Fujifilm’s New 30mm f/2.8 Macro Lens Can Get Up Close and Personal

Fujifilm has announced a new 30mm f/2.8 Macro lens that features a 1:1 magnification ratio and a close focusing distance of just 3.94 inches (10 centimeters) from the sensor.

Fujifilm’s 30mm f/2.8 Macro has a 35mm full-frame equivalent focal length of 46mm, which the company says is close to human’s field of view and also makes it an “ideal” choice across portraiture and wedding photography in addition to macro applications.

The new lens is constructed of 11 elements in nine groups, including three aspherical elements and two extra-low dispersion elements (ED) to control various forms of aberration including chromatic aberration, spherical aberration, and field curvature. Fujifilm has also made the lens able to resist the elements, sealing it in nine locations to allow it to be both dust and weather resistant and operate in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celcius).

The 30mm f/2.8 Macro lens uses the Inner Focus system, where the lens group is driven by a linear motor to achieve accurate focus in as fast as 0.02 seconds. Fujifilm claims that focusing operation is quiet and smooth, even for close-up photography, which the company says traditionally has required large movement of focusing elements. The company goes one step further and says that the linear motor’s advanced resolution capability ensures that it will focus accurately even in macro photography that typically has very shallow depth of field.

The lens is small and compact as well as lightweight: it weighs 6.88 ounces (195g) and measures 2.74 in. (69.5mm) in length with a filter thread size of 43mm. As a note, the lens offers close focusing up to 3.94 inches from the sensor, which means that subjects can sit just barely an inch away from the front element and remain in focus.

“The ability to create dynamic, true 1:1 macro photography means photographers can enjoy tabletop photography, close-up commercial detail, and microscopic wildlife, among other genres,” Victor Ha, Vice President of Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices divisions at Fujifilm North America says.

“The lens’ compact design and weather-resistance makes it possible to take maximum advantage of X Series’ portability, offering unconstrained creative experiences.”

The XF30mm f/2.8 Macro lens is expected to be available to purchase by late November 2022 and will retail for $599.95.