Best Fuji Lenses for Portraits | A Comparison For X Series Lenses
I love my Fuji lenses and have tried out a few to capture portraits with some great results. Are you interested in picking up a portrait lens? If you haven’t tried out any of the lenses, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you.
So, I’ve put together a list of the important features in portrait photography before a breakdown of 10 incredible Fuji lenses to help make your decision easier.
And since these are the best of the best, you can be sure that whichever one you choose, you’ll be improving your photography game.
Do Fuji Prime Lenses Take Better Portrait Photos?
A wide range of prime lenses fit the Fuji x mount, which is favoured for producing sharp and detailed portraits.
Prime lenses limit you to a single focal length making it important for the photographer to move forwards or backwards to frame the subject.
The Fuji 56MM F1.2 is the best prime lens for bokeh and portraits. The only downside of using prime lenses for portraits is you will need to have additional length lenses to capture a variety of portrait styles.
What is the Best Focal Length for Portraits?
Portraits are traditionally framed to capture a headshot, two-thirds, or a subject’s full body. Environmental portraits are typically shot with short focal lengths to assist you in including the subjects’ surroundings in your frame.
Medium and telephoto lenses are suited to taking candid portraits by allowing you to capture your subject from a distance.
Fuji prime lenses with focal lengths between 35mm and 90mm will produce the best traditional portrait photographs.
Which Features Help to Make the Best Portrait?
The following features are important to consider when purchasing a lens for your Fujifilm camera.
Read the quick breakdown of the features before diving into the individual Fuji lens reviews to feel more informed when making your choice.
Maximum Aperture
Maximum aperture is expressed in F-stops and describes how wide a lens can open. The wider opening lets more light enter the lens and reach the sensor. A low aperture allows you to capture images in lower light and produces a shallower depth of field.
The maximum aperture is often used to describe how fast a lens is, as more light entering the lens allows your camera to shoot at a higher shutter speed.
Focal Length
Focal length is the distance from the optical centre of your lens and your sensor and is represented by a number in millimetres.
A higher focal length will result in a zoomed-in image. A length of 23mm is considered the most natural as it portrays an image similar to what we see with our natural eye.
Bokeh
Bokeh, pronounced Boh-kay, describes the soft out-of-focus background you get when shooting a subject. The aesthetic quality of an images bokeh is determined by the aperture and number, and design of the diaphragm blades.
A high-quality lens such as those listed below produce blurred areas with soft light that is round and smooth.
Sharpness
When capturing a portrait on your Fuji camera, there are several factors that will affect the sharpness of your images.
Set your focus on the subject’s eye, use a high shutter speed, and consider using a tripod for the best results.
Focal plane describes the distance from a camera where the sharpest focus is attained. A shorter depth of field produced by using a lens with a low aperture results in less of the subject being in focus.
Zooms vs Primes
Prime lenses are lenses with a fixed focal length and therefore don’t have the ability to zoom in or out.
The zoom lens is able to produce great images with a variety of focal lengths. However, they tend to be heavier, and therefore less ideal to carry with you all day.
Choosing a prime lens will encourage you to step towards your subject when needing to frame a tighter portrait. They have fewer moving parts making them lighter and often more affordable than zoom lenses.
Image Stabilization
Optical image stabilisation is the system built into specific Fuji lenses to help create sharp images by combating camera shake.
A series of gyroscopic sensors make thousands of calculations per second to calculate when and how the lens is moving. A motorised element in the lens then moves to counteract the vertical or horizontal movements.
Best Fuji X Lenses
Read below for a deeper dive into the features, pros, and cons of some of the best prime and zoom lenses produced for Fuji mirrorless cameras.
Fuji Wide Angle Lens – 23mm F1.4 R
The 23mm f1.4 R boasts a wide field of view and is designed to make the most out of your Fuji’s powerful X-Trans CMOS sensor.
The lens’s low aperture of f1.4 gives you an extra stop in comparison to the 23mm f2, which helps it to deliver silky smooth bokeh as well as capture sharp images in low light.
Weighing only 300g and measuring only 51.9mm in length, this lens is the perfect travel companion.
You will likely find yourself stepping closer to your subject, with the focal range starting as close as 60cm. It is the equivalent of a 35mm lens on a 35mm or full-frame sensor.
Stand close to your subject to capture them in detail in front of a blurred, busy, or colourful background.
