The Fujifilm XF 27mm F/2.8 Lens Review

Build and Design

The Fujifilm 27mm f/2.8 R WR lens has a focal length equivalent to 41mm on a full-frame camera sensor. This field of view is perfect for capturing everyday scenes with a perspective that feels natural to the human eye. It’s Moment’s top–selling Fujifilm lens — and for good reason. At just 84 grams and 23mm deep, it’s the smallest and lightest glass in Fujifilm's lineup, making it ideal for photographers who prioritize mobility.

NOTE: This is the lens to get if you’re on the hunt for a Fujifilm X100 series camera but can’t find one in stock. Paired with another X-series body, this lens will give a similar form factor with comparable image quality.

The build quality is solid, combining metal and high-quality plastics for optimal durability. The latest version of this lens has a tactile aperture ring, weather sealing, and a near-silent autofocus system, which makes it great for use in various shooting conditions.

Optical Performance

I found the Fujifilm 27mm f/2.8 lens to produce the sharpest images between f/4 and f/5.6. I’m not a stickler for sharpness and mostly prioritize capturing the character of the moment instead of the most clinically perfect image as a whole. At f/2.8, the center is sharp with softer edges and paired with the X-series sensor; the lens delivers vibrant and natural tones straight out of the camera. It handles high-contrast scenes well without significant chromatic aberration, and I hardly noticed any distortion.

Depth-Of-Field

While this isn’t the lens to buy for pronounced bokeh and a richly blurred background, it’s still possible to isolate your subject as needed for those dreamier snaps. The out-of-focus areas are still fairly pronounced when shooting wide open at f2.8, but they still complement the overall image. If you’re looking for a pancake-style lens with a wider aperture, consider the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 instead, especially if you’ll be shooting in dimmer lighting conditions.

Autofocus

The Fujifilm 27mm f/2.8 R WR has a quiet autofocus system. It’s reasonably fast and accurate in my experience, but not quite as fast as the 35mm f/2. In low light, the autofocus may hunt for a bit, but it excels in outdoor and natural lighting conditions. On sunny days, the lens locks focus quickly on stationary and moving subjects. It was a breeze to capture moments of my little ones outside at the park or running around the playground.

Cost

With a retail price of around $398, some users might find it a bit pricey compared to other faster f/2 Fujifilm lenses with similar performance. Still, for the size and portability, I consider it worth the price tag.

Use Cases

The Fujifilm 27mm f/2.8 is an excellent choice for photographers who value portability and simplicity. It’s especially suitable for the following shooters:

• Street Photographers: Its unobtrusive design and natural perspective make it ideal for capturing candid moments.
• Travel Photographers: The size and weight make it hard to ignore for both short trips and longer travel itineraries.
• Everyday Captures: Around the home, at the cafe, out for dinner, on the train – wherever you’d like to take pictures, this one is a reliable option that ticks (almost) all of the boxes.

Final Thoughts

The Fujifilm 27mm f/2.8 R WR lens is a no-frills option for photographers who prioritize size and weight but don’t want to sacrifice image quality. While it did not replace my faster primes for specialized purposes, it’s still the ideal everyday lens. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a Fujifilm beginner, the 27mm f/2.8 is a lens that’s hard to leave at home. It’s limitations might just challenge your creativity, making space for capturing special moments you might otherwise leave to your smartphone.