Fujifilm XF23mmF2 R WR - Black

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 that's 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 isn't 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 I'm 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.

The Fujinon 23mm f/2 R WR is a perfect prime for just about anything, and it is razor sharp. This lens is a perfect every day carry lens when you want to go light and shoot fast. It will cover everything from landscapes, street, to portraits - and do it fast, and beautifully.The auto focus is fast, not $5000 pro lens super fast, but fast. The build quality can be felt, it looks beautiful, it's metal, and sharp sharp sharp....just not at f/2 for closeups. Having an aperture ring is a huge deal, being weather resistant is a huge deal, it has everything I want, the insane image quality is a bonus.My only complaint is the included lens hood that makes the entire package sort of, phallic looking, it had to go. I replaced it with a Haoge square hood and it's now a piece of art.I have been shooting with this lens for about two weeks, it's the only lens I bought for my new X-T3, and I am in no hurry to buy another, I love this 23mm f/2 (35mm equivalent). It's an awesome lens, and a wonderful focal length for almost anything.This lens will not disappoint.

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 shooter's 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 photographer's 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. It's 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 Fuji's 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 you're pixel peeping and usually can be remedied by adding a little contrast in post. Bokeh is there with close focus but isn't extreme. The bokeh balls are smaller, as expected with a short focal length and shouldn't be a deal breaker. If you're 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 it's 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. It's 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 don't include these things and will make you buy them separately so to have it included is a nice little plus. Thanks Fuji