XF50mm f/1.0 – Worst Lens 2020?

Recently DPRTV declared the Fujinon XF50mm f/1.0 the worst lens of 2020.

Of course this generated a heated debate. And today we are going to discuss this in a dedicated post.

Now, I think we can all agree that the Fujinon XF50mmF1.0 is not the sharpest Fujinon lens. But I doubt anyone would seriously expect that from an f/1.0 lens.

I think Jonas Rask described this lens best, when he wrote:

The images coming from XF50mm f/1 R WR has those exact same undefinable traits that makes me love my XF35mm f/1.4 so much. The sharpness that is sharp, yet not overly sharp. A flattering kind of sharpness that seems more rounded, organic and less digital/clinical.

[…]You know that “magic” that everyone is referring to when talking about the old XF35mm f/1.4? […] The focus on making a character lens instead of a “perfect” lens. And that is EXACTLY what the XF50mm f/1 R WR is. A lens full of character, but not a perfect optical creation.

But being not the sharpest, does not mean that it is unusable soft at f/1.0.

On the contrary, many other reviewers praise it for its sharpness all over the frame already at f/1.0.

• Christopher Forst says here – XF 50mm f/1.0 Easily the Sharpest Lens I Have Ever Tested at Apertures Brighter than f/1.2
• ePhotozine says here – Top Tier Performance, Impressive Chromatic Aberration Performance… Magical!
• Cameralabs says here – Tremendous Details at f/1.0 from Center to Corner

Let’s Look More at the Worst Lens of the Year

Now also ivanjoshualoh joined the discussion, with his article “Meet the Worst Lens of 2020“. He shows samples taken at f/1.0, and quite frankly, for being at f/1.0, I think that they look totally fine. You can see one of his samples at 200% magnifications in this instagram post and you can check out his full article here.

In the B&H Explora Top 10 Mirrorless lenses list for 2020, the Fujinon XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR grabs the second spot right after the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM. Read the full list here.

Another one comes from abiggercamera, who also took at look at his XF50mmF1.0 and shared his thoughts in this post.

Last but not least, the first customer reviews at AmazonUS and BHphoto here are also pretty positive.

• XF50mmF1.0 customer Reviews at BHphoto
• XF50mm F1.0 customer Reviews at AmazonUS

What is Happening?

Cameralabs posted its XF50mmF1.0 review, and it’s just another stellar feedback for the XF50mmF1.0 after the ones we already posted in the past and we link for your convenience again down below.

Also, if you don’t have time to go through the 20 minutes review right now, you can read the summary I provide down below.

• XF50mmF1.0 in USA: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
• XF50mmF1.0 in EU: AmazonDE, CalumetDE, WexUK, ParkcamerasUK, JessopsUK, AmazonUK, PCHstore

Earlier on FujiRumors

• read here – XF 50mm f/1.0 Easily the Sharpest Lens I Have Ever Tested at Apertures Brighter than f/1.2
• read here – Top Tier Performance, Impressive Chromatic Aberration Performance… Magical!

Review Summary Below

The Fujinon XF50mm f/1.0 is scheduled to be be released in September 24/25.

But now Fujifilm has issued an official press release, where they announce that demand is far stronger than they expected, and hence there is a possibility that there will be shipping-delays. Fujifilm writes:

The “Fujinon Lens XF50mm F1.0 R WR” announced on September 3, 2020 (Thursday) has received inquiries far exceeding our expectations, and we cannot deliver the product on the release date. There is a possibility.

We are currently working hard to meet the number of requests, and we appreciate your understanding.

Fujifilm is not a company that uses the “high demand” phrase too often. When they decide to inform us about high demand, then it’s usually also accurate.

I think last time they spoke about “high demand” it was for the Fujifilm GFX100, and we all know how that ended (biblical long waiting times and 50% higher demand that Fujifilm expected).

Here on FujiRumors, the brand new Fujinon XF50mmF1.0 enjoys one of the strongest XF lens pre-orders of all time, so at least our little FR-Universe seems to confirm Fuji’s statement.

• XF 50mm f/1.0: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera