Fujifilm XF23 mm F2 R Weather Resistant Lens, Black

Product Information

Available in black or silver, the Fujinon XF23mm f2 R WR is designed for Fujifilm’s X-series mirrorless cameras which are based on APS-C format image sensors, enabling a downsized build. With the typical boost in performance from firmware correction, there’s just the merest touch of pincushion which is generally impossible to spot in images. But if you’re after a good general-purpose lens that’s perfect for street photography, the XF 23mm f2 will serve you well.

These small, lightweight primes will stand the test of time thanks to their metal housings and their weather sealing.The 50mm focal length almost completely eliminates facial distortion, and because of this, you can get closer to your subject, and you can create some of the delicious bokeh we all crave from time to time. When the 35mm F2was released, with its weather resistance and such small form factor I knew then that what I really wanted was a 23mm in the same format. I also find the 23mm/f2 lens to be a great all-around lens, even if it isn’t great for close-ups, let alone for macro applications. The XF 23mm f2 exhibits some softness at very close range and or at the largest apertures, so is best-suited to subjects over a meter away, ideally shot around its optimal aperture of f5.

I then roughly matched the subject size with the newer XF 23mm f2 and again shot with both lenses at their maximum apertures. Those that know my wedding photography and social documentary photography will know that almost always use a full frame equivalent combination of 35mm and 85mm. If you use the supplied the lens hood, it’s kept to a minimum, but in some situations it’s unavoidable - whether this is a problem is likely to be down to the individual, some like the effects lens flare creates. In case you’re wondering how both of the 23mm lenses compare to the XF 10-24mm zoom, here’s how they look side-by-side.With a subject at closer range, the difference in depth-of-field and rendering effects becomes more apparent. It can also shoot in temperatures of up to -10°C, making it the perfect accessory on any winter trip. That’s right, the Fujifilm 35mm f2 is pretty much a nifty fifty when used on Fujifilm X series cameras. For the slightly slower f/2 aperture, you gain faster and more accurate AF, WR, compact weight and size, and significantly cheaper.