Great review! I went out and purchased this lens after watching a few positive reviews (yours included). My x-t2 came with the 18-55mm kit lens and I really wanted a f2 prime. As a nature/bird photographer that has broken his back carrying Canon pro bodies/500mm f4 over 15 years and as someone that has finally delved into street photography, I wanted to go as light and small as possible. The x-t2, 23mm combo is exactly what I needed.
Apart from the great information in this video, I really love your taste in music. Music choice in YT videos is something that never fails to get me to hit that subscribe button. Kudos to the artists as well.
A lot of this video was about the compactness and portability of the lens, which is certainly one of its great virtues. But if that is the overriding’performance metric, have you tried the 18mm? To my mind, and I know there are many who might disagree, the 18mm is superior: smaller, greater capabilities to get close, more context; and image quality, in my experience, is certainly equal, if not superior. In a word, the perfect travel lens, especially paired with a small body, like the excellent XT-30.
after buying this lens for about a week now, i'd have to say it sits very nicely with the other F2 lens. Since all the F2's are similar sizes, it's a luxury that CANON SONY & other manufacturers don't have, which is being able to switch lens knowing you can shove whatever lens back into your bag and it will fit. Like Rendall said, not all of us bring camera bags every day, our bags have other stuff inside, it's nice knowing that a lens only takes up like 2% of your bag.
@@philipsutton2316 I really enjoy using it. This is my first camera so I really can't give you an honest comparison or opinion because this is all I know. I'm happy with my decision though.
Great video, loved the photos too (especially NYC night shots). The weather resistance is what really sets it apart for me, as you said, bad weather is often conducive to great photos. Gonna get this & an X-T2!
Great video, Randall. Thanks for sharing! I'm pretty new to photography and just about to pick up an X-T3 so I've been back and forth on which 23mm to get. This really helped.
Just wanted to say, in case no one had mentioned it here, a plastic lens hood might be a good thing, as it would absorb shock better than metal if the lens was dropped or hit. Don't know if this is true or not, but someone pointed it out in another comment section, and it made sense, so I thought I'd share the thought.
Fujifilm is it a good camera to start with or canon. A coworker sold me canon 30d and I love it. Just wanted to know before I start investing in canon for my photography.
Hi, I want to star with photography and I have three options to buy a camera, which one would you choose? thanks in advice, 1. Fujifilm X-T10 with XC16-50mm, XC50-230mm, and 7 artisans 55mm F1.4 lenses for 650 dollars. 2. fujifilm XE3 with Fuji XF 23mm and the Fujinon Super EBC XC 50-230mm for about 1000 dollars. 3. Sony A6000 with 16-50 mm, 55-210mm and a zeiss 16-70mm for about 950 dollars
if your setup is for photo, and not video, I wouldn't consider SONY. Fuji's are much more enjoyable cameras for shooting stills. I would go with XE3 since it focuses faster and the XT10 is older compared. i personally own the XE3 with 18 f2, 23 f2, 27 f2.8, 35 f2, 50 f2, all used for around USD 1500 (probably gonna sell the 27 f2.8 sooner or later, but its nice to have when I'm just going somewhere close and I can shove this into a lens pouch and hook it onto my jeans). It's down to how you like to shoot. for me, zooms don't spark joy.
Great video! You convinced me to go with the 23mm instead of the 35mm. My next lens after that would be the 56mm for portraiture but you've got the 50mm. Why didn't you get the 56mm to get closer to that 85mm equivalent?
i had the 56 for a little while, but decided to go for the 23/50 combo because of the weather sealing/size/weight.. i think it works well for travel/street photography. When i want bokehlicious portraits i also have a rokinon/Samyang 85mm 1.4 that helps out there. The 56 was an awesome lens, renders beautifully i would 110% recommend it . i do sometimes consider getting it again.. but i also am considering a 16 1.4 and 35 1.4 combo to compliment the slower smaller f2 lenses i have now (its nice having so many lens options with Fuji)
That is true. The size of the 50mm and its weather sealing are important factors as well as the price point. I don't know if the 56mm is better than the 50mm enough to justify the cost and the heft. Either way I'll have to continue to investigate! If you have any more to say about the 50mm, enough for a video with examples of your photography, I'd love for you to make a video about it. I've heard nothing but the best about the 16mm f/1.4. That's one I'm sure I'll be getting down the road. Thanks for the reply!
