75mm F1.2. A true bokeh beast, or is it all hype?

ivanjoshualoh
Price at USD$499

I’ve been a GFX user since the very beginning, back in 2016/17. Wow—I still can’t quite believe it’s been almost 10 years, and how much the GFX system has evolved and matured over time. I started with the original GFX50S, upgrade to GFX100S, and now the GFX100S II, it’s been an incredible journey.

I still vividly remember the day Fujifilm announced the GFX system at Photokina in Cologne, Germany. After the press conference, I had the opportunity to spend time with the designers and engineers, gaining deeper insight into this brand-new medium format camera. It was a bold move back then—and one that clearly paid off.

2016 Press Conference for GFX50S. Photokina.
My first experience with GFX50S at 2016 Photokina.

Over the years, I’ve always hoped to see more third-party lenses enter the GFX ecosystem. Unfortunately, most of them have been manual focus lenses. Today’s lens is no exception, coming from a relatively new Chinese lens manufacturer called SG-Image. While this is their first entry into the medium format arena, they do have a fairly extensive lineup of lenses for other systems.

The lens in question is a 75mm F1.2 manual focus lens. It has a 72mm filter thread, measures 8.3cm in length, and weighs 632 grams. The focusing ring is buttery smooth—one of the highlights of the build. The big question, of course: is this lens a true bokeh beast, or is it all hype? Priced at USD $499, I think it’s quite reasonable, especially when you consider that native GF lenses cost significantly more—though they do offer autofocus, weather sealing and better glass.

After spending a week with this lens, I genuinely enjoyed using it, even though I’m not usually a fan of manual focus lenses. Optically, it is sharp—though not quite at the level of native GF lenses. That said, I’ll let the photos do the talking. If you’re looking for a fast lens around this focal length, the SG-Image 75mm F1.2 is definitely worth considering, especially if you’re working within a budget. If you are thinking of getting a used GFX50S or 50R, adding this 75mm F1.2 is a good mix and commands value.

@F1.2
Shot at F1.2 ( GFX100II)
Shot at F1.2
one can see the depth of field is very thin. @F1.2
I think, this is shot with either F8 or 11
@F1.2
Shot at F2.8
@F1.2 Vignetting is visible
For a F1.2 lens; it’s pretty compact.
Minimum focusing distant : 60cm.
@F1.2
Artist with his artwork. @F1.2
@F1.2
This is the only time I had flare in my frame. This lens doesn’t come with a lens hood.
Shot at F1.2
Lens diameter 72mm
@F2.8
Shot at F8. Look pretty sharp.
@F1.2
You could see some barrel distortion in this shot.
@F1.2
@F1.2
Shot at F2.8. I think this lens is great for portraits.

Do visit out YouTube channel for video on this lens : https://www.youtube.com/@FujiFanBoys

Published by ivanjoshualoh

Ivan Loh, A Fuji X-photographer is known for his quirky and different approach through his lens. He has received numerous accolades from the International Photography Award, New York and Photography Master Cup. Most Recently a Gold, 1st Place at the 2014 PX3 Prix De La Photographie in Paris . Ivan started shooting since his teenage years with his father’s Nikon SLR and he hasn’t stopped since. He has lensed campaigns for clients such as Singapore Airlines, MTV Asia, Nike, Bossini, Nanyang Technological University(NTU) Tuas Power, Allianz Insurance, Manulife Insurance, HSBC Insurance, DHL. TNT, UOB, CAAS, Hilton Group, Intercontinental Hotel Group, Raffles Hotel, Diegeo, Embraer, Carlson, TATA Communication, HDB, Clark Quay, HOT FM 91.3, Kiss 92FM, JIA 88.3, Power 98, and CHIMJES. His editorial works have appeared in magazines such as Conde Nast, Home+Living, TopGear Singapore, Her World, Cleo, Seventeen, FHM, Parents World and Home & Decor. His works have also glossed the pages of international magazines such as Asian Photography and Digital Photography(UK).

2 Comments

  1. Ivan, how do the mechanics feel? How’s the focus ring and especially the aperture ring? Do they feel premium and well dampened or cheap?

    Reply

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