I love the shots at f2. I’ve been shooting the 35mm f1.4 at f2 a lot lately and I swear that aperture creates better images than at f1.4 - the right blend of sharpness and background blur (and easier to have your subject in focus). It looks to be a similar situation with the 56mm.
Thanks, Nate. Marketing hype is -- well -- hype. You don't always need the latest and greatest. Make no mistake, having the right tools helps immensely -- especially since photography is a gear-based endeavor. Spend a few more bucks to buy a good quality hammer and it will last a lifetime.
Hi Paul, just today I just bought the Viltrox 56mm f1.4 X, but what I really wanted was the fujinon 56mm f1.2, it will be later when I can buy it, great videos man
I love your channel and your information. I have had the Viltrox 56 1.4 and tried the Fuji 56 1.2 for a bit and even though I stayed with the Viltrox because of the price and similarities I agree this is an excellent lens.
A truly beautiful hunk of glass and metal, that, sadly I rarely use(d). After 4 years, I sold it (along with my 10-24 [old version]) to purchase of the updated 10-24. I may give the 56 another look, should Fujifilm revamp this lens (Weather Sealing, better aperture ring). But I gotta tell ya, of all of the Fuji primes, teles, chrons that I have in my arsenal, the venerable 18-55mm 2.8/4 is still my most used lens. The lens always come through in a pinch
Hi Cameraman655. I apologize. Many of my replies to people's comments here on this channel have not shown up. So, I will try again. Thank you very much for your comment. The 56mm works well for me because of the kind of work I do. Of course, everyone had their own needs. A socket wrench isn't useful if you need a pair of pliers. I hear you about the 18-55. It is not flashy, but it gets the job done.
I purchased the Zeiss 50 2.8 which is a 1-1 macro and intend I to use it also as a portrait lens. But I am torn since I have another macro (1.5 - 1) and sense that the 56 is a better choice. Not sure expecting a lens to do two entirely different types of shots is the best way to approach branching out into a new discipline.
Hey Sandbilly. Thanks for your comment. My suggestion is to try taking some portraits with the Zeiss 50mm. From my understanding, it is an excellent lens. Try to get comfortable with it. If you find that its limitations get in the way, then consider the other lens.
Paul, once again my brother you have given an awesome presentation. I have wanted the 56mm for my collection of Fuji lenses as well. I do have the 50mm f2, and I agree, it is a great lens. I have an 85mm for my Nikons also. Like you, I started my photography journey in 1978, old school :-)! I am definitely not a phone photographer either, and agree that these phones take jobs from us, and what people need to understand is, the quality and intregrity of true camera photography is far superior : -). I'm not knocking those that use them, but man, you can't beat the camera lens hook up. The images you uploaded are truly awesome, and that's why I also love just the 85mm as well. Your choices of the 14mm, 35mm and the 56mm are great choices. I was actually looking at the 16mm myself. Oh, I also wanted to say, I don't have anything against the third party lenses, I have a couple of Sigma's for my Nikons, and I just purchased the 33mm f1.4 Viltrox lens as my 50mm, and let me tell you sir, it's pretty good. I mean, I would rather purchase the Fuji 33mm, but it is a whole $500 more than the Viltrox, and I must say, it's good. Try one if you can and let me know what you think. But, I'm still going to see if I can get a second hand 56mm because I've just wanted to have one :-). Peace bro, and I have subscribed. I enjoy your talks and examples. Take care.
Hi Brendon. Thank you very much for you kind words and enthusiasm. When leading photo workshops here in Kyoto, I often see people with amazing camera bodies and crappy lenses. And then they are frustrated that their pictures aren't sharp. (I guess that is a great video idea right there. Ha ha ha! Thanks for helping me come up with that one on the spot here). So I like to encourage folks to get good lenses. Of course, whatever works. You comments are very helpful to me. I am new at making these videos and pull out what few hairs I have left trying to make them good. I hope to see you around.
@@PaulCrousePhoto Thank you Paul, you're welcome. I must say also, that, I don't understand why people use a 50mm lens as a portrait lens, when the 85mm is the best! A 75mm, 100mm and even a 135mm are very good also. 50mm are standard lenses and that's what I use them for. Always have, always will, unless used for full length shots, than yeah, I can see that :-). By the way, I thought your self portrait was great! Take care and enjoy.
@@nikonman48 Thanks, Brendon. I never used a 50mm equivalent lens until I started shooting digital. Now, I love my 35mm f1.4. For me it is a great people lens one the move, but not good for headshots. Not enough compresson. Cheers!
