'Xtra on the Speed Charts

The new Fujinon 23mm f/2 R WR lens may be one stop slower than its more expensive sibling, but a revamped AF experience makes this a redefiining moment for the X system.

- Raj Lalwani

Fujifilm has always served the photographer who enjoys the 35mm focal length. Whether it was the X100 kind of fixed lens cameras, or the excellent 23mm f/1.4 lens for the interchangeable-lens X-system cameras, Fuji has served the right accompaniments to their rangefinderesque camera bodies.

Features

This is why the new 23mm f/2 R WR becomes interesting. Is it a budget version of the f/1.4 lens? Does it compromise on quality while being far more economical? Does the relatively simple optical construction of ten elements in six groups improve focusing? I was keen to find out.

Handling

The design philosophy of the new f/2 lenses by Fuji is interesting because it mirrors a classic design, the Leica Summicron series. Both the 35mm f/2 R WR and this 23mm f/2 R WR are similarly compact in size, with the barrel of the lens tapering towards the front. This has been done keeping the X-Pro2 in mind, as one realises that even while using the Optical Viewfinder, the front end of the lens does not obstruct the view in any way. At 180g, this is a featherweight lens, though being someone who has large hands, I personally prefer the feel of the beefier 23mm f/1.4 lens, which weighs 300g.