Just for additional information to help against the flaring, if you don't like the deep lens hood that comes with the 56/1.2, one can also purchase the square hood for the XF 23mm f/1.4 (Fuji or third-party doesn't matter). It is compatible with the 56 and is a much smaller hood and slightly more effective at blocking out light.
Why would people put a thumb down to this video? Out of jealousy? Ignorance? Working for other brands? Fanatics and idiots combined who have nothing better to do? This guy does a great job for free, please show some respect!
The best lens I've ever had! I use it on the x-t20 with meike handgrip, so much more comfortable. I enjoy it even when I just hold this lens in my hands. built like a tank
I’ve been extremely happy with my 50mm f/2, but I kept considering the 56mm f/1.2 throughout many months, as a second option for portrait shootings for when I don‘t need to carry as little as possible. After seeing your excellent review, I might actually save up for one. But the closer focus distance and compact build of the 50mm f/2 will still make it essential for my kit. It‘s really difficult to decide between the two, I think it‘s worth owning both of them.
Loving the Fuji lens reviews Chris! Any chance you’ll review the new Fuji x100V? The new built in lens looks really interesting compared the older versions of the camera.
I own 8 XF lenses, for my XT3, but this one (56/1.2) is the true King among them! It's my "heavy artilery". With such a lens you simply can't shoot a bad pic. :)) Thank you dear Christopher for your great review!
Thanks Chris! Good to see that the good opinions about this lens are right. I got the 3 standard zooms (10-24 + 18-55 + 55-200), so next step is to go for the primes (16 F1.4 + 35 F2 + 56 F1.2). Thanks for sharing!
Switched from my Canon and a 1.2 85 this is less creamy but I like it more it's sharper or at least easier to nail focus but the main thing is the massive size and weight difference
Thanks Christopher. I find my XF56 can be a bit tentative with the Xpro2 in low light (though it does do the job).. however, my Xpro3 drives it with confidence and assurance, locking focus much faster especially in low light. This was the main advantage of upgrading Xpro2 to Xpro3. For me.
Great lens, one thing I don't like much about this lens is that it renders a bit warm, I'm always finding myself work on the colors. In some instances that warm rendering can work in your advantage.
Is this f/1.2 half or 2/3rd stop darker than f/1? If rounded correctly, it should mean the former (sqrt(2)^(1/2) ≈ 1.1892 ≈ 1.2 versus sqrt(2)^(2/3) ≈ 1.2599 ≈ 1.3) , but I've heard people say the latter.
Oh my oh my those corners so good wide open, not that u need them but it's a nice surprise . Wonder if you bought one for yourself Chris, it's a definitely keeper.
Not at all! The lens is not big or heavy. It's a breeze to use when coming from a Canon 1.2 L II Just hold your elbows tucked in to your body and breath outh very slowly while pressing the shutter and you nail focus at very slow shutter speeds 👍🏻😊 The old fashioned way still works!
It always depends what you shoot. For portraits? Doesnt really matter at all, because the person you photograph will stand never still enough to get away with a 1/30s or 1/50s shutter speed and get a 100% crisp image, at least not reliably So you have go use 1/200s+ anyways (1/200 i find already bit slow to have ultra crisp images consistently) If you wanna shoot more landscapes and still stuff it would be cool to have image stabilization
One of the 1st generation lenses, I used and loved it. However about time Fuji updated it. Check out the 50 f2 as a tiny lens with almost the same level of performance. And a much quicker quieter AF. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Pros: I don’t think people talk enough about how compact this lens really is for what it’s offering. It balances amazingly on Fuji cameras. Cons: Focus ring way too stiff, while aperture ring is not stiff at all. Too easy to accidentally stop down
This is my favorite lens in my fujiline. I have 16mm f1.4, 56mm f1.2 and 80mm f2.8 as primes. Your reviewed 80mm and 56mm. So I am still waiting for your review about brillant 16mm f1.4...
I just finished my review of this great lens too ... I did however experience some video focus issues but apparently this may be fixed on the x-t3 3.20 firmware update. Other than that, got simply great images!
Great lens but also consider the excellent 50mm f2 at half the price. It is just as sharp (if not sharper), focuses even faster, is smaller and lighter and is weather sealed. While not a f1.2, it can still produce significantly defocused backgrounds and the quality of it's bokeh is lovely.
While I agree on the price, autofocus and weight/size part, the sharpness of the 50mm is totally different. Where this 56 produces more 'cinematic'-like stills the 50mm is pretty clinical. Therefor I sold the 50mm f/2, because the images weren't as pleasing to the eye (for me).
@@pdebie1982 Yeah, it's a matter of personal preference and depends to a certain extent also on your subject matter. While I think the 50mm f2 is a great portrait lens, if I was just using it for portraits and nothing else then I would go for the 56mm.
Very good video, I think your videos are really great. It would be interesting to see how Sony A mount lenses still hold their own today. I recently compared the Sony DT 35mm F1.8 SAM to the Sony 35mm F1.8 OSS and the older DT 35mm was surprisingly sharper than the new one. A test of the Sony SAL16-50mm F2.8 SSM would also be interesting.
How does this lens compare to the 50mm f2 fuji lens?? For bokeh, micro contrast,colour rendition and sharpness? Christopher? I have both lenses and would love to hear your comparison.
Would you recommend this lens over the Samyang 50mm 1.2 UMC? The price difference is insane and the only real difference is autofocus and maybe a bit more sharpness.
