FUJI XF 23 f1.4 LM WR -The ONLY USER REVIEW you will EVER NEED!

[@simonhuegly]

I really enjoyed your sample pictures, Kirk! Especially some of the detail shots I found absolutely great seen and captured such as the paint on the wood at 5:30 and just the next two following! Very inspirational

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

Many thanks Simon!

[@matt88169]

This lens is legendary. Among the best AF of any Fuji I've tried - fast, silent, accurate, holds up well in poor light. Good handling. Stunning image quality. Great close focusing. The older version may have "character" but it is still quite high-priced, even used, so I had to skip it. Glad I did. I use this lens for fun and did an event with it as well. Soup to nuts this lens is a pro performer, IMO. There are other great 23mm lenses in this system, but the focal length is so versatile it is nice to have one with very few compromises. Great pics btw - the one of the boat with the great shadows cutting that triangle shape really caught my eye!

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

I loved using it! It really was a pleasure. I'm not sure I want to own it or the old one as I use my 23 f2 all the time.

[@JeffreyHauser]

Hi Kirk. I have the original 23mm f/1.4 lens . It has a focus clutch mechanism which can be useful for manual focus in street photography. Using manual focus with the depth of field scale on the lens, allows you to “lock” in your predetermined focus distance for your set aperture. (The Fuji 14mm f/2.8 lens & the Fuji 16mm f/1.4 lens also have the focus clutch mechanism & depth of field scales.)I enjoy this feature, but I realize not all photographers prefer these specific type of lenses. Love your channel!Best wishes!😊👍

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

Jeff I never tried that. But it makes sense. So figure out you minimum focus on the scale with the clutch pulled back and leave the focus on manual and it's locked in when you push the clutch back up. Interesting.

[@olasek7972]

since I just got XT5 I think I will make this new lens my only prime lens, I also own two zooms. Got to have a least one prime 😉

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

A prime of this quality at this price is a great deal.

[@cameraman655]

Yeah, I am lovin’ this hunk of glass. A year back, I sold off my 56 1.2mm, (MK1 version) but quickly came to the realization that I sold off my only “fast” prime lens, leaving me with 4 ‘Fujichrons’, 50-140, 10-24 and my trusty old 18-55. It became apparent that the ‘Chrons’ were simply not going match the low-light image quality of the 56mm. However, I did not want another 56, then the revamped 23 1.4mm WR launched and I have not looked back. As you mentioned the performance on my X-T5….outstanding! Attached to my X-Pro 3…👍.

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

Beautiful lens! I opted for the old version $300 less used was the main reason.

[@cameraman655]

@@KirkWilliamsonphotographyYeah, I to thought about this lens, but the lack of weather-sealing is what convinced me to go with the updated version.

[@bobdrawbaugh4207]

Nice images, as always. I only have the F2 version. But, would love to get either 1.4 versions. I like the look of the older version better. I’m guessing focus speed is better on the new version.

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

Bob, Many thanks! Yes the newer version is way faster and less noisy. The linear focusing motor is superb.

[@raymondchen6906]

The color at 4:56 really draws me. I agree with you, there's just something about it that draws me in. Do you recall the film sim and settings on that shot?

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

Thanks Raymond! I’m pretty sure that it was shot wide open at 1.4. I used an Astia film similar to recipe on it. I think I mention that.

[@billfortney7028]

I have the older 23mm f 1.4, I think I will stick with it. Though those were very nice images, like you, I tend to use the 23mm f 2 and I love it! I have too many lenses! Have a great day my friend!

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

Bill I'm with you. I love my little 23 f2 and use it all the time. I would only use the 23 1.4 for certain things - yes too many lenses. Im sure you have better weather down there than me crazy nor'easter stuff here.

[@JungleCatImages]

This is DEFINITELY my next purchase.. Just upgraded to an X-T5 (still keeping my beloved X-T2 though) and I believe it will make a great wider companion to the 90mm, my absolute favorite Fuji lens

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

Yes you won’t be sorry. It’s a great lens.

[@olasek7972]

Did you purchase it? I did and it just arrived with firmware version 1.0, interestingly I can’t find any info on Fuji website if this is the latest firmware for this lens, I guess this is such a new lens it did not need an update yet.

[@Audimann]

I have all 23mm lenses Fuji made. The old 23mm f1.4 is great but this new one is smashing. Very impressive sharpness. I think that Fuji nailed their lenses for the apsc format. Can not say that about other apsc formats such as the Nikon DX line up.

