Fujifilm users know the secret is with the film simulations. At least with the Fujifilm X series, there’s no denying the beautiful look that you can get from their cameras. But what’s the best Fuji lens for portraits? Well, we’ve tested them all; and we’ve got a pretty great idea. Want to know for yourself? Head below to see what we think is the best Fuji lens for portraits and a few runner-ups.
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How We Chose the Best Fuji Lens for Portraits
Here’s some insight into how to use this guide to the best Fuji lens for portraits:
- The Phoblographer’s various product round-up features are done in-house. Our philosophy is simple: you wouldn’t get a Wagyu beef steak review from a lifelong vegetarian. And you wouldn’t get photography advice from someone who doesn’t touch the product. We only recommend gear we’ve fully reviewed in these roundups.
- If you’re wondering why your favorite product didn’t make the cut, there’s a chance it’s on another list. If we haven’t reviewed it, we won’t recommend it. This method keeps our lists packed with industry-leading knowledge. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- Fujifilm X Mount (which we’re focusing on here) has many lenses available. And so, we’re choosing the best Fuji lens for portraits: from the ones that we’ve reviewed. Luckily, we’ve reviewed the vast majority of lenses for Fujifilm X Mount. You can find them in this guide here.
- So what makes a lens the best Fuji lens for portraits:? A few things: at the top of it all is portability. I mean, what’s the point of using a lens if you never want to handhold it or carry it for a long time? Then there’s image quality. Fujifilm’s newer lenses are a bit cleaner than the previous ones were. However, a lot of the image quality is also based on whatever film simulation you’re using. We also value weather resistance because it helps prolong the shelf-life of your product.
- Use face and eye detection. Trust us, you’ll thank us later. The problem with Fujifilm is that their autofocus isn’t the best.
- We’ve reviewed nearly all of Fujifilm’s X series lenses. You can take a look in this guide.
The best Fuji lens for portraits: Fujifilm 50mm f1 R WR
One word: Bokeh. Yes, that’s why we’re considering the Fujifilm 50mm f1 R WR lens to be the best Fuji lens for portraits. You see, the X mount is an APS-C camera platform. So at a given aperture, more of the scene will be in focus than compared to full-frame. To get the most beautiful bokeh for portraits, you pretty much have to go with the 50mm f1. No brand has made one since Canon did many years ago, and so Fuji can be commended for this.
Combine it with your favorite film simulations and the right exposure for results that you’re going to love.
PROS
- Stunning bokeh
- While big for a Fujifilm prime, it handles very well
- For as much glass as there is to move, it focuses quickly in most situations
- Nice, natural color renderings
- Weather sealing
- It’s not cheap ($1,499.95), but it’s well priced for an innovative f1 lens
DISLIKES
- The autofocus motors are quite loud
- At f1, the center is sharp, but the edges are a little soft
- Some flaring and contrast issues when shooting into the sun
This lens is available for $1,499.95. In our review conclusions, we said:
The Fujifilm 50mm f1 R WR scores a fantastic four out of five stars. Is it worth the $500 premium at $1,499.95 over the already excellent Fujifilm 56mm f1.2? If you need weather sealing and want to have even more creative freedom, yes, absolutely. The 50mm f1 R WR is a fantastic lens that will serve those that love all things bokeh very well. Want one? Head on over to Amazon to see the latest prices.
3 Other Great Options
Here are three other great options that photographers will enjoy. These lenses are all larger and have a faster aperture than our choice. But for some photographers, these might be the best Fuji lens for portraits because of image quality, balance, or affordability.
Fujifilm 35mm f1.4 R
This lens is available for around $599. Our review concluded by saying:
When I made the purchase of the X Pro 1, I was torn between the 18mm f2 and this lens. I think I made the right decision due to the faster aperture despite the fact that I like shooting wider. Either way, this lens is a wonderful piece of glass that every photographer going into a mirrorless system should consider. Granted, it does have its contenders. Panasonic’s 25mm f1.4 and Voigtlander 25mm f0.95 may keep Micro Four thirds users locked in at the time of this publishing. Sony doesn’t have anything in the equivalent area to step into the arena, though some can argue that the 30mm f3.5 may be a suitable fit.
Fujifilm 56mm f1.2 R WR
This lens is available for around $999. Our review concluded by saying:
The Fujifilm 56mm f1.2 R WR mixes super sharp centers with Fujifilm character, and the results are quite beautiful. Subjects pop from the background with sharp eyes in a sea of bokeh. Best of all, the lens maintains Fujifilm’s character. The colors are lovely, and the lens still produces beautiful flare. What’s more, Fujifilm added weather-sealing to make it more durable.
Fujifilm 90mm f2 R WR LM
This lens is available for around $949.95. Our review concluded by saying:
When it comes to pure image quality, it’s tough to beat a Fujifilm X-Trans Sensor and the company’s lenses. But the 90mm f2 is something that many have been dreaming of for a while. Of all the portrait lenses that we’ve tested for the system, it’s by far the best. Yes, there is an f1.2 lens out there, but it can’t compare to the pure image quality that the 90mm f2 renders in the best of situations. You’ll fall in love all over again with the bokeh, sharpness and consistent performance that gives you very little reason to do any sort of editing to the images right out of the camera.
