I m blown over by your shots. I did watch a lot of youtube on 56, but yours was the best for me!!!! Lights, focus, composition, colours...ALL just too good with a poetic feel to these pictures. What a joy n inspiration. My 56 was sleeping in the bag for too long n now I m gonna wake her up! THANK YOU!!!
I've been dreaming of this lens. As I'm not a professional photographer, I know the 16mm f1.4 is more practical and versatile for me right now. But after that, I'll be saving up for the 56mm.
I agree!! The 56mm f/1.2 is the first lens i bought with my XT3 and i'm so happy to use it! I'ts literrally a cheat code for portraits. For wedding i use this lens and the 23mm f/1.4 and it's the perfect combo for me
Hi Man. For me it is also the greatest lens that Fujifilm has ever released besides the 35mm 1.4 it is my favorite lens. Thank you for this great review. I like the way you describe things. That calm, unobtrusive voice. Keep it up my friend.
*First video, than i see in your channel, your work is amazing, a truly artist, perfect shots, and this lens is top of the top. regards from argentina!*
I've bought this lens last month and I use it in lots of situations. I took great landscape photos, it's not as versatile as a zoom lens, but it's very sharp at f. 8, the colours in daylight and in the golden hour are simply amazing and this focal length gives a great compressed look in landscape and it force you to find the right composition, IMHO more than a wide angle or a super tele. I used it also in some street photography, you can go into detail without attracting attention because the lens is not that big as it seems, and yes, also for portrait it's doing well
I agree with you that it’s a great lens, but since I only shoot for fun (and don’t need the f/1.2) I recently got the XF 50 f/2 (using it on my X-T4) and it’s a phenomenal lens (and for about half the price). Stay safe Korey.
I was in the same boat 2years ago man but ended up going for it. I can tell you though that the difference is quite big. I know people on yt reviews say otherwise but in my experience it gives you a whole lot different depth of field and bokeh than 35 1.4, 90 f2 and 50 f2. I had all of them and ended up selling cos 56 is glued to my xt2 for a year lol heck I even sold my 16 1.4 since it ended up stored most of the time.
Great video and congrats for all the amazing shots you have taken with this lens. I bought the 56mm and XT1 as a pair in Dec 2014 so I could learn how to better operate a portrait setup and (hopefully) would be prepared to document my soon to be born son and our new lifes as parents. Looking back it was probably excessive for an amateur like me but then I look over some of the shots I've taken. Worth it. Haven't upgraded the body because the XT1 is still a gem. These two (XT1 & 56mm) just seem to have great synergy.
Found it to be a great lens for small concerts/gigs. Enough length and able to keep the shutter speed up with the wide aperature. Handles the lights well without flaring everywhere.
Hey Korey. Fantastic photos as ever. My xt1 experience is only a couple of months old. I hired the 56 for a birthday do last weekend and for some fun. When I caught focus I was blown away with the results. Really pleased. Not sure how I will fund one right now and should really go for smaller water resistant 50 BUT wow. Loved this lens. Thanks for helping me talk myself into trying a camera rather than a phone and to play around with some lenses to test what I like to shoot. Have a good one.
It’s an amazing lens specially for portrait, I have version one with XT1 , I am in love with it , thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and awesome images 👌👌👌
Thanks for the review! I’m stuck between this and the 16mm 1.4 because I keep hearing people say that it’s Fuji’s best lens. This is my current kit: • Rokinon 12mm F2.0 • Fujinon 18-55mm F2.8-4 • Rokinon 85mm F1.4 • Rokinon 100mm F2.8 Macro (specialty lens that, although great, I rarely use) Any recommendations would be appreciated!
Thank you for the long long time review! I hesitated to buy the 56 because I thought the focal length was only something I'd put on for portraits but when I found a good second hand deal I got one and was blown away by how versatile it really is. Now my favourite combo for trips is 16/1.4 and 56, this covers everything I like to shoot and I love the results. Though, being spoilt by the smaller primes, 16 and 56 are heaviest lenses I accept without complaining...
