So I finally picked up the X-S20 after years of shooting on an old Nikon D7200 and the transition has been mostly smooth but the lens prices for native Fuji glass are kind of a shock lol. I have a family portrait session coming up in about three weeks out in a local park here in Seattle and I really need something that can give me that nice creamy background separation without breaking the bank because my budget is strictly under 400 bucks right now after spending so much on the body.
I was thinking about the Viltrox 75mm f1.2 because everyone raves about it but honestly it looks massive and I am worried it will be too front-heavy on the smaller X-S20 body plus it might be over my budget if I cant find a used one. Then my logic was maybe the Fuji 50mm f2 because it is tiny and fast to focus but is f2 enough for that pro look or should I be looking at the Sigma 56mm f1.4 instead? I have heard the Sigma doesnt have an aperture ring which kind of sucks but the image quality is supposed to be insane for the price. Does anyone have experience with how the IBIS on the X-S20 handles these third party lenses without stabilization because I really dont want to use a tripod if I can help it. What do you guys think for a budget portrait setup that isnt too bulky...
Congrats on picking up the X-S20! I have shot with Fuji for a long time now and honestly, the lens prices can definitely be a bit of a gut punch at first. In my experience, you want to be careful with balance on that specific body because it is quite compact. I have tried many setups over the years and here is how I see your options:
- Sigma 56mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary: This is probably your best bet. Its incredibly sharp and the bokeh is way better than the f2 Fuji for portraits. Its also light enough that it wont feel awkward on your camera.
- Fujifilm XF 50mm f2 R WR: Very reliable and a safe choice, but the background separation might feel a bit lacking for what you are looking for. The IBIS handles these non-stabilized lenses like a champ, so dont worry about needing a tripod for a park shoot. Personally, Id go for the Sigma even without the aperture ring... you just get used to using the command dial pretty quick. Let me know if you have more questions about the setup!
