Fujifilm 23mm F/2 Review
Fuifilm 23mm f/2 Review - find out why this great value Fuji lens is the author's favouite, even after shooting with every other Fujifilm lens!
Fujifilm Lens Reviews | Lens Reviews | Photography Gear Reviews | By Greg Cromie | Last Updated: February 6, 2024
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I am going to be very upfront and honest about this. The Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 is my favourite lens. I am going to share with you why this lens is well worth considering.
I have been fortunate enough to have owned or tried almost every Fujifilm X Series lens. And there are some crackers in the line-up. Seriously amazing glass.
But when people ask me for advice on what lens they should add to their kit, I don’t hesitate to tell them that they cannot go wrong with the Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2. Mine is on my Fujifilm X-T3 90% of the time.
Versatile, multi-purpose lens with fast & silent autofocus - the perfect partner for any Fujifilm X-series camera.
It is my primary lens for my many travels to Japan, and my go-to street photography lens. I have even used it to shoot more significant events such as weddings and engagement parties.
The Fuji 23mm f2 is one of four newer lenses that Fujifilm have produced. The remaining three include the Fujifilm XF 50mm F/2, Fujifilm XF 35mm F/2, and the Fujifilm XF16 mm F/2.8.
All of these lenses have a similar design and compact size. All have snappy autofocus, and they are all excellent value for money.
Another benefit of Fujifilm releasing lenses such as the XF 23mm F/2 is that consumers are offered more choice. More substantial and older lenses of similar focal distance are far more expensive and have slower autofocus.
Recommending the Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 to anyone is easy – it provides a great focal distance for everyday use and for specific genres. It gives a wide enough field of view suitable for landscape photographers and captures enough background story for street photography.
Overall, it’s a great everyday lens that anyone can shoot with and enjoy. So let’s have a closer look at it with my Fujifilm 23mm f/2 review.
Fuji 23mm f2 Review: Pros and Cons
- Size and weight
- Autofocus performance
- Image quality
- Value for money
- Fiddly lens cap
- Odd lens hood
- Slight softness wide open
23mm f2 Fuji Specs:
- Focal Length: 23mm (35mm full-frame equivalent)
- Fujifilm X Mount
- Aperture: f/2-16
- Filter Size: 43mm
- Size: 60.0mm x 51.9mm (2.36″ X 2.04″)
- Weight: 180gm (6.35 oz)
- Motorized Zoom
- Weather and dust resistant
Build & Ergonomics
It would be pretty rare for someone to say that a Fujifilm lens was of poor quality. They just make great, solid lenses for the Fujifilm X Series camera system. The Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 is no exception.
The 23mm F/2 lens has an incredibly sturdy and robust build quality. The all-metal body and mounting plate give the user the assurance that this lens can deal with rugged use. On the lens itself, there are no plastic parts at all.
It is tiny to hold, while still providing a comfortable level of control. The base of the Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 is only slightly bigger than the lens mount plate and also includes a seal that makes the lens dust and weather resistant.
Most Fujifilm lenses feature an aperture ring that sits close to the camera body when mounted. The aperture ring is easily accessible and has a firm clicking turn from F/2 to F/16 and then onto A for Auto.
The manual focus ring sits comfortably toward the front of the lens and has a smooth and silent glide with just the right amount of resistance.
The ‘WR’ in the full name of the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR stands for ‘Weather Resistance’ – check out the video above where Mark puts this to the ultimate test, when attached to the X-T2. While I don’t recommend you try something similar, it does illustrate just how well manufactured the lens (and camera) actually are!
The only plastic element of the Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 is the lens cap. The lens cap uses a pinch-release system, but given its size can feel a little clumsy to attach it securely -especially if you have big fingers like mine.
The hood is made of metal, but it is a genuinely odd little accessory. It hardly stretches beyond the filter thread. There is, however, a better aftermarket lens hood available for this lens.
When the Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 is attached to any Fujifilm X Series body, it feels like a perfect match. This size and weight balance well, since most Fujifilm X Series camera bodies are more compact than a lot of brands, even in the mirrorless market.
I use a Fujifilm X-T3 , and with the Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 attached, I have full control over my shooting experience. Both hands on the camera while controlling the aperture and focus of the lens.
Focus Performance
Fujifilm X-T3 + Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 | 1/1000 f/2 ISO1600
When it comes to autofocus performance, the Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 will never disappoint. In both low light and daylight, the autofocus is snappy and leaps from subject to subject without pause.
