I purchased this lens along with an XT-5, my first Fuji camera. The lens is simply spectacular. For reference, I am primarily a Sony full-frame guy with shelves stocked with G- Master glass. But for an everyday carry (and my personal projects), the Fuji system and this lens are my "go-to." Could not be happier with this choice.
Thank you for the review! Fuji confirmed that the new prime LM WR lenses, alongside with a few others are made with 40mp sensor in mind, so it would be interesting to see how they cope with the new sensor. Can wait for your future reviews!
I've seen the list but I do have my doubts about how good some of the older lenses on that list will be when shot full open. I have no doubts they'll do fine at say f4 but there's a few with flaws already when shot wide open which I'm sure will only be worse on 40mp.
I just got this lens and it's nothing short of spectacular. Ridiculously sharp even on the X-H2 40MP sensor, contrasty, beautiful color, built like a tank... I could go on and on. It sure isn't cheap, but it's worth every penny.
I've been waiting for this for a long time, great review as always. I wonder if you will switch to XH2 sometime later, it's worth testing the limits of the old xf lineup, Fuji did announced a list of lens that can benefit from the 40mp sensor, but I do doubt some of them, especially the 50 f1, that is not a sharp lens but it's on the list
I was about to comment the same, I would love to see him pick up the 40MP X-H2 so we can get a good indication of how good newer third party lenses are going to be for the new Camera. Especially considering Fuji may even make a future XT5 40MP as well.
this lens seems pretty impressive, but it won't be replacing my mark i until i absolutely need the resolution or weather sealing. the original 23mm is pretty excellent, and is my most used fuji prime.
The mark 1 might arguably be better in some situations where character and a dreamy look is desired. At 4:56 in the video below, I actually like the way the mark 1 renders portraits more. th-cam.com/video/4V5ZAf-fVHw/w-d-xo.html
I have the old 23mm F1.4 R and am really please with the results, but because I like smaller bodies and lenses, the new 23mm WR LM isn't for me. That being said Please ask Fuji to update their 23mmF2 to the newer X100V lens formula, or the 18mmF2 to WR LM and make them under 150g, I mean it's definitely possible since Canon has one that's 100g, and Leica has one that's also around 150g. Heck Fuji has one tucked in the X100V and VI! These would be awesome lenses. I mean I love my X100V but it's really inconvenient to carry 2 bodies around travelling! It's really annoying to know that the X100V lens is so much better than the current 23mmF2 because of the close focusing problem. And it IS a problem not a feature, because I have owned the X100T/F/V and know the difference is dramatic! Please Fuji! Sorry for the bother, as I have posted this numerous times in your channel, and know you have asked many times as well. But thank you for all your videos!
To be fair the viltrox is less than half the price of the fujinon, that would be a crime if it wasn't better ^^ ( depending on where you buy them it's nearly a third of the price ^^ )
Depends what you’re after. If we’re talking sharpness, the 18 is slightly sharper in the centre, while the 23 is sharper out to the edges. Bokeh? I’d probably say the 18 has very slightly smoother rendering. Honestly you’ll be splitting hairs between them.
18mm seems to be slightly better... But that's reflected in the price too unfortunately, more expensive than both the new 23 and 33. Think i may save up for it though, seems more versatile personally, slightly wider view and can crop in to roughly 23 no issue.
The 23 is a much more balanced lens, offering sharpness and resolution across the frame, corner to corner, straight from f1.4. The 18mm is mainly stellar in the center, much less so in the corners / borders.
Will be interesting to see how these updated Fujifilm lenses look on the new 40MP sensor, will you be getting an X-H2 or X-T5 in the future to test X-mount lenses at 40MP?
If you care only about the image center, then yes! Otherwise the new 23mm offers better sharpness and resolution across the frame, corner to corner, straight from f1.4
@@jangeboers1984 The difference in corner sharpness is very close in the RAW files, but the 23mm has dramatically worse Vignetting and Distortion, both of which will hurt sharpness when corrected.
