So Ive been trying to get some decent shots of my sister for her grad photos next month with the 18-55 kit lens but honestly im just so frustrated with it. The background looks so busy and the focus keeps jumping around every time she moves her head even slightly. Im tired of wrestling with it and just want that creamy blur everyone talks about.
Ive got about 700 bucks saved up for this and I need something fast since the ceremony is in three weeks. Is the 56mm f1.2 worth the hype or should I look at the 50mm f2 instead? I just need something that actually works for portraits without making me want to throw my camera at a wall...
Listen, if you want that creamy background blur aka bokeh that makes people go wow, the 56mm is absolutely the king of the X-series! I have spent so many hours with that lens and the way it renders skin tones is just fantastic. But, if focus speed is driving you crazy like you said, you gotta be careful with the older version of that lens because it can hunt a bit. Since you have a deadline and a 700 dollar budget, here are my top picks for your XT4 right now:
- Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R
- This is the bokeh monster you want. You can definitely find one used in great shape under your budget. It is an 85mm equivalent which is basically the gold standard for portraits!
- Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X
- Honestly, this might be your best bet. It is way faster at focusing than the original Fuji 1.2 and it is incredibly sharp even wide open. Plus it is way cheaper than the Fuji version.
- Fujifilm Fujinon XF 50mm f/2 R WR
- Super snappy focus and very sharp. It is cheaper and smaller, tho it wont give you that crazy thin depth of field like the 1.2 does. Ngl if your sister moves around a lot, that Sigma is a total lifesaver. The 18-55 is okay for general stuff but it just doesnt have the soul of a fast prime lens for grads. Youre gonna love the difference immediately! Just make sure your eye AF is turned on in the settings... it makes a world of difference when she is moving her head.
