Ugh I am honestly so fed up with this 18-55mm kit lens. People always say its the best kit lens ever but for portraits its just so meh. The background blur is busy and it just doesnt give me that professional look I am dying for with my new X-S20. I am super hyped about the camera itself, the colors are insane and the autofocus is a dream, but the lens is totally holding me back and it is driving me crazy because I know the sensor can do so much more. I have a big family shoot coming up in three weeks at a local park and I refuse to use this zoom lens again because I know I will just be disappointed with the results when I get home.
I need something that makes the subject actually pop. I am looking for something fast but also not a total brick because the X-S20 is pretty compact and I dont want it to feel super front-heavy while I am walking around.
Here is what I am looking for:
- amazing bokeh (creamy, no weird nervous lines)
- under $850 if possible, I can stretch a bit for the right glass
- fast autofocus because kids never sit still
- sharp wide open because whats the point of a fast lens if its soft?
I have been looking at the 56mm f1.2 but I heard the older version is slow to focus? And the new one is way over my budget right now. Or maybe the 33mm 1.4? I just want to finally get some shots that dont look like they came from a high end phone. What are you guys using that actually feels worth the money?
Make sure to watch your budget, honestly. You might want to consider these instead:
- Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X
- Viltrox AF 75mm f/1.2 XF Pro They're absolute steals for portraits.
TL;DR: Avoid the older f/1.2 glass! It is way too slow for chasing kids. If you want that pro look without the bulk, look at the modern f/1.4 primes! Avoid those older lenses people hype up; the autofocus is just too clunky for the Fujifilm X-S20. You need linear motors or you are gonna miss every single shot of your family. Tbh the difference is night and day!
Just found this and I am so excited for you! That sensor is amazing and deserves better glass. To help narrow it down tho, I dont want to suggest the wrong thing so I have a couple questions:
- Are you doing tight headshots or full-body shots?
- How much weight can you handle for a long afternoon? Check out sample galleries on DPReview or Flickr... seeing how focal lengths like a 33mm vs 50mm handle light through trees is a total game changer!