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

I agree the new one is outstanding.

[@SteveMcClanahan]

Always some good perspective Kirk. And beautiful photos using both lenses. I have the diminutive 23 f2.0 which has been great but likely not as sharp as either of the f1.4 lenses.

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

Many thanks. I use my 23 f2 all the time and I think it’s nice and sharp. The 23 f1.4’s are beautiful but I don’t really need it.

[@bill3117]

I had the older version of this lens and loved it. I'm sorry I ever sold it. If I remember correctly to go to manual focus mode it had a push/pull clutch assembly. That was cool too!!! Love your photos, and I truly appreciate seeing your keepers/non-keepers. We learn from your observations and reasonings.

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

Thanks Bill! I'm not sure I will own either of them. I have the 23 f2 and love it. So small and I think it's sharp. No matter what others think.

[@Coloradohiker658]

That older version certainly had more of a feel to the photos.

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

I purchased the older version and really love the results I’m getting.

[@brownbear100]

Had the old one and have had the new one for a year now. I agree the character is dofferent - but they both do have their own charcater. I changed to improve on the poor minimum focus distance and incredibly annoying focus clutch. Wasnt so sure about the size change as i liked the compactness of the old lens. It seems to me each lens was designed with a different purpose in mind. The old lens is more flattering for portraits with a touch of softness, while the new lens is all about detail and getting close. I have taken to shooting it with -1 clarity. You can always soften a sharp lens... not so easy the other way round! For me the old 23 1.4 was my everyday lens for documentary and family. On the x-t5, the 18mm 1.4 has taken over this job now. It is even sharper than the 23 1.4 LM - the charts tell me its as sharp at 1.4 as the 23 is at f2.8 (it's maximum) and only gets sharper. But because the borders aren't so close to the centre sharpness, like the 23 is, its a lot more interesting lens to use and renders like the 90mm. In fact, at 23mm, unless I really want details, I almost prefer the 23mm f2 on the x100v to the new 23 1.4 LM. But they all have their pluses and minuses.

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

Ian wonderful overview! I agree totally.

[@--AnonymousUser--]

Hopefully this lens is not too large on the X-T50

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

It will be a little big. But not huge

[@awake780]

Nice sample photos on the new lens.

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

Many thanks Andy!

[@RonRacer100]

What's your thought on this 23 lens compared to the 18 1.4 LM lens?

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

To be honest I have not tried the 18 1.4 but from everything I have read and seen it’s an awesome lens. I’m willing to bet there is not much difference between the two. So then it comes down to personal preference 28 mm ff or 35 mm ff. Personally for me it’s the 23 1.4 (35 ff).

[@cameraprepper7938]

A great Lens. I guess the Fuji X-T5 are an alright camera, but I will prefer the better EVF in the Fuji X-H2 Camera.

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

The xt5 - smaller, lighter, and costs a lot less for the same result. The xh2 is an awesome camera but for me is too big and too much money.

[@dirtywhitellama]

I'm looking to get into Fuji in the next couple of months (switching from an older Canon DSLR that I'm very "meh" about, and only its kit zoom lenses, which I was never impressed with). Probably going with the X-T4 due to combination of price vs X-T5, and the articulated screen, which is one of the few features on my current camera I actually enjoy (especially for getting up close and personal with tiny things on the ground). I think I've nearly settled on a 23mm focal length for my first prime lens, but I'm not sure yet which one. What kind of circumstances would you say would make this new 23mm f/1.4 worth the price over the 23mm f/2?

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

Congrats on escaping from Canon, lol. Here’s the deal. The new 23 f 1.4 is an absolutely gorgeous lens you can’t go wrong. But it’s pretty big and heavier than the much smaller, lighter, and much less expensive 23 f2. I only own the 23 f2 and love it for all the reasons I mentioned above. Plus it close focuses very close. This week I’m ordering the Voigtlander 23 f1.2 manual focus lens to try out in anticipation of the new X-Pro4 at some point. Good luck!

[@dirtywhitellama]

@@KirkWilliamsonphotography thanks for the input! I guess if I start with the f/2 I can always get the f/1.4 later, too..... So many choices to make!

[@josiakurniawan9273]

if i use the old 23mm f/1.4 on the XT-5 will it perform Great ? or the old lens will not capable to handle the new sensor ?

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

Josia - My video coming out this Sunday is on this exact topic so you need to watch you will be surprised.