I bought this lens so that I could have it when I shot my sister's wedding, and it did not disappoint. One of my favorite pictures of all time is of her and her daughter laughing together on the day of the wedding. It had literally just come out a few weeks prior.. so I don't know now long that means I've had it... mostly no complaints, but the lens hood has gotten so loose that it just falls off. Enjoyed seeing your shots from this lens!
@@anbar5675 Same here! I like small and light! The X-T1 with the 16mm 2.8 is a great example of a setup I have that you barely notice when in hand. It’s almost like there’s no lens on it it’s so light. Haha. The 56 definitely adds some weight to the front, but doesn’t feel too unbalanced, especially if you have a thumb-grip in the hot shoe.
Of all the good and even great Fuji lenses, this and the 35mm 1.4 are the ones to get to make the Fuji System a real "SYSTEM." These on my XPro2 are when I feel the character come through in a way that seems reminiscent of an M mount lens like Voigtlander or Leica. I've even had those lenses on my Fuji with the M mount adapter and they're great, it's a killer way to shoot, but I don't really miss it in any practical sense with these lenses. That said, weather sealing, better autofocus, and OIS, are long overdue and would really go a long way toward making my XPro2 a "forever" camera.
When I initially switched to Fuji (X-H1 as my first and only fuji camera) I tried many lenses at the store. Just by looking through the viewfinder somehow I said yes I want the 56mm 1.2. I also got 16mm 1.4 and 16-55mm 2.8 a year later.
@@joaquimramis4124 Fujifilm has stores on my country (Turkey) as showrooms they are polite to let you test all the current gear they sell and more. Every sunday they even organise free photography tours pretty basic but you get to choose your gear.
I have it, it Is not the lens I use the most, but it is my favorite lens. With it impressive results are achieved, with a lot of character. The great weakness is the looseness of the diaphragm ring.
I’ve owned the 56 numerous times but have ultimately decided to go with the 90mm because at the time I could only have one or the other. I haven’t really missed the 85mm fov but lately I have been considering it just because when I look back at some of the images I got with it, it’s a great option to have.
Great review. I bought a copy recently and have been using it extensively for landscape photography on my XT4. The lens really stands out for sharpness and great bokeh.
some great images! thanks for the effort and the sharing. i very much enjoy your YT channel. i am an appreciative subscriber. would the 56/1.2 still make sense with an older fuji body like the X-T1? does it need the faster AF and higher resolution of the X-T2/X-T3? if i may ask, how do you use it at a wedding? single point or continuous? stay well. thumbs up.
I hope I’m not in a time warp, but very refreshing to hear you talk about this lens on the XT-1 in 2020. I still have a XT-1 and have been very happy with it, mostly shooting with the 18-55mm kit lens. But hoping to jump to the XT-4 with a number of new lenses, and the 56mm is on my list. And now is staying on my list. And maybe I’m keep my XT-1 as well.
I would never give up my X-T1! It's my favorite camera I've ever used! I made a video on it recently. :) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-q26EA7SLqrA.html
This is the lens I'll definitely buy in the future since it's one of the reasons I got into Fuji at all. Actually, it's next on my list to finish the trio of primes (23, 35, 56mm). Even though, as an amateur 50/2 makes more sense financially, I think The Look you get on the 56/1.2 worth every extra penny. By the way, have you considered making another live chat session? I think those were great in terms of being able to talk with you directly and just hanging out.
Sometimes we just want the less sensible option because it's more fun! Haha. That's how the GFX 50R was for me. Also, I may do one sometime soon. I've just been pretty busy as of late.
Thanks for the review. The 56mm f1,2 is one of the foundation stones of the whole Fujifilm system in my opinion. If it wasn´t for it and the 23mm f1,4 I would have never swithched from Canon...
