Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR Review - Four Months In - Worth the Upgrade?

[@pandoraefretum]

I have all 3 XF23 lenses. I like the F/2, I didn't rave about the old F/1.4 but I do rave about the new F/1.4 ... LM is impressive. New XF23 is closer focus than the old 23, and above all the 23 focal length (35mm equiv. as we all know) is the most versatile prime, and a real story telling lens. A combo of detail and environment all in one. No other single focal length can be as versatile with the creation of many alternative viewpoints and general flexibility. The new 23 is my goto

[@mastaw]

No need to apologise, honestly! I just appreciate you doing this on the side at all. I can't reasonably ask for more as I don't (directly) pay you for these videos

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Appreciate that! I just unceremoniously dropped off KZbin and felt like I needed to offer some sort of explanation. Haha

[@paulyan1946]

Excellent to-the-point review/comparison, Dylan. 👍 Love the family photo at 14:40.! ❤

[@r423fplip]

Dylan, you have a fantastic channel. The reviews are above and beyond, and I actually learn the good and bad. Thanks for the hard work. Very enjoyable and informative.

[@thomstevenson8322]

Thank you, Dylan, for the review and fantastic photo gallery at the end … with all exposure data to boot. I’m a great fan and though you were missed, well worth waiting for and no need to apologize for being a busy, working professional photog. Your production quality, likeable, easy manner and artistic/creative/technical knowledge/presentation could all easily vault your numbers into making a different living here as opposed to working out in the real world. Dunno, prolly good for some and not for others. Anyway, keep it all up and running and will wait patiently for the next segment!

[@ridgefield]

I appreciate your videos and glad to see you back here!

[@juleshorse9056]

An excellent review - you have just dented my wallet! I am off to Vienna in the Winter season and wanted a low light solution to complement my 16-55/f2.8, so I loaned the 23/f14 WR from Fuji UK (their loan system is superb) and am sold! I have ordered a copy based on your review and my experience over 48hrs. Thank you.

[@MrJohnnyMel]

Everything I wanted to know, couldn’t ask for more, thanks

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@petrvokurek2286]

Great review as always! I just got home from a wedding where I used the new 18mm f1,4 and 33mm f1,4 borrowed from a good friend and I must say the new lenses are just so sweet! They are simply excellent and whatever we missed in the old ones we get with the new ones! The quality is so good I don´t remember seeing it back when I shot Canon dslrs...The old 23mm f1,4 is probably the best out of the old lenses and I still use it but you are right about the flare in backlight...it´s rather horrible. The only problem is I now need to get all the new lenses...:)

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

You're treading a dangerous path there! I lent my 33mm f/1.4 to a friend a couple of weeks back as well... now it's all he can talk about!

[@TedNghiem]

The thing that I hated about the first version of the 23mm was the manual focus ring in the front. I can't tell you how many times it got moved to manual focus when putting the lens in my camera bag.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

That happened to be a couple of times, as well. Quite annoying if you're not planning on actually using it!

[@mribi]

My wife complains about that same problem all the time! Surprising how long it takes to work out why it’s not focusing correctly sometimes!

[@streetx4817]

That manual focus ring is the reason I love that lens

[@mribi]

Thanks, great review! I appreciate it being done after months of use by a working pro rather than after an hour of playing with it like some other KZbinrs 🔥

[@NemesisLex]

Sold my silver ƒ2 for the new ƒ1.4 LM this week - and boy, that was a great idea :) The new one is sharp as hell, image quality is just beautiful. I'm really happy about this decision :)

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Glad to hear you're enjoying the lens! It's a staple for me now, as well.

[@olasek7972]

so if I may ask, what's the latest firmware for this lens, just got the lens but can't find any info even on Fuji website if my 1.0 is the latest one

[@iamfyrus]

Do you have video about photometry and how/when to use which photometry mode?

[@zenonbillings9008]

glad to see you back, really appreciate your excellent reviews and all the excellent images. zen billings 🇨🇦

[@slglasius]

Hi, nice vid, like always. Do you feel that with the 18mm 1.4 you still need/ use this lens?

