Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR - One Month Review 

As usual, a really great review - many thanks!

I really appreciate this review. Just what I needed, an honest and clear review that doesn't exaggerate things like autofocus capabilities. Thank you!

Most objective, to-the-point review on RU-vid so far. Excellent work, Dylan. Thank you! 👍🙏

Thank you for yours reviews, I really appreciate yours considerations and the way you talk about it. I’m also glad to watching your pictures in all yours videos, totally different from my reality, here in Italy. For the most of time, I’m a bride photographer, radically using just the 23 and 56 primes lenses. It’s a pity learning from you about the less improvement of the AF; I replaced my old 23 f1.4 after seeing your contents, felt in love with the linear motor! I had the hope to find the same improvement in this new 56, having now the project to start recording videos too, with the H2s that I’ve already bought.. Thanks you for your time and for sharing your experience. Have a great light, man!

Really appreciate the video, seeing your work with it and your experience with the af-c for example was super helpful. Very excited to shoot weddings and events with the lens (ordered it this morning before seeing this funny enough)

Really like your videos. Calm and on point. Love the slideshows 👍

Thanks so much Dylan. Great review as always 👏

Great review thank you… I had the old one and it was my favorite focal length for weddings and portraits. I love the new one… I think it’s an improvement in every area. If I only could have one lens, this would be it.

Bought this last month after missing my old 56mm, which I sold last 2021. The 56mm is my bread and butter lens, and with the new one, I’m thoroughly impressed with the improvement. Sharper, faster and smoother bokeh. Now I bought the new 23mm 1.4 too to pair it up with this and I’m all set.

Thank you so much for the review, it’s so nice to hear from a real professional photographer who has a tonne of use with the lens rather than somebody who is just the day with it ❤️🔥📸

Just got one and LOVE IT! Amazing glass.

really good review. Thank you for sharing! Subscribed!

a helpful and fair review, thank you

Great video and review. Thanks!

Great review Dylan!🙂

Loved the video thank you. I’m hoping to combine this with the xt5

Excellent, very objective review, as usual. Thanks

Awesome video, thanks for sharing, Dylan!

Great review. Thank you

I was hesitating between f2 version but not anymore im going for the 56. I bought the 33 when I saw your review of it , my very first prime lens and since all I want is shoot with prime I just love the experience. Thanks again and the slide show at the end is always the icing on the cake !

6:02 Beautifully said! I couldn't agree more!!

Very good review here buddy. another subscriber

Good and hard work. Thank you!

Thank you for this honest and detailed review. I was surprised about the autofocus motor design. Hopefully Fuji can speed it up via firmware.

Thank you Dylan! Great review as always, with great images to view too. Any chance to look at the 200mm f2 from fuji in the future?

Love the review, informtive and balanced. Thanks. Do you have any AF impressions on the newer 40mp/xt5 bodies?

Excellent video, as always. IMO, you have the most reliable, trustworthy reviews on the internet. That being said, I was surprised you referred to the X-H2 as a "bit of a toy". I put in a preorder for the X-T5, moving up from my X-T30 (I still have my X100T). Can't wait. As an enthusiast, I chose it over the X-H2 because I'm not a fan of PSAM cameras, I love the 'analog' photocentric features of the X series, and I have no interest in using (and paying for) the features of videocentric cameras. But the X-H2 is technically very sophisticated, having everything the X-T5 has internally (and in some cases more, e.g. the higher res EVF), plus the extra video features. For me, it's more that I enjoy the physical act of using the X-T over the conventional PSAM cameras, and I have no interest in the advanced video features.

Nice review and I agree with everything you say. I was also disappointed about the AF speed and was kind of surprised when I saw that Jonas Rask says the new lens is much faster than the old one. I'm getting my X-T5 soon and hope that the AF will be a bit faster. Other than that I'm happy with the lens and I sold my XF50mm F1 because of it.

Hey Dylan, great points, thanks for sharing your experience and very nice examples too. I have the 90mm f/2 and, boy... what a lens. It focuses the fastest of any lens Fujifilm I've experienced on my X-T3, and it focuses so closely too, right? I have taken wonderful photos of flowers really up close, it remains sharp up close and and the backgrounds, oh soooo... good. I am loving seeing the added sharpness of the new 56mm and the reduced min focus distance, as that's always high up on my list of lens features. Shame about the AF still being somewhat slow and clunky sounding. If it was anything like the quad linear motors of the 90mm f/2, I'd be shelling out £1k to order one right now. Even though I've already shelled out too much when I ordered an X-T5 earlier today! 😅 For full context, by the way, I'm getting the X-T5 for the IBIS whilst maintaining the dials and my favoured screen mech in a compact body. I'm taking any AF improvements and bigger battery as a bonus. The 40MP could be excessive but, sadly, I can't spec a camera myself.

