Review on Review and specifications of the Fujinon XF56mmF1.2 R lens by Adam Matthews

Let me start by saying that I use this professionally for portraits and events and would recommend it for that use without a problem - at least with X-T3 or equivalent generation of the Fuji camera with sensor/AF. However, this is a lens that Fuji would really like to update, as it underwhelms compared to other high-quality portrait options in this range and is overpriced compared to something like the Viltrox 56mm. F1.4. In particular, I switched to it last year from Fujinon 90mm F2 as the main portrait option (56mm is better in terms of working distance for portraits and general use, while 50-140mm F2. 8 compensates for the 90mm sag (Prime enough for my needs), but compared to 56mm it loses in the following ways: 1) For the basic $1000 APS-C format, the lack of weather protection is just annoying. The 90mm costs less, performs better and has WR so I'm not sure if that can be an excuse. 2) AF motors/system are not impressive and need updating. Simply put, the 56mm lens is slower, louder and less secure in focus than any other lens I've used and for the price it's pretty disappointing. The 90mm, on the other hand, has a four-speed linear stepper motor that's fast, accurate, and nearly silent—again, for less money. This 56mm is lively, sometimes hunting and often taking its time in low light, which also means that tracking/continuous autofocus is often not up to date in these scenarios. The performance of this lens is better than my old X-H1 on X-T3 and X-T4 with updated firmware. but compared to the Fuji 50-140mm, 16-55mm and even my Viltrox 23mm lacks that. 3) Sharpness. Something like. Wide open enough for professional use (weddings, parties, events, portraits, etc.) and anyone who says otherwise might have to wonder why they're shooting with a camera system that's limited to 26MP. However, other Fuji lenses are sharper and cheaper (again, 90mm really puts that to shame), and I'd be lying if I said I never gave *a little* thought to resolution back then when I did felt the need to frame. a bit more than usual. However, even set the aperture to F2 and you'll see that it's just superb. 4) Assembly - While it's certainly not without its flaws in terms of feel and performance, it's also clear that Fuji has improved manufacturing methods since this lens was originally released. In comparison, the tolerances on my other "professional" Fuji lenses are better, whether it's tighter clicks/detents in the aperture ring, fit on the camera mount, or play/play in the control/focus rings. Again, there's nothing the lens avoids entirely, but it would be nice to upgrade to the same level as a 16-55mm or 90mm, which would also help justify the price. 5) Bokeh (sometimes) - I also have problems with the Fuji F2.8 zoom, but the quality of the bokeh on certain things at certain distances (namely on thinner branches, plants etc.) is not particularly smooth. The ability to open at F1.2 certainly helps, but sometimes you just need a little more distance from the background to really smooth things out. It's fine 95% of the time, but in cases where it's impossible to go back, this is a bummer. Basically, what's good about this lens is everything else: 1) Overall image quality is very good, and things like flare and CA are controlled reasonably well. I mentioned above the lack of sharpness when shooting wide open, but to be honest I find this preferable for portraiture (less skin-softening work and the like). Regardless, the sharpness at F1, 2 is still very good, and at F2 I'd say it's excellent if you need extra resolution. 2) Size - gosh, I love how compact this thing is. The 90mm lens, while not large, was very light and very compact in footprint, and even with the lens hood on was a rather unremarkable high-end portrait lens. Given that I use the Fuji X system in part for the smaller body and lens combo and ability to carry less weight, the 56mm system really ticks all the right boxes. To be honest it's a real treat to have this and my 23mm F1.4 lens for couples and portraits as I can travel in and out of Chicago where resolution is allowed most of the time, without turning your head - something that can be a problem with a large full-frame DSLR kit. All in all, there are no compromises with this lens and the results usually speak for themselves. It's not perfect optics and Fuji definitely needs to overhaul it with an updated design (weatherproof!) and at least new focus motors and maybe some minor optics/coating changes to make it sharper and improve bokeh. Render on complex backgrounds as this helps justify the asking price a bit. Unfortunately, I think the answer to my complaints is the new 50mm F1, which is really attractive, but costs 1.5 times as much, is bigger, heavier, and hard to find in stock (or at least it was, trust me me, I did it!). On the positive side, I think the 56mm lens will come down in price if Fuji leaves it that way, especially if Sigma comes along and their F1.4 56mm lens and other X-mount APS-C lenses along with existing Viltrox offerings. .