. By f/2.8, transitions become a bit more gradual.
GF 110mm f/2 Exceptionally pleasing bokeh at f/2–f/2.8 with almost no onion-ringing. Because of the slightly longer focal length, specular highlights can appear a touch larger and rounder (when you’re further from the background), creating a very “soccer-ball”-free portrait blur.
GF 120mm f/4 Macro. Typical macro lenses render background blur as very soft discs with almost no hard edges at close focus. At typical portrait distances, though, f/4 yields a background that’s gently defocused but not as “liquidy” as f/1.7 or f/2. Specular highlights appear as clean circles, but you’ll notice a harsher transition between in-focus and out-of-focus areas if you’re shooting a subject several meters from the background.
Chromatic Aberration & Distortion
Across all three lenses, Fujifilm implements specialized glass elements and software corrections to keep lateral CA minimal (typically < 0.5 px at the edges).
Longitudinal CA (bokeh fringing) is most noticeable on the GF 80mm at f/1.7 in high-contrast areas—green-magenta fringing might show on out-of-focus highlights. The GF 110mm’s f/2 design keeps longitudinal fringing extremely well controlled. The GF 120mm f/4, thanks to its slower maximum aperture and floating element design, shows virtually no bokeh fringing.
Distortion: All three lenses exhibit negligible distortion (< 0.5%); in practical use, straight lines remain straight without correction.
Vignetting
GF 80mm f/1.7 Noticeable vignetting at f/1.7 (around 1.0 EV in the corners). By f/2.8, about half of that light fall-off remains. Stopping down to f/4–f/5.6 essentially eliminates visible vignetting for most scenes.
GF 110mm f/2 Mild vignetting at f/2 (around –0.8 EV). At f/2.8 it’s cut in half, and by f/4 it’s largely gone except for bright, even backgrounds.
GF 120mm f/4 Macro Very little corner darkening at f/4 (roughly –0.3 EV), which becomes negligible by f/5.6.
Autofocus & Handling in Real-World Use
GF 80mm f/1.7
Uses a stepping autofocus motor (STM) that is quick and quiet. In everyday portraiture, AF is fast and accurate, but once you push to extremely shallow DoF at f/1.7, any minor shake or subject movement can cause a miss. Manual focus feels smooth, though the wide aperture naturally narrows the focus “sweet spot.”
GF 110mm f/2
The Linear Motor (LM) focus is slightly slower than the 80 mm STM, but still very responsive. Accuracy at f/2 is excellent, and face/eye-detect on GFX bodies locks reliably. In low light, it may hunt a bit, but it rarely misses in standard portrait scenarios.
GF 120mm f/4 Macro
Employs a linear motor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). AF speed is middling—slower than both faster primes—because of the lens’s complex floating elements. In macro mode, focus stacking or manual focus is often preferred. For portraits, it locks reliably but isn’t built for burst-rate work. OIS helps keep handheld close-ups steady, but at 1:1 or 1:2 magnification, even minor shake can blur details.
Weight, Size & Portability
GF 80mm f/1.7 (~845g; 154mm long)
The heaviest and longest of the three. It feels substantial, so handheld shoots require more attention to balance, particularly when mounted on a GFX 100S/100 II. Best used with a tripod or monopod for extended sessions.
GF 110mm f/2 (~845g; 138mm long)
Similar in heft to the 80mm but slightly shorter. When paired with a well-balanced GFX body (especially one with IBIS), it feels more natural for handheld use. The extra length versus the 120mm is minimal.
GF 120mm f/4 Macro (~705g; 163mm long)
Noticeably lighter than the other two, despite being the longest. The reduced weight makes it more manageable for handheld work, especially when you switch between macro detailing and portraits. Ideal as a general-purpose “portrait + macro” lens for on-location gigs.
