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Fujifilm has launched a new Fujinon X-mount lens, which has been designed mainly for adding beautiful bokeh to portrait photos. The XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD lens is official and will be released this year.
It all started as a weird rumor, but it turned out to be real. Fujifilm has indeed decided to make a special lens, built especially for the purpose of providing amazing bokeh effects.
The new Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD lens is based on the same idea as the Sony-Minolta STF 135mm f/2.8 [T4.5], but it has a very important advantage over this A-mount unit: autofocus support.
Fujifilm unveils the first X-mount lens with an apodization filter: Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD
Fuji has created the XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD lens for X-mount mirrorless cameras with APS-C image sensors. The company is already offering a similar optic for X-mount camera owners. However, this new model is here with a certain goal: to add superb bokeh to portrait photos.
The Japanese manufacturer says that the Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD lens comes with an apodizing (apodization) filter, which will capture “every strand of hair” during portraiture.
The apodization filter is there to smooth the outlines of bokeh in an image. However, the maximum effect needs for better use of the aperture markings. The f-stops are in white, while the T-stops are displayed in red.
F-stop settings will determine the depth of field, while the T-stop settings will determine how much light reaches the sensor.
Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD is the first lens with an apodization filter to support autofocus
As stated above, the Sony-Minolta STF 135mm f/2.8 [T4.5] is one of the first lenses to employ an apodization filter. However, this optic only supports manual focus, while Fujifilm’s version comes with autofocus support.
Although it can autofocus, the Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD lens will only use Contrast Detection AF. The apodizing filter blocks the light used by Phase Detection AF points, but photographers will surely appreciate that they can still autofocus with their X-mount cameras.
The optical design of the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD lens consists of 11 elements divided into eight groups. The construction includes an aspherical element and a pair of Extra Low Dispersion elements.
Fuji has also added its HT-EBC coating to the optic, which will work with the aforementioned elements at correcting optical flaws, such as chromatic aberration, distortions, ghosting, and flare.
Release date and price details
The lens will provide a 35mm equivalent of about 85mm and will offer a minimum focusing range of 70 centimeters. Its diameter is sized at 73.2mm, whereas its length and filter thread stand at 69.7mm and 62mm, respectively.
Fujifilm has confirmed that the new Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD lens will be released this December for a price of $1,499.95. As usual, Amazon is taking pre-orders at this price, with the promise that it will ship the lens to you in late October.