As Soft As It Gets

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DSCF8309FUJIFILM X-T1 (50mm, f/1, 1/125 sec, ISO250)

When I purchased the Fuji XF1.2/56mm I also had the chance to shoot the fastest lens available for the Fuji X system. The Handvision Ibelux 0.85/40mm. f0.85! Wow, that’s fast but there is no need to get excited.

Even though the lens is just a “normal” lens with a focal length of 40mm it is 1.1kg heavy and as long as a tele-zoom. Of course it is manual focus only and the lens can not communicate with your Fuji X camera. That’s why the EXIF data says f1 even though the first and the second shot were taken at f0.85.

It’s very hard to focus as depth of field is razor thin. I think I managed to focus correctly but it the images look soft and there is hardly any contrast.

DSCF8311FUJIFILM X-T1 (50mm, f/1, 1/125 sec, ISO250)
 DSCF8312FUJIFILM X-T1 (50mm, f/1, 1/125 sec, ISO320)

Stopped down to f1.4 or better to f2 the lens improves. But at f1.4 there are better options available i.e. the Fuji XF1.4/35mm. AF and EXIF data will work, its almost 1kg lighter and about 1.000.- EUROs cheaper. Yes, the Handevision Ibelux is not exactly cheap. I have no idea what the makers of this thing had in mind. A stupid lens with a stupid name.

Here the owner of the shop tries to get a sharp image. With very little success. In case you are still interested the lens is available for Fuji X, Sony NEX, m43 and even Canon M.

DSCF8302FUJIFILM X-T1 (56mm, f/2.5, 1/125 sec, ISO2000)
 DSCF8305FUJIFILM X-T1 (56mm, f/1.2, 1/125 sec, ISO400)