- 35mm equivalent F1.4 lens, Fully compatible with FUJIFILM X-Mount
- Focus range : Normal- 0.6m - ∞, Macro : 28cm - ∞, Focal length: f=23mm ,Max. magnification: 0.1x
- Seven round-edged aperture blades, which offer 22 stops in 1/3 EV steps
- Lens elements treated with Fujifilm’s multilayer HT-EBC (High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating)
- 1 lens group consisting of 3 cemented lens elements and 1 aspheric lens element
Pros
- Wide maximum aperture
- Lightweight
- All-metal barrel
Cons
- Short focal length requires you to be close to your subject
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Fuji 23mm F2 R WR
The 23mm f2 R WR lens is a powerful and sharp lens when paired with your Fuji x camera. The high-quality body is constructed from metal and made to outlive its owner.
It is weather-resistant and offers onboard image stabilisation. The lens is light which assists you in quickly raising your camera to capture an expressive moment or portrait.
The low aperture of f2 makes it suitable for low light photography and helps create the moody bokeh we love in portrait photography.
The short focal length does distort facial features and is more suited to environmental portraits, which include more of the scene in your shot.
It is an affordable and great lens for more candid portraits. Consider using it to snap front row portraits of musicians rocking out on stage.
- Advanced image quality - ten elements in six groups, including two aspherical elements for edge-to-edge sharpness
- Angle of view: 63.4°.At just 180g, the XF23mmF2 R WR is compact, lightweight, and stylish for great operability
- Weather and dust resistant, capable of operating at temperatures as low as -10 Degree. Maximum magnification: 0.13x
- Fast and silent autofocus: when combined with the phase detection AF system of FUJIFILM X-Pro2 or X-T2, the lens can focus in an astonishing 005 seconds
Pros
- Lightweight
- Onboard image stabilisation
- Affordable
Cons
- Short focal length distorts facial features
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Fuji 35mm F1.4
The Fuji 35mm F1.4 is a professional prime lens with great low light performance. The focal length is the equivalent of 53mm when using a 35mm or full-frame sensor. It has seven curved aperture blades, helping to deliver excellent out-of-focus bokeh.
The focal range starts at 80cm and presents subjects in a realistic manner. You will be impressed with the sharpness of the images produced with your 35mm F1.4.
It is incredibly light and compact, weighing only 187g and measuring 50.4mm in length and 65mm at its widest point.
Use the 35mm’s great low light capabilities to shoot your subject in the evening or at night for an alternative style of portrait.
- Focal length (35mm format equivalent) f=35mm (53mm)
- 8 Elements in 6 Groups (Inc. 1 Asph. Element)
- Angle of view - 44.2 Degrees. Number of blades 7(rounded diaphragm opening)
- Filter Size 52mm
- Focus range : Normal 0.8m - ∞, Macro 28cm - 2.0m. Max. magnification 0.17x
Pros
- Wide maximum aperture
- Lightweight
- All-metal barrel
Cons
- Expensive compared to the 35mm F2
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Fuji 35mm F2 R WR
The Fujifilm 35mm f2 R WR is a fast prime lens for Fujifilm mirrorless cameras. The lens is compact, and when mounted, it provides the equivalent of a 53mm focal length on a 35mm or full-frame sensor.
The low aperture and light weight make it ideal for portraits and it is still suitable for photographers on a budget.
The camera is weather-resistant and designed to reduce the impact of dust. You will feel confident heading outside with your trusty 35mm in -10 ℃ conditions.
It has an all-metal exterior and a discreet appearance, measuring 45.9mm in length and 60mm at its widest point.
Consider heading out to capture your subject in an urban environment for a street photography style portrait. There are plenty of pretty streets in London to test your skills out on.
- Weather resistant design with 8 sealing points for weather and dust resistance and operation as low as 14 Degree
- Inner focus system with 0.08 seconds autofocus speed and nearly silent operation. Focal length : 35 millimeter (35 millimeter format equivalent : 53 millimeter)
- Nano GI coating reduces ghosting and flare
- 9 blade aperture creates smooth and circular bokeh
- Minimum working distance of approximately 13 inches.Max. magnification:0.17x.Angle of view:44.2 degree
Pros
- Great low light capability
- Fast internal autofocus
- Smooth Bokeh
- Affordable
Cons
- Short focal length distorts facial features
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Fuji 50mm F2 R WR
The Fuji 50mm F2 R WR is a highly capable portrait lens when used with your Fuji X body. Considered a mid-telephoto lens, as it offers the equivalent of a 76mm focal length on a 35mm or full-frame sensor.
You can afford to stand a couple of meters from your subject, while the lens has a focal range starting only 39cm away. The lens is compact, measuring 59.4mm in length and 60mm wide.
You will feel confident to capture a variety of styles of portraiture with your 50mm F2 lens. It is weather-resistant, dust resistant, and capable of operating in temperatures as low as -10℃.
