Much faster focussing then the Fujifilm 56mm 1.2 R

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.

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.

Awesome stuff, how is the optical quality of the lens?

Optical quality is excellent. For me this is purely a portrait lens and for that it is excellent. Colour rendition and contrast on par with the Fuji 56 lens as far as I am concerned.

I didn't even know Tokina had a 56 1.4. I just received my Viltrox 56 1.4 and will start testing it around my neighborhood tomorrow. By any chance did you consider getting the Viltrox and why did you choose the Tokina?  I don't even see Youtube videos reviewing that Tokina lens.

Many many years ago I had the Tokina 11-16 on a Nikon body but haven't purchased anything from them since then.

Batdude wrote:

I didn't even know Tokina had a 56 1.4. I just received my Viltrox 56 1.4 and will start testing it around my neighborhood tomorrow. By any chance did you consider getting the Viltrox and why did you choose the Tokina? I don't even see Youtube videos reviewing that Tokina lens.

Many many years ago I had the Tokina 11-16 on a Nikon body but haven't purchased anything from them since then.

I believe the Tokina is just a rebranded viltrox with some minor differences if any. 🤔

Flying Fijian wrote:

Batdude wrote:

I didn't even know Tokina had a 56 1.4. I just received my Viltrox 56 1.4 and will start testing it around my neighborhood tomorrow. By any chance did you consider getting the Viltrox and why did you choose the Tokina? I don't even see Youtube videos reviewing that Tokina lens.

Many many years ago I had the Tokina 11-16 on a Nikon body but haven't purchased anything from them since then.

I believe the Tokina is just a rebranded viltrox with some minor differences if any. 🤔

I was blown away when I took the Viltrox out of the box.  It looks REALLY nice.  People say really good things about it so I'm hoping it won't disappoint.  I'll find out soon.

andrei1989 wrote:

is the tokina's aperture ring clicked or clickless, as the viltrox?

that's the one thing holding me back from getting one...i hate clickless aperture rings...

It's clickless afaik

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.

How have you find the CA (specialy purple fringing)?

I had the viltrox for a brief time before purchasing the Fuji and the purple fringing in contrasting areas was very bad (one of the main reasons I changed the lens)

Zinch wrote:

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.

How have you find the CA (specialy purple fringing)?

I had the viltrox for a brief time before purchasing the Fuji and the purple fringing in contrasting areas was very bad (one of the main reasons I changed the lens)

Would that really be a "deal breaker" for the money they are charging you.  Unless you don't do PP I can see that other than that don't a lot of really expensive lenses have CA?  I know some of my Nikon lenses have it wide open.  No big deal IMHO.

Yes, I did consider the Viltrox, but as I had good experience with Tokina previously, I chose that manufacturer. BTW a lot of people seem to think that the Tokina is just a rebranded Viltrox. IT IS NOT! If you look at the construction of both lenses, even the outer casings are different, so it's not just a rebranding exercise. Tokina have been making lenses for around 70 years. Have a look at tokinalens.com for their range and history.

NO! It is not a rebranded Viltrox. Tokina have been making lenses for around 70 years.

It is clickless. They do this so that when shooting video, you don't get clunks on the sound or body shake when you are changing aperture during a shoot.

I haven't noticed any bad fringing. However, I guess as I am only using it as a portrait lens, I am not usually seeing any high contrast in the in focus, subject area. Anything high contrast is likely to be well out of focus, so it would not show up.

kamerakiri wrote:

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.

Calling the Sony "Zeiss" 16-70 F4 "very good" is a joke for itself.

See this:

https://www.opticallimits.com/sony-alpha-aps-c-lens-tests/901-sony1670f4oss?start=1

SCNR, but even after so many years, it must have been said. I got better results with the infamous kitlens, the 16-50 OSS via NEX-6, back in the day.

And since were on the Fuji X Forum - the XF 18-55 into contrast, is a real nice "kitlens". Even the cheapskate XC 16-50 II OIS, i can't blame - it's a good one.

andrei1989 wrote:

gohunter wrote:

NO! It is not a rebranded Viltrox. Tokina have been making lenses for around 70 years.

Irrelevant for how long tokina has been making lenses, the optical formula/diagram is the same between the 2 brands. Who came up with it first is unknown, if it was tokina or viltrox, but viltrox brought their lens to market first.

And the reason for choosing a clickless aperture is not sound, as autofocus is louder than the aperture mechanism and it works a lot more often, it is to not have steps in exposure when changing aperture

Viltrox is a chinese manufacturer, Tokina is based in japan. these are 2 very different companies.

Miguel-C wrote:

andrei1989 wrote:

gohunter wrote:

NO! It is not a rebranded Viltrox. Tokina have been making lenses for around 70 years.

Irrelevant for how long tokina has been making lenses, the optical formula/diagram is the same between the 2 brands. Who came up with it first is unknown, if it was tokina or viltrox, but viltrox brought their lens to market first.

And the reason for choosing a clickless aperture is not sound, as autofocus is louder than the aperture mechanism and it works a lot more often, it is to not have steps in exposure when changing aperture

Viltrox is a chinese manufacturer, Tokina is based in japan. these are 2 very different companies.

It doesn't matter. Tokina is way more expensive, but might have the bit better coatings, for instance, look at the 1:1 sample comparsion: The colors habe better contrast, and better sharpness - from the Tokina Lenses. Since the optical scheme is the same (Lenses/Groups) It could be a) the glass sort (index) variant (which i don't think - because being too costly) and b) better multi coating (which seems to be the case here)

Here's the Video:

Viltrox 85mm F1.8 vs Tokina 85mm F1.8 Lenses

Tokina 85mm f/1.8 ATX-M vs Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 STM II