Ive been shooting with the X-T4 for ages and usually rely on my 56mm f1.2 but the autofocus just died on me right before a big series of family shoots I have scheduled next month. I dont have the cash to drop on a brand new 56mm R WR right now and my budget is strictly under $500 which is honestly tough for decent glass.
Ive looked at a few options but I need that compression and nice bokeh without crazy chromatic aberration:
- Viltrox 75mm 1.2
- XF 50mm f2
- Sigma 56mm f1.4
Im worried about the AF speed on the third party stuff but I gotta find something fast... what would you guys pick?
Just saw this thread! Im super excited to help you find a cost-effective solution. Are you primarily shooting these family portraits in a spacious outdoor setting or a tighter indoor studio? Heres my breakdown of these amazing options:
- Sigma 56mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary Fuji X for fantastic sharpness.
- Viltrox 75mm f1.2 AF Fuji X-Mount for incredible bokeh. These are basically steals for the price!
Re: "Just saw this thread! Im super excited to..." - those are solid picks! Since you are on a strict budget but need that professional look for your clients, here is a methodical breakdown of a few more options:
- Viltrox 85mm f1.8 II Fuji X-Mount. This lens offers superior compression compared to your old 56mm. It fits perfectly under the $500 limit and the autofocus motor is actually very quiet and fast on newer bodies like your X-T4. The bokeh is fantastic!
- TTArtisan 56mm f1.8 Fuji X-Mount. If saving money is the top priority, this is the one. Its remarkably sharp for being under $200. The AF is snappy enough for kids running around during family shoots.
- Tokina atx-m 56mm f1.4 Fuji X-Mount. This provides a very similar experience to the Sigma but sometimes goes on sale for even less. It handles chromatic aberration well which was one of your concerns. Honestly, dont let the third-party label scare you off. The tech has come a long way and these will definitely get the job done for your upcoming series... good luck with the shoots!
Just catching up on this thread and honestly I have a bit of a different take. I am kinda a cautious person with gear because I have had bad luck in the past. Last year I tried a cheaper lens for a big family event and the autofocus just kept hunting at the worst moments... it was pretty stressful tbh. Since then I have stayed with native gear and I am really satisfied with how reliably it works well for me. No complaints since making that switch. A couple things I was wondering about:
- Have you looked into the cost of a professional repair for your old lens?
- Are you gonna be chasing around toddlers or is it mostly just posed groups? I would be a little worried about trusting a brand new third party system right before a big series of paid shoots. Sometimes sticking with what you know is the safest bet even if you have to go the used route... maybe check some resale sites for a used Fuji original?
^ This. Also, honestly its ridiculous that we are even in this position. I am generally satisfied with what Fuji puts out glass-wise, but the price-to-reliability ratio is getting out of hand. It drives me crazy that a pro-grade lens like the Fujifilm XF 56mm f1.2 R is basically a ticking time bomb. You pay a premium for the name, but when it breaks, the repair bill is basically a down payment on a car.
- Fuji prices going up while quality control feels stagnant
- 3rd party brands filling the gap but leaving us with AF anxiety
- the standard portrait price point shifting from 400 to 900 overnight Its such a scam how companies treat these electronic components as disposable. I dont want to buy a new lens every time a motor acts up, but they make it so expensive to fix that you almost have no choice... its just corporate greed imo.
Gonna try this over the weekend. Will report back if it works!
Just wanted to say thanks for everyone chiming in. Super helpful discussion.