56mm or 90mm ?

Morris0 wrote:

Erik Baumgartner wrote:

I have the 56 and like it very much, but if you already have the 50, I’d definitely go for the better, but less versatile 90 over the 56. The 90 is probably the best lens Fuji makes (assuming the focal length works for you), and for outdoor portraits the 90 is ideal.

I struggled with the same question of 56 or 50 and also if I should get the 90. This was after switching from Nikon and I had my old Nikon 50mm f1.4 that I had adapted and was using manual focus. I played with the 50mm at f2.0 to see what the DOF was like and did not mind the slightly wider DOF and in fact this was better in many cases where f 1.4 was two shallow and produced sharp eyelashes and an out of focus subject. That's a mistake I'd made for years. I then tried both the 56 1.2 and 50 2.0 side by side at a show and found that at f 2.0 the rendering was nearly identical. There will be occasions where the f1.2 will be an advantage yet having purchased the 50 f2 I can say I hardly run into them. It will depend on situations. I also purchased the 90 f2.0 and love this lens. Sometimes I'll put one on each of my X-T3 bodies and switch for the look I want. I feel you are best to add the 90 to your existing 50. You can always trade the 50 for the 56 if you feel you want it later.

Morris

I almost always use my 56 at f/2 -f/2.8 for isolated subjects.

I’m not a portrait guy and went with the super versatile 50-140 over the 90. No regrets, but I have used the 90, and it’s a truly fantastic lens.