I was planning to get the xt3 with the 23 f2 and 50 f2, but im worried the 56 is a better choice for portraits. Would you care to explain your experience using both of them and the uses you give them to each?
Eli Salant thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed. I do shoot raw, and im currently using LR and PS.. i am tempted by C1 as everyone says it is better for fuji.. I appreciate your comments
I'm surprised that the zoom on 23mm should be better (sharper?) than the prime as this one has so high praises. As I don't use both of them, I won't contradict you of course, just being surprised.
that's what i see in the files..from photos taken on vacation , family trips and portrait sessions,, no scientific testing here. so there could be (dxo ?) charts somewhere that will prove me wrong. the 23f2 also is a bit soft at f2 when doing close up(something i failed to mention in this video), where the zoom is sharp through out. But don't take this to mean that it is world's different, the 23 is a fine lens. i also mostly used primes , for their size and quality , but at times do appreciate the convenience of a zoom , especially a sharp one like that 16-55
I have the 1.4 version and since the focal length is so comfortable for everyday shooting, then I always want to use it. But its so heavy and bulky, makes the camera so front heavy. I love the photos that come out so I should stop complaining, but I wish I could try the f2 for EDC or travel. As for low light situations, f2 is still pretty good especially with the strong ISO handling from fuji. Thanks for the review!
The bokeh on your phone is take then, if you can't get decent bokeh using this lens then you don't know what you're doing and should stick to using you take filters
Hi.i just wait for my new xt2,and can someone tell me which lens between xf23mm 2.0 or 35mm 2.0 i shut choose for main lens?i m beginner and i use 90% at home to make a pic of my family,portraits and travel.And i want to own only one lens.Witch one i shut get?23 or 35 2.0?
you'd really have to try both to know the difference. i'd say xf23 is better because it is constant aperture and no zoom to distract you from taking the picture.
@@wazzupbeckham i was torn between sony and fuji.the reason i went with sony is 1- because of its pricepoint as a fullframe.although it doesnot matter in a personal photographic practice, it does in a professional sphere in a super tech geeky country like india, where i am from. similarly,sony is also a common and known name even for the people who doesnot know anything apart from data 2- the availability of lenses was a big factor. since fuji is still not a very common choice in our country, availabilty of lenses for rent in our city is impossible and we donot have agencies like B&H 3- the lowlight performance of sony has a substantial praise from professionals and i have to say, the eye autofocus is brilliant.
where I put them? as in post them? well theres flickr , Instagram , various photography forums I frequent , facebook groups..i've even printed and hung a couple ,but if thats your opinion of street photography then your time would be wasted doing it , just stick to the type of photography you enjoy and you will never feel a "waste of shutter" .. thanks for watching!
![[TH] VALORANT Champions Seoul - Grand Final - EDG vs TH](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/WvObMc9VelI/mqdefault.jpg)
As much as I appreciate those TH-camrs that test out lenses with charts, I think I very much prefer this style. Great photos! Subscribed!
fcolpz thanks , really appreciate the comment!
I agree with your thoughts on it. I've got a 23mm f2 and its on my camera 95% of the time.
Great review!
I went out and purchased this lens after watching a few positive reviews (yours included). My x-t2 came with the 18-55mm kit lens and I really wanted a f2 prime. As a nature/bird photographer that has broken his back carrying Canon pro bodies/500mm f4 over 15 years and as someone that has finally delved into street photography, I wanted to go as light and small as possible. The x-t2, 23mm combo is exactly what I needed.
clanky44 I had a 5d3 + 24-70 2.8 m kii combo , I know exactly what you mean.. Thanks for watching !
Apart from the great information in this video, I really love your taste in music. Music choice in YT videos is something that never fails to get me to hit that subscribe button. Kudos to the artists as well.