Great, great! I love watching photos and listens to commentary. What would be great, if you may list what kind of camera you used to get the shot, the lens in this case is known))). May i ask about what kind of bag is shown on 6:34 please?
Every photo was taken with either the X-T1 or X-T2. As for the bag, it's the Think Tank Photo Retrospective 5 - Leather/Sandstone. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find for a decent price now as I think they've discontinued it for the Retrospective 5 Version 2.
Hello KentuckyMan30: I have the 50 mm f/2 version and I plan to buy the f/1.2 also. Have you tried a Meike MK-KT1G Metal Hand Grip for your Fujifilm X-T1? They come both Medium and Large size. I am using the Medium size grip. The grip compliments the Thumb Rest that you are using. You can get a good used one on Ebay.
@@KentuckyMan30 Try it and you will be impressed with the feel this base plate. It definitely improves the handling characteristics of the camera without adding much weight and it is Arca compatible. You can get a used one on Ebay in excellent condition. You may be thinking of the Meike vertical battery grip and yes, that is much larger.
Thank you! I've never felt a desire to try the APD. From the comparisons I've seen online, there is an almost indistinguishable difference between the two in terms of background rendering (negligible at best) and for that very negligible difference you pay a premium; all while your light gathering and autofocus capabilities suffer. Seems to me the definition of bad value.
Yeah, the 50mm 1.0 is somewhat of an enigma to me. It will be something like $500 more than the 56 brand new and no doubt bigger and heavier. Will there really be a jaw dropping difference between that and the 56? I can't imagine the differences between a 50mm 1.0 and a 56mm 1.2 would really warrant someone wanting to drop so much more money on the former. Then again, this is precisely why I would like Fuji to send me one to test. Haha! I'm very curious to pit the two against each other and draw my own conclusions.
@@KentuckyMan30Maybe the 50mm f/1.0 is for those who crave for a Summilux 75mm f/1.4. It probably will have a better focus motor, a shorter MFD and nicer aperture & focus rings.
Hi Corey. I love your videos and I think I have watched almost all of them. I have a question: if you didn’t already own this lens, would you buy it new today at full price?
If I hypothetically smashed it to bits today and it wasn't insured, I would buy it again, but I would buy used. That's how I bought it originally. Got it used for about $750 over 4 years ago (at the time the new price was $999). If insurance was covering it, I would just buy new and call it a day.
I use this lens on my x-t2 and i love it so much! (only wished it had weatherseal) I also have the 16mm 1.4 and that combo is just amazing. But i have a question for you and anyone reading: i shoot pretty much anything (portrait, nature, street, travel, night etc) These two cover such a wide range, what should be my third lens? I have my eyes on the rokinon 12mm f2m or even the rokinon 10mm fisheye (seems really fun). I know people love the 23mm 1.4 and the 35mm 1.4, but it feels like the ones i have cover this area (or am i wrong?). Should i go up to the 90mm 2.0? Or 18-55m f2.8 (but that feels a bit redundant) Maybe the 10-22mm f4? I really cant decide and would appreciate some help. Thanks. Ps: great video btw.
@@joaquimramis4124 Hmm.. true.. but usally when i switch between the 16 and the 56 its only a few steps for adjusting. I was thinking to get the 35, but that is just a few steps back or a few steps forward from the 16 and 56. ..
I'll use the 23mm vs the 16mm in this example... I don't think of it in terms of "I only need to take a couple steps back with my 23mm to get the width of a 16mm." Even if that's true, you'd be getting a completely different perspective with the 16mm that the 23 isn't capable of producing. Your compression is different, the angle of view is different, distortion is different, etc. It's just a different "look" altogether even if the framing is the same between the two lenses. So, while it's true you can always take a step forwards or backwards with one lens to get wider or more narrow, it's really not the same as switching to another lens instead (or zooming in or out for another focal length). If you have the luxury of trying or testing other focal lengths, I would suggest that. You might find that a new perspective changes a lot for you! That being said, if you really don't have a specific look or focal length in mind and the two lens setup is working great for you, you may not "need" another at the moment.