Great video! Great examples and demonstration of how you use it. I particularly found helpful how you demonstrated the pitfalls of using such a fast lens wide open; I recently purchased the 16mm f1.4 and found that out, especially at its closest focus distance. I have the 50 f2, and I love it. The 50 is easy to use at f2 when close-focusing and very sharp. Recent subscriber and bell ringer. Kind regards B
Hey Bugsy! Thanks for your comment and kind words. I am glad you hear you liked my video. By the way -- just the other day -- I looked at my Japanese wife while I was eating a big carrot and said: "What's up, Doc?" This elicited a blank stare. Ha ha ha! She doesn't really know who Bugs Bunny is. It is funny how culture works. I hope to see you around. :)
Hi Bugsy. I apologize. Many of my replies to people's comments here on this channel have not shown up. So, I will try again. Yes, it is really easy to try to shoot everything wide open and end up with lots of blurry pictures. I have had my eye on that 50mm f2 lens for a while. Every time I think about buying it, I realize I need to spend my money on something else I need more, like external hard drives. Thanks for your comment. I appreciate your feedback.
Very nice presentation! If I might, another alternative that people always ignore is the XF 60mm f/2.4 macro lens from Fujifilm. It is older, first generation but still available. I have this lens because I came to Fujifilm from Leica and the 90mm was standard kit for that brand, and the 60mm equates to that focal length due to the crop sensor. Giving up some selective focus, you get the extra versatility of close up capability. In the video you have a close up of a ring... piece of cake for the 60mm. While a macro, 90% of my photos made with the 60mm are in the normal range. Also as you showed in your video, some stopping down can make for a better photo, so f/2.4 is still viable for many situations. I also have the 50mm f/2... fantastic lens. Should be in everyone's bag. Again, enjoyed this video a lot. I lived in Japan for several years in the '80s and liked your photos. I always remember trying to figure out when peak cherry blossom would occur and hoping it would coincide with time off from the day job.
Hi Albert. Thank you very much for your comment. And thank you for pointing out the 60mm lens. I might pick one up for doing my thumbnail pix and B-roll video. I have heard that it is very sharp. At the moment, I am using an old Nikon 55mm f3.5 manual focus macro lens. As for cherry blossoms: In Kyoto, they bloom somewhere on either side of April 1st. In recent years, the blooming date has become earlier and earlier, but you can never know until it happens. I suggest to most people to avoid cherry blossom season and come in May (after Golden Week -- the first week in May) instead. It is a total roll of the dice if you are going to see the cherry blossoms. And everything else is still winter-brown. Also, everybody else wants to see the cherry blossoms, so it is a crowded madhouse. In May, the trees are in fresh green and the gardens are glorious with all of the other flowers in bloom. The weather is the best of the year, and all of the other tourists are gone -- so the prices are lower and you get the place mostly to yourself. Come to Kyoto, if you can. :)
I’ve always loved this lens. A lot of Fuji users are getting the latest, but my motto is “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” And the 56 ain’t broke. So many gripe about occasional slow focus with it, and I just stated to them, “if you get an image that’s like a glass of fine wine, have patience.” I’m willing to take my time.
I love your chanel, dont feel pressured to poure out videos. Do it slow, it really feels home at photography. I often see people becoming RU-vidrs and forget beeing photographers. Only pushing out videos, becauce of the alogrithm. What I want to say is, I prefere quality over quantity. And thank you for the awesome videos.
Hi Tom. Thank you for your encouragement and kind words. I am just a beginner. I have no idea how to do it faster. Your words are very helpful. There was an ad for online comedy classes with Steve Martin. His students were asking: "Where do I get headshots?" "How do I book a show?" etc. And Steve replied something like: "Don't you want to learn how to be good first?"
Great video. I have owned both the 23 and 50 f2. They are good, sharp - but boring. The ex 35 1.4 and 56 1.2 are just way more “magical”. Cant wait to try the new 56 1.2 and see if it still has the edge - or if its another “perfect” boring lense 😀😀
Hey Gos. Thanks. I am quite sure the the new lens will be beautiful. Faster AF would be most important for me. I'll be keeping this lens for the time being.
I keep hearing people call the 56 f/1.2 a portrait lens, but it's a very well corrected lens. The bokeh rendering is ok depending on distance and it has plenty because it's f/1.2. However, it does very well at infinity even in the corners wide open. It's well corrected for spherical aberration and coma, which typically portrait lenses have plenty. It's a bit of an odd lens. Keep in mind that it's a very capable low light wide aperture landscape lens and not just a portrait lens.