[@SF-MCMLXVII]

Thanks for the review Dylan. I recently bought the 23mm f1.4 R and it is a great lens. Image quality is superb for my purposes and optics are second to none as is build quality. I am sure the newer WR LM lenses are great too but they lack that classic look and are bigger too which I am not a fan of. Too much emphasis these days is placed on lens sharpness and edge to edge sharpness. Photos that are too sharp especially with portraits, are not that flattering.

[@markm83]

Dylan, Thanks for another excellent gear review that provides meaningful insight & perspective. I love the slideshow photos at the end. They demonstrate how far I have to go to become a truly good photographer!

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thanks for watching, Mark. You know... I feel the same way about the slideshows I make. We've all got so far to go... Improving every day is all we can hope for!

[@Shredcow]

I enjoy your thorough reviews! I too jumped on this lens when it came out and it's been a blast especially shooting it wide open. The image quality and user experience is so good, I sold off my X100V! Great point on the focussing accuracy on faraway subjects and the confidence the new focussing motors inspire.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Nice one! Have you used any of the others in this new trio?

[@Shredcow]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer not yet because the 23mm FOV is my jam. But I am hoping for the 56f1.2 mark 2; can’t wait!

[@johnnykempo]

I'd love to hear how you think it compares to the f2, in particular for sharpness and bokek wide open.

[@edc5338]

Love your videos. I opted for the cheaper but highly rated and sharp Viltrox 23mm 1.4. Viltrox has some excellent lenses for Fuji. I also have their 13mm 1.4.

[@jangeboers1984]

Thanks for the insights Dylan! I've got the 35mm f1.4 and like it a lot, but I sometimes struggle in environments where I don't have enough space to accommodate the FOV. I'll probably end up buying the new 23mm f1.4 mk2 (while keeping the good old 35mm for when I want to go compact & light). Reviews (lenstip) seem to put the 23mm mk2 a step ahead of the 33mm in optical quality, did you experience the same?

[@kzr83]

Excellent stuff, Dylan, thanks for sharing!

[@DavidNordlund]

It would be interesting with a video of which af settings and modes you use for kids/familyshoots with the xt5!

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Already on the channel! Check out my family kit video.

Congrats for such a great review

[@rayking2696]

is there any Distortion of the RAW image?

[@hansbarbarossa4613]

Hi Dylan, thanks for your review and great pictures

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@Powerland56]

Thanks for your Video! Would be a dreamteam with the upcoming 56 1.2 MKII 😍

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

YES! Looking forward to seeing what that lens brings to the table, as well.

[@chief4589]

Two years later and the AF issues @ 10:39 still makes me laugh. Its weird...that moment sums up my experience with Fuji. Still wont change system! LOL

[@mutlusayinatac]

Hi Dylan, thank you for the great video. I always enjoy hearing your thoughts on Fuji gear. And in case you receive an early copy of the new 18-120 f4 lens, please do make a quick review. I heard that it wouldn't be available until October.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thanks, Mutlu. Appreciate your time. I don't actually receive any gear at all from Fujifilm, so I don't think I'll see that lens before you. ;)

[@Jgheiler]

What do you enjoy shooting with more personally? The 33mm or the 24mm?

[@ghas4151]

Hello Dylan. I hope you are well. If you had to choose from a two lens setup for a wedding and one lens was the 50 f1 or 56mm f1.2, would you choose then 18mm or 23mm of the new f1.4 lenses? Is there one you prefer over the other?

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Those are very different lenses. If I could only choose one, it would likely be the 23mm because it's a little more versatile. You don't need to be quite so close to fill your frame.

[@rayking2696]

May I ask which would you prefer between 18mm and 23 mm. which one is shaper and has less chromatic aberration or distortion？ thank you.

[@mattstolzman]

Even comparing it to FE Sigma DG DN 35 1.4 it seems to be sharper with less chromatic aberration when shooting close subjects. Wild.

[@bartoszpajak2285]

Great review! I'm about to replace my 23mm/f2 with it.

[@sclogse1]

As you say, stopped down a bit and edge to edge sharpness dufference from the new one to even the 2.0 isn't a thing to deal with. I have the 2.0, and like to shoot it at f 5.6 or 8 for street. That includes closeup. Then the sharpness is just spectacular. I would highly doubt a Zeiss or Leica would prove better.

