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

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.

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.

Very nice compact 35mm equivalent prime. As you'd expect from Fuji the build quality and image sharpness are fantastic. Unfortunately the one negative is that when shot at f2 around the minimum focus distance, the whole image becomes hazy and unsharp, so it's hard to exploit what little shallow depth of field this lens should be able to produce. If you've shot with Fuji's X100 series cameras it's a similar effect. When shot stopped down a little bit it's fantastic for street and landscapes though. The lens appears to be fully optically corrected for distortion and produces great results paired with Fuji's new 24 megapixel sensor.

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!