[@Quattro5081]

Did you have AF problems with the XT5 and 23mm?. I had to send back the XT5 with 16-80 because of AF problem!

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

I have never had any focus issues with the xt5 and any of the Fuji lenses

[@Quattro5081]

@@KirkWilliamsonphotography But many others have!, just search Fuji AF problem

[@kaneclements7761]

Methinks the 16-80 is the problem. Not on the list of lenses that work with the 40 MP cameras. Bit of a stinker actually.

[@fabioinserra9981]

The problem exists and has been highlighted. What did they do to your xt5 in the end?

[@dirtywhitellama]

@@Quattro5081 ⁠you asked if he had problems, he answered you. Why argue that others have? That wasn't the question.

[@JET-Photo]

Actually....lol...the Canon RF, Nikon Z and Sony FE 35mm f1.8 lenses are all cheaper than this lens. Never used the the RF or Sony versions, but the Nikon 35 is super sharp. Now, of course, the Fuji lens is metal and more solid, but the optics are probably all about the same. The Canon RF 35 1.8 is also a macro lens. You also get a shallower DOF with the FF lenses since the Fuji would be a 2.1 Equivalent DOF. BUT, the new 23 f1.4 is a must have for the 40mp sensor on the XT5 and XH2! Performed brilliant at a wedding I just shot and was sharp as a tack.

[@brownbear100]

Equivalency is nonsense though. F1.4 offers more light gathering and a 23 1.4 is always a 23 1.4. And you will get identical depth of field with a 23 1.4 on an APSC or FF if the person using it is prepared to use their photographer brain and feet and move about (40cm or so will equalise the DoF). The image will not be the same size - but this is where equivalency is a fool's obsession. There will always be something that isn't properly equivalent (image size, light gathering or depth of field). So it's just pointless and rather used as a stick to beat apsc and M4/3. The nearest lenses to 23 1.4 on FF are going to be the 24 1.4 lenses which cost 50% more at least. If you want the same image size, then the 35mm 1.4 FF offer the same light gathering at double the price. To get the same depth of field with the APSC, you just have to move a little. Distance to subject has far more bearing on depth of field than aperture.

[@JET-Photo]

@@brownbear100 Depth Of Field. It is real if you’re doing everything the same way. Can you change the way it looks by moving around? Yes. But that’s the problem. Why move around when you can have a shallower DOF with a FF 1.8 lens. I wish the apologetics would just stop. I was making a point. I SHOOT FUJI only. No matter how you slice it, an APSC lens, close in aperture, will never have the same look unless you work for it. Light gathering is a whole different animal. You literally wasted time talking about it.

[@KirkWilliamsonphotography]

I just looked up pricing for 35 mm lenses from Canon, Sony, and Nikon. Let's ignore the DOF discussion. F1.4 light gathering is the same no matter what. Canon does not make an RF version yet at 1.4 They do make an EF L version that is $1999. The Fuji is very comparable to this lens. Yes they do make a 1.8 macro similar but not the same. Cheaper yes! In price and build quality. Nikon makes a 35 mm f 1.4 and it is $1550. Sony makes a G master 35 mm f1.4 and it is $1300. So my statement stands that the others do not make a lens at that price.

[@brownbear100]

@@JET-Photo You literally said the FF f1.8 lenses are all cheaper than this lens, yet none are comparable for light gathering. I clearly didn't waste any time mentioning it, since you seem to think it's irrelevant, demonstrating perfectly how pointless equivalency is. You are comparing apples and bananas, claiming the banana is a better apple and the apple is the worse banana. Now that's the waste of effort. Nobody said depth of field isn't real. But you assume there's only one way to achieve it, which just isn't true. If someone is rooted to the spot and unable to work any lens to get the desired depth of field, they may as well stick to the kit zoom. You literally only have to take one step at the focal lengths we are talking about to achieve the same depth of field. That's not apologist, it's physics. And it goes for the FF if you move in the other direction, too. If you can't move, then obviously FF and to a greater degree medium format then has a more compelling argument. Now you can always achieve an equally shallow depth of field applying the very basic skills. But what you can never do is increase the light gathering of a slower lens. And of course the slower lens is cheaper... not sure that really needed saying.

[@JET-Photo]

@@KirkWilliamsonphotography I was going purely off DOF. Of course 1.4 FF lenses will be much more expensive. You also have to factor in the FF sensor that is gathering more light than the APSC sensor. I’m sure there’s an equation somewhere on the internet that would make the comparison. I’m not that great at math so I won’t be doing it.