@@christopherfrost Thanks for the respons. If money is the only argument, then the Samyang it is :) Manual focussing is easy with the Fujifilm X-T2 and focus peaking.
Thanks! The 56mm is very impressive and the APD version is truly amazing. Now to be honest I use the 50mm f2 more often mainly because it's smaller but also because it's sharper I think
I have this lens, as well as the 16 mm f1.4, the 80 mm f2.8 macro and the 90 mm f2.0. A total of 11 fuji lenses and 4 samyang for fuji lenses. The very best fuji lens is the 90mm f2.0. That is a super lens. and the samyang 135mm f2.0 for fuji in a 2nd place because it is a manual lens, not because it is optically less. the samyang 135mm f2.0 is also a super lens.
Its slower to focus on old Fuji Body(xpro1 xe1 etc). It is fast in newer bodies, but still slower than their other Red Badge Lenses... I always shoot wide open. Stopping down will improve sharpness, but thats pixel peeping. It has a lot of Micro contrast that I even Love using it for Lanscape...This is a must have lens on fuji..
There are some Mixed Reviews about IT concering the AF speed and a few about the IQ at F1.2. But there are some Things to consider, namley the AF is only "slow" cimpared to newer fuji lenses with an updated AF Motor. Also the IQ is only Not basically perfect, If you Shoot RAW and Not Sharpen the image. Atleast i saw that the 56 in my XT2 in C1 comes in, Not soft, But really Not that Sharp looking. I dont know If its because of C1 or how fujis RAWs are, But its fixed with upping the sharpness.
All I can tell you are the results I found with this particular lens. I've certainly never seen a review of it that said it was soft in the middle at f/1.2
In this case, obviously, 'slow to focus' and 'soft' are VERY relative terms. I find my copy sharp at f/1.2 and while the focus isn't as fast as on my XF-90, it's fast enough for my purposes. I don't care about what the 'other' reviewers say. If you want to see what 'soft' looks like at f/1.2, see the 7artisans 35mm f/1.2.
Hi Chris. Do you think you could keep putting out some DSLR lens reviews ? DSLRs are still by far the most popular (ubiquitous?) enthusiast camera format. I really love your work , which has informed most of my gear purchases , but I am finding your productions less and less relevant.
Not quite. That would be the case if the crop factor were 1.4x instead of 1.53x, so, it really is closer to f/2 (another example of this is when 1.4x teleconvertors darken your aperture by 1 stop)
@@christopherfrost Well... 1,2 * 1,4 = 1,68 and 1,2 * 1,53 = 1,836; only if the actual f number is 1.3 the math works 1,3 * 1,53 = 1,989 - but I haven't been able to find a source agreeing that that is indeed the case.
@@michaelm1 That's not how you do the calculation - you don't simply multiply it. Honestly - look at the example of a 1.4x Teleconverter reducing aperture by one stop.
@@christopherfrost We're talking about Depth of Field, not exposure. Teleconverters affect exposure, but sensor size does not. And the way sensor size affects Depth of Field is through the impact of compensation of field of view. In order to match field of view at the same distance to subject, you change focal length. That changes your depth of field, and that is why you can multiply crop factor with aperture to get a depth of field equivalent.
I love your reviews and technical measurements,chris.But I can't help but roll my eyes everytime you say the full frame equivalents of these kinds of lenses.
Just a little correction. Fujifilm’s crop is 1.53x (better than Canon’s) so the lens is not an equivalent 84mm f2.0. What it is is an 85.68mm f1.836 OR in short terms an 85mm f1.8. Great review as always. I own this lens and it is excellent.
@@ApertureApex Seriously, I know that SOUNDS correct, but it really isn't, because aperture is a ratio. The crop factor would have to be 1.4x to lose 1 stop of light. Think of teleconvertors: have you noticed that 1.4x teleconvertors actually lose one stop of aperture? It's the same principle.
I guess you bought it 2nd hand or it’s a rental, but I feel so sad when I see all the scuffs on that lens. A jewel (of a lens) needs to be treaded accordingly
@@j4nv If I'm shooting a business event or school party it's possible I sometimes bump into things like a table or something. My lenses have some scratches on the body. It happens... I'm not going to pretend my lenses are little babies I have to carry carefully around.
Am i the only one that really likes when a lens has good flaring? 😅 You can get if off it by the hood but you can't make a perfect no lensflare lens make flaring so rather have flares in a lens and use it in an artsy way🙏
56mm f/1.2 is 85mm f/2 equiv. in full frame terms, i knew this, and Chris you are 100% right, but some peeps in the comment section don't get it and are arguing with you pointlessly. Here we can't multiply crop-factor of 1.5x with aperture. One way of explaining this, is that, the Fullframe Sensor is not Twice the Size/Area of APSC sensor, but more, it is actually 2.35x larger, means there's over 1 Stop difference in Aperture Value, exactly 1 & 1/3rd stop, .... and f/1.2 in APSC will produce Bokeh/Blur/DoF of an f/2 in Fx terms
There's a site DOF simulator. And from that site if you compare background blur of 56mm f1.2 vs full frame 85mm f1.8 if the model is in "full shot" distance the background blur for aps-c is 1,86% and 1,88% for full frame. Almost the same. So how would you explain that?