The autofocus offers fast and silent focusing, while the manual focus ring is ergonomic and comfortable to use.
The aperture control is handled by nine diaphragm blades, offering buttery smooth bokeh. Standing a few meters from your subject, experiment with the camera’s low aperture using creative lighting or natural light.
- Equivalent to 76 millimeter (in the 35 millimeter film format)
- Maximum aperture of F2.0 for beautiful bokeh
- Weather and dust resistant, operates in temperatures as low as -10 Degree Celsius, making it ideal for shooting in a variety of conditions
- Fast and silent focusing. Max. magnification- 0.15x. Angle of view-31.7°
- Focal length (35 millimeter format equivalent):f=50 millimeter (76 millimeter);Focus range 39 centimeter～∞
Pros
- High-speed autofocus
- Compact and lightweight
- Great bokeh
Cons
- Slight softness in the corners
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Fuji 56MM F1.2
The Fuji 56mm f1.2 offers enthusiast and professional photographers a slightly narrower field of view than the 50mm with very low levels of distortion.
The 56mm is the equivalent of an 85mm lens when using a full-frame sensor. It has an impressively low aperture of f1.2 – making it the lowest aperture lens of the XF range.
It combines an inner focus mechanism with a coreless motor for incredibly fast focusing speeds. Manual settings for aperture and focus have large rings and are comfortable to use. It has a premium quality look and feel, weighing 410g and measuring 70mm in length and 73mm in width.
With the focal range starting at 56mm, you will need to stand further away from your subject. Using a low aperture and introducing items in your foreground you can experiment with creative framing in your portrait photography.
- 35mm equivalent - 85mm
- Max aperture F1.2, Min aperture F16
- Number of blades - 7(rounded diaphragm opening)
- Focus Range : Normal 0.7m - ∞; Macro 0.7m-3m
- Filter Size 62mm. Max. magnification :0.09x
Pros
- Lowest aperture of the Fuji XF lenses
- Excellent light coverage
- Beautiful bokeh
Cons
- No optical image stabilisation
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Fuji 90mm F2
The Fuji 90mm f2 is a fast-focusing lens with a narrow field of view. The aperture ranges from f2 to f16 and is controlled by seven diaphragm blades, delivering dramatic portraits with smooth bokeh. It has an equivalent focal length of 137mm on a 35mm or full-frame sensor.
A quad linear motor delivers fast and accurate autofocus, while the manual focus is comfortably controlled by a wide ring.
The focal range has a minimum distance of 60cm. However, the 90mm focal length will require you to stand at a distance from your subject to fit their entire upper body into the frame.
Considering its length of 105mm and width of 75mm, it is a light design, only weighing 540g.
The 90mm f2’s low aperture and longer focal length help to separate the subject in focus from the bokeh rich background. Consider getting your subject to stand away from any objects to help emphasise the effect.
- 137mm (35mm Eq) and angle of view is 17.9 degree,focus range is 0.6m - ∞
- 11 elements in 8 groups, including three ED (extra low-dispersion) elements, which reduces chromatic aberrations to deliver sharp, rich images even at the widest aperture of F2.0.
- High-speed autofocus as fast as 0.14sec* (Complies with CIPA guidelines) thanks to a newly-developed Quad Linear Motor
- Weather and dust-resistant structure with seven seals on the lens barrel.
- Close focusing to 60cm and 0.3x magnification (35mm format equivalent)
Pros
- Weather and dust resistant
- Fast autofocus
- Focal length helps separate foreground and background
Cons
- No optical image stabilisation
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Fuji Zoom Lens – 16-80mm F4 R OIS WR
The Fuji 16-80mm F4 is a premium zoom lens capable of versatile photos and videos. The focal length, from 16mm to 80mm, paired with optical image stabilisation allows you to experiment with a variety of portrait styles. Its length is the equivalent of 24-122mm when using 35mm of a full-frame sensor.
It has an aperture range from 4 to 22 through the entire focal length. The focal range starts from a distance of 35cm across the zoom range.
The zoom lens weighs 440g and is compact, measuring 78.3mm wide and 88.9mm at its shortest and 131.5mm at its longest focal length.
You can feel confident learning portraiture with the weather-resistant Fuji 16-80mm f4 lens in a variety of conditions. Test your photography skills by capturing portraits at 35mm, 50mm, and 80mm focal lengths.
- Consisting of 16 elements in 12 groups, the FUJINON XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR Lens also features one aspherical element that is specially designed to minimize field curvature and spherical aberration.