This lightning-quick autofocus of the Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 is one of the fastest in all of the Fujifilm X Series lenses. It is especially evident when compared to some of the older Fujifilm lenses of a similar focal distance.
Given that the lens has an overall weight of 180gm(6.35oz), there is far less mechanical demand to shift internal glass to capture focus. The motors are not working as hard as in larger lenses. This also has a benefit to battery longevity when out on a shoot.
I pair my Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 with the Fujifilm X-T3 and have never experienced focus hunting even in poor light conditions. I have shot with this camera are many indoor and outdoor night events and have only had positive outcomes.
Image Quality
Many would agree that Fujifilm makes excellent quality and well-built lenses for the Fujifilm X Series cameras. Lenses that produce exceptional image quality. The Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 is undoubtedly no exception.
This tiny lens produces excellent image sharpness, especially from around F/4. Wide-open at F/2, the Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 has some softness, especially with subjects that are too close to the lens. Personally, I have never really noticed an issue with image sharpness for the style of photography I shoot.
Whether I am shooting an event, landscape or street photography, I get the sharpness and softness where I expect it to be. Especially given that in most of those situations I would be shooting at around F/8.
Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 Sample Images
Check out these sample images taken with the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2:
Value for Money
One of the greatest things about the Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 is its amazing value for money. By introducing this lens to the line-up, Fujifilm has given consumers more choice and flexibility without compromising on quality.
The Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 retails currently for around US$650. The equivalent focal distance lens from Fujifilm is the Fujifilm XF 23mm F/1.4 lens, which currently retails for about twice the price. That is quite a price difference, but at least consumers have a choice.
Undoubtedly, the Fujifilm XF 23mm F/1.4 is known to produce exceptional image quality. However, it is an older lens with far slower autofocus and is known to focus hunt in low light conditions. More significant elements require the interior drive motors to work harder with more resistance.
Value for money is one of the Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 lens’ most significant attributes. It is a fantastic everyday lens that comes in at half the price of the bigger, heavier and slower predecessor.
Fujifilm XF 23mm F2 Review | Conclusion
As I mentioned at the start of this Fujifilm 23mm F/2 review, I love this lens.
On my last trip to Tokyo, I only took this single lens attached to my Fujifilm X-T3 . I have found it to be the perfect one-size-fits-all lens for my street photography work and just about every other kind of photography I choose to enjoy.
And that is another key feature of this lens – it is really enjoyable to use. When paired with a Fujifilm X Series camera body, the Fujifilm XF 23mm F/2 delivers ease of operation and the ability to have full manual control of the lens functions at your fingertips.
Its tiny size and weight also mean that having this lens on your camera all day, or in your kit bag, is not going to weigh you down. You will hardly even notice it is there… and still, it will allow you to capture great images.
Versatile, multi-purpose lens with fast & silent autofocus - the perfect partner for any Fujifilm X-series camera.
I’m a Melbourne-based street photographer and blogger. I love to travel to Japan to photograph and document its dynamic people and culture.
18 Comments
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The Fuji 23/2.0 is now my favorite walk around lens. I use it for almost everything I shoot, including (would you believe it?) the architectural photography as I’ve been doing since my Nikkormat days way, way back in the ’70s.
As a retired architect, I can’t afford the huge investment in a PC lens, and since changing over from Nikon Ds to Fuji in ’21, I’ve tried several Fujinons including the (supposedly) legendary 23/1.4, but none quite suited the fussy “unbounded” verticals I work so hard to achieve in my architectural photography. The 18/2.0 is by far the closest to this 23 I’ve found works for my building shots – but the 23 excels them all, and it’s now more or less a permanent fixture on my XT2 and also often on my XE2 when I change over to B&W for street shooting.
In February ’23 I will go back to Asia to continue shooting the architecture I’ve been doing for the past 30 years. My XT2, 18-55, 14/2.8 and now the 23/2.0 will be in my kit. Also the XE2 – it perpetually lives on my right shoulder and in my right hand.