A lot of this video was about the compactness and portability of the lens, which is certainly one of its great virtues. But if that is the overriding’performance metric, have you tried the 18mm? To my mind, and I know there are many who might disagree, the 18mm is superior: smaller, greater capabilities to get close, more context; and image quality, in my experience, is certainly equal, if not superior. In a word, the perfect travel lens, especially paired with a small body, like the excellent XT-30.
No I haven't, but it is on the top of my list of lenses to try out.. once upon a time 28mm was my favorite focal length for street and travel.
Your images are excellent, Randall.
after buying this lens for about a week now, i'd have to say it sits very nicely with the other F2 lens. Since all the F2's are similar sizes, it's a luxury that CANON SONY & other manufacturers don't have, which is being able to switch lens knowing you can shove whatever lens back into your bag and it will fit. Like Rendall said, not all of us bring camera bags every day, our bags have other stuff inside, it's nice knowing that a lens only takes up like 2% of your bag.
Just ordered a x-t3. I got this lens as part of the bundle. Can't wait. Subscribed
Thanks for watching , hope you enjoy the lens as much as I do!
How's the T3 going Mr Noble? I'm thinking of getting one but not sure it will be any better than my X-h1?
@@philipsutton2316 I really enjoy using it. This is my first camera so I really can't give you an honest comparison or opinion because this is all I know. I'm happy with my decision though.
Great video, loved the photos too (especially NYC night shots). The weather resistance is what really sets it apart for me, as you said, bad weather is often conducive to great photos. Gonna get this & an X-T2!
I just got an X-T2 with the 23F2. It's great small and looks great.
Grew up in Queens, thank you Ran for capturing the essence of NYC, beautiful photos.
Ho Hwang thanks for watching , appreciate the comment
I have 4 Fuji Lenses. They’re all so damn good. I need to add this lens to my collection also >.
Great video, Randall. Thanks for sharing! I'm pretty new to photography and just about to pick up an X-T3 so I've been back and forth on which 23mm to get. This really helped.
Just wanted to say, in case no one had mentioned it here, a plastic lens hood might be a good thing, as it would absorb shock better than metal if the lens was dropped or hit. Don't know if this is true or not, but someone pointed it out in another comment section, and it made sense, so I thought I'd share the thought.
By far the best Fuji 23mm f/2 review on YT....
BelowZero thanks , appreciate the words
Looking at your pictures makes modest. Congratulations.
7:45
Hmm, are you happy to see me or is it just a Fuji XF23 f2 in your pocket?
Just got the xt3 with the 50 to 140 f2.8 and just now ordered the 23 f2 nice review
Steve Jaiden I have the same lens plus the 56mm f/1.2. I think those 3 will be all I need
@@ricanrolla85 I also got 56 1.2
You sold me on it with this video, just got one yesterday!
For indoor shoot which one is better 23 f2 mm or 35 mm f 2 ? Than you
For indoor tight space definitely the 23 , compression of 35 is better for portraits but if amount of space is questionable I'd choose the 23
Some shot in this video are magical ,congrat !
Very objective evaluation. Congrats!
Great choice with music, and excellent video-thanks!
You are one cool dude. I have exactly the same combo and haven't been looking back.
Helpful video, and beautiful images!
Love the review. So relaxed and realistic. I hate super technical reviews that have no application in the real world.
Some amazing shots in there!
Thanks!
Love that lens. I always need to come up with reasons not to use it to give more love to the other lenses 😋
Like the video man, definitely my next lens to buy.
Informative video thanks for sharing
Hey ! Thank YOU for watching it!
Great vid bro ... love your work as well.
I really wanna pick up the xf 23mm f2. Also, I have the same desk!
Great lens! Highly recommended!. The desk is pretty good too lol.. although I'm thinking of switching to a standing desk.
Nice video & Thanks for sharing. Just ordered this lens (sending the 16-55 back).
Hope you enjoy it as much as i have !! and Thanks for taking the time to watch !
Great discussion. Thank you for sharing.
Dope vid, gonna grab this lens soon!
Moghul Veyron thanks for watching..