@@flpideas1 thanks for your reply, ... if that's the case, i could be wrong, and it's not embarrassing to accept or admit one's error of judgement, but i would wait for Chris Frost to clear the confusion. You may be sure, but Chris has already explained it here, that, if there was an Apsc sensor with 1.4x crop factor (close to what APS-H used to be i.e. 1.3x), its DoF would've been like that of f/1.8 Fx lens, so going by what he says, you are wrong. (He gives an example of 1.4x Teleconverter) Warm Regards
@@chirag4 I did watch this video but how so many people can be wrong, especially dedicated sites for reviewing lenses (Photozone) and DOF simulator which is an actual calculator of DOF. Yes, it would be nice to get an explanation
@@flpideas1 i always used to refer to sites like Photozone.de since september 2007 .... can't fault them either, very trusted source, but i still have my doubts. Let's see if Chris has anything to say about this. What i feel is that if the Apsc sensor was 50% area-wise, instead of being only 42% the size of fullframe sensor, there would be a difference of exactly 1 Stop in DoF.
I bought this lens in a way to cheap kit from someone who didn't use his Fuji gear anymore. I bought his X-T1, 10-24, 18-55 and the 56 for only $1200! Until this day I'm glad I didn't let this opportunity go, because I knew the value of the lenses that I bought.
Everybody else says: AF is rather slow... too slow. But it's really great. Although it is quite old. Too old in my opinion. There are much better solutions for the AF motor nowadays.
Too slow for what? Action, yes 100% use the 90mm f2. For portraits this is plenty fast much faster than the canon 85 1.2 its been my main working lens for 4 years now
I tryed this lens since a long time ago. Fuji is not my main stuff for Photo's, that is Canon. When I saw the result of this lens, the sharpness is great, even at F1.2. But the Bokeh is só bad. I can not nearly fix it in Camera Raw from Adobe. I must soften the background and still some points are ugly. I can imaging that Fuji came with the APD version, this version is really the worst bokeh I have ever saw. I offcourse used the orignal lens hood. I also use a lot off Canon FD lenses with converter to fujifilm. The bokeh is even on that old lenses not as bad as on this one.
Umm it gives the DOF of a 56 1.2. The depth of field of a lens for given aperture does not and can't change magically because you put a different camera on it. The FOV may change. But the compression, or not, of the elements in shot and the CoC is the LOCKED in. #faceplam
This lens is very very soft at 1.2, especially if the subject is even a little bit off the center. At least that my own experience and also a friend of mine’s. If both copies show the same problem I don’t think it’s just a manufacturer variation. The strong point of this lens is it’s bokeh... as a sharpness freak I’ve never really enjoyed this lens, I prefer the 50-140 or the 90f2.
Christopher Frost Photography yea, given its reputation I first thought I must have a very bad copy. Then my friend bought one, same result. Then I saw a few reviewers saying the same thing. Here’s one review that tells the sharpness, you can see at f1.2 the center is ok but the corner is very soft: www.photographyblog.com/reviews/fujifilm_xf_56mm_f1_2_review/sharpness_1 Your review, which is always well done and described what I experienced with the lenses that I own, simply doesn’t march my experience this time. Admittedly though when I stopped down to f4, my copy becomes bitingly sharp across the frame. But if I don’t shot f1.2 for an f1.2 lens... that defeats the whole purpose lol
@@linsnowx Mine is Sharp wide open. Corners will always be soft wide open on this kind of lenses. If you shoot Canon/Nikon 1.4 and 1.2 primes, you will apprrciate the sharpness of this wide open.
Fussiest comment of the week ;-) Incidentally, it really is closer to f/2 than f/1.8 - it would be f/1.8 if the crop factor were 1.4x (another example of this would be teleconvertors that offer a 1.4x extended reach darkening the aperture by 1 stop)
@@christopherfrost the crop of the Sensor used by Fuji is x1,53 ..so techniaclly 56x1,53=85,68mm. a comparable DOF (not light) would be 1.2x1,53=1,836 DOF/FF comparable Bokeh. Thats also my practical experience, why should it be pysically different? Of course if the lens seems to be longer or darker/brighter in real, thats a different Story. The DOF in compairision with a FF 85mm 1.8 ist very similar... so ;)
@@christopherfrost hm, we're talking only about the look, not stops or light. You re just cutting the crop frame, or change the distance about the same factor. then you have to equivalent bokeh effect
@@BLAZEPSI The fuji lens costs 1000 USD while the Kamlan costs only 250. The Kamlan is well built (just like the Fuji lens), it is not weather sealed (just like Fuji) and it has no image stabilization (just like the Fuji). The Kamlan is brighter and full manual, while the Fuji is sharper wide open and has a fast, but noisy AF system. Well, it is not worth paying 750 dollars more for that thing. Even the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 is at least as good as the Fuji while it costs less than 500 dollars.
@@HarryPowerColt I always buy my gear used.... In the end we Buy what we can afford. I'll probably opt for kamlan too if I cant afford the Fuji, I save and Buy what I really want. As long as your happy of what you have thats what matters... You Only Leave Once(YOLO).
The worst Fuji lens ever !!! -except its sharpness and image quality. Terrible focus (hunting) problem, with a disturbing focusing sound. The focus speed is not fast either. For some reason, Fuji is persistent on not releasing a firmware update to fix the focus issues. The only Fuji lens I regret buying.
