The Good-For-Everything Lens: Fujifilm 23mm F/2.0 Review

Super fast, super sharp. This Fujifilm lens is wide and compact enough to shoot just about everything like you would a 35mm prime.

Hand holding the Fujifilm 23mm F/2.0 lens next to a sunset window, image by Zackery Ormonde
7.5MomentScore

The Fujifilm 23mm F/2 lens has to be one of the most beloved lenses by the community. It's clear to see why that is. Its small and lightweight build is one of the main reasons why photographers gear towards this lens, myself included. After shooting with the Fujifilm 16-55mm for more than a year, it was time for me to get a smaller lens. Even when a lens has all the specs for any
situation, sometimes it's nice to have a lightweight and convenient lens. Its 35mm focal length allows me to capture landscapes and give more context to my pictures. It's still tight enough of a focal length to get beautiful portraits of my subjects when I need it. Its widest aperture, F/2, allows me to easily tackle those difficult low-lit scenes when walking indoors or at night. It’s really been difficult to take this lens off of my camera. Not because it's too heavy or
stuck, but because it's been so fun!

Sample Image on the Fujifilm 23mm F/2.0 lens by Zackery Ormonde in San Fransisco.
Sample Image on the Fujifilm 23mm F/2.0 lens by Zackery Ormonde in San Fransisco.
Sample Image on the Fujifilm 23mm F/2.0 lens by Zackery Ormonde in San Fransisco.
Sample Image on the Fujifilm 23mm F/2.0 lens by Zackery Ormonde in San Fransisco.
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Sample Image on the Fujifilm 23mm F/2.0 lens by Zackery Ormonde in San Fransisco.
Sample Image on the Fujifilm 23mm F/2.0 lens by Zackery Ormonde in San Fransisco.

Perfect Travel Combo with the Fujifilm X-T5

Putting the 23mm on my Fujifilm X-T5 for the first time since using the 16-55mm was so refreshing. With the lens weighing a total of 180g, it's easy to forget it's in your bag, let alone on your camera, because it's so light. It made walking through the streets of San Francisco a genuinely more enjoyable experience. When it comes to capturing that decisive moment, its stepping
motor allows you to snap the autofocus to your subject quickly and quietly. There have been plenty of times using this lens walking down the streets, and I need to swing my camera up fast to take a snap. With it having the combo of being lightweight, small, and fast allows me to go unnoticed to keep the scene unbothered.

Sample Image on the Fujifilm 23mm F/2.0 lens by Zackery Ormonde in San Fransisco.
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Sample Image on the Fujifilm 23mm F/2.0 lens by Zackery Ormonde in San Fransisco.Sample Image on the Fujifilm 23mm F/2.0 lens by Zackery Ormonde in San Fransisco.

Some Cons & Things I'd Like changed

Like everything, there are a few things I don’t personally like about the lens. When shooting wide open, it does seem like the focus gets softer. It’s hard to notice and really only noticeable when editing or viewing with a big screen. This won’t be an issue for most users when viewing pictures from social media.

My second and last criticism of it is the lens hood that comes with the lens. I’m one for having my gear look good for the cause, so funny enough; this is my “biggest” issue with it. The lens hood is thin and weird-looking compared to the shape of the lens itself, and from a casual perspective, it looks like it doesn’t do much because it's so small. Keep in mind that something like a lens hood shouldn’t decide on what lens you buy because you can always not use it or purchase from a third party.

Sample Image on the Fujifilm 23mm F/2.0 lens by Zackery Ormonde in San Fransisco.

Solid Prime Lens For Everyone

If you or someone you know is just getting into photography or looking for a new lens this holiday season, the Fujifilm 23mm f/2 is the way to go! Its lightweight, fast autofocus and easy-to-use functionality are best for any new user or professional. From shooting for the love of the craft and professionally, I think the mobility and convenience of your gear are what matters most.

Photographers always say to have your camera by your side. With my Fujifilm 16-55mm, it was hard to do that. Now, with Fujifilm 23mm F/2, I can. There isn’t a time when I feel like I’m missing out because I know the 23mm is there, ready.

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XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II Lens

Fujifilm

FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II Lens brings resolving power for high-resolution imaging sensors and is the perfect hybrid lens for photographers and videographers. Packing immense creative potential...

Add for $1199

Sample Image on the Fujifilm 23mm F/2.0 lens by Zackery Ormonde in San Fransisco.
Sample Image on the Fujifilm 23mm F/2.0 lens by Zackery Ormonde in San Fransisco.
Sample Image on the Fujifilm 23mm F/2.0 lens by Zackery Ormonde in San Fransisco.
An image without an alt, whoops

What We Rate


  • Weather
    • Leave it in the studio
    • Chance of Rain
    • You’re going to get wet
    • Take it in a storm

  • Build Quality
    • Cheap
    • What You’d Expect
    • Solid
    • Top of the Line

  • Image Quality
    • Is that even in focus?
    • Passable
    • Sharp
    • Tack Sharp

  • Skill Level Required
    • Just getting started
    • Upgrading from Kit Lens
    • Shoots regularly
    • Professional

  • Weight
    • Ultra Light
    • Light
    • Average
    • Heavy

  • Size
    • Pancake
    • Prime
    • A Little Zoom
    • Dad Lens

  • Aperture Range
    • Slow
    • Decent Speed
    • Fast
    • Super Fast

💌 There's More!

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