Fujifilm Fujinon XF23mm F1.4 R Lens

Product Information

Disclaimer 2:All the images in this article has been shot using an early prototype of the XF23mm f/1.4R LM WR. Image quality might therefore not be final– But it’s so insanely good, that I think it is. Fujifilm gives us photographers two choices in this focal length: the Fujinon 23mm f/1.4 and the 23mm f/2 WR. For this review, I will be concentrating on the f/1.4 and will discuss the f/2 in a follow-up review in the coming months here on Shotkit. In many cases, the f2 varieties are approximately half the price of their “faster friends”, and the 23mm lens is no exception. If you choose to buy the Fujifilm 23mm f1.4, you can expect to spend approximately twice as much. At 67x78mm and weighing 375g, the new 23 1.4 is longer but a little narrower than the original model and a little heavier too, but the difference in heft isn’t anywhere near like the new 33 1.4 versus the old 35 1.4.

Extras Fuji Filter Thread Sizes Lightroom 5.7 vs. 6.1 for X-Trans Best X-Trans RAW Converter Long Exposure Photography Tips Heavy Issues Mirrorless vs DSLR weight Adobe’s Fujifilm Camera Calibration Profiles Film Simulation Modes Compared Fujifilm Metering ONA Bowery vs. Billingham Hadley Small Let’s zoom-in for a closer look at the middle of the frame with the Sigma 23 on the left and the Sony 24 on the right, both at their maximum apertures of f1.4 and 1.8 respectively. Then also consider the price, and that there is a smaller, weather sealed alternative at literally half the cost. Like the two 35mm lenses, you only lose one stop of light gathering. Unlike the 35mm, there’s a drop in image quality in my testing. The versatile focal length equivalent to 35mm in 35mm format means you can enjoy both a wide-angle and telephoto approach by using your own feet to adjust the distance or angle with the subject matter. Even though the lens is made out of metal and has an f/1.4 aperture, it’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to manage. Coming in at 10.58 ounces (exactly 300 grams), I would consider the 23mm a featherweight when compared to it’s full frame 35mm f/1.4 competition.

Value

For comparison let’s put the latest lens on the left, and the compact 35 f2 on the right, both at their maximum apertures. Note I also tested the original 23 f1.4 on the same day side-by-side, but it delivered a poor result with the aperture wide-open in this test, so I suspect it may be a bad copy. That said, don’t underestimate how much sharper a new lens can be compared to an older one, and that’s clear here with the latest 23 1.4 being visibly crisper in the middle than the 23 f2, even opened to f1.4. But looking at the pier legs on both crops clearly shows the Sigma 23 on the left taking the lead in sharpness when both lenses have their apertures wide-open. As I gradually close the apertures on both lenses, you’ll see the vignetting lifting, but the Sigma remaining ahead on corner sharpness. Note this is with both lenses focused in the middle of the frame, so is also an indicator of field flatness. The Sony can be sharp in the corners, but you’ll need to focus there, or close the aperture down. Disclaimer 1:I’m an X-photographer. That’s spelled brand ambassador for Fujifilm. I don’t get paid for doing these write ups (and I have been doing them even before getting involved with Fujifilm). This means that I’m just about as biased as I can get, and whether you choose to believe my views or not is entirely up to you. I expect you to be adults, capable of forming your own opinions based on presented information. When used on the X-mount cameras in their 1:1 square crop mode, it sees the same angle of view as an 80mm normal lens sees when used on a 6x6cm (2¼"square) medium-format camera. This is about the same as a 42mm lens sees when used on a 35mm camera.

This Fuji tele has no visible distortion, is super-sharp right out to the edges at f/1.4, has no lateral color fringes, and has no visible light falloff even at f/1.4 as shot on the Fuji X-T1.I see a minimal amount between f/1.4 and f/2.8. Virtually imperceptible by f/4, and all correctable in software. Conclusion and Rating Now let’s compare the Sony 24 at f1.8 where it looks a little faster overall in Single AFS mode, mostly due to less of a wobble to confirm. Meanwhile switching to continuous AFC mode speeds-up the process and eliminates the wobble again due to the AF system exploiting the phase-detect system. With the lens set to its maximum aperture of f/1.4, there is some light fall-off in the corners, requiring you to stop down by at least 3 f-stops to completely prevent it. Distortion The 23 becomes Sigma’s fourth DC DN prime lens designed for APSC sensors, joining the existing 16, 30 and 56mm models, all sporting bright f1.4 apertures. Placed side-by-side you’ll see all four share a family resemblance, with similar design and controls. When I get as fantastic a lens as this to review, it makes my life much easier since there's much less to say other than to try to find new superlatives.

Fuji’s 23mm f2 WR landed in my photography kit after I booked a trip to Iceland, and knew I’d need a solid set of Fujifilm lenses that could withstand the snow and rain of a really rugged climate.The FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R features a camera-to-subject distance indicator and a depth-of-field scale on the barrel. Both are useful when manually pre-focusing to capture a fast moving subject, or minimise the shutter lag to capture a fleeting moment.