Page 46 - Amateur Photographer - August 5, 2017

lightweight as possible, Fujifi lm has
developed an optical formula that
arranges nine glass elements in seven
groups. Of these nine lens elements, one
is an aspherical ED (extra-low-dispersion)
lens, which is designed to minimise
performance fl uctuations between different
focal distances and prevent spherical and
chromatic aberrations. Just like the other
lenses in Fujifi lm’s series of f/2 primes, it
features nine curved aperture blades that are
designed to render striking circular bokeh at
wide apertures.
Thanks to its inner focusing system, users of
this lens needn’t fret about the front element
rotating or shifting back and forth when
performing autofocus duties. To ensure the
focusing is both fast and silent, the lens inherits
the same stepping motor as used inside the XF
35mm f/2 R WR and XF 23mm f/2 R WR. If
the lens performs as well as these lenses do,
we anticipate faster and quieter focusing than
you get on the XF 56mm f/1.2 R – something
we’ll touch on shortly in this review.
The WR abbreviation in its name highlights
that this is one of Fujifi lm’s weather-resistant The lens is a great choice for those who’d like to shoot candid portraits Fujifilm X-Pro2, 1/2000sec at f/2, ISO 100
lenses. It features no fewer than 10 seals
around the barrel to keep moisture and dust is another area where it has an advantage over 56mm f/1.2 R, you could be mistaken for
at bay, and you’ll fi nd a rubber seal around the the XF 56mm f/1.2 R. It has a maximum thinking some corners might have been cut in
perimeter of the metal mount to prevent magnifi cation of 0.15x and can focus within terms of its build quality. The good news is that
moisture or dust creeping inside the camera 39cm of a subject, whereas the XF 56mm this isn’t the case. It’s constructed to the same
body. Its WR status will appeal to outdoorsy f/1.2 R can only focus as close as 70cm. high standard as its siblings in the f/2 range
types and those who don’t like the thought of and feels every bit as solid as you’d expect for
having to stop shooting in inclement weather Build and handling a lens that’s designed to work as well on
or challenging environments. There’s nothing Compare this lens to Fujifi lm’s wider f/2 primes Fujifi lm’s premium mirrorless cameras as it is
to stop it being used with non-weather-sealed and you’ll notice it’s a fraction longer than the on their enthusiast and entry-level models.
X-series cameras, but for the highest level of XF 23mm f/2 R WR and not as stubby as the The fact it doesn’t have any switches on the
protection when it’s needed, it’s best paired XF 35mm f/2 WR. It has the same difference barrel gives it a clean and stylish appearance.
with the manufacturer’s weather and dust- in diameter between the rear and the front of As well as having good aesthetics, it operates
resistant X-Pro2 or X-T2 bodies. the lens, resulting in the aperture ring being smoothly and precisely. The aperture ring
Another part of its spec not yet mentioned slightly larger than the manual focus ring. In clicks through its range in 1/3-stop increments
is its 46mm thread at the front for attaching typical Fujifi lm tradition, the aperture ring is and offers a little more rotational resistance
fi lters and adapters. This is smaller than the located closer to the mount, meaning fi ngers than you get on the XF 56mm f/1.2 R. This
62mm fi lter thread on the XF 56mm f/1.2 R of the supporting hand can fi nd it easily without good level of feedback translates to a very
and slightly larger than the 43mm fi lter thread having to shift the holding position. satisfying user experience from behind the
on both the XF 35mm f/2 R WR and XF When you consider there’s a good saving to camera. Rotating the aperture ring anti-
23mm f/2 R WR. The minimum focus distance be made choosing this lens ahead of the XF clockwise to its farthest point sets it to its ‘A’
setting, where users can take control of shutter
The lens creates pleasing background priority or let the camera decide on the best
blur at f/2. Centre sharpness improves aperture setting in its auto mode. The
by stopping the lens down to f/4 manual-focus ring has a nicely damped feel
Fujifilm X-Pro2, 1/1000sec at f/2, ISO 200 to it when it’s rotated and if the difference
in size wasn’t enough to help the user
differentiate between it and the aperture ring,
it’s also more fi nely grooved. The manual-focus
ring offers a comparable level of resistance to
the XF 35mm f/2 R WR and XF 23mm f/2 R
WR in use, while the fairly long standard
circular lens hood that comes supplied with the
lens does a fi ne job of preventing fl are when
shooting towards the light.
Our review sample of the lens was supplied
in black, but those who opted for an X-series
camera in a silver fi nish will be glad to know
this lens is also available in silver to match.

Autofocus
Fujifi lm’s latest lenses have come a long way
from early examples in terms of their autofocus