Lens Reviews / Fujinon Lenses i Not yet tested

50mm	$1,399 average price

Updates:
09/03/2020: Pre-production Gallery Images added
11/02/2020: Field Test & Production Gallery Images added

 

Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR Lens Field Test

All about that bokeh: A terrific addition to the XF system

by Jeremy Gray | Posted 11/02/2020

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/8, 1/20s, ISO 160. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

In 2018, Fujifilm listed an XF 33mm f/1.0 lens on its roadmap. This lens would deliver a 50mm equivalent focal length on the APS-C Fujifilm X Series cameras. During the development of the 33mm lens, Fujifilm pivoted the project to a longer 50mm focal length, offering a 75mm equivalent focal length instead.

The XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR lens is now here, and it's been worth the wait. While marketed as a portrait lens, the XF 50mm f/1.0 lens can do a lot more. It works well whenever you need to let a lot of light hit the sensor or when you want a shallow depth of field. It's also a solid mid-telephoto lens for general photography.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1, 1/8000s, ISO 160. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

This is my second time working with the XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR lens. I first went hands-on using a pre-production unit ahead of its release. In both cases, I used the lens with the excellent Fujifilm X-T4 camera. Without further ado, let's dive in and learn more about Fujifilm's newest fast prime lens.

Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR Key Features and Specs

• APS-C format X-Mount portrait-length prime lens
• 76mm equivalent focal length
• 12 elements in 9 groups
• Includes extra-low dispersion elements and one aspherical lens element
• Weather-resistant design includes 11 seals
• Weighs 1.86lb (845g)
• 77mm front filter thread
• Includes DC autofocus motor
• 9-bladed rounded aperture diaphragm
• Close focus distance of 2.3' (70cm), resulting in 0.08x maximum magnification
• MSRP of $1,499 USD

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/8, 1/100s, ISO 160. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1.3, 1/340s, ISO 160. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Lens design and handling: Well-built, rugged XF prime lens

The XF 50mm f/1.0 lens has the same classic design and top-notch build quality as other high-end XF lens. The focus ring is wide and has a ridged surface, making it easy to grip. The focus ring rotates smoothly and allows for precise focus control given that it is a focus-by-wire lens.

The aperture control ring, which has nice engraved markings, doesn't deliver the same positive experience as the focus ring. It has a somewhat loose feel, which was the case with the pre-production unit I used as well. There were numerous occasions when while holding the lens I accidentally changed the aperture. It's something I had to be aware of while shooting, but isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

In total, there are a dozen lens elements across nine groups. This results in the lens feeling pretty dense for its size. The lens weighs 1.86 lb. (845g) and feels a little front heavy. That said, it does balance fairly nicely on the X-T4 body. The lens is 4.07 in. (103.5mm) long and has a maximum diameter of 3.43 in. (87mm). The front filter thread is 77mm.

In terms of weather sealing, Fujifilm reports that there are 11 seals throughout the lens to prevent dust and moisture from ingress. The lens has a robust, rugged construction and is built to the same high standard as other enthusiast and pro-oriented lenses in the XF lineup.

Image quality and performance

Sharpness

Although you may buy a lens such as the XF 50mm f/1.0 for its fast maximum aperture, it's liberating to be able to stop down to a still-fast f/1.4-2.0 and be treated to fantastic image quality. With that said, optical performance at f/1.0 is fair. Let's take a closer look at the XF 50mm f/1.0 WR in terms of sharpness. All the images below are raw images converted using Adobe Camera Raw default settings exported at maximum JPEG quality.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1, 1/15,000s, ISO 160. Sharpness test image, full scene. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Center sharpness

When considering sharpness at the center of the frame, the XF 50mm f/1.0 lens at its widest aperture delivers fair performance. At f/1.0, there is a bit of purple fringing around high contrast edges, such as the signage for the word bank in the crop below. You can also see a bit of fringing around the silver car at the bottom edge of the crop. Contrast, colors, and overall detail look fine, although as we'll see shortly, the lens is capable of much better performance.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1, 1/15,000s, ISO 160. 100% center crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

