Last year I shot my daughter's HS grad pics with my XT-3 and the 18-55 as well as an adapted Canon FD 50mm f1.8. Her friend saw the pics and asked me to do her grad pics for this year. I was very nervous about this as I'm a complete amateur. I said I'd do it, then really got nervous. So, I started going back and watching old videos I'd watched in the past which led to me renting the 56mm f1.2 to do this job. I also bought a Godox 5 in 1 reflector. I had the lens arrive two days before the shoot so I could play and practice. The results of that practice had me very pumped. And, the mom and daughter(subject/model) were very happy with the results. I was so surprised I guess. This was the first time I shot anyone other than family members. I didn't take any payment for myself. The mom is a hairdresser. So, my daughter got a really nice free hair session. But, THAT LENS... OMG. Yes, the motor is old and a bit slower that the new stuff. But, that 56 gives beautiful results. The only problem now is that the 56 is not quite in my budget. Think I might have to sell a kindney....or maybe a guitar....probably a kidney!! LOL! Thanks for this video. Have a great weekend!
I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this comment and you back story to using the 56mm! I am glad to hear you got asked to take photos, what a lovely compliment! and that your daughter got her hair done, that is lovely! Please do not sell your kidney to buy the lens! - I know it is great but so are your kidneys! I hope you can pick it up one day, maybe even secondhand, there are some great deals out there! Thank you for watching and for your comment and have a lovely day! 🙃🤘🏻☀️
One of my fave lenses. Used it on a Vogue shoot for a couple of images. Love it wide open as well. Very vintage-like. You have a great eye. I love your perception of space and non-space and the framing of your images! Bravo!
It is a classic and beautiful lens for sure! I still enjoy using it! Such a good idea to use it for a vintage vibe shoot, I bet they turned out brilliantly. Thank you very for your lovely words and feedback, I do really appreciate its. And happy shooting! 🙃✌🏻✌🏻
The minimum shutter speed for handheld I believe to be 1/focal length of the full-frame equivalent - so 1/85th sec to compensate for your movement. If the subject's moving then I'd jump to 1/250th or 1/500 if the light permits. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I love this lens too!
That is awesome, thank you! I didn't realise there was an actual calculation for it! I just noticed when I was handheld 1/500 was the best shutter speed for keeping my images nice and crisp. If a subject is moving I pop it up as well. It is a great lens and definitely a keeper! 🙃🤘🏻
Totally agree, used this rule from my film shooting days (1980s). Of course, in that period u only shot with a viewfinder, not a screen, and keep the camera close to your body with a solid grip.
Thank you very much for this! It is a magical lens for sure, glad you agree! Hehe the giggles will stay for sure and I will have more reviews on the way 🙃🤘🏻
Very nice report about this interesting lens. Your enthusiasm comes across well. I don't have the original but the inexpensive Viltrox 56mm/f1.2 - have a lot of fun with it, love the bokeh. Last year I also bought the 50mm/f1.0 from Fuji for my X-Pro3 - I was totally blown away by it. I look forward to further reports from you - greetings from Austria.
Hello Austria! - you live in a beautiful place and thank you for your lovely comment! I have heard a few people mention the Viltrox 56mm which does sound like a fantastic lens and I am glad to hear you are still enjoying it! Also a few people have mentioned the 50mm which I am really wanting to now try! 🙃🤘🏻
I had this lens...not even in my wildest dreams did I think I would own such a gem...then the Viltrox 75 mm 1.2 Pro came out and I sold the 56 mm 1.2. Then I realized that indeed the Viltrox is sharper wide open, but it doesn't have that creamy bokeh that the 56 has it ...and I had to sell the 75 and get my 56 back:))
As I have upgraded my Fuji lenses over the last ten years the 56 1.2 has been the only lens I have not changed, I have the trinity of red badge zooms but the 56 is a constant, always there, always ready and always produces magical images.
This is a joy to read! and glad you see the magic with this lens as well, she is a beauty and definitely one worth keeping hold of. I will never sell her! she is here for life 🙃🤘🏻
Brilliant video, just bought one after borrowing a friends on a few occasions, looking forward to pottering about with it. Your video inspired me to get on with lol.
I really enjoyed your review, despite I'm a Sigma prime lenses lover, Fuji makes amazing quality stuff and you know, I love your photography, keep up the great work!
Thank you for this Alex! and you do you, Sigma clearly sings to your heart and works well for you! That's what is amazing about photography and camera equipment, it is all personal to the individual :) Thank you for your super kind words and keep exploring ☺️🤘🏻
Once again your stoping me from getting my night rest (loking), now I thought tht the first video tht I watch wah good, but this one has surpassed that, and your images that your displaying in your videos are improving by leaps and bound, the images in this video, with the 56mmf:1.2 are absolutely amazing..you do realise that I'm saying images and not pictures (pictures are taken, images are created) I'll have to get some finds together and get me one those lense, its quite stunning...I'm going to watch that video again and again, love those imsges... ps. apologize to "Erik" for me I spelt his name wrong in my other comment...
