I have been putting the GW-4 through it’s paces and I have come to a conclusion that to me personally this was a worthwhile purchase. I wont go out there and say that this lens is for everyone but here are my reasons broken down in an “expectations vs reality” format.

Expectations vs Reality

E: The GW-4 gives the GR3 just enough extra capability to where it can be my main shooter and I can leave my more capable A6500 at home and have no regrets.

The GW-4 gives the GR3 just enough extra capability to where it can be my main shooter and I can leave my more capable A6500 at home and have no regrets. R: I found that the GR3 combo-ed with the GW-4 is JUST enough camera to make me feel ok with leaving the A6500 at home and use the GR3 as my main shooter. I’m confident now that I can take only the GR3/GW-4 to get the shots I want. Beautiful landscapes abroad when traveling will not elude me!

E: I can get past the GW-4’s size and bulkiness and it will be worth the trade off to obtain wider shots.

I can get past the GW-4’s size and bulkiness and it will be worth the trade off to obtain wider shots. R: Admittedly one of the main reasons why I purchased the GR3 was that it was small and I could put it in my pocket without any problems. Obviously with the GW-4 attached you lose that capability but the overall package is still light enough to where I don’t mind. I went on a long hike with camera in hand and it is not too big to store in a bag when not in use.

Form Factor Without GW-4

Form Factor With GW-4

E: I wont mind the extra components that I have to bring along with the GW-4.

I wont mind the extra components that I have to bring along with the GW-4. R: What I didn’t realize when buying the GW-4 is that there are a lot of smaller components that come into play when used. You have to take the small ring off of the GR3 body, you have the adapter attached to the GW-4, you have a removable rubber lens hood (highly recommended to use), and you have multiple lens caps to deal with. With all these extra pieces you go from just taking the GR3 out for a shoot to dealing with MULTIPLE little pieces when using the GW-4. Its not a big over complication of things it just makes shooting a little cumbersome.

With the addition of the GW-4 a lot more components come into consideration.

E: The GW-4 will be really easy to use compared to traditional interchangeable lens systems.

The GW-4 will be really easy to use compared to traditional interchangeable lens systems. R: Absolutely 100 percent yes! Since the GW-4 is realistically a fancy lens cover attaching and detaching it was quick and easy. I found myself switching back and forth pretty frequently on a hike and I couldn’t imagine the hassle this would cause me with my A6500.

E: The GW-4 will be worth it.

The GW-4 will be worth it. R: To me yes the GW-4 is worth it just for the fact that it makes the GR3 my go to when traveling. The small size is still there and I don’t have to worry about missing out on beautiful landscapes.

What you actually get (objectively)…

To show how much wider of a photo you can get I shot these photos one after the other standing in the same position and focused the camera on the same exact spot.

Without GW-4 (Sign Focus Point)

With GW-4 (Sign Focus Poin)

Without GW-4 (Middle Door Focus Point)

With GW-4 (Middle Door Focus Point)

Without GW-4 (Sign Focus Point)

Without GW-4 (Sign Focus Point)

Without GW-4 (Rear Door Handle Focus Point)

With GW-4 (Rear Door Handle Focus Point)

TL;DR

Worth it if you want to use the GR3 as your only camera and you are worried about missing out on landscapes/wider shots.

Multiple additional components come into play so be prepared to deal with that in your shooting workflow.

The lens itself is heavy but overall GR3/GW-4 package is still light in comparison to interchangeable lens cameras.