Fujinon 23mm lens | FUJI X WEEKLY

My 5 Most Used Fujinon Lenses (Lately)

I frequently get asked which lenses one should buy for their Fujifilm X-series camera. Lens choice is very personal. One might love a certain focal length while another might dislike it. I like primes, but you might prefer zooms. Some photographers prioritize character while others want maximum sharpness. Without knowing exactly what your preferences are, I cannot give good recommendations. What I can do is tell you what I like, and maybe—just maybe—that information will be helpful to you.

The list below are the five lenses that I have used the most lately. It’s not a comprehensive list by any means, as I have a whole bunch of other options, which get used sometimes. A few of the lenses that didn’t get mentioned—the 35mm f/2 and 90mm f/2 come immediately to mind—are frequently attached to my cameras, but just not often enough to make the Top 5. Ask me again next year and this list might look different.

Without any further delay, let’s dive right into my most-used lenses lately list!

Fujinon XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR

Fujifilm’s latest prime lens offering is the Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 pancake. Paired with the Fujifilm X-E5, it’s the closest you’re likely to get to an interchangeable-lens X100VI. This lens is an excellent performer, and has some good close-focus capabilities (not macro, but cropping will get you near-macro). An advantage that APS-C has over full-frame is size and weight, so you’d think that Fujifilm would offer a series of pancake lenses to pair with their smaller cameras; however, for many years your options have been the hard-to-find 27mm f/2.8 and the 18mm f/2, which is barely a pancake and, as one of the older lenses in the lineup, in need of a refresh. So I think it was smart for Fujifilm to release a third option, and I hope that another pancake lens or two are in the works.

While I really like the Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 pancake, I don’t love it quite as much as the 27mm f/2.8 pancake. Clinically speaking, it’s probably the better of the two, but it lacks a little of the soul that makes the 27mm special. I tend to only use it when the 27mm focal length is a bit too tight, or I want to focus a little closer. It’s completely worth owning, but you’re likely to choose either the 23mm or 27mm, and not both, since their focal lengths are fairly similar.

*Roaring Fork* – Great Smoky Mountains NP, TN – Fujifilm X-E5 & 23mm f/2.8 – Vivid Velvia

*Route 66 in Rural Arizona* – Seligman, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5 & 23mm f/2.8 – Agfa Scala

Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR

When I preordered the Fujifilm X-E4, I did so as a kit with the (new version) Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens. I was hesitant to do so because the maximum aperture of “only” f/2.8 wasn’t impressive, and I was unsure if it was going to be sharp enough. At the time, the Fujinon 35mm f/2 was my favorite lens, and it has a similar focal-length, a larger maximum aperture, and, while not a pancake, it’s pretty small overall. After getting the 27mm f/2.8, I fell in love with the character and compact size, and it immediately became my favorite lens.

This is my most used lens over the last several years. Even after getting the 23mm f/2.8 pancake, I still use the 27mm more than any other; however, I do use it a little less than I used to. If I could only own one Fujifilm lens, it would probably be this one.

*White Bridge across Pond* – Charleston, SC – Fujifilm X-E4 & 27mm f/2.8 – Pacific Blues

*Rainbow over Hoboken* – Hoboken, NJ – Fujifilm X-T50 & 27mm f/2.8 – Pushed Analog

Fujinon XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR

The Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 lens is a recent addition to my collection. It’s actually not mine, it belongs to my wife, Amanda, who uses it for portrait photography. This, the 56mm f/1.2, and the 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 are her three favorite lenses. When Amanda isn’t using the 33mm f/1.4, I enjoy borrowing it. It has excellent image quality, I appreciate the “nifty fifty” focal length, and the large aperture is especially useful in low-light situations.

The focal length difference between this and the 27mm f/2.8 isn’t dramatic. If I’m not anticipating low-light situations, more often than not I’ll go with the pancake lens; however, if I expect to be shooting indoors or at night, this is the better option. It is a little on the larger/heavier side (but not terribly so), and I typically use it only when it makes the most sense to do so.

