- First-ever AF Catadioptric lens for Medium Format... Opening the era of "Handheld Medium Format" with its lightweight design.
The long-awaited desire for lightweight telephoto lenses among Fujifilm GFX users has found an unexpected solution. Kase, a brand renowned for its optical filters and precision glass, has sent shockwaves through the medium format market by introducing the 150mm f/5.6 AF Reflex (Mirror) lens for the Fujifilm GFX mount.
■ The Intersection of a 118mm Perspective and AF in Medium Format
The most significant breakthrough of this new product is that it is the world’s first AF-supported mirror lens for a medium format system. Offering an equivalent focal length of approximately 118mm (in 35mm terms), this lens provides a versatile short-telephoto range suitable for everything from portraits to street photography.
While mirror lenses have traditionally been limited to manual focus (MF) due to their structural characteristics, Kase has integrated an internal AF motor, allowing users to leverage the GFX body's focusing capabilities. This is expected to be a major advantage in the medium format environment, where capturing focus can be challenging due to the extremely shallow depth of field.
■ "Unmatched Portability"... Making the Massive GFX Agile
While typical medium format telephoto lenses are often massive "cannons" weighing well over 1kg, the Kase 150mm AF Mirror lens drastically reduces its physical length by utilizing a reflective optical design.
- Compact Design: Achieves a volume less than half that of conventional GFX telephoto lenses.
- Lightweight: A lightweight build that minimizes wrist fatigue even during long shooting sessions.
- Magnetic System: Supports Kase’s signature magnetic filter attachment for maximum convenience.
■ The Signature Charm: "Donut Bokeh"
The rich tonal gradation of the medium format sensor meets the unique "Donut Bokeh" of a catadioptric lens. According to the manufacturer, this combination produces dreamy, artistic results that are impossible to replicate with traditional lenses. For portrait photographers who prioritize background aesthetics, this lens offers a one-of-a-kind creative tool that cannot be mimicked in post-processing.
■ A New Standard for GFX Users: Performance Meets Value
According to recent international reports, the lens is expected to be priced at approximately $799 (roughly 1.1 million KRW). In a market where native GFX lenses often cost several thousand dollars, the release of an AF-capable telephoto lens at this price point is highly attractive for both beginners and professionals looking for a secondary lens.
■ Conclusion
The Kase 150mm f/5.6 AF lens is more than just a "niche lens"; it serves as a signal for a "portability revolution," bringing medium format cameras out of the studio and onto the streets. For photographers who want to maintain the high image quality of the Fujifilm GFX system while traveling light, there is no more intriguing alternative than this.