Fujinon XF23mmF2 R WR - Black

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I returned this lens because I decided it wasnt right for me nor did I need it (see more at the end). However, I believe in reviewing items based on their merit. As a standalone fixed 23mm (35mm equiv), its a high quality lens. Focusing is the fastest Ive seen on any fuji lens, and it feels much faster than the 35mm f2 even. The build is the same high quality as the 35mm f2. Its nice and light. It is sure to be a street photographers dream. However, it might not be the lens for you. Do you already own the 18-55mm kit lens? If so, I dont think youll find this lens gives you something you dont already have. Yes, f2 is great, but I did some comparable shots on both this and the 23mm, and at distances that would even produce bokeh on either, the look as nearly identical. I dont find the kit lens to be that big either, even on my X-E2S, so I didnt feel like this was significantly smaller. I also dont like the look of it with the lens hood while I love the hood on the 35mm f2. I also just realized I would rather shoot at 50mm and be content with just that lens and the 18-55 for the other focal lengths. That seems like a wonderful combo and my wallet thanks me for showing some restraint for once!

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I returned this item. Of course it is a good lens, so I cannot honestly rank it lower than a 4 stars... However, I ended up going with the 27mm pancake lens. I think this 23mm was still too large of a lens. It is weather proof, but so is my 18-55mm kit lens. From a side-by-side comparison, the 27mm is 2/3 the size of the 18-55mm kit lens as well. So overall, in comparison to the kit lens, the value of this lens is negligible-- its a prime, so its much more limited, and its only 1/3 smaller. The 27mm is a mighty awesome pancake lens. The benefits being 1/3 of the size (or smaller) than the 18-55mm lens, much lighter weight. It is not weather proof... but I dont mind. if I need weather proofing, Ill just use the kit lens. Final verdict: dont get this alongside the kit lens.

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I received this lens two days ago and am impressed. The build is equal to the XF35mm f/2 R WR and the image quality is every bit as good as the 16mm f/1.4 R WR (which is crazy sharp). The lens feels solid, but not that heavy, which is what I was looking for. I may change the way I use my Fujifilm cameras (X-Pro2 and X-E2S), but for now Im interested in smaller and lighter for street photography, family photos, landscapes and portability (I carry one or both the Fuji cameras almost everywhere I go now). For big zooms Im still going to go with my DSLRs. So this lens is the perfect trade off for size, weight and image quality. I havent put it through its paces on AF speed, but am pleased with how fast and quietly the lens focuses. Again, Im not interested in using the Fuji mirrorless gear for action photography, but Ill probably experiment with it just to see how well it does. My initial impression focusing on one of our cats moving quickly in changing light conditions is that it will do all that I could want from it, but that it isnt going to equal a Canon 7D Mark ii with the 24-70 f/2.8Lii. I traded some older gear with Adorama Camera back at the start of September with the express intention of ordering this lens. I was surprised to receive it so quickly and was happy that the copy I received appears to focus flawlessly. The size is exactly what I was looking for and I anticipate capturing images that Id otherwise miss (or use my cell phone camera for) because this lens and one or the other of my Fuji cameras are going to constant companions in the future. Im including a photo with the lens (and optional lens hood that fits both the 23mm and 35mm) attached to the X-Pro2 to give an idea of scale as well as a couple of photos that may give an idea of how sharp the focus is (given the limitations of the size for review images). The old cotton gin in particular with its corrugated metal exterior was a great test for how well the lens focused. Ill post the full sized image on Flickr under Tom Wicker. As I have the opportunity, Ill look to see how well the lens performs wide open insofar as CA is concerned, but you can tell from the trees in the background of the cotton gin that it performs very well at stopped down at f/5.6. Bottom line: this is a great lens for a reasonable price, that matches the focal length that I want to shoot with - right in between the 16mm and 35mm - and the size and weight are great for using the lens in a casual carry with you anywhere rig. The fact that its weather resistant is another big plus.

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I absolutely *love* this lens. Put it this way, I bought my X-T2 along with both the 23 & 35 F2 lenses. In the six-ish months Ive had this setup, I havent taken my 23 off the camera yet. Its pretty much a 35mm effective focal length, which is just right. Why do you think so many film cameras came with 35mm lenses! Its sharp, its fast, its well built, its light ... absolutely a game-change for me ... and I came from the APS-C DSLR world! Just to give you an idea, Im including a couple of shots I took while wandering around Los Angeles with this lens.

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Bought this last minute and wanted to bring a weather resistant lens out in the snow. Ive attached some photos. Keep in mind I post process and even if I didnt edit them, the details from this lens are amazing. I own the 56 f1.2 and the 35 f1.4 and the AF on this is fast and silent. Im not going to write a detailed review about this lens, but I hope the 3 samples Ive included speak for itself.

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I have a love/hate relationship with this lens. I love the auto focus speed. This is probably the fastest auto focusing lens Ive ever used. It can track my 6 year old doing flips and handstand with no issues. The issue I have with this lens is sharpness. Anything within about 2 feet or less is not that sharp. Ive tried different settings on my xt2 and I still dont get the sharpness I expect from a Fuji lens. I also have read that the lens is wider then the 23 f1.4. At first I was really disappointed with it but after shooting with it for awhile and learning how to use its starting to grow on me.

