Old 56 vs New 56 WR for general shooting on X-T2

I would buy that lens any day of the week over either of the 56mms.

I have the original version of the 60mm and it has so many fine qualities.  I really enjoy shooting with it when I'm in the mood, but the lack of a focus limiter and the resulting AF problems keep it from being promoted to "everyday companion" status.  The same basic lens with its wonderful "fun macro" close focus, excellent sharpness, and honest but tender character, combined with a focus limiter, WR and an f/2 maximum aperture would be a no brainer in the role of everyday short telephoto.   I don't actually need a fast portrait lens.

John Gellings wrote:

bowportes wrote:

dccberry wrote:

John Gellings wrote:

dccberry wrote:

I have never had an issue personally using the control wheel. It's actually faster than using the aperture ring for editorial work.

Well, many of us use Fuji due to aperture rings. It really depends on how you make your decisions. If you are the type to have your eye glued to the VF while photographing, surely a control wheel works better. If you are the type that likes to make choices on your camera before bringing the camera to your eye, then a dedicated aperture ring and shutter dial with markings are probably preferred.

Agreed that different styles benefit from different features. I use these cameras mostly for editorial / documentary work that can require changing aperture on the fly. The three Sigma lenses are the only ones I have without aperture rings, the rest are Fuji. The Sigma 56 and new Fuji 23 f/1.4 are always on a body for these types of jobs.

I wish I understood all of this talk about changing aperture on the fly. I always find it faster with an aperture ring on the lens than with a control dial. My left palm is always under the lens... So how is it that a camera dial would be faster?

It could really come down to what you are used to and what you started with. If you spend enough time with any method, you become faster at it.

Agreed. I have an XS10 and an XT2 - both superb for my needs. In the end, I favoured the smaller and lighter XS10 with its PASM dial and flippy screen.

I use Fuji lenses with and without aperture rings, and after many thousands of images, I have become very used to spinning the dial to change aperture..

Switching to the XT2 means I don’t have that same automatic feel for the controls .. so sadly it’s unlikely to be staying ..

Valdai21 wrote:

Hello,

I tried the Sigma 56mm but wasn't convinced except for portrait use, it's not very sharp wide open outside the center. I mean it's fine for the price but definitely not the excellent lens I used to have on Sony... Maybe sample variation, maybe the optical formula works less well with the X-Trans sensor, maybe I'm more picky now, but I don't think so.

I think the Fujinons are worth the price difference. The first reason why I choose the WR version is the WR. I don't shoot in the rain but the first version (multiple copies owned) can stuck dust behind rear element easier than nothing else I've seen. For me it's a design flaw and juste a shame for the price.

The new one has a completely different formula. I don't like the increased diameter, looks like a short but chunky lens. Otherwise it's as good as the old one and probably sharper. Mine is tack sharp across the frame wide open. Autofocus is better but still not on par with the 33 and 23mm 1,4 WR. It's quite accurate but a bit loud.

I don't think you could tell the difference between the Sigma and the Fuji 56 in a blind test if both lenses were at f/1.4. .

I would get the new lens, because it focuses closer.