I wanted to buy a fuji film camera but I don’t know what to get. I want a cheap one since its my camera to buy but then i want a good quality too. Thank you!
I been on the fence vacillating between the two - the 56mm and the 50-mm lens... thinking if I’m ending up shooting at smaller apertures it wouldn’t matter... but everyone is certainly smitten by this Fujinon piece of glass. I may have been persuaded! Also, off topic. My wife is a full time Realtor and she shoots most of her listing photos... have you done any videos about interior photography basics? ... a few tips and tricks to help those folks produce better images for their listings and clients. Thanks much!!
Thank you! As for the real estate stuff, I just point people to a fantastic tutorial by Garey Gomez. It's essentially the one stop shop I used to learn how to get the look I wanted. I apply pretty much all his techniques in my own work. If she lists a lot and does her own photos, it would be HIGHLY worth it in my opinion. Here's the link: www.masteringrealestatephotography.com/
I love it! It's such a blast to shoot with on a wedding day! Focus peaking coupled with the fact that it's ultra wide angle makes it a breeze to manually focus. Here is a gallery on my website dedicated to that lens with quite a few wedding shots. www.kentuckyman30.com/rokinon-12mm-f2
Thanks a lot for the video, your original video on XT-1 and lenses inspired me to get 56mm f1.2 lens :) how do you import fuji RAF files to lightroom? My lightroom version does not recognize fuji raw files and I have to use adobe DNG converter
I'm not a pro, just a semi experienced amateur with a good eye who occasionally is asked to do headshots or portraits. This lens just gives me "the look" every single time. Who cares about fast AF in those situations? Aperture ring is not at all loose on mine, had it for many years. Using it on X-T3, X-Pro1 and X-T20.
and will you get the f1.0 lens? haha As far as primes goes I've felt that its better to get the 50 f2 for street but like how people say the 35mm 1.4 is a magic fuji lens, I cant help but take a step back that this is also a must have as well haha. and seeing it again, its really not that big which is amazing to be reminded and see haha
The 50mm 1.0 is somewhat of an enigma to me. It will be something like $500 more than the 56 and no doubt bigger and heavier. Will there really be a jaw dropping difference between that and the 56? I can't imagine the differences between a 50mm 1.0 and a 56mm 1.2 would really warrant someone wanting to drop so much more money on the former. Then again, this is precisely why I would like Fuji to send me one to test. Haha! I'm very curious to pit the two against each other and draw my own conclusions.
Most of what you see is a raw file with Classic Chrome applied in Lightroom. From there I boost vibrance and tweak things like exposure, color temp and do local adjustments. So each photo is edited a little differently, but Classic Chrome is the base.
@@KentuckyMan30 I recently moved over to Fujifilm from a Canon 70D which I still own. I got a XT2 with a 18-55mm for a real steal couldn't refuse the offer but my heart was on the XT1 which I will get when I sell my 70D. Fujifilm image quality, details and how it handles high Iso incredible. Your RU-vid videos played a big part in my switch. For couple shoots which I'm doing my 1st engagement shoot Sunday coming should I use the smallest focus points I'm not sure which focus point will be sharper
Yeah, I showed it on the X-T1 and X-T2. I've never used the X-T3 or X-T4, so I can't speak to it one way or the other. However, people online seem to agree that the older/slower XF lenses are quicker on the X-T3/4.
waiting for the 50mm F1.0 Fuji said is coming out by the end of 2020 for my X-T4! I got a more affordable 50mm F2.0, much better than my kit lens 16-80 F4 but I crave for for bokeh now.