@@PaulCrousePhoto It's really an odd lens. As a portrait lens it doesn't have epic bokeh because it's highly corrected and it's a great landscape lens because of how well corrected it is. However, the auto focus is pretty slow. Not sure what Fuji was thinking when they made it. As a f/1.2 lens it's still a great deal because of how well corrected it is for such a fast lens.
Great insights on the Fuji system and value for the lens kit. Very practical info for those of us who struggle to sift through the Gear Acquisition Syndrome that tends to be shared, caught and spread on RU-vid. Thank you! : )
Hey Alan. Thank you for comment and your kind words. It is really easy to get GAS. I just replied to a guy on this thread who had the 56mm and sold because he rarely used it. Most of the time, he said he uses the 18-55mm. While having the right tools helps, it is ultimately the person holding the camera that matters. Good luck and happy shooting.
Hi Alan. I apologize. Many of my replies to people's comments here on this channel have not shown up. So, I will try again. Thank you for your comment. Yes. G.A.S. is a challenge. As a recovering alcoholic, I have learned to just step away. The desire for that lens/camera/macbook "I NEED to have" fades away if I don't feed it. Good luck!
I finally sold it. It's undoubtly a nicely built, beautiful lens. What bothered me, the slow, inaccurate AF. The loose aperture ring and wide focus ring gives almost no space for grabbing the lens when attaching it on camera. The slight glow at 1.2 might be nice for close ups, but when you really need 1.2 for example for nice separation in full length portraits its just not very sharp.
Thank you for an excellent video! I wondered if you might make one about how you set up your cameras? What focus modes do you prefer and why? When and how do you choose to use them? Thank you!
Really hope Fuji updates this to a version 2. Wouldn't mind if they made the aberrations gone but I hope a new version would have the same rendering. I love how reminiscent this lens is of the Helios 44 lenses especially the swirly bokeh.
Hi Professional Potato. Thanks for your comment. I am quite sure they will eventually update this lens, although it might take them a while since they just updated three other high aperture lenses recently -- but we'll see.
@@LeeD345 Thanks, Leed. At the moment, I am going to invest my money in different things, so I have no plans to buy the new 56mm lens anytime soon. I don't have a relationship with Fujifilm to get free samples to play with. (I am still deciding if I want to go that route). My non-psychic prediction: The new lens will be beautiful inside and out, just like all of the recently upgraded f1.4 lenses. Weather sealing, faster AF and makes cappuccinos. It will be expensive. And there will be quite a few good deals on the used market for the older lens. It's a good time to buy -- which is what I usually do.
I’m so torn on this lens. I have the APD version and I almost never use it. After taking it for a spin the other day I was disappointed by how often it missed focus. I know my version can only use contrast AF, which makes it worse, but it was still disappointing. I would try to focus on groups of leaves on a tree (I don’t do portraits, just nature stuff) and it would constantly focus beyond those leaves to something in the background that was visible through small openings between the leaves. When I came home and realized so many shots weren’t focused where I wished (the photos weren’t completely ruined) I was disappointed and I wished I had just taken my much cheaper fully manual 50mm lens instead. I know I can get focus exactly where I want with manual focus. (Sorry for the long rambling and uninteresting story. :P) I have a question, do you still believe in not buying 3rd party? Because there are some amazing ones out now. Like the Viltrox 75mm 1.2. It’s one of my favorite lenses because it has good AF (better than my 56mm), it has weather sealing, it’s sharp and has almost no chromatic aberration even at f1.2 (less CA than even the 90mm). All that for under $600 if I recall. I’m not affiliated with that company at all, It doesn’t matter to me if you use it or not, but since you’re a professional portrait photographer, I’m wondering if it would suit you? It does have an af on-off switch, which can be annoying for a Fuji user, and there is a bit of vignetting, but it’s still amazing imo.
Hi just_eirik. Thanks for your comments. In regard to buying original manufacturer's lenses vs third party -- I still go with the original manufacturer's stuff because I want to have confidence that my gear is going to work out in the field. So far, I have had pretty good luck with Fujifilm equipment. Thank you for the suggestion. I may change my mind. Recently, I bought a Fujifilm 50mm f2 lens, and I like it a lots. It is small, sharp with fast AF. I like the small lenses.
Hi Jorell. I hope all is well with you in Gunma. I just posted a new video yesterday and I've got more footage to edit. I am glad you enjoy my content. Take care.
Hi Jorell. I apologize. Many of my replies to people's comments here on this channel have not shown up. So, I will try again. Thank you very much for your comment and kind words. I hope you are enjoying this beautiful spring weather. I am editing my next video right now.