I'm a Sony user who has the 85mm f1.8. I also pay attention to what Fuji are doing. This lens would be the one I'd probably look at if I switched from Sony to Fuji. Problem is Fuji are generally more expensive, both this and the APD version which I'm told is even slower to focus. I think the Sony is also sharper in the corner but that might not be too relevant to typical user who probably buys it for portraits. I've seen some portraits taken with this Fuji and the bokeh seems very pleasing. To be honest both Fuji and Sony have really good options these days at most focal lengths. Preference seems to be based on small factors like whether you need ibis, battery life and whether you like retro look and dials. If money was no object I'd have both systems for different things.
@@GaryBox I don't know whether you refer to Sony aps-c, but I switched from a Sony a6000 to Fuji XT20 and I'm so glad I did. Better lens selection, much better out-of-camera color, more user friendly, better build quality. With the regular Fuji promotions, prices are competitive too.
I already have this lens. Still going to watch the entire video.
Same here 🤣
Yep!
Congrat´s!
me2 :)
You guys love it?
Oohh always love to see Fuji lens reviews, thanks Chris!
Just for additional information to help against the flaring, if you don't like the deep lens hood that comes with the 56/1.2, one can also purchase the square hood for the XF 23mm f/1.4 (Fuji or third-party doesn't matter). It is compatible with the 56 and is a much smaller hood and slightly more effective at blocking out light.
Why would people put a thumb down to this video? Out of jealousy? Ignorance? Working for other brands? Fanatics and idiots combined who have nothing better to do? This guy does a great job for free, please show some respect!
This lens performs at a waaaay higher level than I expected. Thanks for the great review!
The best lens I've ever had! I use it on the x-t20 with meike handgrip, so much more comfortable. I enjoy it even when I just hold this lens in my hands. built like a tank
Fantastic lens! The only reason I sold mine is that it's a focal length I rarely use, but I was always super impressed with it's performance.
I have this lens. It's my first lens when I first bought my fuji camera. All the things mentioned in this video, all within my expectations.
I’ve been extremely happy with my 50mm f/2, but I kept considering the 56mm f/1.2 throughout many months, as a second option for portrait shootings for when I don‘t need to carry as little as possible. After seeing your excellent review, I might actually save up for one. But the closer focus distance and compact build of the 50mm f/2 will still make it essential for my kit. It‘s really difficult to decide between the two, I think it‘s worth owning both of them.
Fabio Mota is the 50mm f2 enough for an enthusiast like me? Or should I consider to save up for the 56mm?
every time...seriously every time before I buy a lense...I go to your channel. Thank you so much!
Not sure if I keep watching these reviews for the lens or the soothing voice
I own this lens and I love it very much
Loving the Fuji lens reviews Chris! Any chance you’ll review the new Fuji x100V? The new built in lens looks really interesting compared the older versions of the camera.
0:45 thank you so much for also converting the aperture to the full frame equivalent!
NotnaRed it should be 1.8
OHHHHHHHHH SHIT SONNNNNN!!!!!!
@@aceflibble how did you determine that number? And why do they sell it as f/1.2 if it's closer to f/1.3?
Only in depth of field
I own 8 XF lenses, for my XT3, but this one (56/1.2) is the true King among them! It's my "heavy artilery". With such a lens you simply can't shoot a bad pic. :)) Thank you dear Christopher for your great review!
I lost my hood of this lens. Where i could one? Any idea?
I have purchased this lens today and it is awesome
Thanks Chris! Good to see that the good opinions about this lens are right. I got the 3 standard zooms (10-24 + 18-55 + 55-200), so next step is to go for the primes (16 F1.4 + 35 F2 + 56 F1.2). Thanks for sharing!
try to consider 23 f2 and 35 f1.4 over 35 f2, cause 35mm f1.4 is a magic lens
Switched from my Canon and a 1.2 85 this is less creamy but I like it more it's sharper or at least easier to nail focus but the main thing is the massive size and weight difference
Please test the xf 90mm f2. THanks in advance!:)
I have that lens and it's one of my favorites!
Thanks Christopher. I find my XF56 can be a bit tentative with the Xpro2 in low light (though it does do the job).. however, my Xpro3 drives it with confidence and assurance, locking focus much faster especially in low light. This was the main advantage of upgrading Xpro2 to Xpro3. For me.
I like how they added an electronic shutter that could do 1/32000th shutter speed when this lens came out, so you could use it wide open in daylight.
XT5 is up to 1/180,000!
it's a full frame equivalent of f1.8, not f2
I'm here for the fuji lens reviews, thanks for the videos.
Another useful video from Chris Frost - many thanks!
Great lens, one thing I don't like much about this lens is that it renders a bit warm, I'm always finding myself work on the colors. In some instances that warm rendering can work in your advantage.
Cannot wait for 50mm f1.0
Is this f/1.2 half or 2/3rd stop darker than f/1? If rounded correctly, it should mean the former (sqrt(2)^(1/2) ≈ 1.1892 ≈ 1.2 versus sqrt(2)^(2/3) ≈ 1.2599 ≈ 1.3) , but I've heard people say the latter.
56 mm 1.2 or 90 mm 2.0 for Fuji? They cost the same here and I can't decide. Can you help?
It's up to you. Personally I'd prefer the 56
Love the pleasant flare!
Oh my oh my those corners so good wide open, not that u need them but it's a nice surprise . Wonder if you bought one for yourself Chris, it's a definitely keeper.
