LENS TEST
With a super-large aperture and 85mm equivalent focal length, is this the perfect portrait and still-life lens for Fujifilm users? Amy Davies finds out
Designed to pair perfectly with Fujifilm’s high-resolution cameras such as the X-H2 and X-T5, the XF 56mm F1.2 R WR provides a full-frame equivalent focal length of 85mm, which is a classic option favoured by portrait photographers. It has an f/1.2 maximum aperture too, another huge tick in the box for this type of work.
The focal length is also quite versatile for other subjects, including street photography, still life, and perhaps picking out details in landscape or architecture scenes. The very large aperture also makes it well suited to low-light and night photography, too.
This lens is an upgrade to the previous XF 56mm F1.2 R. In comparison, it boasts an all-new optical construction, and now features weather-sealing.
Coming in at £999, this is by no means a cheap lens. If you’re keen to save cash but want something similar, then it’s worth looking at the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN, which has recently been made available for X mount. You lose two-thirds of a stop with respect to maximum aperture, don’t get the same level of weather-sealing, and nor do you get an aperture ring. But you do make a significant saving, as you can pick it up for just £379. It’s also 165g lighter than the Fujifilm lens, making it better suited to those concerned about saving weight in their bag.
If you want to stick with Fujifilm, you might also consider the 50mm f/2, which is significantly smaller, lighter, and cheaper at £409. But it obviously doesn’t have that lovely f/1.2 aperture. At the other end of the scale for bokeh fanatics, there’s the XF 50mm F1.0 R WR, but this will set you back £1,450.
Features
The 56mm F1.2 lens is the first Fujifilm lens to include 11 aperture blades, which promises to deliver perfectly circular bokeh, even when shooting at mid-range apertures such as f/4 or f/5.6. As indicated by the WR in the lens name, this is a weatherresistant lens, making it ideal for working with outdoors. It has nine rubber seals to keep out dust and moisture, although it should be noted that it’s unlikely to withstand a full immersion in water. The front of the lens features a fluorine coating to repel water, fingerprints and dust.
Although this is not a macro 1/80sec at f/1.2, ISO 2000 lens – its maximum magnification is 0.14x