*Love’s Trucks* – Winslow, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5 & 33mm f/1.4 – Retro Slide

*Birthday Cowgirl* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X-E5 & 33mm f/1.4 – Reggie’s Superia

Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR

The Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 (new version) is extra special. It’s mostly regarded as a portrait lens, but it is good for so much more than that. The extra large maximum aperture makes the lens super useful for low light situations, and the shallow depth-of-field and extra sharp glass gives a medium-format feel to the photographs. The 84mm full-frame equivalent focal-length is slightly awkward for some subjects and situations, and it can take some time to get used to, but well worth the effort to get comfortable with.

My largest gripe with this lens is that it’s not mine. It, too, belongs to my wife, Amanda, but thankfully she lets me borrow it whenever she’s not using it. I don’t have access to it all of the time, but I like to use it whenever the opportunity arises. Because it’s significantly larger and heavier than the previously mentioned lenses, I prefer to use it on my X-T5, but I’ve used it plenty of times on a X-E4 and X-E5, too; however, it definitely balances better on the bigger bodies.

*Frontier Motel & Cafe* – Truxton, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 & 56mm f/1.2 – Kodak Vericolor III 160

*Corn Crib* – Great Smokey Mountain NP, TN – Fujifilm X-T5 & 56mm f/1.2 – Classic Amber

Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR

In general, I’m not a fan of zooms. I much prefer primes. Historically, I’ll carry a bag full of primes well before I’ll use a zoom. While the Fujinon 16-80mm f/4 is slightly on the large/heavy side for me, and the maximum aperture isn’t all that impressive, I found that I like this lens a lot more than I thought I would. It offers a large range of focal length versatility. The OIS combined with IBIS allows for slow shutter speeds, hindering it less in low-light than I expected. The image quality is quite good for a zoom, probably on par with some older Fujinon primes like the 60mm f/2.4. Essentially, I can leave my 18mm f/1.4 and 90mm f/2 at home and take this instead—not replacing them precisely, but close enough that it’s worthwhile switching out two-for-one when traveling (but still using the 18mm f/1.4 and 90mm f/2 when staying local).

If I could only pick three lenses, I could see choosing this for the focal-length versatility, one of the pancakes (probably the 27mm) for the compactness, and either the 33mm f/1.4 or 56mm f/1.2 (likely the latter) for lowlight situations. That would cover 99% of my photography needs, and—when traveling—that’s a massive win. So if you are not sure which lenses to buy, I hope this article provides a little clarity, and is helpful to you in some way.

*Rock Peaks* – Mesa, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 & 16-80mm – Kodak Tri-X 400

*Bridge Encounter* – Austin, TX – Fujifilm X-E5 & 16-80mm – Classic Retro

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 in black:
Amazon, B&H
Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 in silver:
Amazon, B&H
Fujinon 27mm f/2.8:
Amazon, B&H
Fujinon 33mm f/1.4:
Amazon, B&H
Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 R WR:
Amazon, B&H
Fujinon 16-80mm f/4:
Amazon, B&H

Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm F/2 = Interchangeable-Lens Fujifilm X100VI??

Posted on June 4, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Fujifilm X100VI (left) & Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 (right)*

I’ve seen a number of reviewers state that the new Fujifilm X-T50 is essentially an X100VI, but with interchangeable lenses—especially when combined with the Fujinon XF 23mm F/2 R WR. But is that really true? Is this camera and lens actually a good alternative to the Fujifilm X100VI? Let’s talk about it, and find out.

MPB is the sponsor of this article. They loaned me a Fujinon XF 23mm F/2 R WR to try out for a few weeks; however, they had no idea that I’d be using it with a Fujifilm X-T50. For those who don’t know, MPB is an online platform where you can buy, sell, or trade used photo and video gear. “At MPB, there’s something for everyone who wants to try something new, hone their skills, or pursue their passion—and it won’t cost the earth.” If you’re in the market for used camera gear, be sure to check out their platform—you can learn more about MPB here. Thank you, MPB, for making this article possible!

The premise is simple: the Fujifilm X-T50 and Fujifilm X100VI share a heck-of-a-lot of technical specs, they’re similarly sized, and, when you use the Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens on the X-T50, they have seemingly identical glass. The comparison is natural. But, if we dig deeper, it’s easy to spot some differences, too. In other words, there’s enough in common to consider them quite similar, but enough divergent that they shouldn’t be thought of as alike.

