Fujinon XF50mm f/1.0 R WR fast portrait lens announced

Angled view of the new Fujinon XF50mm f/1.0 R WR lens. (Source: Fujifilm.)

Claimed as the world’s first autofocus lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.0 to be designed for mirrorless cameras, the new XF50mm f/1.0 R WR covers an angle of view equivalent to 76mm in 35mm format and is the company’s fastest interchangeable lens to date. The large-diameter design delivers high resolving power, edge-to-edge sharpness and attractive bokeh effects. The inclusion of a DC autofocus motor in the focus drive mechanism supports quick and accurate autofocus when images are captured.  At the maximum f/1.0 aperture, which has an extremely shallow depth of field, the lens also utilises the X Series cameras’ Face / Eye AF function to achieve sharp focus when the lens is used for both portraiture and street photography. This lens will also be useful for photojournalism.

The optical design consists of 12 lens elements in nine groups, including one aspherical element and two ED elements to achieve optimum control of spherical aberration. A precisely engineered, rounded diaphragm produces large, smooth bokeh. With the added benefits of on-sensor Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), Face/ Eye AF and a powerful DC motor, precise and fast autofocus at shallow depths of field is now a possibility.

When manual focus is required, such as during video-recording, the manual focus ring provides 120 degrees of rotation to allow precise, enhanced control and quick travel through the focus range to infinity. Measuring 103.5 mm in length and weighing 845 grams, this lens is compact and portable. Like all other weather-resistant XF lenses, it is sealed in 11 locations to protect it from moisture and dust, as well as being capable of use in temperatures down to -10°C.

The Fujinon XF50mm f/1.0 R WR lens is due to go on sale in late September at an RRP of AU$2799. Click here for more information.