Tilt-Shift Portraits - GF 110mm f5.6 t/s

Biting the bullet here on a very niche lens. The GF 110mm tilt-shift lens for the GFX has to be the most specialized lens I’ve ever purchased. The ability to shift the lens upward was the factor that convinced me. What this meant for portraits is that the camera can be positioned at a lower or higher height, but the frame can be shifted to properly compose your subject. The elimination of distortion caused by the angle of the camera is now a headache of the past.

Now, the tilt, that's where you get to make the image unique. The ability to focus on a particular area and tilt the lens to throw other parts out of focus is great for giving your captures a painterly feel. All of this is done in-camera. I know it's possible to create this look in post-production, but it isn’t natural.

This lens is entirely manual, meaning all adjustments except for the aperture need to be made directly on the lens itself. The build quality is impressive, showcasing careful craftsmanship and durability. Notably, the lens does not include a hood, so avoid searching your box looking for one, as it isn’t there. Additionally, there is no tripod foot on the lens despite its weight. Nonetheless, I trust Fujifilm’s judgment on these design choices.

Everything in my soul is telling me to keep this lens, and I think I might. It has applications everywhere. It truly shines when it comes to product photography and still life. I would also like the 30mm version, but the price is keeping me from pulling the trigger. I will see about taking this lens with me to Japan in the winter.