Fujifilm’s XF 50mm f/1
Over the last six months, I’ve been able to get a lot of photography work. From working on another feature film to photographing openings for local restaurants. During some of this work, I noticed that I was using my Fujifilm 35mm f/1.4 far more often than my other lenses. Mainly due to the fact that I can open it up to f/1.4 - letting in a ton of light if needed. Now, I don’t always shoot wide open like that. However, depending on the shoot (especially where the lighting isn’t under my control), being able to open up beyond f/2.8 is pretty nice. Now, every other lens that I have from Fujifilm is at least at f/2.8. I decided that I needed to add another lens, something that would give me a bit tighter of a focal length as well as something that could allow more light to pass through the lens. Thus, brought me to two options: The XF 56mm f/1.2 or the XF 50mm f/1. I think we all know how this went down in the end.
After around two months of deciding (I took my time with it, obviously) I ultimately chose the 50mm f/1. A few factors led to this, despite many reviews both good and bad, even DPRTV naming it “Worst Lens of 2020”, I still chose this high end lens. First, between the 56 and the 50, I leaned towards the wider focal length, and if I needed to get a bit closer to my subject, I would. It also is able to let in a tad bit more light, and I can stop down a bit for better clarity vs. having to step down even further on the 56. The immediate drawback to the 50mm is the size and weight. The 56mm weighs 445 grams vs. 845 grams on the 50mm. It is a massive difference and when I went to try them out at my local camera store, I felt it straight away. Yet, when testing out both, I liked the 50mm’s images a tad bit more. I could have saved some money with the 56 (a $500 difference), but I will never need another 50mm equivalent again as long as I am on the Fujifilm X System.
I didn’t have to wait too long (shoutout to B&H for a timely delivery and excellent packaging - not sponsored) and it was at my door within a few days. I couldn’t wait to take it out for a spin and see what it was like in every day scenarios. Here’s the first photo I captured with it.
Duncan was a perfect subject for my first shot with this lens. This was shot wide open at f/1 to see what it was like. Duncan’s left eye was perfectly in focus, but his nose is out - due to how thin the depth of field is.
I knew I had a couple shoots coming up, with CPath and with Terry Black’s BBQ. Here are some images I captured from those events using the 50mm.
Now, having used this on two separate shoots, I got a feel for the lens. Overall, I truly do enjoy it. It has a feel to it that reminds me of Fujifilm’s 35mm f/1.4. Even wide open, the lens has great sharpness, naturally in the center of the image. Image quality has been satisfactory for me, and I will be holding on to this lens. However, there is one big draw back that will come as no surprise to many.
This. Lens. Gets. Heavy.
Like, really heavy.
Okay, it’s not that bad, but compared to most, it is a chunky lens. I definitely feel it in my wrist after a full day of shooting, even when switching up and using different lenses. Especially on a body like the X-T3, which doesn’t have as much of a grip on the side, its weight was more noticeable. However, on the X-H2s, it felt a little easier to use since it has a nice larger grip. Despite this potentially glaring issue, I truly believe I made the right decision in acquiring the 50mm over the 56mm. Having 6mm wider makes all the difference, and if it were any tighter, I might not enjoy it too much. I like being able to step in closer to my subject if needed. I know so many love and adore the 56mm, but I must side with the 50mm.
The thing I’m most excited about is taking this lens on a film set the next time I have the opportunity to do so. Especially in low light situations - which I have seen improve so far with the few jobs I’ve used this for already. Any interior photos for Terry Black’s proved that much. Dim lighting that I couldn’t control, nor could I bring lights anyway since it was a soft opening for the restaurant.
All in all, I recommend giving this lens a try first before knocking it due to its weight and price. You never know, you might end up just loving it like I do.