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Acquiring the 23mm f2.0 lens completes my trio of fast, weather proof primes (50 / 35 / 23). I was very pleased with the fit and finish of the 50 and 35, and the 23mm is of course just as well made. Fast focusing, and maybe just a fraction faster than its siblings, the quiet operation makes it a great video lens. Though be aware that in variable light it is noticeable in the footage when the aperture steps up and down. I must admit that I seldom shoot video at all, so if thats your intended use please look for a more videocentric review. Image quality: I find that I get very similar image capture across all three lenses with little distortion evident in uncorrected RAW files. The built-in lens profiles in platforms like ON1 or Lightroom easily eliminate any barrel or pincushion. Colors are as expected from a Fuji lens and sharpness is exceptional. Several reviews of the 23mm question the need for it when the shooter already has the 18-55mm lens, and for many photographers that may be a valid argument. But the 23mm f2.0 is 1 1/3 stops faster than the f3.2 max aperture of the 18-55 set to 23mm (the 35mm is 1 2/3 stops faster, the 50mm is a full 2 stops faster). Plus the 23mm is smaller, lighter, and weather resistant where the 18-55 is not. Having three primes that range between the wide side of normal to short tele isnt for every photographer or every situation. For myself, I mount the lens I think is going to be appropriate for the situation: 23mm for parties, small groups, or close up entertainment / performance. The 35mm is great as an everyday shooter and when Im anticipating environmental shots / street shots. Really good at rendering faces from moderate distances to moderate close up. The 50mm for more formal headshots / party pics, and a really nice length when you want to portray close and intimate people shots without distracting them or invading their space. I use the 23mm f2.0 on an X-T2, X-E2, and X-Pro1 and get great results across the board. Focusing speed is different on each camera, but with the most current firmware I get snappy focus even on the X-Pro1. Conclusion: There are wider lenses, even wider lenses with faster apertures. But the 23mm f2.0 is a great choice if you are looking to fill out a compact, light, and weather resistant kit. The image quality is what we have come to expect from a Fuji lens. Not terribly wide, but wide enough without introducing distortion.

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This is a great lens. Dont listen to those who complain about it being soft near MFD, even though it has a close focus distance of 22cm its not a macro lens - it needs to be stopped down when used like this. For everyday photography its a great lens. PROS: Rendering is contrasty and excellent, and its really sharp corner to corner at almost all apertures. Flaring and ghosting are very well controlled. The included hood is very handy. Auto-focus is fast, accurate, and quiet. It has a very short MFD of 22cm (for reference, the 23mm 1.4 is 60cm). Its small, well built, and lightweight. No distortion! Coma is low and needs to be at ~2.8 for a great performance. I havent noticed any significant issues with CA. CONS: Bokeh isnt very smooth in some situations - it shows some outlining and onion rings, with the corners being the most problematic due to mechanical vignetting (cats eye effect). Vignetting, while corrected in camera for JPEGs, is pretty high. Sharpness at MFD to about 50cm is lower at large apertures, the lens needs to be stopped down to at least 4.0 and maybe 5.6 for good sharpness depending on distance to your subject. There isnt much to dislike about this lens, there is in fact a lot to love about it. If you keep in mind the sharpness issues at MFD you can easily avoid them and get great pictures all the time. Most non-macro lenses have sharpness/contrast issues at MFD but because this lens allows you to focus so close it can exaggerate the issue. If youre after lovely smooth bokeh you may want to consider the 23mm 1.4.

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OVERALL: 4.5/5 stars. This lens, like the rest of the Fujinon weather sealed f/2 lenses, is a great addition to any Fuji shooters camera bag. Like the 35/2, you can fit this nimble little lens in a jacket chest pocket, making it a nice travel or street photographers lens. Landscape photographers will also be attracted to its weather sealing for those inclement weather hikes. CONSTRUCTION: 5/5 stars. Like all Fujinon lenses, this one is made of a solid feeling metal exterior that any photographer can appreciate. Its certainly a premium feeling lens in a world where everything is made of plastic. The focus ring has a tactical feeling finger grip that is slightly thicker than the one of the 35/2 and is smooth as butter. The aperture ring has a pleasant amount of tension. Not too much but enough not to move it. IMAGE QUALITY: 4/5 stars. On Fujis APS-C size sensors, the 23mm focal length mimics a 28mm full frame equivalent. Image quality is excellent in the middle aperture range and decent wide open. However, like the 35/2, focus up close and wide open results in a softer image, which is typical of any lens wide open, really. This is not terribly noticeable unless youre pixel peeping and usually can be remedied by adding a little contrast in post. Bokeh is there with close focus but isnt extreme. The bokeh balls are smaller, as expected with a short focal length and shouldnt be a deal breaker. If youre a bokeh head, I suggest longer focal lengths. BEST USES: In my opinion, its features lends itself best to street photography but is also a fantastic choice for landscape and travel photographers. Street and travel photographers will rejoice in its small, inconspicuous size and its lightning fast and wicked silent autofocus. Landscape photographers will also benefit from that, as well as its light weight and small size that takes up little room in a camera bag, and its weather sealing for inclement days. BOTTOM LINE: Yes, I highly recommend this lens to any Fuji shooter than shoots street, landscapes, or travels. Its just about everything you want in a camera lens for an entry lens price. Fujifilm also includes the lens hood and a soft pouch for this lens, which I appreciate. Most manufacturers dont include these things and will make you buy them separately so to have it included is a nice little plus. Thanks Fuji

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The Fujinon 23mm f/2 is fantastic. Truly. Its small, lightweight, and weather resistant. The build quality feels top notch. Its one of those lenses which feels substantial without feeling heavy. The images it can produce are very pleasing, and the focal length (approx. 35mm in full-frame terms) is perfect for every day life, documentary style work, environmental portraits, street, landscape, and as a walk around lens. I find it to be sharp, but also smooth. Its great for travel due to its size and effective focal length, and also the WR (weather resistant) durability. If you like the 35mm full-frame field of view, and you appreciate top-notch optics, definitely consider this lens. It doesnt let in as much light or produce as much bokeh as its 23mm f/1.4 counterpart, but it makes up for it with faster autofocus, smaller size and weight, and rugged build quality.

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