Very informative video mate, I too recently went to my local camera store in Brisbane City and have to agree that the XH2 does feel a little 'to toy like' in my hands. I was really hoping it would be close to the same build quality as the older XH1 but it doesnt. I really hope if a Xpro4 finally does drop later this year or eatly 2024 that it doesn't follow suit going smaller and more of a plastic feel. Anyway I'll be adding a lens or 2 for now (perhaps this 56 and the new xf8) and hope the Xpro 4 is just around the corner. I am considering a XH1 to compliment my lens purchase for something for solid and better grip in hand adding the vertical grip for my larger hefty zooms being the 16-55mm & 100-400 tele.

Dylan you're brilliant, thanks for this. I can relate to so much of this content, even the first world problems like the reverse hood blocking the aperture ring 😆 I find the 50mmish line from Fuji a bit problematic. There really isn't a single 50 or 56mm that 'can do it all'. The 50/1 is super, but of course large, heavy, expensive and has the 'worst AF', not having LM harms that camera from a future proofing perspective imo. A big investment with still some problems... The 50/2 is small, cute, light and great AF, but... it's f2 and that's that. The old 56/1.2 isn't WR. The new 56/1.2 ticks ALL the boxes except for LM (argh Fuji!). So I am left in a similar position to you. I own the 50/2 and 90/2 and go between those two lenses for my wedding and event work. I have learned to really appreciate the 90/2 for this kind of work, allowing my clients and subjects some breathing room between me and my camera. I wonder if owning the new 56/1.2 that I might STILL want to carry the 90/2 for those reasons, and whilst the faster aperture of 1.2 will give me much cleaner images, a lot of the times I use the 90/2 the speaker can be lit pretty good... I can't ferry both those lenses about on a gig... so I wonder if I can really let the 90/2 go in replace of the 56, I don't think I can! Viltrox are supposedly coming out with a 75/1.2, that might be a wickedly nice lens. I wish Fuji would produce something similar with LM and WR at that range, even 75/2 or 75/1.4 could be really welcomed!

Can't wait to see what you think of your new lens when it is on the XT5.

Since I wasn’t using my old 56/1.2 very often, I sold it and got an $89 TTArtisan 50/1.2 manual focus lens. This freed up enough money to put towards the purchase of the 16-80 zoom for travel usage when I don’t want to change lenses. (Like you, I have a wife-factor.) But the TTArtisan 50/1.2 has surprised me. It’s a fun lens, and I’m enjoying it. The Bokeh (quality) and transition from in-focus to out-of focus are really very nice. Better than the old Fuji 56/1.2. The TT isn’t very sharp wide open, but is sharp stopped down. Plenty sharp for 26Mp sensor even when pixel peeping.

Great review. As always! I’ve several questions: 1. Will the XT5 improve the auto focus response? 2. Will the subject to camera distance be the same as the 56mm compared to using the GF110? 3. Except for large prints can the XT5 56mm WR be considered an actual replacement of the GFX100S and the GF110? And if not a 1 for 1 replacement how close a match up is it? The reason for my question is that the 110mm is truly striking lens but the GFX-110mm is just a lot of gear. (The reason for my question in case you or readers are interested, is that while I shoot primarily landscape, I’m still hoping for a one bag one kit solution and would like to leave the 110mm behind. I find I always do some portrait work no matter what. )

Great review! Thank you! If I may ask, how would you compare the new 56 vs the 50f1.0 not considering size and weight but the IQ and Bokeh?

Hi Dylan..great review.so happy you tested this on the xt4.the auto focus test I've been seeing on RU-vid use the 40 mp cameras xt5 or hs.which I'm guessing will make the auto focus faster then the test on your xt4.but for me this test is perfect it gives me a idea how it will perform on my xt2.I feel the 50 f2 still is a good option for kids with older xt models.if the 56 had LM I agree it would be a win.just been eyeing the old lens for awhile now aswell as the new one.but I might stay with 50f2.thanks again for such a great review.curious are you still using the100v for own personal photography?

Thanks!

I purposely avoided the newer sensor fuji with the 40MP so I wouldn't deal with large raws but seeing pictures taken from this lens on the newer sensor got me wanting to upgrade. The pictures hit harder on the newer sensor.