There's an immediate improvement in image quality by stopping down to f/1.4. The image displays some fringing still, but noticeably less, and there is an overall higher level of detail in the frame. Contrast has slightly more punch. There's an overall reduction in blur and softness in the image.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1.4, 1/8000s, ISO 160. 100% center crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Image quality improves further at f/2.0. Contrast, color and detail is improved, and purple fringing is almost nonexistent, especially when viewing the image at a more typical size. At f/2.8, the image quality is slightly better, but it is barely noticeable to my eyes. Performance is strong at f/2.0 while still delivering great bokeh characteristics.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/2, 1/3800s, ISO 160. 100% center crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/2.8, 1/1800s, ISO 160. 100% center crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

The story stays the same for f/4.0 and f/5.6 aperture settings. Image quality is really good here and there's very little to pick between f/2.8-f/5.6. Of course, the further you stop down, the less you can take advantage of the main selling point of the XF 50mm lens, its shallow depth of field.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/4, 1/850s, ISO 160. 100% center crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/5.6, 1/420s, ISO 160. 100% center crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

At f/8, there's a noticeable drop in overall detail as diffraction starts to rear its ugly head. That said, if I needed to use f/8 for its depth of field or to attain a certain shutter speed, I'd be content with the image quality. That's less the case at f/11 and f/16. The f/16 image is much softer than shooting the lens wide open but includes none of the benefits or charm of the f/1 aperture.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/8, 1/210s, ISO 160. 100% center crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/11, 1/105s, ISO 160. 100% center crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/16, 1/50s, ISO 160. 100% center crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Corner sharpness

In terms of corner sharpness, the XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR lens performs well overall. At f/1.0, you can notice the impact of moderate vignetting, and there's a lack of overall sharpness and punch. However, by stopping down to f/1.4, you eliminate much of the vignette. Stopping down further to f/2.0 eliminates the softness to a moderate degree.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1, 1/15,000s, ISO 160. 100% top right corner crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1.4, 1/8000s, ISO 160. 100% top right corner crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/2, 1/3800s, ISO 160. 100% top right corner crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Stopping down to f/2.8 and f/4.0 cleans up the image quality even further, to the point where I'd consider the image quality across the frame at these two apertures to be very good.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/2.8, 1/1800s, ISO 160. 100% top right corner crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/4, 1/850s, ISO 160. 100% top right corner crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

At f/5.6 and f/8, corner sharpness is still okay, although as was the case when evaluating the center of the frame, f/8 does introduce a noticeable reduction in sharpness. At f/11 and f/16 image quality is poor. You can view the f/11 and f/16 images in the gallery.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/5.6, 1/420s, ISO 160. 100% top right corner crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/8, 1/210, ISO 160. 100% top right corner crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Vignette

You can see the impact of vignetting in the corner sharpness images above, but I also have some more standardized vignette test images. As you can see below, there's noticeable corner darkening at the wide open aperture of f/1.0. It remains noticeable, albeit to a lesser degree, until about f/2.8, which as you can see, offers a very consistent lightness level across the entire frame.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1, 1/1000s, ISO 160. Vignette test image. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/2.8, 1/140s, ISO 160. Vignette test image. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Image quality at night

With its f/1.0 maximum aperture, the XF 50mm f/1.0 lens can work well for night photography. There are some considerations, of course, such as control of comatic aberration. In the case of the 50mm f/1.0 lens, comatic aberration control is fair, at best. Consider the image below.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1.3, 2.5s, ISO 3200. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1.3, 2.5s, ISO 3200. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Even stopped down slightly to f/1.3, there is some visible coma. It's exemplified by the stars being more like blobs rather than perfectly circular points of light. It's not uncommon for fast lenses to display this aberration.

