Fujifilm XF23 mm F2 R Weather Resistant Lens, Black

I've owned most of the Fuji lenses at some point over the last 2 years. As an amateur I felt i had invested too much money in gear, so I recently sold off my XT1, 16mm 1.4, 18mm, 23mm 1.4, 35mm 1.4, 56mm 1.2, 60mm and x100T in favour of a cheaper more simple set up. So I now own just the XT10, 23f2 & 35f2 - simple, small and extremely good IQ. The reason for this info, is so you know I have tried most of the lenses - So i think i have a fairly good gauge for comparison. The 23 feels very much like the 35 f2, excellent build quality (better than the 23 1.4) - its slightly longer than the 35 f2 but there really isn't much in it. Its significantly small and lighter than the 23 f1.4. It focuses extremely quickly - almost too quick as my eyes can't seem to keep up! I was never a huge fan of the 23 f1.4 - I found the focus distance frustrating and the IQ fairly dull. These have all been improved on the F2 - you can focus really close (not as close as the 16 but allot closer than the previous 23) which makes for some interesting compositions. In terms of sharpness, this is tack sharp. Actually i find it hits the focus far more often that the 35mm which is still very good. The Bokeh is great for the focal length but obviously not as defined as the 23mm f1.4. Overall it's excellent value for money without compromising on quality. The only reason to get the older lens would be the low light capability, however, I have found the F2 perfectly capable in most instances. Apologies, I haven't articulated myself very well - but I was surprised there were few other reviews available for what is a superb lens from Fuji... I don't have allot of pictures uploaded yet - but feel free to check out my Instagram for example shots: frankm301

The fuji 23mm (35mm full frame eqiv) is a perfect lens for travel and street photography. The lens is now glued to my XT5. F2 may not be the fastest but it gets the job done , even in lower light. There is enough sepeartion at F2 and the bokeh while not mind blowing is good enough. Reviews state there is purple fringing but honestly I haven't noticed. This is a really great lens and must have IMHO , it's the perfect first prime. The only thing I didnt really like was the included lens hood, I ended up getting 3rd square hood which is much better.

This lens is simlpy brilliant. So small and compact, fast autofocus, easy to use, with nice weighted aperture ring. Not tried the f1.4 but don't want to, f2 on a XT1 with such good noise control means that if you have to up the ISO you can't tell. Have been using for true street photos on holiday, quick snaps, and more artistic aperture, depth field shots. All amazing. Great for landscapes too, not too wide so buildings curve and trees bend, but wide enough to get most things in, at real world distances. Can easily crop for the detail, that will be there, later. Small size and the XT1 on a wrist strap, means you can hide the camera in your hand, so won't draw attention to yourself. Fuji have thought this lens through, for use in the real world, and got in spot on.

Surprised at the lack of reviews here! I currently own the 18-55, 35 f2 and 56 f1.2. That's too many lenses for me. As much as I love the 35 I don't need it for portraits now I have the 56. That left me thinking of something I could use as a travel lens, something I could pair with the 56 and just have a 2 lens system. Enter the 23 f2. I thought long and hard about this or the 1.4 and as much as I'm sure the bokeh on the 1.4 is great, I had to ask myself what I was buying this for. I've got 2 young kids and do a lot of shooting indoors where, as much as the extra stop of the 1.4 would help, its focus speed would certainly be a hindrance. As I said, I've got the 56 so portraits are covered, what I needed was an everyday lens that I could use for my holidays and around the house snaps of the kids. This lens fits the bill completely. I've read that its perhaps a little soft close up at f2 and perhaps it is, that being said, you would only ever see that at 100% crop in lightroom. Even then, soft is not the right word, its perhaps not as crisp. As I said though, unless you're looking for it you'd never know. Also, a touch of vigentting at f2 but I actually like it for my black and whites and it goes by 2.8. Focus is instant, I've got it paired with an xpro2 which helps. Its a challenge for me thinking in 35mm terms as I've been a 50mm guy all this time but I'm enjoying the context this lens brings to my pictures. I took several photos with the 35mm and the 23mm and the difference in field of view surprised me. It took a while getting used to but I wouldnt swap this lens for the world. The build quality is great and the optics are superb (its a fuji, expect no different). If you only have to have one lens, make it this one.

It says wide angle but we all know this is a 35mm lens in reality right? It is confusing but this was the generic size of camera lens for years so I wouldn't call it wide angle. Anyway that's not a complaint I knew what it was when I bought. Took it to Granada in Spain with a bunch of friends and clicked off 450 pics. Now here's the thing, people who might know what they're talking about, say 35mm is a great all rounder but you might not get many keepers. I can say that is pretty much spot on. It covered the holiday very well but none of the arty stuff I tried came off at all. You end up with too much in the frame, not enough for those panoramic shots but too much to be intimate and in touch with the subject. Obviously well made as it is Fuji and compact to carry but I much prefer the 50mm F2 (75mm in reality) as although it is more challenging you get more keepers. I don't think this lens will get much use but its good for holiday snaps.

I originally got the XF35mm lens, as it was highly rated and seemed to be good as a general purpose prime lens. But I found it a little restrictive for the travel and street photography I do, so I swapped it for this. And it is a lovely lens. Compared to the 16-50mm kit lens on my X-T10, this feels built like a tank, and has excellent ergonomics and feel to it. I can capture really nice night time scenes with no flash with this lens with clarity. The colours and depth are really pleasing. Sunsets in Phuket, Thailand, with its oranges, mauve, and peach skyline, are captured in a way a cheaper lens doesn't quite manage. Night time pictures captures a depth you couldn't on an iPhone or Samsung. It looks a lot better then looking at it with your own eyes! The wide angle of this lens makes it really versatile. I feel like I can capture what's in my head most of the time. If i need to zoom I'll just use my legs, or crop in post. It isn't so wide that it distorts everything in near view, although you have to be careful taking portraits otherwise you'll look bloated and ugly. Not the fault of the lens, its just how wide lenses work. I usually just step away from the subject and crop in post though. I'm a better photographer then a writer, so look at my pics and judge. I've not Photoshopped or filtered them in anyway.

This lens is a little powerhouse, well worth the money. Awesome sharpness, light and compact, fast and silent autofocus, great for video as well as stills. Think long and hard about paying the extra for the f1.4 because this f2 is an extremely capable lens... even in low light. A staple piece of glass for any Fuji user in my opinion!

Is a fantastic little lens is very useful for everyday photography especially for people who like a bit wider field of view for street photography as an example. Light eight compact weather sealed excellent optics. For a lot of people is quite a challenge to decide on the first lens between this and the 35mm f2. It's all about the field of view difference this for me is more useful u can fit more thing into the frame.