i finally saved up for an x-s10 but now im stressing about lenses. looking for something for portraits mostly of my kids and maybe some headshots. i was looking at the fuji 50mm f2 because its small but people keep saying f2 isnt enough for that pro blurry background look and then i saw the viltrox 85mm which is cheap but i feel like it might be too zoomed in since i usually shoot in my living room. i only have like 350 bucks left after buying the body so i really cant mess this up.
- budget: under 400 dollars
- needs to have autofocus
- good for low light since my house is kinda dark
should i just risk the viltrox or is there something else i missed...
Honestly, i had high hopes for the Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR but the light transmission in dim rooms is just disappointing. F2 looks okay, but it lacks that separation you need for pro headshots. Unfortunately, that Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 STM II is just too long for a living room. Youll be hitting the walls trying to frame your kids. I looked at the data for a few others and here is the breakdown:
- Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Fujifilm X Mount
- This is the technical winner. The MTF charts show its sharper than the Fuji f2, and having f1.4 is basically non-negotiable for dark houses. It fits your 350-400 range too.
- Viltrox 56mm f/1.4 AF Fujifilm X Mount
- Cheaper, but i had issues with chromatic aberration wide open. Its not as good as expected compared to the Sigma, tho it hits the budget easily. Get the Sigma. Its way more versatile... you wont regret having that extra stop of light for the kids.
@Reply #2 - good point! Ive tried many lenses over the years, and i learned the hard way that missing shots because of bad AF really sucks. Since we established the 50mm f2 is too dark and the 85mm is too long indoors, id look for a used Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R. Its a legend for a reason. That f/1.4 is a lifesaver in dim houses and i find the reliability much better than budget brands.
Exactly what I was thinking