Isnt apsc f1.2 equivalent to f1.8 FF? f1.2 x 1.5 = f1.8
im thinking about buying one, but i really need to know if the lack of image stabilization is a problem when using this lens
Not at all! The lens is not big or heavy. It's a breeze to use when coming from a Canon 1.2 L II
Just hold your elbows tucked in to your body and breath outh very slowly while pressing the shutter and you nail focus at very slow shutter speeds 👍🏻😊 The old fashioned way still works!
It always depends what you shoot. For portraits? Doesnt really matter at all, because the person you photograph will stand never still enough to get away with a 1/30s or 1/50s shutter speed and get a 100% crisp image, at least not reliably
So you have go use 1/200s+ anyways (1/200 i find already bit slow to have ultra crisp images consistently)
If you wanna shoot more landscapes and still stuff it would be cool to have image stabilization
Did you review the 90mm yet?
I hope you do a review the XC 35mm f2 in the near future !
Optics same as xf35mm
Legendary glass
One of the 1st generation lenses, I used and loved it. However about time Fuji updated it. Check out the 50 f2 as a tiny lens with almost the same level of performance. And a much quicker quieter AF. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
That XF50 f/2 is a great performer... and I love the 75 equiv. focal length
I own the APD version. It is my best XF lens. No doubt.
would love to see you do a review on the new xc35mm f2 :)
Please do review Fujifilm 10-24mm
How does this perform for video compared to the other Fuji lenses? I know some of them have odd focus motor performance for video work.
I wouldn't want to trust this for video work hehe unless you have a good tripod or gimbal
@@christopherfrost Noted, thanks. So the motor can keep up with continuous AF? I was going to try it on the X-T4 with stabilization.
Hi Chris, would you recommend this or the 50 mm f/1.0?
Pros: I don’t think people talk enough about how compact this lens really is for what it’s offering. It balances amazingly on Fuji cameras.
Cons: Focus ring way too stiff, while aperture ring is not stiff at all. Too easy to accidentally stop down
Compact? You must be coming from a DSLR world :)
@@karimnasser9226for the aperture offered, it is compact. Especially compared to its successor!
Don't upgrade you camera's people. Upgrade to great lenses and use them for years to come :)
This is my favorite lens in my fujiline. I have 16mm f1.4, 56mm f1.2 and 80mm f2.8 as primes. Your reviewed 80mm and 56mm. So I am still waiting for your review about brillant 16mm f1.4...
I just finished my review of this great lens too ... I did however experience some video focus issues but apparently this may be fixed on the x-t3 3.20 firmware update. Other than that, got simply great images!
Great lens but also consider the excellent 50mm f2 at half the price. It is just as sharp (if not sharper), focuses even faster, is smaller and lighter and is weather sealed. While not a f1.2, it can still produce significantly defocused backgrounds and the quality of it's bokeh is lovely.
While I agree on the price, autofocus and weight/size part, the sharpness of the 50mm is totally different. Where this 56 produces more 'cinematic'-like stills the 50mm is pretty clinical. Therefor I sold the 50mm f/2, because the images weren't as pleasing to the eye (for me).
@@pdebie1982 Yeah, it's a matter of personal preference and depends to a certain extent also on your subject matter. While I think the 50mm f2 is a great portrait lens, if I was just using it for portraits and nothing else then I would go for the 56mm.
I've wanted this lens for ages
Very good video, I think your videos are really great. It would be interesting to see how Sony A mount lenses still hold their own today. I recently compared the Sony DT 35mm F1.8 SAM to the Sony 35mm F1.8 OSS and the older DT 35mm was surprisingly sharper than the new one. A test of the Sony SAL16-50mm F2.8 SSM would also be interesting.
So sad that mine is currently out for repairs. Watching this video call it an almost perfect lens makes me miss it even more.
Full frame equivalent will be f1.8
Bought mine used. Great lens!
How does this lens compare to the 50mm f2 fuji lens?? For bokeh, micro contrast,colour rendition and sharpness? Christopher? I have both lenses and would love to hear your comparison.
Take a look at my review of that lens. They're both pretty spectacular
@@christopherfrost thanks chris i have already seen that review! And could you please review the fuji 80mm macro soon!
I solve this "problem" - I bought both. :) And I do not regret. They are realy different.
What do you think ia sharper Fuji 56 or Sigma 56mm 1.4?
Would you recommend this lens over the Samyang 50mm 1.2 UMC? The price difference is insane and the only real difference is autofocus and maybe a bit more sharpness.
If you have the extra money, then go for the Fuji. If not, then the Samyang is still really nice
@@christopherfrost Thanks for the respons. If money is the only argument, then the Samyang it is :)
Manual focussing is easy with the Fujifilm X-T2 and focus peaking.
Thanks! The 56mm is very impressive and the APD version is truly amazing. Now to be honest I use the 50mm f2 more often mainly because it's smaller but also because it's sharper I think
I have this lens, as well as the 16 mm f1.4, the 80 mm f2.8 macro and the 90 mm f2.0. A total of 11 fuji lenses and 4 samyang for fuji lenses. The very best fuji lens is the 90mm f2.0. That is a super lens. and the samyang 135mm f2.0 for fuji in a 2nd place because it is a manual lens, not because it is optically less. the samyang 135mm f2.0 is also a super lens.
I agree about the 90
Do you have the Samyang 50mm 1.2? And if so, do you think the price difference between the 56 1.2 and 50 1.2 is worth it?
just got it few days ago, really good lens
Nice review as always Chris. Your 56mm looks pretty banged up on the outside tho. Second-hand buy I suppose?
