> focus hunting is driving me crazy Im super happy with the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR. It handles that 40MP sensor perfectly and saves you hundreds over the f1 glass... definitely worth the cash.

Be careful with the 50mm f1 because that DC motor is still pretty slow for professional headshots. I would suggest looking at the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 AF Pro instead. It uses modern optics specifically designed to resolve high-res sensors like the one in your X-H2.

• Very fast STM focus motor
• Exceptional sharpness at 40MP
• Rugged weather resistant build Just watch the weight, its definitely a chunky lens to carry all day.

To add to the point above, I have to say I've been pretty disappointed with the focus reliability on those newer primes lately. Unfortunately, I had issues with my hit rate during a fast-paced gig, and it just was not as good as expected for that 40MP sensor. For total safety, look at the Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR.

• Triple Linear Motor is incredibly snappy
• OIS helps with handheld stability Its a tank, but it wont fail you in Chicago.

Man, I feel your pain. Just saw this and had to chime in because I’ve been dealing with the exact same focus hunting issues since I picked up the Fujifilm X-H2. I was shooting some corporate portraits last week and it was a total nightmare... the lens just kept hunting right when I needed the shot and it makes you look like a total amateur in front of clients. Over the years I’ve used almost every system out there, and ngl, the transition to these 40MP sensors has been way more frustrating than I expected. It really shows the age of some of those older motor designs compared to what you get on other platforms. I am still trying to find a setup that doesnt make me want to pull my hair out during a fast session. I am curious about a few things tho:

• Are you strictly looking at first-party glass or are you open to how other brands are handling the mount now?
• Do you actually need that f/1.2 look for these headshots, or is focus reliability more of a priority for you even if it means a slower aperture?

Seriously, I feel your pain so much. I just got my X-H2 and honestly I've been terrified to take it out for anything serious yet because the focus hunting is just... wow. I'm still such a beginner and it makes me feel like such a fraud when the camera just zips back and forth while someone is staring at me. I actually tried some weird DIY stuff I saw on a random blog, like messing with the AF-C custom settings for hours and even cleaning the mount contacts with an eraser thinking it was just a dirty connection, but nothing really fixed it for me. I think I heard someone mention that the 40MP sensor is just way pickier about where it locks compared to the older ones, but I'm not 100% sure if that's true. Not sure if it's even a lens thing or just me being bad at the menus, but be careful before dropping a grand on a new lens if it turns out to be a settings thing, you know? I'd hate for you to spend all that cash and still have it hunt during your big gig in Chicago. Just my two cents as someone who is also struggling lol.

To add to the point above: I actually have to disagree with going for the 50mm f1 or even the 56mm WR if focus speed is your main concern. I've been shooting Fuji for a decade and honestly, the Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR is a better tool for professional headshots on that 40MP sensor. Here are the facts:

• It uses a Quad Linear Motor. Its way faster and more accurate than the DC motors in the wider primes. It doesnt hunt.
• It resolves high-res sensors perfectly. Its easily one of Fujis sharpest lenses ever made.
• The 135mm equivalent focal length provides much better facial compression for tight headshots compared to a 50mm.
• It fits your budget easily, usually leaving you enough room for a spare battery or some extra memory cards. Just keep in mind youll need a bit more distance from your subject than youre used to with the 56mm.