First Test of 56mm f1.2

[gussie]

I just got my new 56mm yesterday, got to try it out this morning. Pretty happy with the swirly bokeh in the second photo.
Thought I'd share....

 

 

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[Iansky]

That looks nice, is this the normal 56 or the APD version?

[gussie]

That looks nice, is this the normal 56 or the APD version?

I went with the 'normal' - definitely sufficient for my needs. Ken Rockwell states that the "APD lens adds a non-removable dark-edged filter inside the lens next to its diaphragm. Otherwise it's the same lens as the original the Fujinon 56mm f/1.2. This filter helps improve bokeh wide-open, but also loses some light. It doesn't make this an f/1.2 lens with a smooth aperture edge, it becomes the same as an f/1.7 lens with a smooth, instead of hard, aperture edge."

I figured the extra bokeh wasn't worth the $300 increase in price.

Edited February 23, 2016 by gussie

[Phil]

I love when this lens gets the swirly bokeh. I'm not sure if that has anything to do with coma or not - anyone know? I was reading about wider lenses and astro photography and that got me thinking about it. Either way, I love the look.

 

I considered the APD version as I mostly use the 56 for portraiture, but I went with the normal one for the lower price and potentially faster autofocus. Most times I see no real difference between the two, short of peeping bokeh at 100%. Where I do see a fairly large difference is with busy backgrounds like trees; the regular version still looks good, but the APD version is a lot softer and less busy. I don't necessarily find it better, just a different look.

 

I could definitely see owning both if I was a full-time photographer, or if I had lots of money. The regular version is the safer choice and better all-around lens, but the few times I think the APD would make a noticeable difference, it would be quite noticeable, IMHO.