Fujifilm XF56mm f/1.2 R WR Lens Review

[Andrew L (gryphon1911)]

 

Background
Fuji has been making great lenses for many years and they make many different versions to feed various tastes.

 

The XF 56/1.2 lenses fell a bit in the niche category. Something like the 50/2 would be your everyday, small and light lenses.

 

If portraiture or shallow depth of field is your desire or need, then the 56/1.2 is more to your wheelhouse. This review will cover the newer WR version not the generation one version of this lens.

 

Disclosure – images were post processed to my liking and in various styles. Some were processed from RAW and others may be custom film simulations that were run in camera.

 

Raw file processed in Lightroom and Topaz Sharpen AI

 

Handling/Size/Weight/Build
The X-Pro2 and X-T4 were the test cameras for this lens.

 

For the size of this lens, you’d think it would be heavier in hand. It is actually not that bad. It is not as light as the f/2 lenses, but not something I would say should be fatiguing for a shoot session or even as a walk around lens.

 

Aperture and manual focus rings are easy to get to and manipulate. A lock button is present past f/16 that will lock the ring in place so aperture control is automatic. Press the button again and turn the dial toward f/16 and you know have full range of the values.

 

Supplied lens hood is nice and deep it should prevent the bulk of the side light that may cause flare to be minimized. It would also be good protection for the front element of the lens as well.

 

Film Simulation: Ilford Delta 3200

 

Weather Sealed
Generation 1 of this lens was not weather sealed. Generation 2 is fully weather sealed and will be best when used with a weather sealed camera. Both the X-Pro2 and X-T4 are fully weather sealed so make a good companion.

 

Film Simulation: Ilford Delta 3200

 

Image Quality
So here is what most want to know. Yes, this is a sharp lens. Like, every aperture sharp. This is usable at f/1.2 all the way through the aperture range. Take into account the effects of the shallow depth of field when shooting up close.

 

Rendering/character is very special on this lens. Something about it reminds me a bit of the way that the XF 35mm f/1.4 lens hits. It is sharp where it needs to be, but not overly sharp to a point that I think makes you have to soften a portrait too much.

 

Bokeh was very smooth and I did not find it busy at all in the initial shooting of the lens.

 

Film Simulation: Ilford Delta 3200

 

Focusing
Focus is competent on this lens. It is not as fast as the Fuji f/2 lenses, but faster than the very first Fuji f/1.4 primes.

 

A noticeable difference in focus speed and acquisition can be found between the older X-Pro2 and X-T4 The former is accurate, but slower and exhibited a bit more hunting than I expected. X-T4 performance is faster and more confident.

 

For portraits, still life this is then lens to get. If you need something that has to track fast moving subjects or street – I’d go with an f/2 prime or one of the zoom lenses over this.

 

Low light focusing seems to struggle some with speed on both systems, but the XT4 is clearly better.

Shooting in good light – add info here for comparison of shooting in good light.

 

Film Simulation: Ilford Delta 3200

 

OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
This lens has no VR built into it. If that is a need , then pair this lens with an IBIS equipped Fuji body.

 

Wide aperture like f/1.2, you should benefit from having the added light gathering to keep the shutter speeds up to acceptable hand holding levels.

 

Processed from RAW file in Lightroom and Topaz Sharpen AI

 

Film Simulation: Ilford Delta 3200
 

Film Simulation: Kodak Portra 800 from FujiXWeekly.com

 

Bottom Line
Serving a specific purpose and used for that purpose, this is a great lens. Very sharp and character for portrait that many will love.

 

While not the smallest prime lens, it is a great size for the f/1.2 aperture you get. This is a highly recommended item for Fuji and portraiture or still life.

 

A few small complaints on my side, but those are more about me than the lens.

 

Bottom Line = Highly Recommend!