Price & Value Proposition
| Lens | Launch Price (Approx.) | Market Position |
|---|---|---|
| GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR | USD 2,499 | Fast, luxury portrait prime |
| GF 110mm f/2 R WR LM | USD 1,499 | Premium portrait workhorse |
| GF 120mm f/4 R LM OIS WR Macro | USD 1,499 | Versatile macro + portrait lens |
The 80mm f/1.7 commands a high premium for its ultra-fast aperture and artistic shallow DoF. It’s the choice when shallowest DoF and low-light performance outweigh cost.
The 110mm f/2 sits at the top end of Fujifilm’s portrait offerings by price. Its combination of speed, optical refinement (minimal aberrations), weather resistance, and linear-motor AF makes it the “reference” portrait lens for GFX.
The 120mm f/4 Macro offers tremendous bang for the buck if you need both portrait and macro capabilities in one package. It’s the most affordable of the three, yet delivers outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness and pick-up for fine detail.
Summary of Key Differences
Focal Length & Framing
- 80mm gives a wider portrait view (63mm eq.)—better for three-quarter or environmental setups
- 110mm is the classic portrait range (87mm eq.)—optimal for headshots with gentle compression
- 120mm is similar in framing to 110mm (95mm eq.) but doubles as a macro lens down to 0.28m
Aperture & DoF
- 80mm f/1.7 = shallowest DoF; more pronounced background separation at any subject-to-background distance
- 110mm f/2 = still very shallow but with slightly better corner sharpness wide open
- 120mm f/4 = shallow DoF only at close focus distances; for portraits, background blur is pleasing but not extreme
Optical Rendering
- 80mm: strong micro-contrast, vivid pop, slightly more bokeh fringing at f/1.7
- 110mm: balanced contrast and color, minimal fringing, very smooth bokeh
- 120mm: ultra-sharp flat-field macro performance, neutral contrast (ideal for product/detail work)
Autofocus & Handling
- 80mm: fastest focusing among the three; very quiet; heavier to handle at f/1.7
- 110mm: precise LM AF; excellent face/eye detect; balanced heft for handheld
- 120mm: slower AF (macro complexity) but includes OIS; lighter and easier to hold for extended macro shoots
Use Case Emphasis
- GF 80mm f/1.7 → Fast-aperture portrait in low light, fashion/editorial, “cinéma vérité” style
- GF 110mm f/2 → Reference portrait lens for commercial/editorial headshots, studios, professional events
- GF 120mm f/4 Macro → Hybrid portrait/macro; product/detail photography; still lifes
Choosing the Right Lens
If your workflow prioritizes ultimate background blur in dim conditions—where absolute subject isolation and a shallow “sweet spot” are paramount—GF 80mm f/1.7 is the standout choice (albeit at a higher cost and slight corner softness wide open).
If you want a dedicated portrait lens that delivers rock-solid sharpness at f/2, minimal aberrations, and superb bokeh—especially when shooting on a tripod, a gimbal, or in challenging weather—GF 110mm f/2 is the go-to.
If you require versatility—combining portraiture with 1:2 macro capability, or you frequently switch between product detail and environmental portraits—the GF 120mm f/4 Macro strikes the best balance of performance, weight, and price.
Compatibility and System Integration
The GF 110mm f/2 R WR LM is a native GF-mount lens, so it is fully compatible—mechanically and electronically—with every GFX body to date. Here’s how it integrates into the GFX ecosystem in practice, touching on mount compatibility, in-body image stabilization (IBIS), firmware maintenance, and which GFX cameras extract their maximum performance.
Mount Compatibility and Electronic Communication
GF-Mount Standard: The GF 110mm f/2 shares Fujifilm’s “GF” bayonet, meaning it will physically mount and meter/expose correctly on all GFX cameras: GFX 50S, 50R, 100, 100S, and 100 II. There is no adapter required—just drop it onto the lens mount and the camera recognizes focal length, maximum aperture, focus position, etc., immediately.
