Conclusion
Pros
- Very solidly constructed and compact lens
- Wonderful haptics on the aperture and focus rings
- Reasonably fast and very accurate autofocus
- Quite sharp at any aperture, even into the image corners
- Very pleasing bokeh
- Good control of lateral chromatic aberration, flare and vignetting
- Affordable
Cons
- Longitudinal CA can cause a magenta or green fringe in front of or behind the focus point
- A touch of pincushion distortion
The XF 50mm f/2 R WR is another solid effort from Fujifilm. The lens fits in wonderfully with the other recent f/2 prime lenses, providing very good optical quality in a very compact, yet robustly constructed body. While I feel that the more expensive 56mm f/1.2 is still going to be the lens that most will want when looking for a fast short telephoto, the 50mm f/2 is a great option for those looking to save quite a bit of money, or for those looking for an extremely small kit.
The 50mm f/2 provides great value and high-end imaging in a small package, and continues Fuji’s excellent reputation for creating quality optics.
Image Samples
Click on an image to enlarge.
My Fuji 50mm f2 has a tshshsht sound when it focuses. Sound not heard with 23 or 35mm f2. Is this normal?
@Shawn: that’s normal, mine does it too. You’re hearing the aperture blades and they’ve got more ground to cover because of the larger front element.
Same with mine. I like the lens but I’m still thinking about keeping it.
I have the 23 and 35 f2 But ill try to replace the 23 with the x100f.
One day, I will be interesting to know your gear, as you tested a lot. ^^.
Which one are in your lense’s top 3.
Hi Guido …interested in that I have the X100 original …. lovely if infuriating BUT the lens is rather soft in the corners. I may up grade but only if they improve the lens
I would know the fastest lenses about focusing of every system.
My compliments on an excellent review with great pictures showing off sharpness in some and bokeh in others. I’ll visit here again soon. And thanks for the information.
I have a X-t1 and am currently torn between xf 50 f2 and xf 60 f2.4. I like the macro function of the XF 60 but I dont know if 90mm eq. is a good walkaround focal length (which I gonna use it for). I will also be using it for macro and candid. I suppose the xf60 will suck at C-af single shot, which I will use for (slightly) moving subjects. Anyone knows if the XF 50 is any good in continuous AF single on the x-t1? thx!