Fujifilm’s New XF56mm f/1.2 R WR Mid-Telephoto Lens Looks Superb
News | By Stephan Jukic | September 9, 2022
Amidst all the attention given to Fujifilm’s release of its latest flagship camera, the X-H2, it’s easy to forget some of the other major announcements from the brand.
One of these is the company’s new XF56mm f/1.2 R WR mid-telephoto lens, which is part of its X Series lineup of lenses and wonderfully compatible with Fujifilm’s newest cameras. According to Fujifilm, this new model is weather-resistant and delivers “outstanding” image performance while also producing wonderful bokeh.
The 56mm focal length of the Fujinon XF56mm resolves that way when the lens is combined with an X Series camera from the brand. However, it’s equivalent to 85mm of focal length in full-frame cameras. This makes the new lens useful for close-up shots of objects, certain distinct subjects and of course, portraits, because of a strong background separation.
Fujifilm’s lens is assembled from a total of 13 elements that include two aspherical elements and one extra-low dispersion element. 8 elements make up the focusing group for the camera and use high-refractive technology such as that found in the company’s cinematic lenses. Fujifilm also explains that this high-refractive technology of the lens particularly reduces light bleed in highlights, creating better subject details and visual quality.
Image credit: Fujifilm
Additionally, the focusing elements in the lens are designed to reduce and suppress distortions such as chromatic and spherical aberration for a level of image sharpness that’s edge-to-edge and smoothes out any defocused areas. This is how the Fujinon XF56mm creates its “stunning” bokeh.
The Fujinon XF56mm also features enhanced autofocus that works off a direct current motor for high speed and greater accuracy. This is combined with a bearing mechanism for minimized friction while the DC motor is focusing the lens. A further bonus is that all of these elements operate together with nearly no noise according to Fujifilm.
Another aspect of the lens is an 11-bladed aperture diaphragm that creates a “near perfect” circle according to the company. Fujifilm claims that this works even when the diaphragm is closed down to f/5.6. What’s more, this model’s minimum focus distance has been squeezed down to 41 centimeters, or 16 inches, for some very decent close-up shooting.
One other cool feature is a water-repellant fluorine coating on the front glass that also protects against fingerprints, smudges, or stains. This is complemented by a lens barrel design that’s water resistant along 9 points and can operate smoothly even at temperatures of -10 degrees Celcius, or 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The lens as a whole weighs only 445 grams, or 15.69 ounces, which isn’t too bad for its size.
Finally, as far as availability and price go, the Fujifilm XF56mm f/1.2 R WR goes on sale at roughly the same time as the brand’s new X-H2 camera in late September. It will be available for a suggested retail price of $999.95.
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Stephan Jukic is a technology and photography journalist and experimental photographer who spends his time living in both Canada and Mexico. He loves cross-cultural street photo exploration and creating fine art photo compositions.