I don't use any Viltrox lenses, so I don't have any specific opinion on them (and don't think about them). In general, I think it is better to get manufacturer-brand lenses over third-party lenses if you can afford them. I am still using this 56mm lens and I still think it is awesome. It is a great deal on the used market.
I have the Viltrox 56mm F1.4 and it's not that bad but for pro work it's not good enough. Maybe try the new Sigma 56 F1.4? Until the Fuji 56mm F1.2 Mark II comes out
IMO they don't fill any gaps at all. They're mostly very good optically especially for the price, and the build quality is indeed very good. But you pay about the same for the f2 series fuji lenses but lose the weather sealing, the aperture ring in some (e.g. the Viltrox 85mm), and the clicky aperture settings in those which have an aperture ring. They are also a little inconsistent e.g. the Viltrox 33mm f1.4 has noticeable chromatic aberration compared to the Fuji 35mm f2. In my experience also most Viltrox lenses say e.g. f/1.4 or f/1.8 but this is not entirely true. Compared to my 35mm f/2 the Viltrox 33mm f/1.4 lets in a little more light at f/1.4, but certainly not a full stop's worth of light, maybe 1/3 of a stop more. Fact is for now, no one's lens coatings are as good as Fuji's. So sorry, but I can't see why i would pick a Viltrox lens just buy the f/2 versions if you want a cheaper lens. The only Viltrox lens that actually makes sense to me is the 85mm since Fuji doesn't offer an affordable option. Then again, it doesn't have an aperture ring and weather sealing but this may be a tradeoff you are willing to make compared to the pricey 90mm.
@@efstathioszavvos4878the new Viltrox lenses (13, 27, 75mm) are the new benchmark for performance/price ratio. And Sigma lenses are pretty good if you want small and affordable lenses without aperture ring, fixed or zoom they got you covered.
I’m new to Fuji. Got the XH1 w/ 16-55 2.8 but traded for the 56 1.2. MPB giving me some money back so that’s a plus. I think 🤔 stick w/ primes. Q: unrelated, how many batteries do u carry with u for ur X-T2 ? My XH1 is a battery hog.
Hi Arts Model Station. I always carry at least two extra batteries with me. If it is a paid gig, I carry at least 4. The XH1 is notorious for being a battery hog because it had the 1st generation in body image stabilizer, which isn't energy efficient. Google around. I remember someone talking about changing the settings in that camera to get better battery life. Good luck!
Nice Paul!! Shino's photo changed way too fast:( Thanks for the Video. i'm on the fence, seriously thinking of changing my Canon gear to Fujifilm. your videos helps!! and i hope Fujifilm are noticing.
Hey Roy. Sorry about the quick edit with Shino's pic. I think moving from a DSLR to mirrorless is a good thing. But changing brands can be frustrating because the whole user interface is different. If you get the chance, go to Yodobashi camera and play around with the cameras to see if the buttons and menus are good for you. I hope all is well with you and your family. I look forward to swimming in Lake Biwa when the weather warms up.
Hi Errol. I rented a Fujifilm 16-55mm f2.8 a while back because I had the same idea. While it is a beautiful lens, I had two problems with it. Firstly, it is much heavier than I want to carry (which was the main reason I switched to Fujifilm from Nikon). And secondly, the images from the 56mm f1.2 wide open are spectacular and have a look that you can't get from the zoom.
Well done Paul, I am new to Fuji with an old XT-1 and now I look for some lenses to cover between 10 and 60 mm. The 50 F2 seems to be a good start. Are there any zoom lenses to recommend?
Honestly, it really depends on what kind of pictures you want to take. The 16-80mm is a great all-around zoom lens. I just bought it and I like it a lot, although the 18-55mm is excellent, considerably smaller, and much cheaper on the used market. A mid-range zoom and fast prime, like the 35mm f2 is a good starting point for most people.
Just curious, why did you choose the 14mm over the 16 1.4? (This is the first time I've seen anyone using the 14) -- I find the 16 to be quite amazing in terms of look and feel and composition perspective.
Hi God. (LOL!) I got the 14mm for a couple of reasons. 1) I got it when the Fuji X system was just starting. It was one of the earliest lenses they made. The 16mm 1.4 did not exist yet. 2) I like the 21mm equivalent perspective for certain kinds of shots. At the wide end, 1mm can make a big difference in perspective. I often use the 14mm for environmental portraits. My clients want to be seen in the emersed in old Japan. Also, it has great glass. Have a look at my 14mm video here on this channel. I hope this answers your question.
Hi I just bought a 56 1.2 original lens , and i have the 35mm 1.4 with Fuji XE1 and XE2. I am planning a trip to Kyoto. Can you give me some tips and maybe a tour or a photo tour?
