Goodbye Fuji GFX system

Just little over a year ago I bought into the the Fuji GFX system, and man was the past year a blast. But since the start of the year I've been using it less and less and finally realizing that it's no longer the camera I need. So before I close the chapter here and say goodbye to the GFX system here are a few closing thoughts.

The GFX 50s was beast of a camera. The large 50MP sensor had no competition in my arsenal in both resolution and dynamic range which made editing an absolute joy, but ultimately it was too big, too heavy, and too slow to keep up with my needs. I thought I would be using it all the time while on my two week trip to Korea this Spring, but ended using it only for three shoots. Finally the last drop that made the cup overflow was this years two week camping trip in July where I realized I was using the EOS RP more than the GFX since it was smaller, lighter, and faster.

In addition to being heavy and slow, the 50s was also limited by the lens selection. To be fair, the GFX system is still relatively new (2019), but that also means that it's not a fully mature system just yet. In November 2022 Fuji finally released the GF 20-35mm f4 (FF eq. 16-28mm), and while it surely is optically superb, it also runs for $2,500. This was a tough pill for me to swallow since I just recently purchased the Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 for my infrared 1200D for just $550, and it didn't make much sense for me to invest in yet another lens to put on the big and slow camera. Equally the same, I used the EF 70-200 f4 IS a lot to shoot our kids playing at a lake during camp, and while you can purchase the GF 100-200mm f5.6 (FF eq. 79-158mm) it would often lack the needed reach (not to mention that the AF would not be able to keep up with what was going on).

EOS RP, EF 70-200mm f4 IS

EOS RP, EF 70-200mm f4 IS

Even in the following two images, I needed the extra reach of the 70-200mm in order to get enough compression to omit the referees standing just in front of me. The Eye-AF was also superb on the RP, locking on and maintaining locked. I don't think I had a single missed focus image on this activity, but the GFX 50s did often lag or miss focus even when it confirmed the focus lock with a green box.

EOS RP, EF 70-200mm f4 IS

As not to be completely biased against the GFX system, here are a few shots from the same camp that I'm somewhat happy with. They're not portfolio grade, but they're okay. What I'm realizing is that the style is very different. The 50s really benefits when you have time to slow down and work with the shot.

GFX 50s + GF45mm f2.8 / GF 80mm f1.7

GFX 50s + GF45mm f2.8

I've sold my GFX kit earlier this week and while I've no idea what I'll replace it with I'm excited about what the future holds. Maybe I'll stick with the EOS RP and just purchase the Sigma 50mm f1.4 Art that I've wanted for years but never pulled the trigger on.

Here's a dump of the numerous images I've grown a liking for from the GFX 50s: