Fujifilm just got its Fujinon XF 43 mm F1.0 R WR (notation of the f-number on the lens: 1: 1). It is aimed at the mirrorless system cameras with X-bayonet and is the most powerful lens in the Fujifilm portfolio to date. In principle, the lens should also belong to the APS-C fixed focal lengths with the largest open aperture. In relation to the small picture format, there is a 75 – same mm lens, i.e. a slight telephoto. So far, the portrait lens XF 56 mm F1.2 R the brightest lens in the Fujifilm range.

Light intensity 56 – mm fixed focal length for APS-C (4 images) With 845 grams is the Fujinon XF 50 mm F1.0 R WR not a lightweight . The lens hood is included. (Image: Peter Nonhoff-Arps)

Fast prime lenses are one of the treasures of every lens park. In the focal length range between 26 and 85 millimeters, they are often used for portraits when it comes to creating a particularly harmonious background. They are also suitable for taking pictures in poor light conditions to keep the ISO values ​​in check. The latter is in times when many cameras even use ISO 12. 800 still deliver decent results, hardly an argument for a large aperture. Rather, the attraction lies in the wafer-thin level of sharpness with which motifs or details can be emphasized, or in particular bokeh, which becomes softer with increasing aperture.

When a lens is considered to be fast depends on the Focal length, on the construction and personal experience. Someone who shoots normally with standard zooms perceives a 50 – mm fixed focal length with f / 1.8 already as fast. Zoom lenses in the lower and middle focal length range are already considered bright at an initial aperture of f / 2.8. The most sensitive lenses with aperture values ​​of f / 1.2 and smaller are in the range between 50 and 85 millimeters. To top it all off, fine lenses with open apertures of f / 1.0 and below are considered.

For manufacturers, such optics are also a performance show to prove what they are capable of. So it is hardly surprising that Nikon and Canon in particular, after the introduction of their new bayonets for mirrorless full format, initially presented some extremely fast fixed focal lengths to demonstrate the capabilities of their systems. Examples are the Nikkor Z 58 mm 1: 0, 95 S Noct from Nikon or the RF 85 mm F1.2L USM from Canon – both lenses that are beyond doubt.

Well, too f / 1.0 from Fujifilm Technology. We have the new XF 50 mm F1.0 R WR brought it to the editorial office and tested it both in the laboratory on a current X-T4 and in practice on an X-H1. First to the bare facts: The construction consists of nine groups with twelve elements. These include an aspherical lens and two ED lenses to keep chromatic aberrations and distortion low. The aperture consists of nine slats and ranges from f / 1.0 to f / in thirds. The closest focusing distance is 0.7 meters, the filter diameter is 77 millimeters.

The Fujifilm XF 43 mm 1: 1 uses the entire sensor resolution of the X-T4 in the middle aperture range with 26, 2 megapixels.

(Image: Peter Nonhoff-Arps)

Measured values. In the laboratory we achieved a resolution 94 percent corresponding to the maximum resolution of the X-T4 1980 line pairs per image height (Lp / Bh). When dimmed by two levels, the optics achieved 100 Percentage of the maximum resolution (2000 Lp / Bh) and kept this level up to f / 5.6, then continuously up to F / 16 to values ​​of 73 Percent (1530 Lp / Bh) to fall back. In the edge area the XF reaches mm F1.0 one round 20 Percentage of low resolution. The maximum is just under f / 5.6 80 percent (1640 Lp / Bh).

Fujifilm did a lot right with the error correction. This is shown by the following measured values. The lens does not register and color fringes do not play a role above f / 2.0 with 0.1 pixels, only at f / 1.0 and f / 1.4 they are at 0.2 pixels – also negligible. The edge shading is negligible with values ​​of 0.1 f-stops above f / 2.0 and surprisingly good even at f / 1.0 and f / 1.4 with values ​​below 0.5 f-stops. We have the shutter release delay with 0, 43 Seconds determined.

Fujinon XF 50 mm F1.0 R WR c’t test scene (10 Photos) For assessing the display quality of the Fujifilm XF 50 mm F1.0 R WR we have selected two areas – one in the edge area and one more centrally arranged, which we show below in an enlarged section for different aperture settings.

(Image: Peter Nonhoff-Arps) Image criticism. At the first two f-stops (f / 1.0 and f / 1.4) the sharpness in both the center and the edge is not quite right. Details appear a little softened. From f / 2.8 to f / 12 there is nothing to complain about, at least in the middle. The grain of the wooden pallet is clearly shown without any significant loss. At aperture f / 12 the diffraction blur comes to the fore and softens the entire representation. At the edge is the strongest area between f / 4.0 and f / 10 on.

The bokeh of a chain of lights with different aperture values ​​of the Fujifilm XF 50 mm 1: 1, in order: f / 1.0, f / 1.4, f / 2.0 , f / 2.8, f / 4.0

(Image: Peter Nonhoff-Arps)

Comparison of the bokehs of the XF 43 mm 1: 1 and the XF 56 mm 1: 1.2 at Aperture f / 1.4 (f / 1.2) (left), f / 2.0 (middle) and f / 2.8 (right)

(Image: Peter Nonhoff-Arps)

The bokeh is even and pleasantly harmonious with small aperture values, points of light appear round. Above f / 4.0, the circles of light become polygonal shapes. The appearance of the bokeh is similar to that of the Fujinon XF 56 mm F1.2 R, which we already had in the editorial office.

Fujifilm XF 50 mm F1.0 R WR, sample images (21 Photos) Fujinon XF 50 mm F1.0 R WR to Fujifilm X-H1 at 50 mm (75 mm KB), ISO 200, f / 1.4, 1 / 696 s

(Image: Peter Nonhoff-Arps) In practice, the lens is a lot of fun. It’s nice to play with different backgrounds – from harmoniously smooth to unevenly structured. In this way, areas can be specifically highlighted in the image and embedded in a suitable environment. A small handicap is the relatively large close-up limit of 0.7, which sometimes makes you want to get a little closer to the subject with the camera. The autofocus reacts very reliably and precisely when it comes to static subjects. Moving motifs are of course a challenge when the aperture is wide open. For many static subjects with a tripod, it is advisable to adjust the focus manually.

Conclusion With the Fujinon XF 50 mm F1.0 R WR, Fujifilm has expanded its portfolio for X cameras to include a remarkable look. The lens performs perfectly in the laboratory. It is corrected very well and only draws a little softly when the aperture is open. As usual from Fujifilm, the feel is good. The sharpening ring has a wide adjustment range and runs smoothly. In practice we would have liked a slightly lower focus limit. The prices – it is currently at 1560 Euro – seems high at first glance, but compared to the full-format competition it is still moderate. An alternative is the XF 50 mm F1.2 from your own company, which is already available for under 900 Euro is available.

(pen)