Fujifilm XF 23mm F1.4 R LM WR

Fujifilm XF 23mm F1.4 R LM WR

Latest generation wide-angle lens: the FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR with high resolution and fast autofocus

With the FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR, FUJIFILM presents an update to its popular fast wide-angle fixed focal length for the X series mirrorless system cameras. Like its two sister lenses, the FUJINON XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR and FUJINON XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR, it belongs to a new generation of lenses developed with future camera sensors with even higher resolution in mind. Even at F1.4 open aperture, these lenses offer outstanding resolving power.

The high speed of the XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR provides additional flexibility in difficult lighting conditions and also allows for shots with exceptionally beautiful bokeh.

With the aperture fully open, the main subject is sharply reproduced against a background resolved in attractive blur, with the nine aperture blades providing the characteristic round blur points from F1.4. The harmonious sharpness-blur effect creates a very plastic-looking image effect.

The universal wide-angle focal length of 23 mm (equivalent to 35 mm KB) is suitable for a wide range of shooting situations, from reportage to landscape and portrait photography. Regardless of the subject, the lightning-fast, pinpoint autofocus quickly focuses on the subject at all times in up to 0.04 seconds*.

Despite its sophisticated features, the fast XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR is easy and comfortable to handle. It weighs only about 375 grams and is 77.8 mm long with a filter diameter of 58 mm. A rugged body and splash- and dust-proof construction complete the lens.

High resolution from aperture F1.4

The optical construction of the XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR includes 15 elements in ten groups. Two aspherical lenses and three ED lenses effectively minimize chromatic and spherical aberrations. Even at open aperture F1.4, a consistently high resolving power is achieved across the entire image area, regardless of the shooting distance. This is due to an aspherical lens and another optical element, which together ensure consistently high imaging performance from the shortest focusing distance to "infinity" (∞).

High speed and attractive bokeh

The large F1.4 aperture allows sharp and noise-free shots even in low-light conditions, such as indoors or after dark. Even at F1.4, the lens offers a precise depth of field as well as a velvety bokeh effect free of color casts. An almost three-dimensional image effect is created. The details of the main subject contrast attractively with the background, which is resolved in a soft blur. Nine aperture blades ensure almost circular blur points even at the widest possible aperture.

Popular wide-angle focal length with a wide range of uses

The XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR offers a popular and universal focal length of 35mm (KB equivalent). The shortest focusing distance is 19 cm, with a maximum magnification of 0.2. Compared to its predecessor, this makes the lens even more suitable for close-ups with increased depth of field: while the main subject in the foreground can be seen up close, a larger image detail is captured in the background. In practice, this results in more creative scope, as the spatial relationship between objects in the foreground and background can be more strongly influenced by a wider range of possible perspectives.

Fast, precise and silent autofocus

The wide-angle lens features internal focusing, in which the lightweight focus group is precisely and silently moved to the desired position by a linear motor. Autofocus quickly focuses on the subject in up to 0.04 seconds*, so the exposure is always made at the decisive moment. When shooting moving subjects in AF-C mode, the focus literally sticks to the main subject. This guarantees sharp pictures even in dynamic situations.

A typical problem of conventional photo lenses is that there are small changes in the image section when focusing, which can be annoying when recording a video. This is not the case with the XF23mmF1.4: regardless of the shooting distance, the lens' imaging performance remains consistently high from the shortest setting distance to "infinity" (∞). At 0.011%, focus breathing is so low that the lens is also suitable for demanding moving images.

Focusing with a sure touch
The setting accuracy of the focus ring has been improved. This makes manual focusing at shallow depth of field easier. An optimized gear ratio ensures that the focus is adjusted absolutely evenly, even with the least amount of force. The focus ring also has a revised knurl whose grooves are now easier to clean.

Compact, lightweight and weatherproof housing

With a weight of just 375 grams, a length of just 77.8 mm and a filter size of 58 mm, the XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR is exceedingly handy. The slim design was achieved by a focus group with a small lens diameter and a space-saving AF linear motor arrangement.

The lens is sealed against moisture and dust at nine points and can be used without restriction down to minus 10 degrees Celsius. This means that photographs can be taken even in wind, rain and freezing cold. The aperture ring can be secured using an automatic locking mechanism (A Position Lock) to prevent accidental adjustment of the shooting parameters.