Without rehashing much of the fanfare and praise that Fujifilm has received for the company’s virally popular X100VI, it’s important to recognize that this Fujifilm point-and-shoot could end up being the most important—or at least the best-selling—camera of the decade.

Yet, despite its difficulty to acquire, with it constantly being sold out, and now with new tariffs and trade wars possibly making it even trickier to manufacture and ship, in many ways it’s not too hard to recreate. For example, Fujifilm has already found great success in marketing other mirrorless cameras like the interchangeable lens X-T50 as X100VI alternatives for those who can’t get the point-and-shoot.

Still, with the announcement of the new Fujifilm X-E5, it appears that Fujifilm is dead set on riding the X100VI’s wave of success as long as possible, and that’s what the X-E5 is being marketed as. However, while a lot of focus will be on the X-E5 and its almost identical compact design, the real workhorse might be the XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR lens that is set to come with the camera.

Let’s take a closer look at the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR lens and explore what it really offers.

The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR Lens

Designed to deliver the flexibility of a 35mm equivalent focal length in an extremely compact, lightweight build, the XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR Lens from Fujifilm is designed for photographers and videographers who might require high optical quality without sacrificing portability.

The lens features a rounded, 11-blade iris that opens to a maximum aperture of f/2.8, providing soft, silky bokeh and ensuring low-light performance. Plus, with a thickness under 1" and a weight of just 3.2 oz, the XF 23mm lens effectively maintains the form factor of any FUJIFILM X-mount camera it's attached to while assuring image quality with two aspherical elements to reduce distortion and spherical aberrations.

The XF 23mm's focus can be controlled via AF or its manual focus ring, with subjects remaining sharp as close as 7.9". Ideal for on-the-go photographers and videographers, the XF 23mm lens features a weather-resistant construction and a 39mm front thread for convenient filter attachment.

Optical Performance and Design

Credit: B&H

Overall, the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR lens will feature a 23mm focal length on an APS-C sensor, providing an equivalent FOV to a 35mm lens on a full-frame sensor. The f/2.8 to f/16 aperture will benefit low-light photography and videography and should enable precise depth control.

The lens’ slim form factor, measuring less than 1" thick, will provide maximal portability, and at 3.2 oz, it should facilitate easy handheld operation. The lens will also feature a manual aperture adjustment ring with a locking "A" position for auto mode.

It’s also, of course, weather-resistant, which should allow for use in diverse climates and scenarios, and will feature a 39mm front thread for easy integration of necessary filters.

Price and Availability

The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR lens is available as a stand-alone purchase for $499. However, if you are interested in combining it with the Fujifilm X-E5, it’s only a $200 bundle add-on price with the X-E5, making it a deal pretty hard to ignore.

Here are the full specs and purchase options for the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR lens by itself.

  • APS-C | f/2.8 to f/16
  • 35mm (Full-Frame Equivalent)
  • Autofocus | 7.9" Close Focus
  • 11-Blade Iris | Super-Smooth Bokeh
  • Two High-Resolution Aspherical Elements
  • Weather-Resistant Construction
  • Compact and Lightweight 3.2 oz Design
  • 39mm Front Filter Thread

FUJIFILM XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR Lens

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Delivering the flexibility of a 35mm equivalent focal length in an extremely compact, lightweight build, the XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR Lens from FUJIFILM is designed for photographers who require high optical quality without sacrificing portability.

$499
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