Hey Chris, please review yongnuo 50mm 1.4.thank you..
Sasch Val He already reviewed it, and compared it to the Canon 50mm f/1.4.
@@AbdonPhirathon thank you for your info, iv seen it now.. Im planning to buy, coz its cheap and sharp also..
Most of the other reviewers say this lens is very show to focus and soft at f/1.2 , actually I was expecting similar words from you but surprised
Its slower to focus on old Fuji Body(xpro1 xe1 etc). It is fast in newer bodies, but still slower than their other Red Badge Lenses... I always shoot wide open. Stopping down will improve sharpness, but thats pixel peeping. It has a lot of Micro contrast that I even Love using it for Lanscape...This is a must have lens on fuji..
There are some Mixed Reviews about IT concering the AF speed and a few about the IQ at F1.2. But there are some Things to consider, namley the AF is only "slow" cimpared to newer fuji lenses with an updated AF Motor. Also the IQ is only Not basically perfect, If you Shoot RAW and Not Sharpen the image.
Atleast i saw that the 56 in my XT2 in C1 comes in, Not soft, But really Not that Sharp looking. I dont know If its because of C1 or how fujis RAWs are, But its fixed with upping the sharpness.
All I can tell you are the results I found with this particular lens. I've certainly never seen a review of it that said it was soft in the middle at f/1.2
Also, the slow AF could be from people who are testing the APD version of the lens, which is indeed a but slower to focus
In this case, obviously, 'slow to focus' and 'soft' are VERY relative terms. I find my copy sharp at f/1.2 and while the focus isn't as fast as on my XF-90, it's fast enough for my purposes. I don't care about what the 'other' reviewers say. If you want to see what 'soft' looks like at f/1.2, see the 7artisans 35mm f/1.2.
Love your reviews. Is that really your voice?
yes...! :-)
@@christopherfrost What a great, clear voice! Looking forward to see/hear more - especially APD.
Hi Chris. Do you think you could keep putting out some DSLR lens reviews ?
DSLRs are still by far the most popular (ubiquitous?) enthusiast camera format.
I really love your work , which has informed most of my gear purchases , but I am finding your productions less and less relevant.
I reviewed most the DSLR lenses out there to be honest - most of the new ones coming out today are for mirrorless cameras, because they are the future
Chris, do you do reviews on speedlights at all?
Nah
I picked one up on ebay for 400€, right up until it arrived i was scared i'd been scammed
not even slightly.
wonderful lens, really wish it were WR
A must have
This lens does create beautiful images... When the autofocus is behaving. On an X-Pro2, the DocuSign mechanism hunts a bit too much.
After using gf 110mm f2 lens... This lens is the same focal length in a full frame term... And Wow this looks TINY
@@aceflibbleNot sure what you're on about, the gf 110 f2 lens is a medim format lens for the gfx system, equivalent of around 87mm in full-frame ?!?
I have this lens for years now, and wouldn't change it for anything...
I left Fuji, but this lens was easily my favorite!
Same here
and what camera do you prefer now?
did you find a replacement for 56 1.2?
Which Camera brand are you using now? And why did you leave?
Same here. Was my favourite Fuji lens...
@@MrAndreyALi Any 85mm f1.8 on full frame is a replacement for it.
I really wish Fuji would release a new version with better autofocus and WR.
Thanks for the review
Now that's left is 16mm f1.4 and i can finally move on :D
the Fuji 16mm is their best lens of all ;)
And the XF80mm 🙌
michael xxx nah, the 16-55.
I have 16mm f1.4, 56mm f.1.2, 80mm f2.8 and 16-55mm f2.8.
But all of them are razor sharp but this 56mm f1.2 is my favorite of all time.
Nice review indeed. What camera and what lenses do you usually take with you on vacations? Greetings from Brazil.
Whatever I happen to be testing at the time :-)
The Bokeh ist actually more like F1.8 in Full Frame terms. Apeture x CropFactor= 1.2x1.5=1,8
Not quite. That would be the case if the crop factor were 1.4x instead of 1.53x, so, it really is closer to f/2 (another example of this is when 1.4x teleconvertors darken your aperture by 1 stop)
@@aceflibble Closer to f/1.3? Could I ask for the source of this information? Thank you.
@@christopherfrost Well... 1,2 * 1,4 = 1,68 and 1,2 * 1,53 = 1,836; only if the actual f number is 1.3 the math works 1,3 * 1,53 = 1,989 - but I haven't been able to find a source agreeing that that is indeed the case.
@@michaelm1 That's not how you do the calculation - you don't simply multiply it. Honestly - look at the example of a 1.4x Teleconverter reducing aperture by one stop.
@@christopherfrost We're talking about Depth of Field, not exposure. Teleconverters affect exposure, but sensor size does not. And the way sensor size affects Depth of Field is through the impact of compensation of field of view. In order to match field of view at the same distance to subject, you change focal length. That changes your depth of field, and that is why you can multiply crop factor with aperture to get a depth of field equivalent.
I love your reviews and technical measurements,chris.But I can't help but roll my eyes everytime you say the full frame equivalents of these kinds of lenses.
Why? Most people seem to appreciate that...
Just a little correction.
Fujifilm’s crop is 1.53x (better than Canon’s) so the lens is not an equivalent 84mm f2.0.