Electronic Coupling: Because it uses Fujifilm’s linear-motor (LM) autofocus drive and communicates over the same digital contacts as every GF lens, the AF drive, EXIF reporting, and lens-correction profiles (vignetting, distortion, CA) are applied automatically in-camera. You never have to manually tell the body “I’m on an 87 mm-equivalent prime with f/2.0 max,” because that information is exchanged the moment you lock it into place.
Weather Sealing (WR) Synergy: The GF 110mm is weather-resistant (WR), which matches Fujifilm’s weather-sealing on bodies such as the GFX 100, 100 S, and 100 II. When you mount it on any WR-rated GFX, you retain a dust- and moisture-resistant system. If you put it on a non-WR body (e.g., the original GFX 50S/50R), the lens housing itself remains sealed, but the camera’s mount isn’t fully gasketed, so you’ll want to be mindful if you venture out in rain or sandy environments.
Interaction with In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
Lens-Only vs. Body-Only vs. Combined Stabilization: The GF 110mm f/2 does not contain optical image stabilization (OIS) of its own. Instead, it relies on the GFX body’s IBIS to compensate for camera shake. On an IBIS-equipped body—namely the GFX 100 (first Gen), GFX 100 S, and GFX 100 II—you can expect up to roughly 5–6 stops of shake reduction when shooting handheld. In practical terms:
- GFX 100 II / 100 S: These newer bodies have the most advanced IBIS implementation, often rated around 6 stops of stabilization. If you’re handholding the GF 110mm at 1/30s or even 1/15s in low light, IBIS will compensate so long as you have a reasonably steady stance.
- GFX 100 (First Gen): Also has effective IBIS (around 5 stops), though slightly heavier and with a larger sensor-shift mechanism, so corner performance at very slow shutter speeds can exhibit a hair more blur than on the 100 II. But it still does a great job stabilizing the GF 110mm in most practical scenarios (e.g., environmental portraits or modestly dim interiors).
- GFX 50S / 50R: Neither of these 50-megapixel bodies has IBIS. That means if you mount the GF 110mm for handheld work, you’ll need faster shutter speeds (generally at least 1/125s or 1/250s) to avoid camera-induced blur, especially at f/2’s razor-thin depth of field. In practice, many 50S/50R shooters use tripod/monopod or support rigs because of the lack of IBIS.
Lens Firmware Updates and Body Firmware Synergy
How Firmware Updates Work: Fujifilm often issues lens firmware revisions to refine AF speed, fix occasional communication glitches, or improve in-camera aberration correction. To update the GF 110mm:
- Visit Fujifilm’s Support Page: Download the latest GF 110mm f/2 firmware package from Fujifilm’s website.
- Prepare an SD Card: Copy the firmware file to the root directory of an SD (or CFexpress) card.
- Insert & Update: Mount the GF 110mm on a supported GFX body—usually one that’s on or above a minimum firmware version (they’ll list that in the download notes). Go into the camera’s Settings → Firmware Update menu and follow the prompts. The body will detect the lens firmware file and walk you through installing it.
- Restart & Verify: Once the update finishes (which typically takes under a minute), the camera will prompt you to power-cycle. You can then confirm the lens version in Menu → Setup → Version Info.
Body/Lens Co-Firmware Requirements: Sometimes, Fujifilm will release a GFX body firmware alongside a complementary lens firmware. For instance, if the GFX 100 II launches with tweaks to face/eye-AF detection within f/2 and f/4 tele lenses, Fuji might simultaneously push an update for the GF 110mm to ensure full compatibility. Always read the release notes: if Fuji says “For optimal AF-C tracking with face/eye detect, update body to v2.02 and lens to v1.01,” you’ll need both in tandem.
Best Pairings for Optimal Performance
GFX 100 II + GF 110mm f/2 Why It’s Ideal: The GFX 100 II has the latest X-Processor Pro 7 engine, which brings dramatically improved face/eye detection, smarter AF-C subject tracking, and quieter, more precise IBIS. This body also supports the fastest buffer clearing and highest continuous-drive rates (~5 fps) in the entire GFX lineup—meaning if you’re shooting a tethered studio session at f/2, you get almost instantaneous playback to confirm razor-sharp eyes on a 102 MP file.
