Much faster focussing then the Fujifilm 56mm 1.2 R

gohunter wrote:

I have constantly been frustrated by the focus hunting and slowness of the Fuji 56mm, even with the latest firmware updates on my X-T3 (v4.12). As far as I can see, they have never issued a software update for this lens, as none is listed on their firmware update pages.

As a result, I have missed quite a few shots in low light, for example weddings in churches, because the Fuji lens simply didn't lock focus quickly enough. I read a comparison review with the 56mm f1.2R vs the Tokina atx-m 56mm f1.4 and noted that the reviewer had similar experiences to myself with the Fuji lens. The same experience as many other photographers reported when using the Fuji 56mm lens in anything less than outdoor daylight. He said that the Tokina lens was much faster at focussing in those low light situations. I therfore decided to buy the Tokina lens. I have had Tokina lenses in the past, when I was using the Fujifilm S5 Pro cameras, remember those? I always found them to be good, so I had little in the way of reservations.

Experience so far is that the bokeh is very nice and indeed very similar to that of the Fuji lens, but the AF is just SO much faster. What's more, the focus motor is both fast and SILENT. No more missed shots in low light. The colour rendition is excellent with great contrast and the lens is considerably smaller (in diameter) and lighter than the Fuji. I guess that the Fujii lens is a 7 year old design now, so technology has moved on and perhaps it is time for them to replace it.

Well, I am happy with my purchase of the Tokina 56mm f1.4 and my Fuji 56mm f1.2 has now gone to a new home, and I am freed from its focussing frustrations.

I'm glad the Tokina found a nice home. As I complained in another thread, I simply don't understand why Fuji does not have an affordable fast fifty, which is the cheapest optical formula to make.

There's

XF 50mm f2 at $500 or above(outside US) - boring and very expensive

XF 56mm f1.2 - can't focus properly in video. Hunts like crazy

XF 50mm 1.0 - super expensive, super impractical, cannot focus properly in video at wider apertures, too heavy, too niche

I just wish when Sigma comes to Fuji, they bring their excellent, superb, marvellous 56mm 1.4 at $400. See its towering status above all - all APS-C lenses. Made in the entire history of APS-C format. From Sonyalphablog:

I'll just buy it and forget about any 50mm lens from Fuji.