Great video Randall, thanks for sharing, I will get one 23/f2 right now, your thought process is very informative.
Ben Hanggai thanks, I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine
awesome review thanks. gonna purchase these
thank you .. appreciate you taking the time to watch
on what camera was this filmed on? love the colors and contrast!
Mignon hi , this particular video was shot with a sony a7r3 and sigma 18-35
Fujifilm is it a good camera to start with or canon. A coworker sold me canon 30d and I love it. Just wanted to know before I start investing in canon for my photography.
I would go fuji, nothing special about canon or nikon.
Great video, thanks for sharing. I've taken the plunge and grabbed one of these from Fnac.
They've got a great offer on at the moment, 351€.
Thanks!.. hope you enjoy it as much as I have
Hi, I want to star with photography and I have three options to buy a camera, which one would you choose? thanks in advice,
1. Fujifilm X-T10 with XC16-50mm, XC50-230mm, and 7 artisans 55mm F1.4 lenses for 650 dollars.
2. fujifilm XE3 with Fuji XF 23mm and the Fujinon Super EBC XC 50-230mm for about 1000 dollars.
3. Sony A6000 with 16-50 mm, 55-210mm and a zeiss 16-70mm for about 950 dollars
if your setup is for photo, and not video, I wouldn't consider SONY. Fuji's are much more enjoyable cameras for shooting stills. I would go with XE3 since it focuses faster and the XT10 is older compared.
i personally own the XE3 with 18 f2, 23 f2, 27 f2.8, 35 f2, 50 f2, all used for around USD 1500 (probably gonna sell the 27 f2.8 sooner or later, but its nice to have when I'm just going somewhere close and I can shove this into a lens pouch and hook it onto my jeans). It's down to how you like to shoot. for me, zooms don't spark joy.
Between the 23mm f2 and the 35mm f2 witch one is sharper? Witch one would you choose for couples? I'm still using 18-55mm.
Paulo Parreira hello, I think i would get the 35mm for portraits of couples . Unless you are really into environmental portraits with couples.
Cannot believe the comments. Imo this lens is completely unusable under 2 meters distance at f2. You have to stop it down seriously!
Thank you for really great review
Great video! You convinced me to go with the 23mm instead of the 35mm. My next lens after that would be the 56mm for portraiture but you've got the 50mm. Why didn't you get the 56mm to get closer to that 85mm equivalent?
i had the 56 for a little while, but decided to go for the 23/50 combo because of the weather sealing/size/weight.. i think it works well for travel/street photography. When i want bokehlicious portraits i also have a rokinon/Samyang 85mm 1.4 that helps out there.
The 56 was an awesome lens, renders beautifully i would 110% recommend it . i do sometimes consider getting it again.. but i also am considering a 16 1.4 and 35 1.4 combo to compliment the slower smaller f2 lenses i have now (its nice having so many lens options with Fuji)
That is true. The size of the 50mm and its weather sealing are important factors as well as the price point. I don't know if the 56mm is better than the 50mm enough to justify the cost and the heft. Either way I'll have to continue to investigate! If you have any more to say about the 50mm, enough for a video with examples of your photography, I'd love for you to make a video about it.
I've heard nothing but the best about the 16mm f/1.4. That's one I'm sure I'll be getting down the road.
Thanks for the reply!
i have a video for the 50mm in the works, should be a week or 2 and it will be up, will have plenty of photo and video samples
After a year, what do you think of the 23mm f2?
I was planning to get the xt3 with the 23 f2 and 50 f2, but im worried the 56 is a better choice for portraits. Would you care to explain your experience using both of them and the uses you give them to each?
Go 56 taste the magic of fuji.
As for 23 i prefer the f2.
For street and nature shoot i need weather resist and focus speed. And anti fungus 😁
@@palgunamanuaba1101 how is it anti fungus?
The 56 is a better choice. Just get it.
@@pedro0563 i got the 50 ^^"
Great pictures!
Rederij Smulders en zoon thank you, appreciate the comment
Loved the video thanks.
2 questions?
Do u shoot RAW?
What software do u use ?