@@jangeboers1984 I have all three new LM primes and agree the 18 1.4 is Fuji's best medium-wide, including the 33mm with that grouping. Certainly a huge leap forward over the 16 1.4. The 18mm 1.4 is more than sharp enough and more importantly uniformly across the frame. The 23mm 1.4 WR is indeed sharper. The question is what would you buy this lens for. For detail shots eye wateringly sharp. However, for tighter portraits, people documentary and group shots, it's just too sharp and the bokeh can be quite edgy and distracting if there is anything going on in the background. The old version is better for these uses. I even prefer the x100v for these purposes. Because the 18mm 1.4 avoids these pitfalls and has divine rendering - much like the 90mm - the images are simply so much better. I am thinking of selling the new 23 and might even buy the old version again, stick with just the x100v or pick up a 16-55. Luckily I bought it at a discount. But I will try a diffusion filter first and see how it is on the 40MP sensor it was designed for. A shame that this lens isn't as suitable for most of what the old lens shined at. This lens is a perfect of illustration of how sharpness isn't everything.
@@rayking2696 It's not a problem at all. The lens is so exceptionally well made that the corners are sharp despite the distortion correction. It's easily the best Fuji lens I ever owned.
@@ThorenTravels Thank you very much for answering my question. what do you prefer between 23 and 33? the 33mm seems like has less distortion. Thank you again.
I haven't tried the 33mm but I hear it's really good too. I think it all comes down to taste.I will say that the 23mm f1.4 has better macro than the other new primes which is really enjoyable.
It isn't that big, is quite similar to the kit one. Sure, it's bigger than the previous model, but still, not huge. Maybe it's me, I'm used to big lenses but I don't know
Samyang has released an 85mm 1.4 FE II , I'm really surprised that they didn't send you a copy of that lens to review ... I guess most of us (if not all) believe that this channel is the best in comparing lenses. Also it is obvious that you are a fan of Samyang products (fan but not bias) ... The weight & price of that lens is so attractive yet we can't judge its IQ without a formidable test (there are few good resources but this channel is best in my opinion) ...I'm asking the others to send Samyang a request to send Chris a copy for review ( I already did)
I purchased this lens along with an XT-5, my first Fuji camera. The lens is simply spectacular. For reference, I am primarily a Sony full-frame guy with shelves stocked with G- Master glass. But for an everyday carry (and my personal projects), the Fuji system and this lens are my "go-to." Could not be happier with this choice.
Hi. It's me
I do miss the howdee
I miss the howdy everyone :(
Mario????
Chris is a Swiftie, confirmed
Ciao for now
Thank you for the review!
Fuji confirmed that the new prime LM WR lenses, alongside with a few others are made with 40mp sensor in mind, so it would be interesting to see how they cope with the new sensor.
Can wait for your future reviews!
I've seen the list but I do have my doubts about how good some of the older lenses on that list will be when shot full open. I have no doubts they'll do fine at say f4 but there's a few with flaws already when shot wide open which I'm sure will only be worse on 40mp.
I just got this lens and it's nothing short of spectacular. Ridiculously sharp even on the X-H2 40MP sensor, contrasty, beautiful color, built like a tank... I could go on and on. It sure isn't cheap, but it's worth every penny.
I used to think this lens was expensive but then I got interested in a Leica Summicron 35mm lens.
@@klarkolofsson Ah, Leica, making our gear seem cheap since 1913... 😂
I picked this thing up a few months ago and have been very, very impressed. Really wonderful lens.
The 56 1.2 WR was just announced! Looking forward to a review of that lens when ever you get the opportunity.
Unfortunately no LM.. 🤔
Pretty impressed by that lens, especially with these higher resolution cameras on the way.
Thanks as always for your generous testing!
Thanks for another great lens review - I can just confirm your observations using this lens now for 3-4 month. It is indeed spectacular.
This lens is really nice. Its almost clinical. I find myself reducing the sharpening more often than not.
Thanks for your review Chris! I always check out your channel as a final stop before purchasing a new lens. Keep up the great work!
Just ordered this one. Glad to hear that I didn't make a mistake. My first fuji 😊
Great image quality but sadly the old version just looks so much better visually.
The review I have long waited for! Thank you Chris. 👍👍
I hope you review the voigtlander 23mm 1.2 for fuji x!
Thanks Chris! Exactly what I've been waiting for!
Amazing sharpness, might be a fuji top 3 lens!
I've been waiting for this for a long time, great review as always. I wonder if you will switch to XH2 sometime later, it's worth testing the limits of the old xf lineup, Fuji did announced a list of lens that can benefit from the 40mp sensor, but I do doubt some of them, especially the 50 f1, that is not a sharp lens but it's on the list
I was about to comment the same, I would love to see him pick up the 40MP X-H2 so we can get a good indication of how good newer third party lenses are going to be for the new Camera. Especially considering Fuji may even make a future XT5 40MP as well.