Thank you for another stellar video. I am waiting patiently for the USPS investigators to track down my new 56mm fuji lens as they say it’s delivered but it’s not to be found in my parcel box!! 😩 At least I can look at your amazing photos and dream whilst I wait!! Your 1.2f photos are especially inspiring! 🙏
You are most welcome! My review of the 50mm f/1.0 goes live this afternoon as well! I hope you managed to track down the. parcel and are now happily taking pictures with your 56mm! Thank you so much for your lovely compliment, she is an inspiring lens 🙃🤘🏻
Great review. This lens is legendary for sure, and I love it. Outside I find short high speed bursts+distance of about 6 feet or so to be a sweet spot in terms of this lens hitting more often. Indoors it is more flash technique if the lighting isn't strong - with flash I've shot successfully down to 1/30 with this lens no IBIS required. Overall this lens is worth every penny - just a gorgeous optic with the best bokeh and sharpness I've seen out of a Fuji so far. Add to that pretty close focusing a nice compact size, and its a real winner. But I would not recommend it as a first lens for anyone - the AF requires more patience and does limit what I can do with it, to a point. Or at least, compared to my other favorite portrait lens - the 50-140, which is arguably a better deal.
Always wild and free :) I completely agree with you, it is an older lens now! Luckily I haven't had any issues with the lack of weather resistant but fingers crossed they will upgrade this model :)
Hi, habe das 56mm mal getestet und fand den Autofokus ziemlich lahm aber das Bokeh war prima. Besitze jetzt das 50mm f1 und bin voll begeistert, mega Scharf und sehr guter Autofokus. Lieben Gruß aus Deutschland
Hello Germany! and hello back from Scotland! I have had a few people now say they love the 50mm, it does sound like a fabulous lens! I will have to give it a try 🙃🤘🏻
I actually have not! But it is next on my list as like you, I am very curious to see how it has changed - i am hoping it is just new weather sealing and a little update to it. Hopefully I’ll get my hands on one soon 🙃
Hi there, I really enjoyed your presentation! It was good for me to learn that it would be necessary to use a shutter speed of 1/500sec in order shoot handheld photos, yet be appropriately focused. How close can you stand to your subject while shooting?
Hello and thank you very much! It is just all from my perspective of using the lens for the last couple of years, it is a great lens and I really enjoy shooting with it. I think I just noticed over time that 1/500sec was really good for hand held whilst keeping the images nice a sharp - if you are steady handed and standing still you could probably drop it to 1/250sec (depending on what you are shooting obviously). It depends what you are wanting to shoot, if it is a closer up portrait then maybe 1.5 metres-ish (I don't have my camera to hand). It crops the subject quite a lot so that is the only thing to bear in mind!
I honestly hope that you do fulfill that 10 year promise to yoursel....have you given thought to Madeira when travel is really opened back up...how long have you bee doing gymnastics..?
Thank you and I most certainly will do! I have heard lots of good things about Maderia, I should take a look! and I haven't done gymnastics, did ballet many many years ago but taught myself aerial etc. 🙃🤘🏻
This is one of the few lenses on my wish list! Does it feel heavy? I’ve been sticking with the lighter f/2.8 lenses for travel and worry about weight a bit. Love those pup pics!
It is a beauty of a lens! It won't disappoint! I heard they might be bringing out an updated version very soon too! I don't find it too heavy, it does have a lot of glass but my other lenses are a lot heavier - in my opinion anyway. If you have to keep it super light because of travelling then that is fair enough. I usually am out hiking with all my gear like a crazy lady! Thank you, he is the perfect model! 🙃🤘🏻
Well Brian you are in luck! I have a review coming out on Friday of the 50mm f/1.0 and then a week or so down the line I will have a comparison video coming out explaining and hopefully answering all your questions above! 🙃🙃
@@realbriguyG I know, how about that for timing! I hope it helps you make a decision, I do have my favourite but I will leave you to decide from the reviews - they are both amazing lenses! Thank you so much I really appreciate that 🙃🤘🏻
I really like the shot at 1:52 with the sun in the background and the ocatgon shapes in the foreground. How did you achieve that image with the octagon from the sun?
Thank you! that imagine was purely by accident but I loved it! - bit of serendipity! So it was raining at the time of shooting my shots and the rain combined with the sun light created this almost bokeh but I must have had my aperture reasonably high to get the octagonal shapes. Hope this helps 🙃
I have only shot with the X-T3 and X-T30ii so I can't really comment on the bodies you've mentioned but both the cameras I have used have been brilliant!
I too shoot with the x-t3 along with the 16-80 grand also the 50-140 f2.8, the reason I'm asking for your opinion is that I'm in the process of putting together some funds for a back up body and thts where the dilema is...anyway thanks and looking forward to other videos
I thouroughly enjoyed not just this video but some of the others you have on your channel. Anyway, I definitely loved the positive aspects and praises your offered towards this lens, BUT unless I missed it ( I was nodding and tired) I never heard you mention or even complain about the autofocusing that others have spoken concerning this lens. Is there a particular reason why? Or maybe it's not as bad as others have complained that it wasn't worth mentioning. I would love to hear your response and thanks in advance
Hello, thanks for your comment. Nope you didn't miss it, the basic answer is, I didn't find any issue with the auto focus. I did notice an issue in speed with the 50mm f/1.0 but I have never had an issue with the 56mm. Hope this helps.
