XF50mm F1.0 WR vs XF56mm F1.2 APD

ivanjoshualoh

After the global launch of Fujifilm XF50mm 1.0 WR; I was smitten by this lens. What not to love, F1.0, WR, quick AF and reasonably price.(At least for a F1.0 lens with AF) My grand plan was to sell my XF56mm F1.2 APD to fund the new XF50mm F1.0. 


My question is how much “better” is the XF50mm vs the XF56mm APD? I really don’t have any scientific answer to this. Firstly they are technically pretty close but different in focal length 50mm vs 56mm. ( 75mm vs 84mm)
As always I need at least one reason why I should upgrade? I shoot quite a lot of portraits in my area of work. The XF50mm is certainly not as sharp as XF80mm or XF200mm. Having said this; it’s still a one of Fujifilm sharpest lens. I love how the bokeh renders in the background. It’s basically smoother and very creamy. Thus renders a more beautiful shot. Below a few shots by XF50mm and also a couple of comparisons shots. Remember these comparison are not scientific but more for the fun of it and hopefully gives you a bit of understanding of how this 2 lenses.

X-T4 + XF50mm F1.0 SOOC ( Eterna Bleach Bypass )
See how beautiful XF50mm F1.0 renders. The right photo is a zoom in shot of the left.
X-Pro3 + XF50mm F1.0. The below a zoom in shot of the above.
Left 50mm @F1.0 and right XF56mm APD @F1.2
left XF50mm F1.0 and right XF56mm @F1.2

left XF50mm @F1.0 and right XF56mm @F1.2
XF56mm F1.2 APD
Left XF50mm @ F1.0. Right XF56mmAPD @ F1.2
Left XF50mm @ F1.0. Right XF56mmAPD @ F1.2
Left XF50mm @F1.3, right XF56mm APD @F1.2. XF50mm still produces a creamier bokeh even at F1.3 vs @F1.2 for the APD.
Above XF50mm @F1.0 Below XF56mm APD @ F1.2
Left XF50mm @F1.3, right XF56mm APD @F1.2. XF50mm still produces a creamier bokeh even at F1.3 vs @F1.2 for the APD. For these 2 shots, X-T4 is mounted on a tripod.
X-T4 + XF56mm F1.2 APD (931 grams) vs XF50mm F1.0 ( 845 grams )

What are your thoughts after looking at the above samples? XF56mm F1.2 APDis still an amazing lens right? The XF50mm F1.0 do still have an edge. Like AF,WR and F1.0 Like what I would always say, the difference between good and great; is just that little bit. It’s sometime this little bit that makes a huge difference. 
OK, I have just ordered a XF50mm F1.0 in Singapore. And I am not getting my own set anything soon as I was told its all sold out here. As for my XF56mm F1.2 APD; I decided not to sell it! I find there is a place for both this 2 amazing lenses to work hand in hand. Agreed?

Working hand in hand.


The XF50mm F1.0 with all the capability has only two small down side. Its size and weight compare to XF56mm APD. For work, I will certainly bring the XF50mm F1.0. And when the situation requires me to lighten my gears; I feel the XF56mm will come in play. Hope I am talking logic to myself. What do you think? Till then; remember to follow us at https://www.instagram.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).

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