Hi David. Sorry that it has taken me a while to get back with you. I have been on vacation. If you are interested in a photo tour, please go to my Kyoto Photo Shoots and Tours website > www.kyotophototours.com/ If you interested in having a one hour online consultation with me to help you organize your trip, please go to the Japan Travel Consulting website. > japantravelconsulting.com/ Those older Fuji cameras and lenses are great. They are good bang for the buck. Have fun!
Thanks for your questions. The new version of the 56mm lens is great, but expensive. The old version works well for me, but AF is a bit slow -- but I use it for portraits, so it is not an issue for me. I think the 50mm f2 lens is also great. It is my list of things to buy -- but I have other stuff to get first. I have not used any third party lenses, so I don't have any opinion about them. I try to stick with Fujifilm gear -- but I use use my equipment for work. Third party lenses might be great for hobbists.
Well, everything depends upon the situation -- but generally: Jpeg Fine, Provia (Standard) Film Simulation, +1 Sharpening, -1 Shadows, Aperture Priority Auto, F1.2 (but this really depends upon the situation -- oftentimes I need more depth of field), Auto ISO with a minimum shutter speed of 1/125, AE Bracketing +/- 2/3 of a stop, AF on S with single point, sometimes I use eye detection, but often I move the AF point to the near eye with the joystick. Let your camera do the heavy lifting. Get the shot right in the camera. The bracketing is only for insurance. It is much more important to interact with the client than screw around with the camera. Get comfortable with your tool like it is the back of your hand. This is want works for me. Your mileage might vary. (Don't know why there is a line through some of my text. Something is goofy with RU-vid).
Hey SteveM. Thanks for your question. Apparently the 60mm has great glass but is famous for having very slow auto focus. Personally, I use an old manual focus Nikon Ai 55mm f3.5 for my close up work for these videos. I got it used for about $40. It is razor sharp and easy to use in a controlled setting. While you can use the 60mm for portraits, it is designed for close-up work. The 56mm is designed for portraits. Both are niche lenses.
@@PaulCrousePhoto I have the same Nikon 55mm f3.5 lens, which I have used with an adapter with my xt3. It is sharp, but I find that manual focusing is a bit tedious and I am seeking an autofocus alternative. The 56mm focuses only to 70cm, which Is considered below par. Hopefully the mkIi version of the 56mm will be better in that respect. Also the 56mm weighs about 400 grams, which is about twice the weight of the 60mm.
@@shy-guy5544 Well, you'll probably want the 60mm f2.4. I haven't used it, so I can't say too much about it. Its reputation is great glass but slow and hunting autofocus. If you have the money, the 80mm macro is an amazing lens. One of my tour clients had one and it was sweet. But a lot more expensive and more specialized. I have also heard that the 16-80mm f4 has pretty good close focus capabilities. It is the lens I want to buy next. I hope this helps.
Hi Dino. Thank you for your comment. There are many different ways to shoot. I have been shooting hand-held with available light for 40 years. I seems to work well for me.
Hey Ely. That is a good question. I am actually thinking about buying the 50mm f2. LOL. I think it depends how you use it. For me, the 56mm is a specialty portrait lens. Since I do a lot of paid portrait work, it is very useful for me. It has a special look at f1.2 that is amazing. I've been looking at the 50mm f2 because I want something smaller and lighter with the newer focusing motor for shooting video. But I won't sell the 56mm. The 50mm f2 is probably a better general lens. It appears to be perfectly capable to making excellent portraits. It is easy to get overly concerned about small details of a lens when great portraits have more to do about location, lighting how you interact with the subject. Having said that, the little bit of extra magic I get from the 56mm helps is important in my professional work. It gives me a good return on investment. If you are not doing paid work, then in may not.
This video is very informative. I own the 56mm f1.2 and its image quality is realy amazing. I am unhappy only with the fact, that it occasionaly misses focus on my x-t2, especially at 7-10m distances, but It might be just my copy, I dont blame the model and I still love that lens. However I am thinking about replacing it for a 50mm f2 wr. In my opinion it has more pros than cons over the 56mm and it will serve me better for my type of photography, but I am still struggling with that decision. Too bad I can't own both.
Hey Allen. Thanks for your comments. I am also thinking about the 50mm f2, although I won't part with my 56mm. The images you can get out of it are are just too good. The size, weight and AF speed of the 50mm f2 are very tempting. It really depends how you want to use it. The 56mm is a specialized portrait lens while the 50mm f2 is more of an all purpose lens. Is there any way you can rent a copy to test it out?