My cameras tend to be old and are well used but also looked after. To me, the camera bodies are secondary to the quality of the lenses, and in this regard Fuji has to be the best quality I’ve worked with in the 60 years I’ve been doing photography – if anybody reading this is wondering, I started in photography in 1962 at age 14. So yes, I’m an old duffer, and I hope to go on duffing (and photographing) for a few more years, until such time as I gravitate to my rocking chair – at which time I plan to spend my days post-processing my (too) many images taken during my lifetime. Indeed, age wearies us, but Fuji photography is good to keep us active and agile (and I hope, young at heart)!!
And Greg, I think your street photos are exceptionally good, but as I’ve found in browsing thru your site, this applies to all your images. Only one small criticism, if I may – your photos are just a tad too sharp to my admittedly critical eye. I suggest you maybe cut down a little on the sharpness in your cameras or resist the urge to press the Sharpen button too often when you post-process. Your work doesn’t need it to stand out as uniquely yours!! (oh, and BTW, art directors prefer to do their own sharpening when they buy your images, but as a seasoned pro shooter you would know the anyway.)
From Dann in Melbourne
I just received this lens today and have been playing around with it a little bit, so far I absolutely love it.
The only difference is that my lens hood is plastic and kind of cheap feeling, but I am buying a metal, square hood to replace it – the cone shape does look odd. But all in all it is a beautiful lens, light weight, sharp, fast, and nice to look at. I just started using my X-T3 today, it came Friday but I didn’t get the lens until today, the wait was brutal.
Great review, I will have to get outside and use a smaller aperture, I agree with the softness at wider apertures.
Hi, thanks for your review. Only a doubt: don’t you feel this lens may give some sort of “flatness” to the images?
I have never found it to be so. I guess it depends on what you are shooting, at what aperture and the distance between yourself, your subject and the background elements.
I just ordered this Lens and it will be here in a few days.
I really loved your enthusiasm for this Lens, it’s encouraging. This field of view requires a good skill in getting close to maximise the full range of your image frame. It gathers a lot of detail and I like to get it right in camera. Thanks Greg, I found your review very inspiring. Cheers Mike
Thanks Mike. I am sure you are going to love using this lens. Let me know how you find it. Cheers. G
Hi, thanks for the review. Did you find chance to use 16mm f2.8? I am curious about your opinion on that. I mostly use 16mm f2.8 and 23mmf2 for the street photography. But it seems 23mmf2 is a more multi-purpose lens than 16mmf2.8. Cheers
Greg
Great review.
I have the 18/55 and 27 Pancake both stellar lenses but the 23mm f2 is by far my favourite lens.
I would never sell this lens or swap it for a slightly faster version as the portability is fantastic.
This hardly ever comes off my XT3
Great review, Greg. Never understood the fascination with the nifty 50. The 23 (35 full frame) has always been my preferred focal length.
Thanks, Athol.
Great review, I agree with your conclusion, I also have the 23/2 with the XT3, I have several other XF lenses, 16/1.4, 56/1.2, 16-55/2.8, 80/2.8, I would sell all of them before my favorite 23/2.
Yeah I feel that way. I have trimmed my kit down to the XT3 with the XF23f2 and the XF50f2. Although, I would really like that XF16f2.8 in my kit.
Great review and samples too. So. Two years since last comment here. Lens still not coming off?
Hey all. I hope that you enjoy my latest review on the stellar little Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 lens. Should you have any comments or questions then please post them below and I will be sure to get back to you. Cheers. Greg
? What photo editor do you use to edit your photos, they look very nice.
Hi Edward and thanks for getting in touch. I use Lightroom to edit all of my work and have always stood by this software. Whilst Lightroom does recognise Fujifilm Film Simulations which can be applied to RAW files in post-processing, I tend to use my own variants of those presets. I tend to go with a little more punch on contrast whilst still retaining those gorgeous Fujifilm colours. Playing around with the existing presets to make your own really costs nothing other than your time but you can make a look that is unique and yours alone. Thanks so much for the feedback and keep shooting. G
Nice write up, I’m a bit more confident with buying the x-t3 and 23f2 tomorrow as my first camera set up to start exploring photography. It seemed like a great versatile option and it’s good to read others having the same opinion with experience.
Hi Victor. Thanks for making contact. I couldn’t agree more. That is a brilliant combo and my personal choice for most of my shooting. On my last trip to Tokyo I mostly shot with this combination. In fact, the 23f2 was the only lens I took with me. It was light and compact to carry, weather-sealed during the rainy season. And what’s more, is that it worked great even in low light conditions. My other shooting option was my Fuji X70. You cannot go wrong!