Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR Review

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR Performance

Looking first at the resolution results, we see some very impressive figures. Centrally, sharpness is outstanding from f/2 right through to f/11. It remains excellent at f/16, which is an amazing performance. The edges show slightly lower figures, as we might expect, but results are excellent from f/2 to f/11 and still very good at f/16. Basically, all apertures give totally satisfactory sharpness, both centre and edge, and it is hard to imagine a performance that could be significantly better.

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is moot with some MFT and with the Fuji X cameras, as there is software at work in the cameras in both the RAW and JPEG output. This means that correction of CA is almost perfect, both centre and edge. Using Fuji lenses on Fuji cameras this doesn't have a downside, but the thought does occur that results using the lenses on other marques might well need some attention in software as well. That is, always assuming that suitable adapters can be sourced. The SLR lens manufacturer does not have quite the same freedom to enhance corrections in camera as the lenses might be used on many different bodies via the plethora of possible adapters available.

Distortion likewise is corrected before we become involved, and hence measures a very low -0.16% barrelling, as near perfect as makes little difference.

Flare is not a problem either, images shot against the light showing no sign of loss of sharpness or contrast.

Bokeh with wide lenses is not so marked as with longer lenses, so even with rounded aperture blades, the effect is not dramatic. The bokeh is not over fussy and out of focus areas are handled well without them being exceptional.

The results generally though are exceptional, and optically, albeit it perhaps with some software assistance, we have here a superb lens. It also has an attractive rendition, an abstract concept maybe, but the “look” that images have that show the “character” of a lens. This is something less tangible that cannot be measured, but more an aesthetic comment.

Value For Money

The Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens is priced at £419, which seems to be a reasonable cost for a high-quality prime lens. The Fuji X alternative is the faster and bulkier Fujinon XF 23mm f/1.4 R, costing £748.

Other marques have their own priorities, but perhaps the closest in APS-C lenses is the HD Pentax-DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited lens at £429.

To put it in perspective, alternative 35mm f/2 lenses for 35mm format DSLRs suggest the Fuji is well priced and good value for money. Examples are the Canon EF 35mm f/2 (£469), Tamron 35mm f/1.8 SP Di VC USD (£599), Nikon 35mm f/1.8 AF-S G ED (£449) and the SMC Pentax-FA 35mm f/2 (£549).

For more options have a look at the Top 10 Best Fujifilm Lenses.

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