Fujifilm XF50 mm F2 R Weather Resistant Lens, Black

Product Information

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is moot with some MFT and with the Fuji X cameras, as there is software at work in the cameras in both the RAW and JPEG output. This means that correction of CA is almost perfect, both centre and edge. Using Fuji lenses on Fuji cameras this doesn't have a downside, but the thought does occur that results using the lenses on other marques might well need some attention in software as well. That is, always assuming that suitable adapters can be sourced. The SLR lens manufacturer does not have quite the same freedom to enhance corrections in camera as the lenses might be used on many different bodies via the plethora of possible adapters available. Essentially, you’re putting theFujifilm 50mm f2 R WR on your camera, autofocusing with it, shooting and enjoying the images. It can focus pretty close too. But because there isn’t a dedicated manual focus option with the lens’ focusing ring, then it’s obviously pretty much just point and shoot in nature. Autofocus The 50mm and 56mm utilise an internal focusing system, so their length remains the same even as you change the focus distance. The 60mm’s front element, by contrast, physically protrudes from the barrel as you approach the minimum focus distance. Without the lens hood on, theFujifilm 50mm f2 R WR becomes a fair bit smaller and more low profile to use. But in rainy day situations, I strongly recommend using it. Build Quality

The Super EBC (Electron Beam Coating) coated front element is surrounded by a tiny 46mm filter thread, and outside that a bayonet mounting accepts the provided lens hood. The hood clips positively into place and does an excellent job of shielding the front element. What’s there to say about theFujifilm 50mm f2 R WR: well, it’s an interesting choice for sure. I personally would have liked a 56mm option to be a proper portrait lens, but the 50mm option gives a bit more versatility. It’s a great lens for street photography for sure if you’re looking to give a bit more distance to you and your subject. For that reason, I really recommend it for street photographers and street portraiture. Studio shooters have a whole number of other options. The weather sealing and autofocus performance make it well suited to the streets–which is where most Fuji shooters will be going. One of the best things is the reliability of this lens, you’ll be able to surely keep using it in tough weather.The Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 comes in at a lightweight 7.05oz (200g) and measures 2.36 x 2.34″. This lens is the same width of the XF 35mm, and only a little longer. Despite the added length, the XF 50mm balances perfectly on my X-T3 and is the most discreet telephoto lens I’ve ever used for street photography. There is very little in the way of controls with theFujifilm 50mm f2 R WR. In fact, all you’ll need to worry about otherwise is the lens hood–and even then you’re not really worrying about it per se.

The best sharpness from theFujifilm 50mm f2 R WR comes when you use a flash. In this case, I used the X500 flash from Fujifilm and dialed the TTL compensation down. The result: a beautifully sharp photo. Extra Image SamplesThese are all shot hand-held as NORMAL JPGs; no RAW files or FINE JPGs or tripods were used or needed. As for the corners, both the 50mm and 56mm are very sharp straight out of the gate (though not as sharp as in the centre) whereas the 60mm is most definitely softer. Both lenses are pretty well-behaved in both regards, at least for the out-of-camera JPEGs. The only thing to note is a minor difference in geometry, with a small pincushion from the XF 50mm f2 and a small barrel from the XF 56mm f1.2 – certainly nothing to be worried about. Distortion likewise is corrected before we become involved, and hence measures a very low -0.16% barrelling, as near perfect as makes little difference.

So what difference can you expect between the XF 50mm f2 and the XF 56mm f1.2 in practice? I’ll start with a portrait shot at their maximum apertures, with the XF 50mm f2 version taken a tad closer to roughly match the subject size on the frame. In last place we find the 56mm, which won’t let you get any closer than 70cm. It has a rather poor maximum magnification of 0.09x. 56mm f1.2 Chromatic Aberration The autofocusing on the Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 is on par with the fantastic performance of my XF 35mm f/2. I’ve shot moving subjects in the street, candid portraits of my toddler, and action shots of my dogs with impressive speed and accuracy. The XF 50mm f/2 has a silent inner focus system that uses a stepping motor to achieve these great results. The Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 also gives users the option to manually focus using its dampened metal focus ring. The 56mm is well-known as one of the go-to portrait lenses for the X series because of its beautiful bokeh, so let’s see if the 50mm and 60mm can stand up to their formidable rival! You won’t find a depth of field or distance scale on any of the lenses, so the only option is to rely on the camera’s on-screen manual assists.I use a clear (UV) protective filter instead of a cap. I only use a cap when I throw this in my bag with other gear, otherwise I leave a clear protective filter on my lens at all times so I'm ready to shoot instantly. TheFujifilm 50mm f2 R WR has fantastic image quality that really, truly speaks for itself. There isn’t a single reason for photographers to complain. It’s sharp, has nice bokeh, doesn’t suffer from any sort of issues the 23mm f2 suffers from when it comes to image quality, and most importantly it’s got great colors. When using the Fujifilm system, it’s honestly tough to complain about the colors anyway. Bokeh During the parade, I used theFujifilm 50mm f2 R WR and it simply kept working reliably. The camera and lens weren’t as soaked as I’ve gotten the 23mm f2, but they were both pretty thoroughly drenched from the NYC coastline shower. In fact, I wouldn’t call it a shower, more like a downpour. The lens is weather resistant, always a welcome feature, and has an optical formula of 9 elements in 7 groups. There is one aspheric ED (extra low dispersion) element. The diaphragm has 9 blades, using a rounded design to further improve bokeh.