XF 56mm f/1.2 APD
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The Japanese site dc.watch (translation) published an interview with a Fuji Manager mainly talking about the APD version of Fuji’s fastest lens, the XF56mm f/1.2… and the fist lens ever with apodization filter which still allows you to use AF.
If I understood correctly the cryptic google translated version, the Manager also talks about the quality and the concept behind the Fujinon lenses. He denies any FF camera, as Fuji’s priority is to complete the APS-C lineup. In this regard, they also talked about plans for a super-telephoto prime (google translated: “because you have to understand the needs of our customers have come a super-telephoto lens of a single focus, on the consideration of the future of the lineup“) and he revealed that there was a prototype of the XF35mm with APD filter. If you may remember, sources told me that the XF35mm could be updated, but the improvement won’t be the weather sealing. Maybe, at the time of the rumor, Fuji was testing the APD version of this lens. However, Fuji has dropped plans to release such a lens (if I interpreted correctly the google translated version).
If there is any Japanese FR-reader, who could make a more accurate summary of the most important parts of the interview, feel free to drop it in the comments down below.
24 Responses
Super telephoto prime… If we consider that the XF 140-400mm will be released, maybe that prime could be something with a longer focal lenght? I’m guessing it could be 300mm F2.8 or 500/600 mm F4.0.
35 apd, no! I prefer 35 f 1.2 🙂
Right. APD is an experiment – ok with that, but that’s enough for me! I don’t want anything in front or in between lenses. There is still place for improvement : Faster AF, Weather Sealing, faster apertures, OIS.
Still waiting for the 120-400mm. So, I doubt the super-telephoto prime will be released anytime soon.
Although Fuji keeps neglecting the need for a Fuji based bare-bones converter, they have done very well with their lenses so far. Just need good raw support now.
(Super) Faster focussing is enough for me, so just a mark II version.
35mm F1.2 APD? Yes. 🙂
Except that the lens will be much larger, making Fujifilm’s evolution from dSLR user with a bag of lenses to mirrorless X with a single lens marketing clincher much less apt.
It would seem to be so. I sincerely hope they really don’t go down that way. For the time being things are still “manageable”. I had the opportunity to use the 40-150mm F2.8 on an X-T1 and was rather surprised at how much lighter it was compared to the Canon equivalent. I can safely say it weighs half lesser than what I’m used to. I can still manage 2 x Fujifilm bodies with lenses as opposed to 2 x Canon full frames + fast lenses. Having said that, like you, I hope they don’t go any bigger than what it is now. The 56F1.2APD is no where near the 85mmF1.2 in terms of heft.
But the Canon equivalent takes into account the sensor, making the equivalent the 70-200/4, which is roughly the same size/weight.
The XF40-150 F2.8 is still about 250gms heavier than the EF70-200 F4 but for low light the faster lens does have an advantage. However, compared to the EF70-200 F2.8, it’s about 500gms lighter!
Did you try the Pentax equivalent of the 50-140 ? 😉
With additional bulky lenses, the X system will be smaller than only the biggest DSLR, ie the full frame DSLR.
It’s a wonder how Pentax/Tokina got theirs so compact. I tried Olympus’s M Zuiko 50-140 F2.8 and it is about the same size and weight. Physically, total miniaturization is against laws of physics in lens design unless we can miniaturize sensors too. My comparison points has always been film SLR lenses. In that sense, mirrorless lenses has come a long way as they incorporate motors, servos, stabilization features including slightly larger elements which is digital sensor “friendly”. IMO, film SLRs had a good, practical platform with well balanced compromises.
I’d love to jump on board with Fuji for wildlife photography so the 140-400 and this super telephoto prime sounds awesome..however it could be years away from now. Maybe by then the autofocusing tech will be much better but for now I think I’ll stick to my trusty Canon
I don’t mind the extra choice. 35/1.4 or 35/apd or neither.
I love my 1.4 35, but Fuji can make it 1.2, faster and more silent focusing and of course: please, please keep the perfect lens hood.
A 0.95 would also be nice, but would be way to big and too heavy. And I am not that ADP fan, as I prefer to have the real aperture for fast shutter speed in a darker environment.
I also love my XF35 1.4, but i’d love it more with OIS to get a even better low light lens 😉
I don’t care too much about 1.2, although it would be nice it would also be pricier. Absolutely agree on the silent focusing, this is a must!!!
I also don’t care about ADP. WR would be nice but not necessary
I use supertele primes on all of my systems. However, I am not buying one from Fuji until they release:
1. A teleconverter. Better yet, a classical set of TCs: 1.4x and a 2x.
2. Macro tubes. I know that third parties make relatively nice tubes, and I have them, but Fuji should make a native solution.
Without TCs and macro tubes, that fast tele would be less than a half as useful as it could’ve been.
Ok, I pretty much skipped the very technical part of the APD filter, but here are some notable points from the article:
FF
1. The APS-C system is still developing, and the priority is to satisfy the customers with the current system.
2. They will focus on adding more lenses and accessories including a strobe system.
Super-telephoto prime lens
1. They understand the needs especially for wild life and motor sports shooters.
2. They’re carefully considering it in the future roadmap.
XF 56mm F1.2 R APD
1. “R” stands for ring (apperture ring).
2. The lens is developed as an ultimate portrait lens.
3. Optically, 56mm original and 56mm APD are almost identical.
4. APD filter would work best from F1.2 to F2 (IQ at F5.6 or smaller would be identical to 56mm original).
5. Fuji will include an ND8 filter in the product package.
6. It is the world’s first APD lens that works with AF.
7. No upgrade/customization option for 56mm original users.
APD filter for other lenses
1. They have currently no plans to add an APD filter to other lenses, as it works best with tele-photo lenses.
2. They created a prototype with 35mm, but the APD filter didn’t have as dramatic effect as 56mm.
Future lenses
1. Aside from what’s already announced, they’re considering smaller, lighter fixed focal length lenses for their smaller bodies.
2. One customer feedback they received is a fisheye.
Let me know if you want me to clarify any of those.
Apd is not a great thing for a functional lens like the 35 guys! Wake up…. Are you ready to loose 1 stop of light and phase detection capabilities for that…and for the people wishing for the 0.95, check your pocket and join a gym first
In the article, the Fuji technician said the inprovement in Bokeh was negligble on the XF 35mm prototype, and that an APD filter would be more useful for lenses of a longer focal length.
He said only in very limited cases would a change of Bokeh seen, and it would be more obvious on telephoto lenses (telephoto lenses was his original word, and I incorrectly used “lenses of a longer focal length” in my message below).
He said only in very limited cases would a change of Bokeh be seen
Glad the 35mm f/1.4R II is finally gonna come out.