Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R Review

The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R shown on the Fujifilm X-Pro3 — The XF 23mm f/1.4 R mounted on a Fujifilm X-Pro3

Fuji XF 23mm f/1.4 R Lens Review

History

Many Fujifilm X Series photographers had high hopes when this lens was released in 2013. I was one of them and purchased the lens for my X-Pro1.

Before this, I had used an X100s for a couple of months, and while the X100 line is highly praised by many photographers it never hit a strong note with me as I prefer to be able to change lenses.

The combination of the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and XF 23mm f/1.4 R lens felt more substantial to me. It had a certain heft and the dials and aperture are easier to work and are more to my liking.

The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R mounted on a Fujifilm X-Pro2 — The XF 23mm f/1.4 R mounted on a Fujifilm X-Pro2

The fact that I was used to heavier SLRs in 2013 could have something to do with this. My main camera at the time was a Canon EOS 5D Mark II. But it still holds true today.

I was toying with the idea of a Fujifilm X100F leading up to a three months travel stint during the summer of 2018, but again the switch did not feel right to me. This, of course, is a very personal choice.

XF 23mm f/1.4 R Three Times

I actually sold my copy of this lens with a bundle that included my X-Pro1 but purchased a second copy as soon as I got an X-T1, before leaving for an 18 months travel stint in early 2016. When my X-Pro2 and XF 23mm f/1.4 R were stolen in 2016 I repurchased the lens again, now for the third time, along with a new X-Pro2.

I have since used it with the X-T1, X-Pro1, X-Pro2, X-Pro3, and X-H1 in a variety of work situations and mainly for lots of travel.

The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R mounted on a Fujifilm X-T3

XF 23mm f/1.4 R - Handling and Build Quality

The build quality of the XF 23mm f/1.4 R is of the highest standard in the XF lens lineup and features the clutch mechanism.

Simply grab the focusing ring and pull it back for smooth manual focusing. It is easy to change the aperture, almost too easy as the aperture ring could have been tighter in my opinion.

The XF 23mm f/1.4 R has 11 elements in 8 groups with one aspherical element, weighs in at 10.6 oz / 300 g, has 7 rounded diaphragm blades, and has a filter diameter of 62mm.

All three copies I have had have been reliable and I have not had any issues despite the fact the lens is not weather-sealed. It is indeed a solid piece of kit.

A woman jogs along the waterfront at False Creek near the Science Center in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm Xf 23mm f/1.4 R — False Creek, Vancouver. Fujifilm X-T3, XF 23mm f/1.4 R @ f/2.8

How Does the XF 23mm f/1.4 R Fit Into a Kit?

At 35mm full-frame equivalent, this is a classic documentary-style focal length and along with my XF 35mm f/1.4 R (53mm equivalent), these two lenses are my most often used for street photography.

For a day of photography, I will often leave with just one of these. In part, I like the challenge of just having one lens do it all, and the second issue is bulk/weight. I feel free when not burdened with any extra accessories or lenses.

I currently have a four-lens kit, XF 14mm, 23mm, 35mm, and 90mm. During a six-week period traveling through China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand I chose to travel with just two lenses.

I picked the XF 35mm f/1.4 R and XF 14mm f/2.8 R and I can’t say I missed the 23mm or 90mm too much. The two were left behind as they belong to a group of heavier Fujifilm prime lenses.

A man walks but wall art of Queen Elizabeth in Belfast, Northern Ireland — Belfast, Northern Ireland, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 23mm f/1.4 R @ f/6.4

For six weeks of travel in Europe in the summer of 2018, however, I chose to take the 23mm. I am glad I did and I made a point of using it more. The same goes for a four and half month trip we concluded at the end of February 2020, just before the lockdown.

XF 23mm f/1.4 R vs. XF 23mm f/2 R WR

The XF 23mm f/2 R WR was not available when I first purchased the f/1.4 version. To this date, I am actually slightly torn about which of the two I prefer and probably would not mind having both. Looking through my own images and images online, however, I do prefer the look of the f/1.4 version photos.

The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R mounted on a Fujifilm X-Pro3 — The XF 23mm f/1.4 R mounted on a Fujifilm X-Pro3

The weather sealing, lower weight, price, and faster autofocus, however, are certainly appealing with the f/2 version.

I rarely use the 23mm wide open at f/1.4 as I find the bokeh varies depending on the background, distance to your subject, and situation. Sometimes it is rather magical and at other times it falls short and can appear rather harsh.

Update:

I have now had a chance to review the XF 23mm f/2 R WR and was surprised at how much I liked it.

You can read the XF 23mm f/2 review here:

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR - Lens Review

Fuji XF 23mm f/1.4 R lens with a vented hood on the Fujifilm X-H1 camera — Fujifilm X-H1 with XF 23mm f/1.4 R - Vented metal hood

Lens Hoods For the XF 23mm f/1.4 R

As you can see from the photos in this review I have replaced the standard hood with a 62mm vented metal hood. It takes up less space in my backpack and it is easier to take the rear cap off and on when using one hand, as the lens now sits level on a table.

I only use the standard hood in very bright light and rainy conditions as it does offer more protection. The vented hood has a third benefit and is designed with the optical viewfinder in mind on the X-Pro1, X-Pro2, and X-Pro3 as it blocks your view less. I almost always use the EVF so this point is not that important to me.

A woman walks through the streets of Budapest on a rainy December evening. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R — Budapest, Hungary, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 23mm f/1.4 R @ f/2.2

Conclusion

As of 2021, the XF 23mm f/1.4 R, $899.00, is still my choice of 23mm focal length from Fujifilm. The XF 23mm f/2 R WR is a strong contender due to the compact size, lower price, quick autofocus, and weather-sealing and although I speak highly of it in my review, I am hanging onto my f/1.4 version for now.

Pros

Solid build quality
The clutch mechanism for smooth manual focus
Bright f/1.4 f-stop

Cons

Bokeh quality varies at f/1.4

The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R mounted on a Fujifilm X-T4

Update, February 2022

Fujifilm has now released a new version of the 23mm f/1.4 lens, the XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR. Here is a link to a review of this new lens:

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R - Sample Images

Below are a few of my favorite captures from the XF 23mm f/1.4 R. Editing was done in either Lightroom or Capture One Express and I have used Fujifilm film simulations such as Acros, Velvia, Classic Chrome, or Provia.

Please click to view larger images.