Today, we're exploring the crème de la crème of Fujifilm portrait lenses that make your subjects look like they just stepped out of a magazine.
Are you ready to take your portrait game to the next level? If you're rocking a Fujifilm camera and dreaming of capturing breathtaking portraits that'll make jaws drop, you're in for a treat. So, grab your camera and let's get ready to create some magic!
Portrait Photography is all about capturing the essence of your subject, and having the right lens can make a huge difference. I am biased towards Fujifilm as I use their system in my work, but there's a good reason. Fujifilm's renowned image quality and colour science, combined with the perfect portrait lenses, can elevate your work from good to absolutely stunning.
Now, in this guide, we are going to explore the top 5 Fujifilm lenses for the X-Series that will help you create portraits so beautiful they might just break the internet.
Let's dive in and discover which glass deserves a spot in your camera bag!
The Fantastic Five Fujifilm Portrait Lenses (+1)
Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R: The Bokeh Beast
(https://amzn.to/46bTZal)
If there's one lens that makes portrait photographers weak in the knees, it's the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R (watch my first impressions video here), updated to a new version not too long ago.
This bad boy is the equivalent of an 85mm lens on a full-frame camera, making it the perfect focal length for portraits.
But what really sets it apart is that jaw-dropping f/1.2 aperture.
This aperture is a photographer's dream, allowing for incredibly shallow depth of field. That translates to dreamy, creamy bokeh that effortlessly isolates your subject from the background. It’s like painting with light, creating ethereal images with a magical quality. But the XF 56mm f/1.2 R doesn't just excel in low-light conditions. Thanks to Fujifilm's advanced lens technology, it delivers exceptional sharpness and contrast even wide open.
So whether you're shooting in a dimly lit studio or a bright outdoor environment, this lens consistently produces stunning results.
Key features:
- Equivalent to 85mm on full-frame
- Incredibly wide f/1.2 aperture
- Tack-sharp focus
- Dreamy, creamy bokeh
Why you'll love it:
The XF 56mm f/1.2 R is a bokeh monster, capable of creating a depth of field so shallow it'll make your subjects pop like they're in 3D. This lens is perfect for studio and on-location shoots, creating stunning separation between your subject and the background.
Pro tip: When shooting at f/1.2, focus on the eyes to ensure they're tack-sharp while the rest of the face gently fades into that buttery bokeh.
- Fast prime lens
- Mid-telephoto focal length of 56mm (equivalent to 85mm in the 35mm format)
- Significantly improved minimum focusing distance and image-resolving performance
- Beautiful rendering of out-of-focus background.
Examples:
Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR: The Long-Range Wonder
(https://amzn.to/3WcnKDf)
If you're looking for a lens that'll let you keep your distance while still capturing intimate portraits, the XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR is your new best friend.
This lens is equivalent to a 135mm focal length on a full-frame camera, making it perfect for headshots and tight portraits. It also happens to be my favourite Fujifilm lens, and some of the guys working at the Fujifilm flagship store in London confirmed it's theirs, too.
This lens is just a beauty and packs lots of character while being very flattering to any portrait.
The XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR is a true portrait master. Its longer focal length allows you to compress perspective, making your subjects stand out beautifully against the background. The f/2 aperture delivers a lovely bokeh and ensures excellent image quality even when stopped down. The lens's fast and quiet autofocus is a boon for capturing candid moments, and its weather-sealed construction means you can confidently shoot in various conditions.
It's a versatile lens that excels in both studio and outdoor settings, making it a must-have for any serious portrait photographer
Key features:
- Equivalent to 135mm on full-frame
- Weather-resistant construction
- Quick and silent autofocus
- Very flattering and packs lots of character
Why you'll love it:
The XF 90mm f/2 is a portrait photographer's secret weapon. Its longer focal length allows you to compress facial features slightly, creating a flattering look for your subjects. Plus, the weather-resistant design means you can keep shooting even when the weather doesn't cooperate.
Pro tip: Use this lens for outdoor portraits to create a beautiful, compressed background that makes your subject stand out.