What it is is an 85.68mm f1.836 OR in short terms an 85mm f1.8.
Great review as always. I own this lens and it is excellent.
1.8 full frame equivalent I think
Nope - that would be if APS-C were 1.4x crop, but on Fuji, it's 1.5x
@@christopherfrost 1.2x1.5= 1.8 👀
@@ApertureApex Seriously, I know that SOUNDS correct, but it really isn't, because aperture is a ratio. The crop factor would have to be 1.4x to lose 1 stop of light. Think of teleconvertors: have you noticed that 1.4x teleconvertors actually lose one stop of aperture? It's the same principle.
@@christopherfrost Oh okay I think I see what you mean. Thanks :)
I guess you bought it 2nd hand or it’s a rental, but I feel so sad when I see all the scuffs on that lens. A jewel (of a lens) needs to be treaded accordingly
Lenses are tools, not jewelry. If you have a nice hammer, do you hit the nails with a soft cloth over them?
pdebie1982 so because it’s a tool, it doesn’t deserve respect? Do you ever sell your stuff or you just throw it in the bin?
Everyone that buys their gear is free to do with it as they wish, however, you and I see eye to eye. I pamper ALL of my gear! 😁
@@j4nv If I'm shooting a business event or school party it's possible I sometimes bump into things like a table or something. My lenses have some scratches on the body. It happens... I'm not going to pretend my lenses are little babies I have to carry carefully around.
Am i the only one that really likes when a lens has good flaring? 😅 You can get if off it by the hood but you can't make a perfect no lensflare lens make flaring so rather have flares in a lens and use it in an artsy way🙏
Great lens. Aperture ring is too loose, AF motor is clunky, slow and loud, but optically very good.
56mm f/1.2 is 85mm f/2 equiv. in full frame terms, i knew this, and Chris you are 100% right, but some peeps in the comment section don't get it and are arguing with you pointlessly. Here we can't multiply crop-factor of 1.5x with aperture. One way of explaining this, is that, the Fullframe Sensor is not Twice the Size/Area of APSC sensor, but more, it is actually 2.35x larger, means there's over 1 Stop difference in Aperture Value, exactly 1 & 1/3rd stop, .... and f/1.2 in APSC will produce Bokeh/Blur/DoF of an f/2 in Fx terms
There's a site DOF simulator. And from that site if you compare background blur of 56mm f1.2 vs full frame 85mm f1.8 if the model is in "full shot" distance the background blur for aps-c is 1,86% and 1,88% for full frame. Almost the same. So how would you explain that?
@@flpideas1 thanks for your reply, ... if that's the case, i could be wrong, and it's not embarrassing to accept or admit one's error of judgement, but i would wait for Chris Frost to clear the confusion. You may be sure, but Chris has already explained it here, that, if there was an Apsc sensor with 1.4x crop factor (close to what APS-H used to be i.e. 1.3x), its DoF would've been like that of f/1.8 Fx lens, so going by what he says, you are wrong.
(He gives an example of 1.4x Teleconverter)
Warm Regards
@@chirag4 I did watch this video but how so many people can be wrong, especially dedicated sites for reviewing lenses (Photozone) and DOF simulator which is an actual calculator of DOF. Yes, it would be nice to get an explanation
@@flpideas1 i always used to refer to sites like Photozone.de since september 2007 .... can't fault them either, very trusted source, but i still have my doubts. Let's see if Chris has anything to say about this. What i feel is that if the Apsc sensor was 50% area-wise, instead of being only 42% the size of fullframe sensor, there would be a difference of exactly 1 Stop in DoF.
Not sure if it's the sharpest, especially wide open. In my testing the 56mm is outperformed in every metric by the 90mm f/2.
But that 90mm is twice as large/heavy and half as useful
I bought this lens in a way to cheap kit from someone who didn't use his Fuji gear anymore. I bought his X-T1, 10-24, 18-55 and the 56 for only $1200! Until this day I'm glad I didn't let this opportunity go, because I knew the value of the lenses that I bought.
There's a rumors about Mark II of this lens with weather sealing
I decided not to go for this lense .. for the price, why didn't fuji put wr on with better af .. ? .. oh well.
I got news for you... Check out their new WR version
Everybody else says: AF is rather slow... too slow.
But it's really great.
Although it is quite old. Too old in my opinion. There are much better solutions for the AF motor nowadays.
Too slow for what? Action, yes 100% use the 90mm f2. For portraits this is plenty fast much faster than the canon 85 1.2 its been my main working lens for 4 years now
I tryed this lens since a long time ago. Fuji is not my main stuff for Photo's, that is Canon. When I saw the result of this lens, the sharpness is great, even at F1.2. But the Bokeh is só bad. I can not nearly fix it in Camera Raw from Adobe. I must soften the background and still some points are ugly. I can imaging that Fuji came with the APD version, this version is really the worst bokeh I have ever saw. I offcourse used the orignal lens hood. I also use a lot off Canon FD lenses with converter to fujifilm. The bokeh is even on that old lenses not as bad as on this one.
Umm it gives the DOF of a 56 1.2. The depth of field of a lens for given aperture does not and can't change magically because you put a different camera on it. The FOV may change. But the compression, or not, of the elements in shot and the CoC is the LOCKED in. #faceplam
That's why I said 'the equivalent' depth of field, and not the 'actual' depth of field #facepalm
This lens is very very soft at 1.2, especially if the subject is even a little bit off the center. At least that my own experience and also a friend of mine’s. If both copies show the same problem I don’t think it’s just a manufacturer variation. The strong point of this lens is it’s bokeh... as a sharpness freak I’ve never really enjoyed this lens, I prefer the 50-140 or the 90f2.