Do you feel that the 50mm f1 had better autofocus vs the new 56? Also thanks for the video! Really informative :)

I wish Fujifilm prioritized autofocus speed on this update even if they sacrificed the f1.2 aperture for f1.4. With that, you can have 3 choices in terms of short tele primes. The 50mm f2 for compact and fairly fast lens, the 56mm f1.4 or f1.2 II for fast AF wide aperture lens, 50mm f1.0 for the best IQ and character but larger and slower.

Great review. Not sure how Kevin Mullins got several perfectly sharp wide open shots at the London Marathon, but they’re out there and look amazing.

Great review as usual, Dylan, thank you! I think the lack of LM in the new 56 is the result of Fujifilm trying not to shoot themselves on the foot with the 50 1.0. By not incorporating LM in the 50 F1, Fujifilm has created a difficult situation for themselves in that if the new 56 has LM, it would render the 50 F1 useless, as most people will gravitate towards the 56…..as a 50 F1 owner, I would have been fine with Fujifilm charging a little bit more and the lens to be slightly larger and heavier but have a LM in the F1 since it’s already large, heavy and quite expensive, a little more wouldn’t hurt as much if they have blindingly fast AF

Hi Dylan, thanks for this very good review and comparison with the older 56. Did you try the Sigma 56/1.4 yet? I use the XT5 with the old 56/1.2 and think about upgrading either to the new 56 or to the Sigma (I do not really need the F1.2).

Reliable and clear test. „No LM“ - the deciding factor.

I will keep the old one and have the original 23mm but if it's your work and a professional then may be

In regard to Auto-focus, has anyone noticed a difference with the camera in "Performance Mode" vs Normal mode? I'm not sure of everything speeded up in Performance Mode, but faster AF is supposedly one of the benefits.

Great video 👌 how does this new 56mm compare to the gf110mm for use at weddings?

If only Fuji had improved the focus speed. I have the earlier "R" model and having really mixed emotions about it. When it's on it is ON. Extremely sharp and beautiful at 1.2. But getting this thing to focus in low light is frustrating to the point of not wanting it on my camera. As a photojournalist I shot with a Nikkor 50 1.2. If only the manual focus on the Fuji were smooth...that would be a game-changer for me.

Thanks for your in-depth review. Out of curiosity, how do you feel about the new 56 vs the 50 f2 and the 50 f1 (which you sold)? I am on the fence on buying some faster primes for Fuji... I have a couple of the f2 compact primes, but almost always run with the f2.8 zooms. For faster primes I have been adapting my Canon L-series primes with inconsistent results. I do mostly commercial work and headshots, but also cover the occasional family / wedding. Cheers!

Thanks for another great review. In the beginning you mention holding X-H2 at a local store and feeling that it was more of a toy. Could you elaborate a bit? I’m looking for a high resolution camera. Why would you choose X-T5 over it? Thanks.

What filter do you use to shot against the sun?

Lond story short: if you are going to use this lens with older bodys like xt4, xt3, xs10 the upgrade for the autofocus only is just NOT WORTH IT. With flagship models like XH2s, which i had for couple of days with new 56/1,2 is a totally different song.. Af is VERY accurate, VERY fast. But still in fuji level. Maybe Fuji will fix some hunting issues with Firmware updates in the future. Cuz I had some scenarios where subject moving towards the camara, and all of the shot were perfectly in focus, AND there were some scenarios where 4 out of 6 shots were totally unusable, and lets keep in mind that I was using what Fuji calls their fastest camera - XH2s. Fingers cross for the future. Thanks for the review!

I had the old version and loved the images… but, the focus noises and performance wasn’t any good for a little video shooting. I now have the new Sigma 56 and it blows the old version of the Fuji away… a lot lighter and smaller, and silent/fast. I’d be interested to see how it compares on the newer Fuji sensors with 40mp.

56 1.2 in purchase links is for old version - most people would catch this, but some might not

I do wonder why Fuji didn’t upgrade the AF fully, I don’t feel it could have added much in size weight and cost. Have the 33 and 90 so a fast lens between would have been welcomed ( I have the 50 f2 and have used / loved the older 56 - however this one is long gone) Viltrox 75 ?????

Hi, got a question for you and I hope you have an answer. What lenses do you use for your events? Sony shooter here, and about the switch to the dark side. I was thinking 18 1.4, 33 1.4, 56 1.2 WR and the 50-140. Am I missing a gem? Events can be a bit like weddings. I want to base my kit of weddings, can make the rest work around it.

Do you think it’d be okay to pair this lens with an X-T1? I’m considering this lens because of the WR.

