Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD Lens Review

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD Handling and Features

As is typical for Fujifilm's high-end lenses, the lens barrel is constructed from a combination of metal and high-quality plastics, which has resulted in robust build. It is lightweight for a lens with such a fast maximum aperture, weighing 405g. As a result, it compliments the Fujifilm X-T1 used for testing perfectly.

Focusing is performed internally, so the lens does not extend. As a result, the 62mm filter thread does not rotate, making it perfect for use with polarising and graduated filters. To aid the use of fast apertures in bright sunlight, Fuji also include an ND8 neutral density filter with the lens, so that the shallow depth of field effect from the fast maximum aperture can be used in a wider variety of lighting conditions. A deep circular hood is provided, which attaches to the bayonet around the front of the lens. The manual focusing ring is well damped, making fine adjustments a pleasure to apply.

To compliment the retro styling of Fuji's X-series cameras, this 56mm lens has  a manual aperture ring for selecting your desired setting in a more traditional way. This aperture ring has each full stop marked, but has click stops for each intermediate 1/3 stop setting, and an 'A' setting for automatic operation. As well as the actual aperture setting, the lens also has light transmission values, taking the APD filter into account, marked in red on the aperture ring. This will be especially useful if using an external light meter, or calculating flash exposures. The aperture ring only requires a light touch to move through the aperture range, which is great for making quick adjustments, but care is required when changing lenses, as the aperture ring is easily moved.

Auto focus is quick, and precise, only hunting a little to confirm focus. The lens focuses accurately at wide apertures to make them useful, so long as appropriate care is taken to give the focusing system time to settle.

Add your message