The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm F1.2 R has more light-gathering capability than any lens in the Fuji mirrorless system, and captures images with crisp details.

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  Quite sharp. Capable of extremely shallow depth of field. Physical aperture control. Minimal distortion. Even illumination.

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  Can be slow to focus. Omits optical image stabilization. Manual focus by wire. Not weather-resistant.

With an effective focal length of 84mm, the lens delivers classic portrait coverage, but is also useful for taking a closer look at details. The f1.2 focal ratio may 'only' be equivalent to about f1.8 in terms of depth of field on a full-frame system, but can still easily isolate a subject against a...

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  Superb quality. Sharp right into the corners at f1.2., f1.2 focal ratio delivers very shallow depth of field with nice bokeh., f1.2 focal ratio great in low light: gathers twice as much light as f1.8 lens., Very well-corrected optics with minimal vignetting, coma or CA.

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  Current X-series bodies limit use at f1.2 with 1/4000 maximum shutter., Modest closest focusing distance of 0.7m means it's no macro lens., Blurred specular highlights rendered as heptagons as aperture closes., No optical stabilisation, so hold steady., No weather-sealing.

This telephoto lens for the Fujifilm X-series interchangeable lens cameras, may seem familiar, as it's virtually the same as the current 56mm f/1.2 , which provides a field of view equivalent to an 84mm lens on a 35mm camera, sports a very bright f/1.2 maximum aperture and costs around £750.

Among portrait shooters, the 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.2 full-frame lens has been the time-honored holy grail of glass. Allowing dreamily defocused fore- and backgrounds that set off the subject to great effect, and the perfect focal length for flattering the human face, these lenses have found their way...

I'm both a journalist and a portrait photographer; although I've always used Nikon Dslr gear, I've really had fun using the Xpro1 and X100s as my carry everywhere and travel cameras.

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  Easily Interchangeable, Nice Bokeh, Strong Construction

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  Slow Focus

This lens has surpassed my XF 35mm(50mm), which I believe was the best XF lens Fuji had made to date. This lens is perfect for portraiture, has incredible optics, sharpness and bokeh. It is very fast, works wonderfully in low light and is very well made. Feels a serious as the price.

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  Bokeh, Build Quality, Fast lens, Optics, Sharpness

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  A Little Heavy For X

I've been shooting for 20-ish years now, and was a long time Canon shooter until moving over to Fuji last year. Since doing so I've purchased all prime glass, including the 14, 23 and 35mm, and was really excited to try this lens out as it was being touted as the BEST portrait lens on the Fuji...