A good 35mm lens with a wide maximum aperture is one of the most versatile optics almost any photographer can own and is often the lens of choice for a lot of scenarios. If you shoot Fuji and are looking for such a lens, check out this great review of the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR.
Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this excellent video review takes a look at the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens. The XF 23mm f/2 R WR comes with a variety of features, including:
- Two aspherical elements for reduced distortion and spherical aberrations and increased sharpness
- Super EBC coating for reduced flares and ghosting and increased contrast even in strong lighting situations
- Stepping motor for fast and quiet autofocus for video work
- Rounded nine-blade diaphragm for smoother bokeh
- Weather-sealing for moisture- and dust-resistance
Another thing worth noting is that the lens is quite small, measuring just 2.04 inches (51.9 mm) long and weighing 6.35 oz (180 g), making it an excellent companion to the company's small X series cameras. And at $449, the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR is also quite an affordable lens for a variety of applications. Check out the video above for Abbott's full thoughts.
If you ever want your BSometer to go into overdrive, have a read of the comments on these videos, between his and Chris Frosts it’s unbearable the claptrap that some people come out with.
Case in point the first comment you see on this video where someone claims to have just sold this lens because ‘wide open between 1m and close focus distance image quality is unacceptable’... firstly they need to read the definition of the word unacceptable, because if it truly was it wouldn’t be allowed to leave the factory, and secondly just how often are you using the lens at f2 from 35cm away from the subject.
I generally don't shoot wide open anymore. Almost every lens is sharper and has fewer issues 1 or 2 stops down. Buy faster glass back it off 2 stops and shoot your best life.
I like the Fuji F2 lenses. Once I stopped trying to shoot everything at F2 they really came into their own and for the rare occasion, I want to shoot f2 they work perfectly.
Can’t disagree, I don’t think I’ve ever put my 23mm at f2 so cant comment but seen plenty of shots from others that have no issues, and the 50 is tack sharp regardless. Always makes me laugh the words that people choose to describe stuff, they really don’t think about the meaning before they smash those keys.
Why wasn't it tested on at least an xt3, particularly for the AF? I'm pretty sure that most of the issues you pointed out were due more the camera than the lens, and I'm speaking from experience.
Love mine 🤷🏻♂️