First, the similarities. Both Fujifilm cameras share the same 40mp X-Trans V sensor and processor. They both have IBIS. They use the same (old) NP-W126S batteries. They have the same film simulations. Video specs are identical. The tilting rear LCD is similar. On paper, the lenses are seemingly identical when the Fujinon 23mm f/2 is paired with the X-T50. At first glance you might think that the X-T50 is indeed an interchangeable-lens X100VI.

But there are some significant differences. Most obviously, the X100VI is rangefinder-styled, while the X-T50 is SLR-styled. The X100VI has a hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder, while the X-T50 has an EVF (not optical), and with a little less resolution. The X100VI has a (nearly) silent leaf shutter and built-in ND filter. The X100VI is weather-sealed (as long as you attach a filter to the lens), while the X-T50 isn’t (note: the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens is, in fact, weather-resistant). The X100VI has an ISO ring around the shutter knob; the X-T50 has a Film Dial. The X-T50 with the Fujinon 23mm f/2 is slightly larger than the X100VI. The X100VI is roughly $165 cheaper than the X-T50 with the Fujinon 23mm f/2 when you buy the lens used.

While the lens permanently attached to the X100VI is seemingly identical to the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR, they are actually not the same. Quite similar? Yes. Identical? No. They each have their own character. Things like lens flare, sunstars, micro-contrast, and bokeh are slightly divergent. I cannot say which is better, especially since that is subjective; personally, I like both lenses. If I didn’t own an X100VI, the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR is one that I would definitely have. Even though the characteristic of the two lenses are different, I feel like owning both is perhaps a bit redundant, unless you just really love the 35mm full-frame-equivalent focal length.

*Dumbo Crowd* – NYC, NY – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – Reala Ace Recipe

The Fujifilm X-T50 with the 23mm lens offers a similar yet divergent experience than the X100VI, but are they “close enough” for most people? Probably, especially if you cannot find an X100VI because the demand is so high currently. Overall, the X100VI is a more premium camera, and there’s a reason why it’s historically desirable. For the Fujifilm faithful, the X-T50 combined with the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens is not likely a sufficient-enough substitute for the X100VI; however, for the casual buyer, it probably is, and it might even make more sense, since you can interchange the lenses.

For those on a budget, you may want to consider the Fujifilm X-T30 II, which is similar to the X-T50 (however, without IBIS, fewer megapixels, and two less film simulations), but is less expensive. The Fujifilm X-T30 II combined with a used Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens will run you roughly $350 less than an X100VI, making it an excellent bargain. Yes, the X-T50 is the “better” camera, but the X-T30 II is nearly as good for significantly less money. The X-T30 II combined with the 23mm lens is more similar to the X100V than the X100VI, but most of the comparisons still apply.

*Manhattan from Pulaski Bridge* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – PRO Negative 160C Recipe

I had a lot of fun photographing with the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens attached to a Fujifilm X-T50. It’s fantastic, a very useful focal length, and a compact size. Because I own a Fujifilm X100VI, I don’t anticipate buying the lens; however, if I didn’t have an X100-series camera, the 23mm f/2 would be essential to have in my kit. Thank you, MPB, for letting me use one for awhile!

Example pictures, captured with a Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens on a recent trip to New York City:

*Urban Dog* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – Reala Ace Recipe

*Crochet Wall* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – Reala Ace Recipe

*Ice Cream* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – Nostalgic Film Recipe

*Forklift* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – Kodachrome 64 Recipe

*Urban Reflection* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – Kodak Tri-X 400 Recipe

*Food* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – Reala Ace Recipe

*Headlights & Hotel Cab* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – PRO Negative 160C Recipe

*Skyline from Newton Creek* – Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 – PRO Negative 160C Recipe

Example pictures, captured with a Fujifilm X100VI on a recent trip to New York City:

*Holland Tunnel* – Fujifilm X100VI – Vintage Vibes Recipe

*Bowl & Burger* – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X100VI – Vintage Vibes Recipe

*Yellow Cab* – Fujifilm X100VI – Vintage Vibes Recipe

*Psychic Bike* – Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe

*Red* – Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe

Up next in this series: Leica Q2 from the perspective of a Fujifilm fanatic

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Lens Review: Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR

Posted on October 25, 2019 by Ritchie Roesch

Fujifilm blog Fujinon 23mm f/2 Lens

The Fujinon Super EBC XF 23mm f/2 R WR is a wide-angle prime lens for Fujifilm X cameras. Because of the APS-C crop factor, it has a full-frame equivalent focal length of about 35mm, which makes it an excellent all-purpose walk-around lens. How good is it? Should you buy it? I hope that this review will help to answer those questions.

The Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens has 10 elements in six groups, with nine rounded blades. The maximum aperture is f/2 and the minimum aperture is f/16, with intermediate stops at 1/3 increments. It’s mostly made of metal. The lens is about 2.3″ long and weighs about 0.4 pounds, which means it’s small and lightweight. It accepts 43mm filters and comes with a plastic hood. This lens is weather sealed, which is great if your camera is also weather sealed.

Auto-focus with this lens is super quick and nearly silent. It’s one of Fujifilm’s best auto-focus lenses, in my opinion. Manual focus is via an electronic system, and the focus ring is pretty good and smooth overall. The minimum focus distance is about nine inches.

The Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens is quite sharp (although not quite as sharp as the 35mm f/2). There’s some noticeable softness when wide open and focused close to the end of the lens, but otherwise it’s corner-to-corner crisp across the frame. Diffraction sets in at f/11 but doesn’t really become noticeable until f/16. Peak sharpness is around f/5.6. There’s a tiny amount of vignetting at f/2 that quickly goes away as you stop down, as well as some chromatic aberrations. There’s a moderate amount of pincushion distortion, which only matters if you shoot brick walls. Bokeh is creamy and quite nice. Lens flare is well controlled, and this lens can create good sunstars at small apertures. Image quality produced by the Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens is overall very good.

Fujifilm blog Fujinon 23mm f/2 Lens

The Fujifilm X100F has a built-in 23mm f/2 lens, and you might think that it’s the same lens as this one, but it’s not, although image quality is quite similar between the two. I think, if you were to study test charts, the Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens would seem slightly superior to the lens on the X100F, but in practical use there’s just something magical about the lens on the X100F that makes it preferable in my opinion. If you can’t afford an X100F, attaching a Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens to your camera will give you the next best thing, and it’s almost like having an X100F.

Fujifilm also makes a 23mm f/1.4 lens, which I’ve never had the pleasure to own, but I’ve talked to some people who have used both lenses to get their opinions. The advantage of the f/1.4 version is the larger maximum aperture and marginally better image quality, while the advantage of the f/2 version is size, weight, quickness and price. Unless you just need the larger aperture, I would recommend this lens instead of the f/1.4 version, although you can’t go wrong with either.

The Fujinon Super EBC XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens retails for $450, making it one of the lesser expensive prime lenses for Fujifilm X cameras. If you can find it on sale, it’s an even better bargain! If you are looking for a quality walk-around lens, or a cheap alternative to buying an X100F, I’d recommend the Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens, as it has a lot of pros and very few cons.

My affiliate links for the Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens are here: B&H Amazon. If you make a purchase using my links I will be compensated a small amount for it.

Example photos captured using the Fujinon Super EBC XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens attached to a Fujifilm X-Pro2:

Starry Nites – Park City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Fujinon 23mm f/2

National Drink – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro3 & Fujinon 23mm f/2

Bike Flag – Uintah, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Fujinon 23mm f/2

Empty Carts – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Fujinon 23mm f/2

Radius Lines – Park City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Fujinon 23mm f/2

Slow – Park City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Fujinon 23mm f/2

Button For Walking – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Fujinon 23mm f/2

Historic Beer – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 23mm f/2

Stair Vines – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Fujinon 23mm f/2

Yellow Pots – Park City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Fujinon 23mm f/2

Yellow Door – Uintah, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Fujinon 23mm f/2

Yellow Circle Armor – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Fujinon 23mm f/2

Monochrome Bench – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Fujinon 23mm f/2

Famous Monster – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & Fujinon 23mm f/2

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