Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR Review

Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR with the lens hood mounted. Fuji XF 50mm f/1.2 R WR review. — Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR with the lens hood mounted

Fuji XF 50mm f/1 R WR Lens Review

The Fastest Fujifilm XF Lens

The XF 50mm f/1 R WR was in the works for years it seems and from the offset, it was never intended to be a 50mm lens.

Fujifilm set out to produce a 33mm f/1 lens but the early prototypes were deemed large, heavy, and even had a tripod collar. The 33mm f/1 idea was ditched and instead, Fujifilm changed the scope and decided to develop a 50mm f/1 lens.

This decision created a furor with some Fujifilm photographers. Why a 50mm f/1 when we already have the XF 56mm f/1.2 R and XF 50mm f/2 R WR? Other photographers were excited about the potential for unrivaled bokeh results shooting at f/1, hoping for better autofocus performance, and a weather-resistant lens.

I got a chance to try out the XF 50mm f/1 R WR over a gorgeous fall weekend. Brace yourself for fall foliage overload.

A woman walks thought the fall colored trees in Trout Lake Park in Vancouver, BC. Sample image from an XF 50mm f/1 R WR lens — Trout Lake Park, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 50mm f/1 R WR @ f/1

A Self-Proclaimed Weakness for Fast Primes

For decades I have had a weakness for lenses such as the XF 50mm f/1 R WR. This is from a user’s standpoint as much as a lens design standpoint. I just think short telephoto fast primes look cool with their large front elements, plenty of glass, and heft.

More importantly, the proof is usually in the pudding, and things come together when you start using these fast primes.

Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR. Filter diameter is 77mm.

First off, you get to shoot at higher shutter speeds in low light but the all-important factor with fast primes is the bokeh and ability to separate your topic from the foreground or background.

Bokeh is not how we really see things but a photographic result from lens design, distance to our subject, and sensor size.

However, bokeh is not for everyone. I had a client who once stated; Why is the background all blurry and not sharp? The client obviously did not favor the dreamy look and just wanted everything in the photo sharp.

A painter and canvas working on a fall scene at Trout Lake in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR — Trout Lake Park, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 50mm f/1 R WR @ f/1

Handling the Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR

The clean and edgy lines make for an attractive-looking lens, especially when looking at the concave design of the front lens element. Cool. The lens hood is a good fit.

There is no getting around the fact that this is a big lens in the Fujifilm X Series family. At 29.8 oz. / 845 g and length of just over 3.9”, 10 cm, this is a dense piece of glass.

At first, when mounting it on my Fujifilm X-Pro2 it did not feel as heavy as I had feared but after using it for a few hours I found it a bit cumbersome to lug around.

The impressive concave front lens element of the Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR — The concave front element of the XF 50mm f/1 R WR

Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR in Action

I had to get used to the aperture ring being placed further out on the lens barrel and from my observations it moves too easily. Inadvertently I would move it from my intended f/1 and when putting the camera up to my eye the lens was at f/1.4 or f/2. It happened several times.

It is nice to know the lens is weather-resistant, WR. We had nothing but fine weather during my test and did not dare to put it under the tap to see what would happen.

A silver Porche 911 Carrera GT3. Sample Image from an XF 50mm f/1 R WR — Porche Carrera 911 GT3, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 50mm f/1 R WR @ f/1

The autofocus speed reminded me of my Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L Mark II which is a bit sluggish when it comes to autofocus speed. It was, however, accurate, and for the most part, it was sufficient to capture what I set out to photograph.

Only once in a very dimly lit street did it struggle to lock on. It was hunting but I eventually did get a few captures of this dark scene.

I uploaded the latest firmware for my Fujifilm X-Pro2, version 5.10, promising optimized performance with the XF 50mm f/1 R WR. I am not sure if I have missed something but my X-Pro2 slowed down in general operation with the XF 50mm mounted.

When switching to image review, and chimping, there was a considerable lag which does not occur with any of my other lenses. I suspect it is a firmware issue which I am sure will get fixed in the next version.

Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR Image Quality

I got plenty of chances in a variety of settings to shoot the XF 50mm f/1 R WR at f/1, and that is what this lens is all about. It would make little sense to buy the XF 50mm f/1 R WR unless you plan to mostly shoot it at f/1. Fujifilm already has options at a considerably lower price point if you can live with anything less than f/1.

The XF 50mm f/1 R WR does indeed create a special look to your images. I found the bokeh pleasing but, I think perhaps the envelope has been pushed as far as I think you should in regards to the narrow depth of field on an APS-C sensor.

Painting with oils at Trout Lake in Vancouver. Sample image from an XF 50mm f/1 R WR — Trout Lake Park, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 50mm f/1 R WR @ f/1.4

At times and in certain situations separation and the look of the bokeh in the fall-off areas look almost fake. I realize I may get some flack for a statement as such but bokeh and the look of it is highly subjective. What one person likes another will dislike. I far from dislike it overall but feel it is worth mentioning.

My wife, Diana, asked if I could take a quick headshot for her new job profile. I said; I have just the lens for that. Available window light and a white reflector on the left.

Fujifilm X-Pro2 and XF 50mm f/1 R WR @ f/1

Fuji XF 50mm f/1 vs. XF 56mm f/1.2 vs. XF 50mm f/2

At $1,499.00 the XF 50mm f/1 R WR is the fastest, heaviest, and most expensive option. What do you miss or gain if you want to spend less?

The XF 56mm f/1.2 R, $999.00, lacks the weather sealing but still features an impressive f/1.2 max f-stop and weighs under half at 14.2 oz. / 405 g. Note the extra 6mm difference in focal length makes a difference which is noticeable in my opinion.

The APD version of the 56mm is the same price as the XF 50mm f/1 R WR and would be a hard sell at current prices. The value winner and yet impressive XF 50mm f/2 R WR costs $449.00 and weighs a mere 7 oz. / 200 g. The minimum focusing distance is 15.4”, 39 cm, versus 27.6”, 70 cm,for the XF 50mm f/1 R WR.

A man walks along the Stanley Park Seawall on a fall day. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR — Stanley Park Seawall, Fujifilm X-Pro2 and XF 50mm f/1 R WR @ f/1

Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR Conclusion

It is great to have choices, but it can also be daunting. Choosing the XF 50mm f/1 R WR over the other Fujifilm lenses in the 50mm range should be all about creating a distinct look in your photos.

I can see why this would be a welcome addition to the Fujifilm XF lens lineup for portrait photographers or wedding photographers. Orders for the XF 50mm f/1 R WR are higher than expected and the lens is currently on backorder.

The lens is better suited to the larger camera in the Fujifilm X Series such as the Fujifilm X-H1 or Fujifilm X-T4 or the Fujifilm X-T3 if you add a grip. These cameras should aid in creating a good camera-to-lens weight/size/balance ratio.

Personally and subjectively the 50mm focal length (75mm full-frame equivalent) was not as exciting to me as I had hoped. I have the XF 35mm f/1.4 R and XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR and am very accustomed to seeing things at these focal lengths.

When I tested the XF 56mm f/1.2 R and XF 50mm f/2 R WR, I favored the 56mm focal length. Below are two photos. One with the XF 50mm f/1 and then the XF 90mm f/2.

I have been excited about all of the Fujifilm options in the 50mm range for different reasons and should not hesitate to use either of them. If you usually shoot your lenses stopped down and do not need max f/1 speed you can save yourself cash and weight by going with either the XF 50mm f/2 R WR or XF 56mm f/1.2 R.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an edge and max performance that you feel will set your work apart, the XF 50mm f/1 R WR may be worth every cent. I made such a decision for years with a similar lens, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II, and never regretted it.

Once I got to know the Canon 85mm f/1.2L II, I felt it was worth it, including carrying the weight, dealing with the bulk, and spending the extra dough. I think we can put the XF 50mm f/1 R WR in that same category.

Pros

Max f/1 f-stop for unrivaled bokeh
Good build quality
Weather resistant

Cons

Not the fastest autofocus
Price

Please see more sample images below.

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Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR - Sample Images

Please see the sample images below processed in Capture One Express. Some images are slightly cropped and I used Fujifilm film simulations such as Velvia and Acros.

Please click to view larger images.