Fujifilm will be launching its incredible 50mm f/1.0 lens for its X range of cameras THIS year. But at the X Summit last night, the mirrorless manufacturer also made it clear that this won’t be the only new addition to arrive for the XF mount roadmap this year… there will be three further lenses that will arrive in 2020.
There were no details as to what the extra lenses will be, and when we will get more information. However, we now now that Fujifilm will have another major press conference later this month on 26 February… where the new Fujifilm XT-4 flagship will be revealed. More lenses could well be announced here.
The Fujinon X50mm F1.0 lens was originally announced in September last year as a concept lens… and one that replaced the original intention to produce a 35mm f/1.0 lens for the system. The change in tack was put down to the fact that the 35mm version would be too big. But now the concept is set to be a reality with the news that this innovative prime will be available to buy by then end of the year.
The 50mm f/1.0 will not just one of the fastest lenses ever, but will be THE fastest autofocus lens ever. At the conference, journalists were shown an early working sample of the lens – showing it working with phase detection autofocus.
The optical construction of the lens was also revealed for the first time, which uses a novel system to achieve the combination of super-fast light-gathering characteristics as well as AF performance. The elements are essentially split into two groups. The front elements are the big, light gathering glass… and at the back smaller, lighter elements are used to adjust the focus.
There are eight elements in the front group – of which two will be ED lenses. And there are a further five elements in the rear focus group.
With an effective focal length of 75mm, the super-fast prime lens is bound to become a favorite amongst portrait photographers who want maximum bokeh. And unlike with rival lenses, the difficulties of getting the image sharp in the right area with a lens with such limited depth of field when used wide open can be left in the hands of the autofocus system.
Pricing for the XF 50mm f/1.0 has yet to be announced.
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