For a first lens, would you recommend the F2 or the f1.4?
now its the best 35mm eqlv on apsc ，good work fuji
First row 😄 I love how consistent, accurate and practical your reviews are.
lol right? I swear I've been watching them for a decade
this lens seems pretty impressive, but it won't be replacing my mark i until i absolutely need the resolution or weather sealing. the original 23mm is pretty excellent, and is my most used fuji prime.
The mark 1 might arguably be better in some situations where character and a dreamy look is desired. At 4:56 in the video below, I actually like the way the mark 1 renders portraits more.
th-cam.com/video/4V5ZAf-fVHw/w-d-xo.html
Excellent content as usual Chris
It‘ll be fun when retesting them on the X-H2, like you did with EF-M and the M6 II.
Nice Review, thanks for that. As it is an 35mm equvialent, how would you rate it against the Canon RF35 in terms of sharpness, bokeh and AF?
This lens stays on my xt4 ever since I got it. 23mm is muvh more versatile than 33mm.
The 56 mm Mark II was announced yesterday 😊 (My condolences regarding the Queen 🌹)
I have the old 23mm F1.4 R and am really please with the results, but because I like smaller bodies and lenses, the new 23mm WR LM isn't for me. That being said Please ask Fuji to update their 23mmF2 to the newer X100V lens formula, or the 18mmF2 to WR LM and make them under 150g, I mean it's definitely possible since Canon has one that's 100g, and Leica has one that's also around 150g. Heck Fuji has one tucked in the X100V and VI! These would be awesome lenses. I mean I love my X100V but it's really inconvenient to carry 2 bodies around travelling! It's really annoying to know that the X100V lens is so much better than the current 23mmF2 because of the close focusing problem. And it IS a problem not a feature, because I have owned the X100T/F/V and know the difference is dramatic! Please Fuji!
Sorry for the bother, as I have posted this numerous times in your channel, and know you have asked many times as well. But thank you for all your videos!
Hello Christopher, awesome review as always, one question if possible. Any chance of you getting your hands on a Fuji 50-140? Thank you in advance.
The corners are so much sharper than the Viltrox counterpart
To be fair the viltrox is less than half the price of the fujinon, that would be a crime if it wasn't better ^^ ( depending on where you buy them it's nearly a third of the price ^^ )
If I could only have one lenses for the rest of my life it would be this focal length. Just usable in most situations
Wooow, new logo let's goooo!
so what's the latest firmware for this lens, can't find info on Fuji website
What do You think, would it be sharper for example than rf35mm 1.8 on eos R8?
A nice lens. Good quality.
Hello! What do you think about 33mm 1.4?
Did you set ‘high performance’ in camera? Might speed up focussing.
Should I get this for my x-s10?
What are the substitutes ? Got a FUJIFILM XT30 II and want to buy a 23mm f1.4 prime for Streetphotography and daily shooting purpose.
Almost didnt click on the video cuz i didnt recognize the profile picture 🤣 new color looks great Chris. 👍🏻
Ignoring the focal length, but paying attention on IQ and performance, which LM lens would you recommend - 18 or 23?
Depends what you’re after.
If we’re talking sharpness, the 18 is slightly sharper in the centre, while the 23 is sharper out to the edges.
Bokeh? I’d probably say the 18 has very slightly smoother rendering.
Honestly you’ll be splitting hairs between them.
I got the same question. Pick the 18mm after all.
Excellent review….I’m looking for something similar for my XT-1 and this seems to tick all the boxes. Thank you.
Danke!
Thanks!
Kinda tough choosing between this and the 18mm.
18mm seems to be slightly better... But that's reflected in the price too unfortunately, more expensive than both the new 23 and 33. Think i may save up for it though, seems more versatile personally, slightly wider view and can crop in to roughly 23 no issue.
I find the 28mm fov which the 18mm gives you way too comparable to that of a phone, 35mm is perfect.
The 23 is a much more balanced lens, offering sharpness and resolution across the frame, corner to corner, straight from f1.4. The 18mm is mainly stellar in the center, much less so in the corners / borders.
@@jangeboers1984 did you watch the 18mm review? It was just as sharp in the corners as in the center
Fujifilm has released the 56mm f1.2 mark II. Add to your list!
Will be interesting to see how these updated Fujifilm lenses look on the new 40MP sensor, will you be getting an X-H2 or X-T5 in the future to test X-mount lenses at 40MP?
