Im seriously about to throw my 18-55mm kit lens against a wall. I tried shooting some portraits of my sister yesterday in Seattle and the background separation just looks so flat and boring, like everything is just mushed together. Ive been trying to get that creamy bokeh look for ages but this lens just isnt cutting it and im honestly fed up with wasting time editing shots that look like they came off a cheap phone. Im looking to spend maybe 500-700 bucks max and I need something that actually makes my subjects pop. Should I just bite the bullet and get the 56mm f1.2 or is there something else I should look at?
Honestly, grab the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R if you find one used. It is a solid performer. The Viltrox 56mm f/1.4 XF is a decent budget alternative too.
Honestly, if you want that creamy look without blowing your entire budget, skip the expensive f1.2 glass and look at the Fujifilm XF 50mm f2 R WR. It is super compact and the autofocus is way snappier than the older lenses. I have been using it for a while now and I am really happy with the rendering. The bokeh is surprisingly soft for an f2 lens, and you save enough cash to pick up a few extra batteries or a decent filter. It is weather-sealed too, which is a massive plus if you are out shooting in Seattle rain like you mentioned. Sometimes you just dont need that extra stop of light if the glass is this sharp wide open. It is a workhorse that wont let you down.
Just checking in, but have you checked out the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary? Its sharpness is insane for the price. Use the DOF simulator site to compare actual blur.
Works great for me