Lens ReviewMorten ByskovJuly 20, 2020Fujifilm X-Pro2, Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR, Lens Review, Fuji XF 50mm f2 lens review, Sample Images, Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R, Fuji XF 50mm vs. XF 56mm, Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR, Sample Photos, Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 Sample Photos, fuji 50mm f2, fujifilm 50mm f2, Fujifilm telephoto lenses7 Comments

Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR Review

The XF 50mm f/2 R WR lens mounted on the Fujifilm X-Pro2 camera

Fuji XF 50mm f/2 Review

Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR Lens Review and Comparison to the XF 56mm f/1.2 R

Thanks to Leo's Camera Supply in Vancouver, I have been able to test and review the XF 50mm f/2 R WR.

Fujifilm’s Lineup of Compact f/2 WR Lenses

The 50mm f/2 R WR is a compact solution for your X Series Fujifilm camera and gives you a 75mm full-frame equivalent field of view.

It is one of three options in the compact f/2 range, which also includes the XF 23mm f/2 R WR and XF 35mm f/2 R WR.

This trilogy of lenses has become very popular with Fujifilm photographers due to faster autofocus, compact size, weather-sealing, and affordable price point.

Fall leaves on the front steps in Kitsilano, Vancouver. Sample image from the Fuji XF 50mm f/2 R WR — Kitsilano, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 50mm f/2 R WR @ f/4

XF 50mm f/2 R WR - Handling and Specs

The XF 50mm f/2 R WR is indeed nimble on my X-Pro2. You barely feel any weight of a lens when carrying the camera around your neck. The XF 50mm f/2 would easily fit in a pocket if you want to go light and perhaps switch between a couple of lenses on an outing.

The colors and bokeh from the XF 50mm f/2 R WR are very pleasing. I have read other reports of excellent bokeh and I was not disappointed.

The provided lens hood does the job, fits perfectly, and also aids in giving the lens a good balance on the camera. If you come from a DLSR the XF 50mm f/2 R WR is tiny and even in the Fujifilm X Series, it is on the lighter end of the scale.

The Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR lens mounted on the Fujifilm X-Pro2 camera — The XF 50mm f/2 R WR mounted on the Fujifilm X-Pro2

The XF 50mm f/2 R WR has 9 elements in 7 groups with one aspherical ED element and features super EBC coating and the 9 rounded diaphragm blades aid in giving you great-looking bokeh. The minimum focusing distance is 1.28' / 39 cm and the filter size is a manageable 46mm.

XF 50mm f/2 vs. XF 56mm f/1.2

At 14.2 oz / 405 g, the XF 56mm f/1.2 R, $999.00, is more than double the weight of the XF 50mm f/2 R WR, $449.00, which comes in at just 7 oz / 200 g.

This may be important to you. In my view, the added weight is not cumbersome and I actually prefer the feel of the XF 56mm f1.2 R, which is well-balanced on the X-Pro2.

If you are using a smaller camera, such as the X-E4, I would reconsider this statement and perhaps lean towards combining it with the XF 50mm f/2 R WR.

Fuji XF 56mm f/1.2 R and XF 50mm f/2 R WR size comparison on the Fujifilm X-Pro2 — XF 56mm f/1.2 R and XF 50mm f/2 R WR size comparison on the X-Pro2

Image Quality

It is hard to criticize the image quality produced by either lens. Both are sharp with gorgeous colors and bokeh. If anything the XF 56mm f/1.2 R renders a more clinically correct image to my eye.

The added f-stops make the XF 56mm f/1.2 R a more flexible lens as you can experiment with shallow depth of field shooting at f/1.2, f/1.4, f/1.6, and f/1.8.

This may not seem like a big difference but as a creative tool, it gives you a different set of paintbrushes to work with. The extra one and one-third of a stop also allow for higher shutter speeds at corresponding ISO values.

The XF 50mm f/2 R WR is the winner in regards to autofocus performance. It is silent, fast, and accurate. I found the XF 56mm 1.2 R hunting for autofocus at times.

I ventured out in the pouring rain with the XF 50mm f/2 R WR and it was comforting to know it is weather-resistant. Keep in mind, the XF 56mm f/1.2 R is not weather resistant.

A man walks across Burrard Street Bridge. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR — Burrard Street Bridge, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 50mm f/2 R WR @ f/2

Conclusion

The 50mm f/2 R WR is in no way a bad lens. In fact, it is an awesome lens in the Fujifilm XF lineup and offers great value for the dollar spent. I could easily make a case for having both lenses depending on what you are shooting but if I was to make a choice, it would probably be for the XF 56mm 1.2 R.

I feel that Fujifilm sprinkles a bit of extra fairy dust, or should we just say quality glass, into their f/1.4 and f/1.2 lenses such as the XF 56mm 1.2 R. The ability to shoot with a narrow depth of field is important to me and is worth the extra weight and money spent.

If your heart is set on the XF 50mm f/2 R WR, do not let me talk you out of it. It has a lot going for it. Remember, your decision should be based on your budget, what you plan to photograph, and where you are taking the lens.

The entrance to the Vancouver Library. Sample image from a Fuji XF 50mm f/1.2 R — Vancouver Library, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 50mm f/2 R WR @ f/2.5

Pros

Compact and weather resistant
Internal fast and silent autofocus
Great image quality and bokeh

Cons

Hard to think of any

Update:

Add to the confusion and Fujifilm has now released an XF 50mm f/1 R WR costing $1,499.00. This XF 50mm f/1 R WR is more than three times the cost of an XF 50mm f/2 R WR but I am sure many will find the max f-stop of f/1 enticing.

Update:

Fujifilm has now also released a newer 56mm lens, the XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR. You can catch my review here:

Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR - Review

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR - B&H Photo

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Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR - Sample Images

Below, I have a few sample images captured with the XF 50mm f/2 R WR. The photos are processed in Lightroom and I have used Fujifilm film simulations for some of the photos.

Please click to view larger images.