New Fuji XF 56mm f1.2

[MarcoE]

Hi all,

I have the option to buy a used (almost new) 56mm f1.2. There are rumors that Fuji will update his 56mm to a new weather resistant version (like the 18 and 33 mm). Worth waiting for?

I already own the 18mm and think of the next setup:

Fuji 18mm, 33mm, 90mm

Fuji 18mm, 56mm, 90mm

Any user who owns the 56 & 90 ? Would a 33 & 90mm combo more useful ?

 

[a_c_skinner]

Forget what might be, what might happen and when it might actually be shipped even if the rumours are true. WR is a luxury, tending towards mainly a marketing ploy.

 

[jli_jon]

I would hold out for the new 56mm, it seems inevitable. But only if you're able to wait till at the earliest the fall. Im guessing youd have to be willing to shell out at least $1000. The AF will no doubt be better and perhaps IQ as well. In the meantime, the 50mm f2 is a great stand in option especially at used prices.

 

[RangerPhotog]

I do have the 18/1.4, 33/1.4, 50/2 and 90/2. I'm very content. The 50/2 is a great little lens. I really never gave the 56/1.2 much thought. I am relatively new to the Fuji eco system and purposely held off from buying the 16/1.4 and 35/1.4. I got the 16/2.8 and the 24/2 instead and this held me over until a new 1.4 lenses were introduced. The 50/2 was my first Fuji lens when i got my XPro3. I had a 24/2 on my X100f. I feel my patience paid of in the long run. Go get the 56/1.2 if you feel you need it now or the 50/2. I for one would be patient and wait just like I did on the two before mentioned lenses.

 

[sir_c]

It depends on your use is the real answer.

I have 35/1.4, 56/1.2 and 90/2. Their focal lengths are far enough apart to provide a very different feel and perspective.

The 56 renders beautifully but the large glass elements give it serious inertia. When light levels drop it becomes difficult to use. But when you nail it, the images are simply gorgeous.

The 35 is slowish but is quite predictable in its behavior in low light. It will bring in more of the environment compared to the 56, so i find it a more practical focal length. I consider both the 56 and the 90 more of a niche.

 

[Artur Darulewski]

I have 16/1.4, 35/1.4 and 90/2. I was thinking about 56/1.2 but finally found 35 good enough for "close range" portraits and decided to go for 90/2 for distant portraits (I also have manual retro Helios 58/2).

I decided not to buy XF56/1.2 due to outdated AF and much better overall performance (wide open). I could buy used 56APO in perfect condition for half of the price new standard version, but found 90/2 is much better for me.

If I really wanted 56/1.2 I would rather wait for modern version (hope it will be completely new design like 18/1.4 and 33/1.4).

On the other hand, the latest Sigma 56/1.4 looks very nice.

Good luck.

Cheers,

Artur

 

[Dennis]

I already own the 18mm and think of the next setup:

Fuji 18mm, 33mm, 90mm

Fuji 18mm, 56mm, 90mm

Any user who owns the 56 & 90 ? Would a 33 & 90mm combo more useful ?

I don't own those Fuji lenses, but I've shot with 50s (and a 60) on APS-C and have used an 85 on APS-C for many years now. I happen to really like 85 on APS-C and found very little use for 50mm and 60mm primes, so I would be much more partial to the first combo.

In fact, I occasionally plot out my future Fuji lineup, in case I decide to expand my meager Fuji kit when I abandon my DSLR and make a final move to mirrorless. Based on currently available lenses, a lineup that's compelling right now includes:

- 14/2.8
- 27/2.7 or 35/1.4 or 33/1.4
- 80/2.8 or 90/2 (both much bigger than I'd like, but the 80 is a macro lens which saves me from possibly adding another lens later) - I could also at least start by using my Nikon - 85/1.8 on a Fringer adapter
- 18-55
- 70-300

Many years ago (shooting film, so these are "FF" focal lengths), I had a set of primes that doubled focal lengths - part of me likes that kind of mathematical relationship, but I'm not sure whether that factored into my buying decisions. I had 24, 50, 100 (macro), 200, 400 (and a 1.4X that worked on the two teles). That worked well. But today, I'd go for:
20, 40, 105 then worry about teles. So 14, 27 and something like the 80 or 90 (I'd rather go longer than shorter).

But all this is highly personal - the 56 exists because 85s are hugely popular on FF and have been for decades. Obviously, I'm in the minority in not wanting a prime in that range.

- Dennis
--
Gallery at http://kingofthebeasts.smugmug.com

 

[Oscar Richard]

I have the 18+35 (f2s) and 90mm. I had the 56

I think the 18/33/90 is a much more versatile trio. You'll have wide, normal and short tele FLs covered.

18 to 56 is a BIG gap, leaving you with nothing to cover most of the 'normal' fields of view. I think in this case the 33 is essential.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the 90mm, just a fantastic lens in very way. Beautiful images and fast accurate focusing even on my 'older' X-T2.

My experience with the AF on the 56 was frustrating. It would just miss so often, even stopped down, even in good light, that I assumed I got a bad copy and recently sent it to Fuji to be evaluated. I don't think I'd spend the money on the 56 again, even a version 2.

Good Luck

 

[Zinch]

Hi all,

I have the option to buy a used (almost new) 56mm f1.2. There are rumors that Fuji will update his 56mm to a new weather resistant version (like the 18 and 33 mm). Worth waiting for?

I already own the 18mm and think of the next setup:

Fuji 18mm, 33mm, 90mm

Fuji 18mm, 56mm, 90mm

Any user who owns the 56 & 90 ? Would a 33 & 90mm combo more useful ?

Why not 18mm, 33mm and 56mm?

It's the trio I have and I think it's the optimal 3 lens setup.