Looks like the 18f1.4 is still far and away the best medium-wide angle lens Fuji makes.
If you care only about the image center, then yes! Otherwise the new 23mm offers better sharpness and resolution across the frame, corner to corner, straight from f1.4
@@jangeboers1984 The difference in corner sharpness is very close in the RAW files, but the 23mm has dramatically worse Vignetting and Distortion, both of which will hurt sharpness when corrected.
@@jangeboers1984 I have all three new LM primes and agree the 18 1.4 is Fuji's best medium-wide, including the 33mm with that grouping. Certainly a huge leap forward over the 16 1.4.
The 18mm 1.4 is more than sharp enough and more importantly uniformly across the frame. The 23mm 1.4 WR is indeed sharper. The question is what would you buy this lens for. For detail shots eye wateringly sharp. However, for tighter portraits, people documentary and group shots, it's just too sharp and the bokeh can be quite edgy and distracting if there is anything going on in the background. The old version is better for these uses. I even prefer the x100v for these purposes. Because the 18mm 1.4 avoids these pitfalls and has divine rendering - much like the 90mm - the images are simply so much better.
I am thinking of selling the new 23 and might even buy the old version again, stick with just the x100v or pick up a 16-55. Luckily I bought it at a discount. But I will try a diffusion filter first and see how it is on the 40MP sensor it was designed for. A shame that this lens isn't as suitable for most of what the old lens shined at. This lens is a perfect of illustration of how sharpness isn't everything.
Fuji, get our Chris XH2 already 📈
Ugh! I was hoping you'd say it was close enough to the old one. Whatever Chris says, goes - so bye bye $800 😭
Finally !
hello. Thank you for the review. did you check the distortion on a second xf23mm to confirm if it just an coincidence? Thanks
It's part of the lens design.
@@ThorenTravels Thank you so much for your reply. did you try it on daily shooting? is it a big problem? Thank you very much.
@@rayking2696 It's not a problem at all. The lens is so exceptionally well made that the corners are sharp despite the distortion correction. It's easily the best Fuji lens I ever owned.
@@ThorenTravels Thank you very much for answering my question. what do you prefer between 23 and 33? the 33mm seems like has less distortion. Thank you again.
I haven't tried the 33mm but I hear it's really good too. I think it all comes down to taste.I will say that the 23mm f1.4 has better macro than the other new primes which is really enjoyable.
Great lens, but jeez it’s so big. I don’t love walking around with it as a 35mm street lens so I don’t use it that often.
It isn't that big, is quite similar to the kit one. Sure, it's bigger than the previous model, but still, not huge. Maybe it's me, I'm used to big lenses but I don't know
It's 1.4 so some compromise on the size department was expected, just like the OG. 23 f/2 is for you if you want a compact lens.
The sharpness of this new lens is great. But I personally didn't like its rendering and bokeh especially for portraits and returned it.
Can you make list of softest bokeh lenses from various brand have you tried? Thank you 😁
theres a new 56mm f1.2 version, hope you test it
Please remove the spam from these comments, Chris. Our reporting doesn't really do anything.
Chris, another enjoyable review but do feel it is time for you to lose that dodgy background piano music. 😀
Can’t wait to see your review on the new 56mm mark II
How do you think these Fuji cameras compare with a Nikon z50?
Cool
Samyang has released an 85mm 1.4 FE II , I'm really surprised that they didn't send you a copy of that lens to review ...
I guess most of us (if not all) believe that this channel is the best in comparing lenses. Also it is obvious that you are a fan of Samyang products (fan but not bias) ...
The weight & price of that lens is so attractive yet we can't judge its IQ without a formidable test (there are few good resources but this channel is best in my opinion) ...I'm asking the others to send Samyang a request to send Chris a copy for review ( I already did)
23 or 33 ?
23
Please consider upgrading to a X-H2 as soon as it is available, this could be a serious gamechanger!
Why no canon lens reviews?
How many Canon lenses has been left unreviewed?
@@networm64 there are lenses that can be reviewed.
@@zaodekov I said how many!? Maybe one or 2! I can count more than 20 sony lenses which have been left out of review sofar!
“Howdy, Everyone.”
Looks a little like an updated Viltrox…🤐😂
So undecided between this and the 33, and I can buy only one 😔
Hello! And what did you chose?
@@ВоспитанныйЧеловек-о9к neither, I just have the 16-80
@@MrDG80 😁
Great... another boring lens 😁