Fujifilm has been very aggressive in releasing lenses for its fairly young X camera system, and many a portrait photographer jumped on the Fujinon XF 56m f/1.2 R ($999.95) when it came out early last year. So it surprised many when the company announced the XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD ($1,499.95) less than a year later. The APD designation indicates the lens has an apodization filter, which cuts out a bit of light, but smooths backgrounds so images are captured with pleasing bokeh. The filter comes at a hefty premium, so you'll have to think long and hard if it's worth it to you. The APD version of the lens is still excellent, even when shot wide open, but it's tough to justify the premium price, especially when the standard version of the lens is so good in its own right. The prime lens pairs well with most of Fujifilm's mirrorless camera line, including the X-E2 ($459.90 at Amazon)(Opens in a new window) and X-T1 ($1,299.00 at Amazon)(Opens in a new window) . It measures 2.7 by 2.9 inch...
The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD is a unique portrait lens that uses a special filter to smooth backgrounds, but it carries a hefty premium over the standard version of the lens.
Very sharp; Capable of extremely shallow depth of field; APD filter smooths background blur; Physical aperture control; Minimal distortion
APD filter limits light gathering; Expensive; Omits optical stabilization; Can be slow to focus