Which lens is actually the sharpest for portraits on the X-T5 40mp sensor? I've been shooting Fuji for about eight years now, started with the X-T1 and I've owned almost every prime at some point, but this new high-res sensor is driving me a little crazy. I’m currently using the original 56mm f1.2 R and while I loved it on my X-T3, it just feels... soft? Like it cant quite keep up with the resolution of the X-T5. I’m seeing some purple fringing that I never noticed before and the eyes just dont have that bite I’m looking for when I crop in.
I have a big wedding shoot coming up in Seattle next month and the couple really wants these high-end, crisp editorial style portraits. I’m debating between the new 56mm f1.2 WR version or maybe even the 50mm f1.0, though I’ve heard the 1.0 is more about the bokeh than the raw sharpness. Some people say the 90mm f2 is the sharpest lens Fuji ever made but I’m worried that might be too long for some of the tighter spots at the venue. Money isnt a huge deal, I can go up to $1500 or so if it actually makes a difference.
I also looked at the Viltrox 75mm 1.2 since everyone is raving about it lately but I’ve always been a first-party glass snob lol. Is it actually sharper than the Fuji 56 WR? I just need something that wont fall apart when I'm looking at files on a 5k monitor. I tried stopping down my old 56mm to f2.8 or f4 but it still feels a bit dated compared to what this body can do. If you had to pick one lens to really show off what the 40mp sensor can do for skin detail and eyes, which one are you grabbing?
Man, you are so right about that old 56mm glass! I had the exact same realization when I moved to the X-T5 last year. It was my absolute favorite lens for years, but that 40mp sensor is just a different beast entirely. I remember shooting a lifestyle session at a beach in Oregon and being so disappointed when I zoomed in on the eyes. Everything looked kind of mushy compared to what I expected. The purple fringing is real too! Its like the new sensor exposes every little flaw we used to ignore. I totally agree that the older glass just doesnt have the bite anymore. Making the switch to the newer optical designs was a total game changer for me, and the sharpness is actually insane now! It catches every single eyelash with such crazy precision its almost scary. You definitely need that extra resolving power for those 5k monitors.