Fortunately, there's still a lot to like about the XF 50mm f/1.0 lens for night sky photography. Despite the field of view requiring fast shutter speeds, the lens is more than up to the task thanks to its fast maximum aperture.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1, 2.5s, ISO 3200. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1.4, 1.5s, ISO 6400. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1, 2s, ISO 3200. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Overall image quality

Overall, the XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR lens delivers impressive image quality. While sharpness, contrast and aberration control are not stellar when shooting the lens wide open, performance is still quite good. You sacrifice a bit of technical quality in exchange for really nice bokeh and a razor-thin depth of field.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1, 1/1000s, ISO 200. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

When sharpness matters more than the shallowest depth of field, stopping down to f/1.4-f/2.8 retains much of the nice bokeh performance while also producing a sharper, more detailed image with better contrast and improved control over aberrations.

Autofocus and close focus performance

The XF 50mm f/1.0 lens uses a DC autofocus motor to drive large focus elements and provide accurate and quiet autofocus. Speedy autofocus, on the other hand, is not a strong suit for the lens. It stands to reason, given the large glass inside the lens, that autofocusing would not be particularly quick. However, while not fast, I wouldn't describe the AF performance as slow. The 50mm f/1.0 lens focuses quickly enough for the subjects you would typically photograph with the lens. An f/1.0 lens being able to autofocus is an impressive achievement on its own.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1, 1/32,000s, ISO 160. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Focus accuracy proved to be quite good during my time with the lens. Of course, when shooting at or near maximum aperture, any slight movement of the camera and/or subject can have dramatic and noticeable impacts on perceived sharpness and focus. The margin for error is very small. There were essentially no instances when I thought that a blurry image was due to inaccurate focus, but rather, my own movement or subject movement was to blame.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1, 1/75s, ISO 250. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

In terms of close focus performance, the XF 50mm f/1.0 doesn't impress. Close focus distance is 2.3 ft (70cm), resulting in a maximum magnification of only 0.08x. When using the lens for portraits, the minimum focus distance will typically prove sufficient, but the 0.08x max magnification does limit the lens's usability for still life and other close-up work.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/5.6, 1/8s, ISO 160. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

In the Field with the Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR Lens

Using the XF 50mm f/1.0 lens is an enjoyable, although occasionally frustrating, experience. Occasional frustration resulted from my inability to take full advantage of the incredibly shallow depth of field while also capturing a sharp, in-focus image. As I've said, there is little room for error. In some cases, I photographed a subject multiple times hoping that one of the images would be sharp in just the right place. This isn't a fault of the autofocus, nor of the lens, but rather a result of me trying to fit my standard workflow and shooting practices to a lens that is simply different from the equipment I typically use.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1, 1/120s, ISO 160. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

The Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1.0 lens has been built for a specific set of situations, namely when you are photographing in very low light or want very shallow depth of field. The lens excels in these situations. When everything clicks, and it does often, the results are gorgeous. The XF 50mm f/1.0 lens produces an image unlike one I've seen from other Fujinon XF lenses. Images shot at wider apertures just have a special quality to them.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1.4, 1/1000s, ISO 400. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

When I was photographing portraits of my young cousin, who is a willing but occasionally restless portrait subject, the best and worst aspects of the XF 50mm lens were most evident. On the negative side, the autofocus was mostly quick enough, but occasionally fell behind in keeping up with her movements. The razor thin depth of field magnified my errors as well. When everything worked, however, the images came out nice, presenting good dimensionality and character.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/2, 1/1000s, ISO 400. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1, 1/1000s, ISO 160. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR Lens Field Test Summary

A special addition to Fujifilm's XF lens catalog

What I like most:

• Great build quality
• Images have a special quality
• Impressive image quality overall

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/7.1, 1/60s, ISO 160. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

What I dislike:

• Sharpness suffers at f/1.0
• Autofocus can be a bit slow
• Razor-thin depth of field adds a layer of challenge to real-world shooting

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/8, 1/10s, ISO 160. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Character is a term I have kept coming back to when working with the Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1.0 lens. It popped up when I used a beta copy of the lens, and it reappeared in my mind when working with the production sample. The XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR has character in spades. Is it the right lens for every situation? No, certainly not. But it is a fantastic lens, and I'll take character over versatility every day when considering a prime lens.