@@wildandfreevictoria Yesss it does help. That ready peculiar almost 90% or more complained about the autofocus hunting and missing when using eye auto focus. I questioned you (not your integrity) about it because on the pure love and energy that permeated from your video concerning your love for the glass. That leads me to believe that individuals are becoming spoiled and expect a piece of equipment to be perfect. Thank you so much for being transparent. You were so passionate about the 56mm it was like the two of you are husband and wife. thanks again for being you!!!
@@andrealfred5217 My reviews aren't technical reviews, they are just talking about my experience of a lens and I don't watch anyone else's reviews so I don't know what has been said - I am just giving my opinion. For me, I've used this lens on it's own for over a year and a half and I had no issues with it. The only problems for me is when it can make an image tight but apart from that, I love it and I wouldn't be so enthusiastic about it if it had issues. Also, I use this lens very differently from the norm, I don't really shoot a lot of portraits of others but more of myself and my dog so maybe that's why it is different for me. I completely agree with you, I think people do expect lenses to be perfect but for me I have just got used to how this lens works and I genuinely love it. You might hate it haha but for me personally, I do love it and that's where this review is coming from. Hope this helps and thanks again for your comment 🙃
@@wildandfreevictoria LOL the reason I subscribed was for your non-technical , but heartfelt reviews. Thanks soooo much for replying and I'm sold on purchasing one. Thanks Ms. Victoria and blessing to you.
@@andrealfred5217 That is really great to know! I just like to talk about the actual usability and results. So yeah I haven't had any issues with the auto focus. I personally don't find the auto focusing on my XT-3 to be the most responsive compared to other big brands but, I have still managed to get some fast moving shots of wildlife etc. So I would recommend checking your set-up and the continuous shooting mode to see if it is fit for the subject you are shooting etc. If you are unsure you can always rent a lens directly from Fujifilm, it's free for 2 days or you pay a little bit and rent it for a week. This might give you a good chance to test out the auto focus and see how you feel about it. But I hope you do like it and get on well, it's image quality and bokeh is worth any issues! It's beautiful! Have a great day! 🙃
hi there! awesome video! I am thinking to replacing my xf 35 1.4 with the xf 56 1.2. I am a bit afraid I would regret it.. not in terms of image quality but more in terms of focal length. Is the 56 1.2 to speacial? I do quite like the „normal“ view of the 35 1.4… but love to shoot creative pictures… I would use it on my xpro1.. thank you ;)
Hello! thank you for watching! Ahhh this is a difficult decision to make, I own both lenses and I wouldn't trade either of them in I love them both! I do use my 56mm more than the 35mm, but it some respect they are quite similar. In terms of quality, yes the 56 does have a bit more refinement than the 35 but it is still a great lens! It is all up to you really, I got on fine for years with just only my 56mm. If you can rent a 56mm for a day or to it might be a good idea and then you can get a feel for it 🙃
I just got this lens and am fairly new to photography. I am having trouble using it with the aperture open wide in the bright light because it lets in so much light. Are you using the lens in low light only? I would love to get the blurry background but everything is blown out.
Hello and welcome! I use this lens in all light! You can still get a blurred background (or specifically bokeh, if this is what you are aiming for) if you increase the aperture - anything below f/2.8 will be fine. Or you can try and upping you shutter speed and dropping your ISO. I was thinking of doing a manual photography tutorial, if you think this is something you would find useful, let me know and I'll get making it! 🙃
@@wildandfreevictoria Sure, I would love to learn manual. I keep the camera in aperture priority now and have yet to experiment with manual. I am so glad to know you use this lens in all kinds of light. I will keep working with it.
Thank you for your review. I’ve just picked up this lens and the 35 1.4 for a ridiculously good price new and can’t wait to use them. The 35f2 and 50f2 are great lenses but a bit clinical to my eye. Subscribed and liked 👍
Thank you for watching and subscribing! That is a mighty pair of lenses you have got, they are very good and 2 of my favourites! I agree with what you mean about being too clinical, enjoy your new fabulous lenses! 🙃🤘🏻
8:48 It’s actually 85.63mm 1.53 crop factor * 56 = 85.63 Not that it matters though and great video nonetheless. Having moved from Pentax where I was used to stopping down 1.4 lenses to f2 to achieve any good sharpness, I was blown away by my first shot of this lens at F1.2. I couldn’t believe just how sharp it was. It’s such a perfect lens (regardless of its average focus speed). I was sad to trade it for the 50 F1.0 but the 50 is also a great lens.
Ah how annoying! I just typed it in on Google! I don't really bother with the technical stuff but I will remember this for next time 🙃 I completely agree, I have tried other lenses and below f2 they are not sharp but the 56mm is amazing - so glad to hear you feel this to! It is a greta lens, all though the focus speed is a bit slow it has never been an issue for me, I think I just got used to shooting with it that it became second nature. I have never tried the 50 f1.0, what's your opinion on this lens? 🙃