I don't know about that... mine was sharp to the edges all the way from f1.2 just like Chris' review shows.
Well that certainly wasn't the case with my copy of the lens, and I've never seen any review of this lens that says it's soft
Christopher Frost Photography yea, given its reputation I first thought I must have a very bad copy. Then my friend bought one, same result. Then I saw a few reviewers saying the same thing. Here’s one review that tells the sharpness, you can see at f1.2 the center is ok but the corner is very soft: www.photographyblog.com/reviews/fujifilm_xf_56mm_f1_2_review/sharpness_1
Your review, which is always well done and described what I experienced with the lenses that I own, simply doesn’t march my experience this time. Admittedly though when I stopped down to f4, my copy becomes bitingly sharp across the frame. But if I don’t shot f1.2 for an f1.2 lens... that defeats the whole purpose lol
@@linsnowx Mine is Sharp wide open. Corners will always be soft wide open on this kind of lenses. If you shoot Canon/Nikon 1.4 and 1.2 primes, you will apprrciate the sharpness of this wide open.
Had to sell my 18-55 coz it was soft. You might have a not so good copy..
This is basically a full frame 84mm f1.8
85
Great Test! due to the Math, it is 1,53x = 85mm View and 1.8 DOF View, not 84mm 2.0....
Fussiest comment of the week ;-) Incidentally, it really is closer to f/2 than f/1.8 - it would be f/1.8 if the crop factor were 1.4x (another example of this would be teleconvertors that offer a 1.4x extended reach darkening the aperture by 1 stop)
@@christopherfrost the crop of the Sensor used by Fuji is x1,53 ..so techniaclly 56x1,53=85,68mm. a comparable DOF (not light) would be 1.2x1,53=1,836 DOF/FF comparable Bokeh. Thats also my practical experience, why should it be pysically different? Of course if the lens seems to be longer or darker/brighter in real, thats a different Story. The DOF in compairision with a FF 85mm 1.8 ist very similar... so ;)
@@mixdown78 You have the wrong information about calculating equivalent aperture, which is why your maths are wrong. Read my comment above again
@@christopherfrost hm, we're talking only about the look, not stops or light. You re just cutting the crop frame, or change the distance about the same factor. then you have to equivalent bokeh effect
Well shit. Now I feel like an idiot not picking this up when it was 250 off
The case design looks like from the 80s though.
i cant afford that len, poor me
now it's in my hand. Such a great len.
Sadly very slow to autofocus in my experience, made me skip XT-3. A7iii+ 85mm 1.8 costs the same as this lens + XT3 and much better imo.
The Kamlan 50mm f/1.1 Mark II is definitely much better value for money than this Fuji lens...
...until you try this 56.
@@BLAZEPSI The fuji lens costs 1000 USD while the Kamlan costs only 250. The Kamlan is well built (just like the Fuji lens), it is not weather sealed (just like Fuji) and it has no image stabilization (just like the Fuji).
The Kamlan is brighter and full manual, while the Fuji is sharper wide open and has a fast, but noisy AF system.
Well, it is not worth paying 750 dollars more for that thing. Even the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 is at least as good as the Fuji while it costs less than 500 dollars.
@@HarryPowerColt I always buy my gear used.... In the end we Buy what we can afford. I'll probably opt for kamlan too if I cant afford the Fuji, I save and Buy what I really want. As long as your happy of what you have thats what matters...
You Only Leave Once(YOLO).
@@HarryPowerColt Who told you the Sigma is as good? Have you compared them?
I had the first version of kamlan 50mm. Hated manual focusing at f1.1 , I guess I don't have enough patience, so I bought Fuji 56mm
The worst Fuji lens ever !!! -except its sharpness and image quality. Terrible focus (hunting) problem, with a disturbing focusing sound. The focus speed is not fast either. For some reason, Fuji is persistent on not releasing a firmware update to fix the focus issues. The only Fuji lens I regret buying.
opqrst7 which fuji camera do you have? Because the focus works fine on my xt3. No problem here
Fuji finally has one lens which could compare to Sony's prime lens. In the early day, fuji's lens sharpness is terrible.
Lol what are you talking about
I would say the other way around
🤣
I'm a Sony user who has the 85mm f1.8. I also pay attention to what Fuji are doing. This lens would be the one I'd probably look at if I switched from Sony to Fuji. Problem is Fuji are generally more expensive, both this and the APD version which I'm told is even slower to focus. I think the Sony is also sharper in the corner but that might not be too relevant to typical user who probably buys it for portraits. I've seen some portraits taken with this Fuji and the bokeh seems very pleasing.
To be honest both Fuji and Sony have really good options these days at most focal lengths. Preference seems to be based on small factors like whether you need ibis, battery life and whether you like retro look and dials. If money was no object I'd have both systems for different things.
@@GaryBox I don't know whether you refer to Sony aps-c, but I switched from a Sony a6000 to Fuji XT20 and I'm so glad I did. Better lens selection, much better out-of-camera color, more user friendly, better build quality. With the regular Fuji promotions, prices are competitive too.
Excellent lens for crappy sensor