Having said that, if you are like me and know that when the new lens is released you will feel the need to update it, I'll get a replacement for now (50mm f2 or sigma 56mm f1.4) and get the new lens when it's released. OTOH, if you can resist your GAS and don't need the fastest AF, the current 56mm f1.2 produces gorgeous images. I love mine, but if I didn't had it I think I'd get the 50mm f2 until the new lens is released (specialy now that my new 33mm f1.4 produces gorgeous portraits as well)

Edit: With the current situation with parts shortages, logistic chains problems, quarentines in big chinese cities, great increases of prices, etc. I wouldn't expect the new lens before 2023 (realisticaly)

 

[The_Crow]

Hi all,

I have the option to buy a used (almost new) 56mm f1.2. There are rumors that Fuji will update his 56mm to a new weather resistant version (like the 18 and 33 mm). Worth waiting for?

I already own the 18mm and think of the next setup:

Fuji 18mm, 33mm, 90mm

Fuji 18mm, 56mm, 90mm

Any user who owns the 56 & 90 ? Would a 33 & 90mm combo more useful ?

56 and 90 and different enough to justify both if you need and like those focal lengths. I had a 90mm, didn't get on with so sold it. No regrets. My choice would be

18 - 33 - 56 (with the 70 -300 for extra reach)

Perfection!

 

[astonehouse]

Hi all,

I have the option to buy a used (almost new) 56mm f1.2. There are rumors that Fuji will update his 56mm to a new weather resistant version (like the 18 and 33 mm). Worth waiting for?

I already own the 18mm and think of the next setup:

Fuji 18mm, 33mm, 90mm

Fuji 18mm, 56mm, 90mm

Any user who owns the 56 & 90 ? Would a 33 & 90mm combo more useful ?

I used the 18 and 56 quite successfully on a recent trip. It’s a nice combo as the lenses are really quite different. I recently added the 33 and not sure I can justify carrying all three, the 33 and 56 don’t feel that different. So both your options make sense from that point of view, they are all quite different focal lengths. Why do you want the 90 though? I think the 18 and 33 or the 18 and 56 make for a very versatile two lens set up.

 

[MarcoE]

Hi all,

I have the option to buy a used (almost new) 56mm f1.2. There are rumors that Fuji will update his 56mm to a new weather resistant version (like the 18 and 33 mm). Worth waiting for?

I already own the 18mm and think of the next setup:

Fuji 18mm, 33mm, 90mm

Fuji 18mm, 56mm, 90mm

Any user who owns the 56 & 90 ? Would a 33 & 90mm combo more useful ?

I used the 18 and 56 quite successfully on a recent trip. It’s a nice combo as the lenses are really quite different. I recently added the 33 and not sure I can justify carrying all three, the 33 and 56 don’t feel that different. So both your options make sense from that point of view, they are all quite different focal lengths. Why do you want the 90 though? I think the 18 and 33 or the 18 and 56 make for a very versatile two lens set up.

I had the 90mm in the past and that lens renders in a way the other X lenses don't achieve.

It's the special one...

 

[Artur Darulewski]

Hi all,

I have the option to buy a used (almost new) 56mm f1.2. There are rumors that Fuji will update his 56mm to a new weather resistant version (like the 18 and 33 mm). Worth waiting for?

I already own the 18mm and think of the next setup:

Fuji 18mm, 33mm, 90mm

Fuji 18mm, 56mm, 90mm

Any user who owns the 56 & 90 ? Would a 33 & 90mm combo more useful ?

I used the 18 and 56 quite successfully on a recent trip. It’s a nice combo as the lenses are really quite different. I recently added the 33 and not sure I can justify carrying all three, the 33 and 56 don’t feel that different. So both your options make sense from that point of view, they are all quite different focal lengths. Why do you want the 90 though? I think the 18 and 33 or the 18 and 56 make for a very versatile two lens set up.

I had the 90mm in the past and that lens renders in a way the other X lenses don't achieve.

It's the special one...

True, maybe this FL is not for everyone, but I love this lens for sharpness and bokeh.

Cheers,

Artur

 

[Quindere]

Hi all,

I have the option to buy a used (almost new) 56mm f1.2. There are rumors that Fuji will update his 56mm to a new weather resistant version (like the 18 and 33 mm). Worth waiting for?

I already own the 18mm and think of the next setup:

Fuji 18mm, 33mm, 90mm

Fuji 18mm, 56mm, 90mm

Any user who owns the 56 & 90 ? Would a 33 & 90mm combo more useful ?

All four mentioned lenses are excellent. If we were talking about a set of 4 lenses, we wouldn't have anything to consider, the set was complete with 18-(33/35)-(50/56)-(80/90).

However, I understand that you want to limit the set to a trio. So I have a few points to consider:

1. IMHO the gap between 18-(50/56) is too big to dispense with (33/35). That's why I consider your first set more versatile and more balanced;

2. But we have a tough decision on which tele short to incorporate if a (50/56) or a (80/90).

3. If the objective of the short tele is fundamentally portraits, the (50/56) is more versatile, as it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor portraits. With it you need an object distance between 1.70m and 2.50m, for head & shoulders or half-body portraits, respectively. While with the (80/90) these distances increase to 2.70m to 4.00m, which often makes half-body portraits in indoor environments unfeasible, unless if we are talking about huge spaces.

4. If the objective of the short tele is fundamentally details, outdoor portraits or portraits in large spaces, the (80/90) is more suitable.

5. The 80mm besides being a 1:1 macro still has OIS, which in this FL can be important to reduce the shutter speed. The 90mm, when you add a stacked pair of Macro Extension Tube (MCEX-16+MCEX-11), you have a 1:2 Macro Lens. So if you are more macro guy the 80mm is more suitable for you.