[@alex-michelngningha6903]

I sure missed the videos as you became my favorite youtuber but business has to come first. U take care and see you when we see you :)

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thanks a lot! I'll definitely do my best to post a few more once the rent is safely paid!

[@GeoffGrant2010]

Thanks Dylan! Thorough review. Which lens do you use primarily for street? Geoff

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

The X100V. So, 23mm. That's where I'm most comfortable. However, I love taking the 18mm and the 33mm out as well. Really depends on the mood of the day.

[@JazzzzzyG]

Brilliant video. Subscribed. Thanks!

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thanks for watching!

[@NettoPavezi]

Nice photos as usual Dylan. Do you think it renders at the same quality as the X100V? I mean I know there's an extra stop there but just wanted to know if it's worth having in my kit already having the X100 that I personally love. Tks!

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Hi Roberto! If you're looking at this lens technically, it blows the X100V out of the water. While the MK II lens for the X100 series is a great upgrade, this lens is sharper, faster, and better corrected. I hope that helps...

[@NettoPavezi]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Tks mate! Yes, I’ve imagined that. Well for now will keep my best friend x100 and find a time in life that convinces me to have a 23 as well in the t4. cheers !

[@angela-r]

Thanks for this great review! I’m going to be shooting JPEG’s SOOC. You mentioned that this lens has a bit more barrel distortion but that it’s corrected in Lightroom. Doesn’t Fuji automatically correct distortion in camera for JPEGs? Or is that not the case with this lens?

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

That's the case with every Fujifilm produced lens. Just make sure you have corrections turned on in camera (it's on by default).

[@MJamilHoque]

Hi, When you stated the trinity prime lenses ere 18, 23 and 33mm; what are they compared to, in terms of full frame?

[@Baronvonbadguy3]

About 28, 35, and 50

[@erikfarkas7868]

Huh, thats a Wardruna t-shirt, nice one! :)

[@andreapittinimusic]

Thanks for your review

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thanks for watching!

[@danni0510]

Hi thx for Your videos. What af c settings are you using on family and children Sessions? Would really love to see your settings. All the best

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

With these new trio of lenses, I'm back to the default settings. They seem to work really well. Watch my "Family Photography Kit" video for a bit more of an in-depth look into how I focus.

[@danni0510]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer thx for answering. What af c settings are you using. Mode 1 or 2 or even 5?

[@MJamilHoque]

When will we be able to purchase a 1.2 other than the 56mm lens, from Fuji?

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Your guess is as good as mine! I have no idea.

[@SummersSnaps]

Thanks Dylan, much appreciated and you confirmed my suspicions. It seems like the trend now is optical perfection at the expense of character, which I'm a little sad about. Fuji need to put out an 'art' series of lenses to compliment their clinical line up. For now I have to use lenses like the Touit 32 and older subpar Fujinon glass which has poor AF and no WR for characterful glass. I yearn for the day that characterful lenses are released with good AF!

[@tomleo4670]

Great and insightful review, thanks! I have the new 23mm since about 3 months and I am blown away, a really great lens for my favorite prime focal length. I have to admit however that I don‘t have the comparison to the „old“ one, but to the 23mm f2 and the new 23mmm f1,4 blows that one out of the water..

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

This one definitely draws from the best of both of those lenses and then improves on it in almost every way. Glad to hear you're enjoying your time with it!

[@LC-nd9hv]

Which is sharper? The new Xf18mm f1.4 or the new Xf23mm f1.4? Thanks

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

They're both really good. If you're looking to split hairs, I'm sure somewhere like DPReview has done some lab tests. In day to day use, I couldn't tell a difference.

[@LC-nd9hv]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Thank you. Went with the xf23mm.

[@Gohjunyi88]

only money for a lens, between 18 1.4 and 23 1.4, which one would be it be?

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

That would depend on what you hope to achieve with the lens. They're both great. Spend some time considering how you like to frame your subjects and what environments you normally shoot in.