GFX 100 S + GF 110mm f/2 Why It’s Strong: The 100 S shares the same sensor and essentially the same IBIS system as the original GFX 100 but in a smaller, lighter package. Image quality and stabilization performance are nearly identical, and you get most of the latest face/eye-AF code, especially if you keep your body firmware at the latest version.
GFX 100 (First Generation) + GF 110mm f/2 Why It’s Still Very Good: The GFX 100 pioneered in-body sensor-shift stabilization for the series. While it has an older processor compared to the 100 S/100 II, you still benefit from 5 stops of IBIS and very reliable face/eye detection once updated to the later firmware versions.
GFX 50S / 50R + GF 110mm f/2 Why You Might Choose This: If you already own a 50 MP GFX body for its smaller file sizes or budget considerations, you can still leverage the GF 110mm’s optical strengths. The lens data (distortion, vignetting, CA profiles) are applied in-camera, so even though these bodies lack IBIS, every shot still benefits from automatic correction.
Integration Summary
When you mount the GF 110mm f/2 on a GFX 100 II that’s up-to-date, you get the fastest, most reliable autofocus (including advanced face/eye-AF), the deepest IBIS compensation for handheld f/2 shooting, and all lens corrections baked into every RAW/JPEG. That combination is what makes the GF 110mm a true “reference” portrait optic within Fujifilm’s medium-format family.
Final Verdict
The GF 110 mm f/2 R WR LM stands as Fujifilm’s premier portrait prime for the GFX system—delivering razor-sharp results, buttery bokeh, and rock-solid build quality. Wide open at f/2, it resolves incredible detail in the center and maintains superb edge performance by f/2.8, producing images with strong micro-contrast, accurate colors, and almost zero chromatic aberration or distortion. Its nine-blade diaphragm renders backgrounds into smooth, creamy layers of blur, making it ideal for isolating subjects in both studio and natural-light settings. Autofocus via the linear motor is precise and well-tuned, especially on IBIS-equipped bodies (GFX 100 II, 100 S) that also mitigate camera shake for reliable handheld shooting at lower shutter speeds.
On the flip side, its premium $2,499 price tag, substantial weight (≈ 845 g), and lack of built-in stabilization make it a significant investment, both financially and ergonomically. The f/2 aperture, while wonderful for creative separation, yields an extremely thin depth of field that can prove unforgiving in fast-paced or dim situations unless you stop down or employ very careful focusing. The AF motor, although accurate, produces a noticeable whir that can be distracting for video work.
Who Should Buy It
- Professional portrait photographers looking for a “reference” medium-format prime that delivers pixel-level sharpness and cinematic bokeh in studio or environmental shoots.
- Commercial/editorial shooters who need a weather-sealed, high-resolution lens that pairs seamlessly with GFX 100 II or 100 S for critical face/eye-AF and maximal IBIS support.
- Dedicated enthusiasts invested in Fujifilm’s medium format and were willing to carry a heavier kit in exchange for the very best optical performance.
Who Might Skip It
- Those on a tighter budget or who primarily shoot stopped-down, where a GF 80 mm f/1.7 or GF 120 mm f/4 Macro offers more flexibility at a lower cost.
- Travel or event photographers who need a lighter, more versatile setup and can’t justify the extra heft.
- Videographers who require silent, breathing-free focusing, as the lens’s audible linear-motor action can be intrusive.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
- Performance (5/5): Exceptional sharpness, bokeh, color, and aberration control.
- Build & Handling (4/5): Solid, weather-sealed construction but heavy and large for extended handheld use.
- Autofocus (4.5/5): Fast and accurate on GFX 100 II/100 S; modest hunting in low contrast and audible noise.
- Value (4/5): Premium price reflects premium quality; best justified for serious portrait work.