- A small, compact, and versatile lens for any shooting situation - Covering an effective focal range from 24mm to 120mm, the FUJINON XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR weighs just 15. 5 oz. (440 g) and is only 3. 5in (88. 9mm) long. This makes it approximately 40% lighter than similar, traditional 35mm system lenses, which means it won’t weigh you down when you’re spending an entire day looking to capture that perfect moment.
- Push the limits with 6. 0 stops of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) - As if extending the possibilities of hand-held capture with 6. 0 stops of CIPA-Rated Optical Image Stabilization wasn’t enough, the FUJINON XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR lens can also absorb vibrations from the camera shutter. The OIS can also detect when the camera is being used with a tripod and adjust its performance to provide optimum image quality.
- Quick, responsive, and near-silent autofocus - Having fast and quiet autofocus is critical when you’re roaming the streets looking for that perfect image. That’s why we made sure this lens uses the right motors to accurately drive focusing elements.
- Weather resistant to keep the images coming - Working in dusty or damp conditions is a breeze with this lens since it is weather sealed in ten places along the barrel. This also makes it capable of operating in temperatures down to 14°F (-10°C), which means you can go chase down that image and have some peace of mind while you’re doing it.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Optical image stabilisation
Cons
- Soft edges on longer focal lengths
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Fuji 16-55mm F2.8 R WR
The Fuji 16-55mm F2.8 is a professional zoom lens with a wide-angle to medium telephoto length. It is the equivalent of 24-84mm on a 35mm or full-frame sensor. The entire focal length is capable of capturing ultra-sharp images.
The nine diaphragm blades controlling the aperture help to produce a soft bokeh across the focal lengths.
It is heavier than the prime lenses and weights 655g. The focal range begins at 30cm when using 16mm and starts moving towards 60cm for the longer focal lengths.
Try seating your subject in a well-lit space or outdoors before testing your 16-55mm’s smooth bokeh ability by capturing portraits at F2.8 and 55mm.
- Optically designed to draw out the maximum image quality of a flagship standard zoom lens Angle of view 83 2°- 29°
- Focal length(35mm format equivalent) f=16-55mm (24-84mm) Focus range Normal - 0 6m - ∞(whole zoom position) Macro - 30cm - 10m (Wide) 40cm - 10m (Telephoto)
- High-speed, quiet auto focus thanks to the Linear Motor Weight, excluding caps and hoods 1 44 pounds (655g)
- Weather resistant design with 14 sealing points dust-resistant and -10 Degree low-temperature operation
- Nano-Gi coating technology 9 rounded blade aperture diaphragm help create smooth and circular bokeh Max Magnification 0 16x (telephoto)
Pros
- Nano-GI coating reduces light flares
- Edge to edge image sharpness
- Weather and dust resistant
- Capable of working down to -10℃
Cons
- Aperture ring needs deeper detents on stops
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Fuji 50-140mm F2.8
The Fuji 50-140mm F2.8 is a sharp, professional zoom lens with image stabilisation. It is the equivalent of a 76mm to 213mm lens on a 35mm or full-frame sensor.
Featuring a triple linear motor, it is capable of finding focus quickly and quietly. Manual focus is activated with a switch and works by wire. This means the focus ring is interpreted by the camera’s computer before the lens moves.
The 50-140mm has a maximum aperture of F2.8 and a minimum aperture of F22. The seven diaphragm blades help to produce a smooth bokeh loved by portrait photographers. Its focal range starts from 100cm, requiring you to stand a fair distance from your subject. The lens is 175.9mm long and 82.9mm at its widest point.
While the 50mm produces classic full-body portraits, the longer focal lengths can be used creatively. Using the 140mm length, ask your subject to stand off-centre from a vanishing point to increase the feeling of foreshortening.
- Equivalent to 76mm to 214mm;Internal focus
- Focal Length : 50-140 mm
- Focus range : Normal : 1m - ∞ (whole zoom position), Macro : 1m - 3m (whole zoom position)
- Max. magnification : 0.12x (Telephoto), Maximum aperture of F2.8
- Dust / water and low temperature resistance
Pros
- Image stabilisation
- Weather and dust resistant
- Offers normal, medium and telephoto lengths
Cons
- Weighs 987g
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Buy Confidently After Reading this Fuji Lenses Review
Whether you are an avid Fuji fan, or a professional photographer considering changing brands, you can now confidently buy the right lens for your needs.
Pairing your powerful Fuji X series camera with the 56mm F1.4 will result in sharp, detailed portraits that you can be proud of. Choosing any of the above lenses will provide you with hours of fun and experimentation.
Do you own one of the above prime or zoom lenses? Let us know what your experience has been shooting portraits with the trusted Fuji brand.
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