[@iamrichlol]

Funny you just uploaded this - I've been searching for Fujifilm 23mm related posts for the last 5 minutes, as mine is slightly broken/faulty :/ I'm holding out hope that Sigma release a 23mm offering for the Fujifilm system soon due to their lower price point

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Sorry to hear you're having issues! Have you taken it into Fujfifilm? I'm sure it won't be long until Sigma has a good swatch of lenses available for the X system. It will definitely shake things up a bit.

[@iamrichlol]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer I bought the lens used 4 years ago, so I doubt I'll be able to. To get it serviced it in Australia would cost at least a couple hundred, probably a few hundred more at most to fix the problem. I think you can pick them up new for maybe 800, so it just doesn't justifiable, considering it still works, just shoots slightly blurry at wide open

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

@@iamrichlol Ah, that makes sense. Fujifilm Aus does some great deals towards the end of the year from what I remember. Definitely worth keeping an eye on those.

[@Powerland56]

But the issues are on the older version, not the fresh MKII, which is presented here?

[@iamrichlol]

@@Powerland56 it is an older model.i don't think it is a common issue, my lens must have been damaged

[@วัชรจาตุประยูร]

HI FROM THAILAND U'M A TRAVEL PHOTOG I HAVE f8-16mm f16-55mm f70-300mm your OP ONE PRIME LENS WHICH ONE SHOULD I GETS A 23MM OR 33MM

[@mastaw]

10:35 impeccable comedic timing lol

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

I wish I could take credit for it! 😂

[@DigiDriftZone]

I don't understand this lens, it's bigger, heavier and more expensive than a superior full frame "equivalent" (Sony 35mm F1.8), you may as well just go full frame if you're willing to put up with this kind of size/cost?

[@jangeboers1984]

Superior? lol. You better read the lenstip review of the Sony, and then the review of the Fuji, and tell me again which one is superior.

[@Ttjam1]

F1.8 isn’t equivalent. I don’t know where this myth came from. Yes maybe you get shallower depth of field (the DOF equivalent on full frame is about f/2.1) but f1.4 let’s in more light hence is more expensive to produce and has benefits such as being able to have higher shutter speed which is useful in low light. I do agree that Fuji lenses are getting too big and heavy though. The size increase is even more with the bigger hoods as well

[@DigiDriftZone]

​@@Ttjam1 You're right F2.1 would be real equivalent, but this lens does not exist to my knowledge? - This is why I put "equivalent" in quote marks, as in nearest lens that actually exists and can be purchased, but really it's superior to the F1.4 lenses on APS-C. Does F1.4 actually let in more light despite the sensor being smaller? - The iPhone7 has an F1.8 lens, does that mean it lets the same amount of light as an F1.8 on full frame? - my understanding was it is all calculated against the sensor size. Also, I own a Viltrox F1.4 23mm on my Fuji which lets in no more light than the F2 Fuji 23mm (more bokeh though!), so I don't know who to trust haha.

[@Ttjam1]

@@DigiDriftZone I think it does let in more light relative to the sensor size. The absolute size of the aperture is actually smaller though on the Fuji (23mm/1.4 vs 35mm/1.8 - maybe someone can chime in here to help haha). What is not in doubt is that a larger maximum aperture lens is definitely more expensive to make.

[@jiggy-vara]

In my understanding everything @SKJames says is correct. An APS-C 23mm lens at f1.4 behaves like a full frame 35mm lens at f1.4 in terms of exposure - e.g. you gain the same low light capabilities with a f1.4 lens no matter the sensor size. Whereas with a Sony 35mm at f1.8 you'd either have to increase your ISO or lower your shutter speed a bit. However when comparing DoF you have to use a 1.5 factor. Due to the smaller sensor your 23mm fuji lens at 1.4 gives you the same DoF as a full frame 35mm lens at ~f2.1. That said I fully agree with you both that new fuji lenses are getting too big and pricey for my uses.

[@alexzhang9318]

The price of the new and old is the same in China.

[@Caballeroshot]

I get the need for the upgraded lens if your photography is your source of revenue but for the rest of us who shoot Fuji for ourselves, I just can't get behind their lack of style that made them unique in the first place. This lens looks no different than any third party lens manufacturer. Fuji really lost their style and soul upgrading lenses and cameras to be as bland and boring as everything else out there.