The 50mm 1.0 is somewhat of an enigma to me. It will be something like $500 more than the 56 brand new and no doubt bigger and heavier. Will there really be a jaw dropping difference between that and the 56? I can't imagine the differences between a 50mm 1.0 and a 56mm 1.2 would really warrant someone wanting to drop so much more money on the former. Then again, this is precisely why I would like Fuji to send me one to test. Haha! I'm very curious to pit the two against each other and draw my own conclusions.
KentuckyMan30 can’t wait to watch that review!!! I think the new 50 1.0 will have much better autofocus speed than 56 1.2. Yes, it will be bigger and heavier. That is one of the disadvantage. But still smaller than cannon RF 50 or 85 right? LOL, i am just bullshitting here. However, it will be a huge difference for me as i only have 50mm 2.0 now. 2 stops of light is significant for me at least. LOL. But i think Fuji is opening up its XF mount to third party. Maybe sigma or someone will come out with cheaper 50 or 85 1.2 lens ????
I really like this lens. The only thing I dislike about it is the swirly bokeh it produces. It can be used creatively, but if not done right, it can be a bit distracting.
the only thing that holds me from buying it its that i don't know how fragile it is since it dosen't have weather sealing besides that its an amazing lens
@@KentuckyMan30 more modern lenses have become sharper with better weather sealing and faster autofocus motors. The lens is good, just overpriced for what it is. You can get nicer lenses than this for sony cameras for less money
Burrito Bro's Videos True, it doesn’t have weather sealing. I actually think the autofocus is decent. Not the best, but certainly decent enough. This lens is insanely sharp though, even by 2020 standards. It’s routinely on sale new for $800-$850 (currently sitting at $850 I believe). If I’m not mistaken, it’s the cheapest 1.2 with autofocus that you can get from any of the main brand offerings (Sony, Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Leica, etc). I’d say it’s excellent value. I’ve shot with Canon L glass, quite a few Fuji XF lenses as well as multiple GF lenses and the 56 is no worse than any of them in terms of image quality. So, I would respectfully disagree.
@@KentuckyMan30 yea, $850 right now. Its sharp but not insanely sharp or anything. Yea, the autofocus works fine for portraits most of the time. I just dont think its worth $1000 anymore, so not great. Its a good lens now, not great. Soon it could be average
It's funny you say that. I was just editing my 50mm 1.0 vs 56mm video today and was again blown away by how sharp the 56 was when looking at some side by side portrait shots. Haha. I guess we will just have to agree to disagree though.
I really don't understand Fujifilm and the lack of attention to their lenses. Some of the best prime lenses have no weather sealing, slow focus, and focus hunting.
7 minutes of him saying how much he likes the lens.... No info about using with video, color aberration comparisons or any other specs about edge sharpness comparisons in different f stops.
Yeah, I'm definitely not a very technical reviewer. Generally, my reviews are more or less showing my favorite images, talking about my experience with using it and maybe diving a little into technical aspects. This is pretty consistent throughout all my "reviews." Showing MTF charts, talking about CA, showing corner sharpness at every aperture, etc. simply isn't the content I like to make. As for video, I'm only a photographer so I haven't shot a minute of video with any of my cameras or lenses. There are a few videos where I test things like sharpness at different apertures, but typically I only do that when comparing two lenses.
I love and I hate it. On the X T3, the AF is just annoying, on the X T4 acceptable. The 90mm is much faster. Coming from Sony, I am not used to such a behavior. Using it is no fun at all. The aperture ring is a mess. How could one ever let this pass in a quality audit? But the results (if sharp and not AF failures) are amazing.
As sony shooters we are spoiled with a ridiculously good focusing system but i'm really attracted to the character and rendering of Fuji gear. My a7iii is incredible though :)
I agree. I shot Fujifilm for 5 years and loved this lens but missed so many shots with it. You might get something magical but you'll also come away with a lot of shots that missed focus. I'm using the R5 and RF85 now and can shoot in servo mode all day long and have tack sharp focus on the eye. Fuji needs Mark II versions of their fast primes. They are so far behind everyone else in the game now.