In my opinion, you have grosly exaggerated the “underperformance” of the previous 56. For a 26 Mp sensor of the X-T4 - it has more than enough of everything.

Thanks for the review video Dylan. I own both Fujifilm 50mm f2 and 56mm f1.2 (the old version). I think i can say that the reason i own 50mm f2 even if i have 56mm f1.2 is only the light weight and compactness. Because i need that light weight and compactness too in some of my shooting scenarios like daily life shoots or the street photography. But 56mm f1.2 is definitely one of my most favorite lenses for the planned shoots like product, fashion, stock and etc, even if i still own the old version. That's why i can't imagine such a lot i would love it when get the new one with so much improvement apparently. I think i always will keep and upgrade this lens whenever Fujifilm makes the new versions with the improvements. However, still, i am a bit confused when Sigma announced Fuji X mount 56mm f1.4 and when i saw its almost flawless performance. Did you have chance to use and review this beautiful lens? At least did you read or watch some of the reviews which are rating and recommending it highly? It looks an amazing lens with the sharpness, contrast, color rendering, AF speed & silence and most importantly with the f1.4 wide aperture in a great compactness and super light weight (only 280 gr). And when i consider that i have the 50mm f2 just because of the light weight and compactness, i had an intuition that this game changer lens might perfectly serve for both of my shooting scenarios which would be much more budget friendly and minimal way of owning photo equipments. Because once i have this only 280 gr. f1.4 lens instead of Fujifilm 56mm f1.2, i won't need to have 50mm f2 neither. That lens is only 200 gram, so a bit lighter than Sigma 56mm f1.4. But when i consider that i would get f1.4 wide aperture, sharpness, AF speed of Sigma 56mm which is compared with Fujifilm 56mm f1.2 and found at least equal in many reviews, i think 80 gram weight difference is pretty negligible. Moreover, i would have only one lens in a super light weight & compactness, wide aperture and sharpness instead of having two Fujifilm lenses that one is light weight & compact and one big & heavy which wouldn't offer to me better performance even in this togetherness versus the Sigma which is alone and much lighter. But honestly, most of the comparison reviews which i read or watched were between old version of Fujifilm 56mm f1.2 and Sigma 56mm f1.2 since the new version of Fujifilm 56mm f1.2 is pretty new in the market. So, i don't have much info and data that how Sigma 56mm f1.4 would perform versus new Fujifilm 56mm f1.2. Also, i think the biggest downside of Sigma 56mm f1.4 is the lack of the aperture ring which i really like a lot. But i think i can get use it with time by controlling the aperture with the front or rear command dial. I really would like to hear your opinion about Sigma 56mm f1.4 which is highly rated & recommended in many reviews that shows it's at least in an equal performance with Fujifilm 56mm f1.2, even the weight and the price are literally half of it. Of course also about my intuition about getting and using only Sigma 56mm f1.4 instead of keeping and using two Fujifilm lenses as 50mm f2 and 56mm f1.2. Thanks in advance!

hi, if i am a makeup artist, i better buy 56 mm or 50 mm I would be very grateful if you would answer it

How you compare new 56mm 1.2 WR to 90mm F2?

Beautiful review, as always. I´ve gone back to Canon for my paid work (because of the bigger sensor) but I just can´t let go of Fuji completely. It´s such a nice system and I just love the cameras and lenses- I have an X-Pro 2 with the new 33mm f1,4 lens and the X-100 T next to my me just to please my eyes with them and take them in the hand ocassionally :) I never do that with my Canon stuff...I´m probably going to use both systems as long as I can afford it and the new 56mm f1,2 is on my wish list...

I tried taking action shots of my dogs with the old 56 and it is so trash. Zero hit rate, so sad.

6:20 I watched a video from Fuji about the 56mm and they mentioned why they decided to do what they did with the AF motors used in the new lens. I forget the reason they mentioned but they did have a specific reason for it (knowing it would be slower).

9:10 alien confirmed

The reason Fuji didn't put LM in this new 56 is to not cannibalize the 50 F/1.0, I guess.

I'm curious how you'd think this lens would work for video with a stationary subject in a documentary style production

Lack of LM makes it a hard no from me

The AF on this lens is really disappointing. I've owned the previous version and I've got recently the new one : I almost feel its AF is worse than the previous one ! I also prefer the oval shape of bokeh in the corners from the previous lens, than the classic anonymous cat's eye shape on this one. The previous one had an optical signature you could recognize on the pictures, this one definitively not.

lol most of this is him trying to justify he's previous 56 purchase LOL. sir, you're now obsolete

Loved the video thank you. I’m hoping to combine this with the xt5