Just got the X-S20 and I'm looking for a solid portrait lens that won't break the bank since I spent most of my savings on the body lol. I'm shooting a friend's engagement party in Chicago next month and really need something with better bokeh than the kit lens.
So I was thinking about the XC 35mm f2 because it's super cheap but then my logic was maybe it's too wide for headshots? I also saw the Viltrox 56mm f1.4 online and people say it's a bokeh beast but I'm worried about the autofocus issues I've read about on the newer sensors.
- XC 35mm f2 (is it too short?)
- Viltrox 56mm (is the AF actually reliable?)
My budget is strictly under 300 bucks so the XF stuff is out for now. Anyone actually used these on an S20 yet...
Honestly, I had high hopes for that Viltrox AF 56mm f1.4 XF but I've had issues with the AF pulsing on newer Fuji sensors. Tbh it wasnt as good as expected. Total letdown. Unfortunately the Fujifilm XC 35mm f2 is just too short for flattering headshots. Check out the Viltrox AF 56mm f1.7 Fuji X Mount instead. It's cheaper, sharper, and the autofocus actually behaves. Its way better.
I was pretty nervous about third party glass at first but I am so satisfied with the Viltrox 56mm f1.7 AF Fujifilm X Mount lately. I was worried about AF too but this one works well on the newer bodies.
- 56mm is way better for portraits than 35mm.
- The f1.7 aperture still gives you that creamy bokeh.
- Its way cheaper than Fuji glass but feels solid. Ngl, it's been a lifesaver for my family shots.
^ This. Also, I totally agree that 56mm is the sweet spot for those engagement shots. 35mm is okay for full body, but you'll hate the distortion for close-ups. If you are still on the fence about the Viltrox, you might want to consider the TTArtisan 56mm f1.8 AF Fuji X. It is super cheap, like usually under $160, and surprisingly sharp for the price. Just be careful tho, because while the AF works on the newer bodies, it can hunt a bit in low light. Make sure to keep your shutter speed up if people are moving around. Since it's so cheap, you could even grab a SmallRig NP-W235 Camera Battery with the leftover cash. Ngl, having a backup battery is a lifesaver for long events and dont forget to practice with the eye-tracking settings on your S20 first!
Saw this earlier but just now responding... I totally get the struggle of spending all your cash on the X-S20 and needing glass that actually works.
- Honestly, just go with a Sigma prime. I have been so satisfied with how their glass feels on the newer Fuji sensors.
- The autofocus reliability is really what you want for an engagement shoot. No complaints from me on that front, it just nails it every time.
- You really can't go wrong with a brand that has solid firmware support. It makes the whole day way less stressful when you arent worried about the lens pulsing. Youre gonna have a great time with that camera. Once you get a fast lens on there, the bokeh is gonna blow those kit lens shots out of the water!