I especially love your B&W
Eli Salant thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed. I do shoot raw, and im currently using LR and PS.. i am tempted by C1 as everyone says it is better for fuji..
I appreciate your comments
I'm surprised that the zoom on 23mm should be better (sharper?) than the prime as this one has so high praises. As I don't use both of them, I won't contradict you of course, just being surprised.
Ps I don"t use zooms any longer also not on travels.
that's what i see in the files..from photos taken on vacation , family trips and portrait sessions,, no scientific testing here. so there could be (dxo ?) charts somewhere that will prove me wrong.
the 23f2 also is a bit soft at f2 when doing close up(something i failed to mention in this video), where the zoom is sharp through out.
But don't take this to mean that it is world's different, the 23 is a fine lens.
i also mostly used primes , for their size and quality , but at times do appreciate the convenience of a zoom , especially a sharp one like that 16-55
Nice photos!
helo.. its great for concert photography? mine is xh1
thanks and great pics .
Thanks for watching ,, appreciate the comment!
Love your videos! BGM is real good! Could you list the name? :>
Buen vídeo, nice photos. 👍
I have the 1.4 version and since the focal length is so comfortable for everyday shooting, then I always want to use it. But its so heavy and bulky, makes the camera so front heavy. I love the photos that come out so I should stop complaining, but I wish I could try the f2 for EDC or travel. As for low light situations, f2 is still pretty good especially with the strong ISO handling from fuji. Thanks for the review!
Tony Perez-Carpenter thanks for taking the time to watch, appreciate the comments
Is it good for video? Thx
I own this lens also. My phone makes more bokeh than this lens! :D But i love it anyway. :)
The bokeh on your phone is take then, if you can't get decent bokeh using this lens then you don't know what you're doing and should stick to using you take filters
Hi.i just wait for my new xt2,and can someone tell me which lens between xf23mm 2.0 or 35mm 2.0 i shut choose for main lens?i m beginner and i use 90% at home to make a pic of my family,portraits and travel.And i want to own only one lens.Witch one i shut get?23 or 35 2.0?
Hi.!I think 23mm is suit for most of your needs need since u gonna use it for family/group photo & travel.
@@AlefHeykhal agreed. if you have to choose one, i'd go with xf23 too. xf35 might not be wide enough at dinner tables.
what's the best option for a learner's first lens?the 18 - 55 or this 23?
you'd really have to try both to know the difference. i'd say xf23 is better because it is constant aperture and no zoom to distract you from taking the picture.
@@wazzupbeckham i went ahead with the a7iii and a 35 mm lens.so yeah, its great to shoot around with a prime
@@animikhchakrabarty I had an A7iii for about a month, never really clicked with it. Hope u enjoy it :). What made you go with Sony?
@@wazzupbeckham i was torn between sony and fuji.the reason i went with sony is 1- because of its pricepoint as a fullframe.although it doesnot matter in a personal photographic practice, it does in a professional sphere in a super tech geeky country like india, where i am from. similarly,sony is also a common and known name even for the people who doesnot know anything apart from data
2- the availability of lenses was a big factor. since fuji is still not a very common choice in our country, availabilty of lenses for rent in our city is impossible and we donot have agencies like B&H
3- the lowlight performance of sony has a substantial praise from professionals and i have to say, the eye autofocus is brilliant.
@@animikhchakrabarty i totally understand if you're using it for paid work. clients can be naive some times.
Bravo!!!!🙏
Hi what camera you were using to record this video?
Paolo Andrenelli video was shot with a sony a7r3
@@randallherreraNyc Thanks! Great Colour and depth. Very filmic!
can you explain where you put your street photography photos? do people keep photos of other people???? It is just waste of shutter IMO.
where I put them? as in post them? well theres flickr , Instagram , various photography forums I frequent , facebook groups..i've even printed and hung a couple ,but if thats your opinion of street photography then your time would be wasted doing it , just stick to the type of photography you enjoy and you will never feel a "waste of shutter" .. thanks for watching!
Seems like Tomas is a bit clueless and new to photography, he'll learn in time