This lens is a fine addition to the X-series lens line up. It is incredibly sharp, whether you’re shooting with the aperture wide open, or not. The APD filter, which sets this lens apart from the standard 56mm f/1.2 is a really interesting addition, which truly helps to improve the appearance of out of focus areas, with no loss of sharpness where the image is in focus. The main penalty is with the loss of light transmitted through the lens. If you require fast apertures, for low light shooting, this may make the standard non-APD version the better choice for you. If however, your choice to shoot at fast apertures as a creative decision, and you’re not struggling for light, then this is the lens for you. The difference in this respect will be worth the extra to those who appreciate it. The price of £1000 seems quite reasonable when compared to alternatives produced for other camera systems, and especially if your shooting suits fast apertures as a creative decision. This is especially true, as one criticism I levelled at the standard 56mm f/1.2 was the busy appearance of out of focus areas.

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD Pros

• Outstanding sharpness in the centre at maximum aperture
• Outstanding sharpness across the frame when stopped down
• Lightweight
• Traditional design
• Excellent build
• APD filter improves appearance of out of focus areas

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD Cons

• Slight loss of light due to APD filter makes the choice of this lens a creative decision over the standard lens

Source: www.ephotozine.com

ePhotoZine Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD Gary Wolstenholme reviews