Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD
Announced September 10, 2014
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Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD is a specialized portrait lens that utilizes an apodization filter to produce exceptionally smooth, creamy background bokeh. While it delivers impressive sharpness and build quality, the lens carries a significant price premium and reduced light transmission compared to standard versions.
Weighted from 18 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness and high image quality across the frame
- Superior rendering of out-of-focus areas with smooth bokeh
- Solid, high-quality metal construction
- Minimal distortion and well-controlled chromatic aberrations
- Responsive and precise physical aperture ring
Cons
- Reduced light transmission due to the APD filter
- Slower and occasionally inconsistent autofocus performance
- Lack of weather sealing
- Higher cost compared to the standard f/1.2 model
- Absence of built-in optical image stabilization
- Launch price $1,499.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 56mm f/1.2
- Mount & coverage Fujifilm X APS-C
- Close focus 70 cm (0.09x)
- Filter thread 62mm
- Autofocus motor Micromotor
- Weight & size 405g (14.3 oz) · 73.2 x 69.7 mm (2.88 x 2.74 in)
Expert Reviews
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Like the previous, non-APD 56mm lens, Fujifilm has really knocked it out of the park with another excellent optic for their popular X-mount cameras.
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An apodization filter smoothes the bokeh's outlines which is big, really big especially in difficult scenes with harsh contrasts.
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Fuji has set the bar high regarding the optical qualities of this lens and it delivered an exceptional tool for the Fuji X system.
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[W]ell, you should be able to tell from these test results that the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD is essentially one of the best lenses on the system, and everyone who owns a Fuji camera, I think, should consider saving up for one.
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The Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD is incredibly sharp with impressive background blur.
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Priced at £1119.99 / $1499.99, the Fujifilm XF 56mm F1.2 R APD is something of a niche purchase, but if you spend a lot of time shooting portraits in the studio, this lens can definitely give you a creative edge.
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The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD is a unique portrait lens that uses a special filter to smooth backgrounds, but it carries a hefty premium over the standard version of the lens.
- Digital Trends 6/10
The 56mm F1.2 R APD is a very special lens, but it lacks practicality.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
The smooth bokeh produced by the XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD lens will attract photographers interested in portraiture.
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They are an expensive indulgence, but one that must be savoured at least once in a lifetime. That said, the remarkable XF 56mm from Fujinon has wormed its way into my affections of late.
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If I was to recommend the APD to anyone, it would probably be wedding photographers that want that unique lens in their bag for some bridal portraits and stuff like that where you need some super smooth creamy bokeh.
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The only advantage to this lens is when used at f/1.2. When stopped down it's identical to the regular 56mm lens, but you're still paying the higher price and have slower autofocus.
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We feels that for the majority of users the answer is no. The extra cost isn’t worth it – not because this is a bad lens (far from it), but because the difference (at least in our eyes) is so small that the drawbacks seems to outweigh the very marginal benefit.
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I'm always a believer in if you can get something optically instead of having to do it in post-production, then that's better. So if you shoot with this lens and you like that look that you get and there's less post-processing as possible, then I say go for it.
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Despite Fujifilm releasing a Mark II version last year, this original Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD is one of my favorite lenses, and it's still one of Fujifilm's best lenses.
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Simply, it's worth getting.
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So good and even at 1.2, which I will show you some samples of in a minute, it is still really sharp.
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The Fuji 56 f/1.2 R has my full endorsement as a top-notch portrait photography lens.
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