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.
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.
What is Happening?