- The XF90mm delivers ultra-sharp images even at the maximum aperture. The optical construction comprises 11 elements in 8 groups, including three ED (extra low-dispersion)…
- The rounded aperture blades combined with an optical construction designed to minimise vignetting creates beautiful circular bokeh right to the edge of the image. In…
- High-speed autofocus as fast as 0.14sec thanks to a newly-developed Quad Linear Motor. This provides a more versatile shooting experience, allowing users to quickly react…
- The close focusing to 60cm and 0.3x magnification (35mm format equivalent)of the FUJINON XF90mmF2 R LM WR allow you to isolate key parts of a subject so you can shoot…
Examples:
Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR: The Light Gatherer
(https://amzn.to/3WcnXX3)
When Fujifilm released the XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR, it wasn't just showing off—it was changing the game. This lens is the world's first autofocus-capable f/1.0 lens for mirrorless cameras, and it's a portrait photographer's dream come true.
The XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR is a technological marvel. Its massive aperture lets in twice as much light as an f/1.4 lens, opening up a world of possibilities for low-light photography. With this lens, you can capture stunning portraits with incredible depth of field blur and subject isolation, even in the most challenging lighting conditions.
But it's not just about the low-light performance. The XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR also delivers exceptional image quality throughout its aperture range, with impressive sharpness and contrast. It's a lens that demands attention, both for its groundbreaking technology and its ability to produce breathtaking results.
Key features:
- Equivalent to 75mm on full-frame
- Incredibly wide f/1.0 aperture
- Weather-resistant design
- 11 rounded aperture blades for buttery-smooth bokeh
Why you'll love it:
The XF 50mm f/1.0 is the ultimate low-light portrait lens. Its ultra-wide aperture allows you to shoot in practically any lighting condition while still maintaining that creamy, dreamy bokeh we all crave. It's perfect for moody, atmospheric portraits that'll leave your viewers in awe.
Pro tip: Experiment with shooting wide open at f/1.0 in low-light situations or even at night to create ethereal, glowing portraits with a razor-thin depth of field. Try to find neon lights to frame your subjects or paint them with colourful lights.
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Examples:
Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R: The Versatile Virtuoso
(https://amzn.to/4fbkBfD)
Sometimes, you need a lens that can do it all, and that's where the XF 33mm f/1.4 R shines. This nifty-fifty equivalent (exactly 50mm on full-frame) is the perfect all-rounder for environmental portraits and storytelling shots. It is wider than all the other lenses presented here but is the most true-to-life thanks to its focal length.
I personally prefer this to the 35mm f/1.4 because it has the same flattering character as the 90mm, but the 35mm is also a strong option, particularly the new, revamped version.
The XF 33mm f/1.4 R is a remarkably versatile lens that strikes a perfect balance between portraiture and street photography. Its wide aperture allows for beautiful background separation while maintaining excellent image quality. The 33mm focal length is flattering for most subjects, capturing their natural essence without distortion.
Whether you're shooting a candid moment on the street or a posed portrait in a studio, this lens delivers exceptional results.
Its compact size and lightweight design make it a joy to carry and use, making it an ideal choice for photographers who want a single lens to handle various shooting situations.
Key features:
- Equivalent to exactly 50mm on full-frame
- Fast f/1.4 aperture
- Compact and lightweight
- Ideal for storytelling and street portraits
Why you'll love it:
The XF 33mm f/1.4 strikes the perfect balance between subject isolation and environmental context. It's wide enough to capture your subject's surroundings while still maintaining that beautiful background blur. Plus, its compact size makes it perfect for all-day shooting and street portraits.
Pro tip: Use this lens for environmental portraits. The wider field of view allows you to include important elements of the surroundings, so use the environment to create frames or give context to tell your subject's story. Something that can become very powerful with Travel Photography as well.
- Bright
- Weatherproof
- Color: Black
- Fujifilm XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR
Examples:
Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro: The Detail Master
(currently unavailable)
Last but certainly not least, we have the XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro. While primarily a macro lens, this versatile piece of glass doubles as an excellent portrait lens, especially for capturing fine details and close-up shots.
The XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro is a hidden gem for portrait photographers. Its medium telephoto focal length offers a flattering perspective, ideal for headshots and environmental portraits. The f/2.8 aperture might not be as wide as some of the other lenses on this list, but it still delivers a pleasing bokeh while providing excellent image quality.
The lens's macro capabilities allow you to get incredibly close to your subjects, capturing their expressions and textures with stunning detail.
And let's not forget the image stabilization, which is a lifesaver when shooting handheld portraits.
This lens is a perfect choice for photographers who want to add a touch of elegance and precision to their portraits.
Key features:
- Equivalent to 122mm on full-frame
- 1:1 macro capabilities
- Optical image stabilization
- Weather-resistant construction
Why you'll love it:
The XF 80mm f/2.8 Macro is a secret weapon for portrait photographers who love to capture details. Use it for stunning close-ups of eyes, hands, or intricate jewellery. Its longer focal length also makes it great for flattering headshots with beautiful background compression.
Pro tip: Experiment with this lens for creative portrait details like eye close-ups or hands holding meaningful objects. The macro capabilities allow you to reveal a whole new world of detail in your portraits, so use them to enhance interest or mystery.
Examples:
Plus One: The Strongest Third-Party Competitor
Samyang 75mm f/1.8 X
(https://amzn.to/3Ya5xc9)
I have previously discussed the Samyang 75mm lens (112mm equivalent), which I love.
This article focuses on Fujifilm native AF lenses, but if you are looking for a sharp, weather-resistant, and gorgeous third-party alternative, this is the one.
Since the release of the fantastic Fujifilm 90mm lens I mentioned above, I have always hoped Fujifilm would also ship a 70mm version. But they never did, and Samyang stepped in to close the gap marvellously.
Don't get me started on the same-length Viltrox; the Samyang 75mm is the real deal, and you cannot convince me otherwise.
- Features weather sealing at 5 spots on the lens to protect from light dust, rain, and snow and provide the ability to capture stunning images in less than perfect…
- Custom Switch – The custom switch can be set to allow adjustment of the aperture silently by rotating the focus ring while recording videos. Using the optional Lens…
- Fast & quiet AF and well-controlled breathing for shooting video
- Fast F1.8 lens with 9 aperture blades that produces smooth bokeh.
Examples:
Frequently Asked Questions:
I'm sure you have plenty of questions after reading about all these marvellous portrait lenses for the Fujifilm X-Mount. Here, I answer the most common ones, but if you ask yours in the comments below, I may add it here, too.
Q: Can I use these lenses on all Fujifilm X-series cameras?
A: Yes, all these lenses are compatible with Fujifilm X-mount cameras. However, always check your specific camera model for any potential limitations. There shouldn't be any, but, for example, the latest 56mm f/1.2 release is aimed at taking advantage of the cameras' more recent 40Mp larger sensor.
Q: Which lens is best for beginners?
A: The XF 33mm f/1.4 R is an excellent starting point for beginners due to its broader versatility than other lenses on this list.
Q: Are these lenses worth the investment for hobbyists?
A: While these lenses represent a significant investment, they can dramatically improve your portrait photography. Consider renting before buying to see which lens best suits your style.
Q: How do these lenses perform in low light?
A: All of these Fujifilm portrait lenses perform exceptionally well in low light, especially the f/1.0 and f/1.2 options. The wider apertures allow for faster shutter speeds, buttery-smooth backgrounds and lower ISO settings in dim conditions.
Q: Can I use these lenses for other types of photography?
A: Absolutely! While optimised for portraits, these lenses are versatile enough for various genres. The 33mm and 80mm Macro, in particular, excel in multiple photography styles.
Conclusion:
There you have it – the top 5 Fujifilm portrait lenses that will take your photography to stratospheric heights. Whether you're after soft bokeh, stunning sharpness, or versatile performance, there's a lens on this list that will make your creative heart sing.
Remember, the best lens is the one that fits your unique style and vision. So, don't be afraid to experiment, rent before you buy, and most importantly, get out there and start shooting! Your next masterpiece is just a click away.
After shooting, editing can help create the amazing portraits you envisioned. So, you might want to look at Skylum's latest release, Aperty, which is specifically dedicated to portrait photographers.
Now, go forth and create some portrait magic. Your subjects (and your Instagram followers) will thank you!
