Fuji Announces the 50–140mm f/2.8 and the 56mm f/1.2 Lens

Fujifilm has officially announced further details for two lenses that were a part of its X-system roadmap, the Fujinon XF50–140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR lens and the Fujinon XF56mm f/1.2 R APD lens.

FUJINON XF50–140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR lens

The FUJINON XF50–140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR lens is the second X-series lens to be completely weather sealed. With an equivalent focal length of 75–210mm, it becomes a useful fast telephoto zoom lens. Though the X-series has largely been defined by fast primes, this is one of the lenses that shows the system rounding itself up, with enough options for those who want convenience without sacrificing low light performance. Event and wedding photographers would be one of the prime audiences that would appreciate a lens of this nature.

The lens has built-in image stabilisation, and the ‘world’s first Triple Linear Motor for fast and quiet autofocusing and shooting’, as per the press release. Like one would expect from any lens of this pro-level a nature, it maintains its barrel size throughout the entire zoom range. Additionally, it also has seven rounded aperture blades that aid in the creation of smooth circular-looking bokeh. The cost of the lens is USD 1599 (approx. Rs. 97,570).

TheFUJINON XF56mm f/1.2 R APD lens

TheFUJINON XF56mm f/1.2 R APD lens has a focal length equivalent to 85mm, and with a maximum aperture at f/1.2, the 56mm becomes the brightest auto-focus lens available for APS-C sized camera sensors. Since APS-C by its sheer nature has greater DOF than full frame, this faster aperture will help get almost the same level of background blur that a fast portrait lens can, on full frame. According to the company, an apodization filter is attached to the front of the lens, to benefit portrait photographers by smoothing the outlines of the bokeh in the background. As per our tests, the company’s prime lenses have always delivered on quality, it will be interesting to see though, what kind of focusing speed one would be able to get with a lens of such a fast aperture. This lens is priced at USD 1500 (approx. Rs. 91,530).

Both lenses will be available in December and will be displayed at Fujifilm’s stall at photokina 2014.