Shot on a Fujifilm X-T4. 50mm (75mm equiv.), f/1, 1/500s, ISO 160. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

• • •

 

Product Overview

(From Fujifilm lens literature)

The FUJINON XF50mmF1.0 R WR will allow you to experience sharpness like you have never seen before. Free from vignetting and the ability to control aberrations, creates precision with extremely creamy bokeh. Auto focus on this F1.0 lens is effortless and the weather resistance removes any concerns that elements can cause. The XF50mmF1.0 R WR is a powerful lens that will change the way you capture the world.

The FUJINON XF50mmF1.0 R WR lens is the world’s first autofocus lens with a maximum aperture of F1.0 designed for mirrorless cameras. The XF50mmF1.0 R WR is the 35th interchangeable lens for the lineup of X Series digital cameras.

“We’re really excited about the XF50mmF1.0 R WR,” said Victor Ha, senior director of marketing and product management for the Electronic Imaging Division of FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “Not only is it the fastest interchangeable lens Fujifilm has ever produced, but it’s also an incredible tool for visual storytellers to use in telling their stories because its autofocus can achieve critical focus at very shallow depth of fields.”

XF50mmF1.0 R WR Features:

Achieves an Incredibly Shallow Depth-of-Field

The XF50mmF1.0 R WR consists of 12 lens elements in nine groups and also contains one aspherical element and two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements to achieve optimum control of spherical aberration. Used at or near to its maximum F1.0 aperture, XF50mmF1.0 R WR can produce an astonishingly narrow depth-of-field. Its precision-engineered, rounded diaphragm produces large, smooth bokeh for a professional look. Use this new power in selective focus to keep only the subject’s eyes in focus and to create captivating, close-up character images.

More Options in Low-Light Conditions

The very wide, maximum aperture on XF50mmF1.0 R WR means there are more options when it comes to making images in low-light conditions. At night, or in darkened interiors, XF50mmF1.0 R WR offers the widest apertures yet seen on an XF Lens, allowing more light to be drawn in when capturing your image. The FUJINON XF50mmF1.0 R WR lens also easily achieves fast shutter speeds that freeze movement and keep ISO settings lower for detail-rich results. Alternatively, combine high ISO settings with the F1.0 aperture for incredible versatility and use in other low-light applications like astrophotography.

World’s First F1.0 Autofocus Lens for Mirrorless Cameras

As the world’s first autofocus F1.0 lens made for any mirrorless system, including full-frame, XF50mmF1.0 R WR brings more light to the sensor than any previous XF lens, making it possible for the autofocus to operate on FUJIFILM X-Pro3 and X-T4 cameras at -7EV luminance level. Leaving behind a previous limit of -6EV luminance level with other XF lenses X Series users now have fast and precise low-light autofocus, even in near-darkness. With the added benefits of on-sensor Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), Face/Eye AF and a powerful DC (direct current) motor, precise and fast autofocus at shallow depths of field is now also a possibility.

120-degrees of Precise Focus

To make the most of its super-shallow depth-of-field, focusing must be precise. As a result, XF50mmF1.0 R WR has a focus ring that has been designed to be more accurate than any previous XF Lens. This makes it possible to adjust the focus from the minimum focusing distance to infinity very precisely. For this, XF50mmF1.0 R WR uses 120o of rotation in its focusing ring to let you focus manually with minimal error – and to achieve accurate focus when using your X Series camera’s Focus Peaking and Focus Assist modes. The 120o of rotation also makes autofocus movements notably precise and deliberate, while the lens’ engineering is designed to minimize focus shift effects during image making.

Lightweight, Durable, Weather-Resistant Design

Despite being a fast, F1.0 lens, XF50mmF1.0 R WR is a lens you can use to make amazing pictures almost anywhere. Measuring 4.07in (103.5mm) long and weighing 1.86 pounds (845 grams), the lens is still quite compact and portable. Like all other weather-resistant XF Lenses, it is sealed in 11 locations to protect against moisture and dust, as well as being capable of use in temperatures down to 14°F (-10°C). When allied to a similarly specified, weather-resistant X Series mirrorless digital camera body, XF50mmF1.0 R WR lets you make unique images in the toughest environments.

Pricing and Availability

The XF50mmF1.0 R WR lens is expected to be available in Fall 2020 at the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices of $1,499.95 USD ($2,000.00 CAD).