Choosing the right portrait lens for your Fujifilm X system is no easy task. With six autofocus 56mm lens options, each with its unique strengths, finding the best one for your needs can feel overwhelming.
Coming to you from Dylan Goldby Photographer, this comprehensive video breaks down the performance of six lenses: Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR, Viltrox 56mm f/1.4, Viltrox 56mm f/1.7, TTArtisan 56mm f/1.8, Sigma 56mm f/1.4, and Meike 55mm f/1.4. Goldby starts with a blind test, offering insights into how much, or how little, your lens choice might matter in everyday photography. This is a key point—many times, the viewer or client won’t notice the subtle differences between lenses. Still, for those of you seeking the perfect combination of sharpness, color, and depth, the video does a fantastic job of laying out what you might get with each option.
Goldby organizes the video into four main sections, and one of the most interesting parts is the autofocus comparison. He tests each lens in various tracking situations, showing how well each one holds up when photographing moving subjects. The XF 56mm f/1.2 performs impressively well in low-action settings, like portraiture, but as expected, struggles a bit with fast-moving subjects. Meanwhile, the Viltrox f/1.7 and Sigma lenses demonstrate superior autofocus speed and consistency, making them solid choices if you often photograph movement.
The image quality section is where you can really see the differences between these lenses. While the Fujifilm XF 56mm comes out on top for sharpness, especially wide open, the other lenses aren’t far behind. The TTArtisan 56mm f/1.8, for instance, holds its own, producing great results at a much more affordable price. The Viltrox f/1.4 lens lags a bit in corner sharpness, but if you're primarily focusing on the center of your frame, it’s still a strong contender.
A notable takeaway from the video is the role that each lens' build quality plays in its usability. The Fujifilm lens, with its weather-sealing and premium feel, is by far the most robust. On the other hand, the Viltrox f/1.7 is much lighter and more compact, making it an excellent option if you're looking for something more portable, especially for street photography. However, this comes at the cost of weather-sealing, something to consider if you frequently shoot outdoors in varying conditions. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Goldby.
