FUJIFILM XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR Lens

FUJIFILM XF 23mm f/2 R WR Lens – Compact 35mm-Equivalent Prime for X-Mount

The FUJIFILM XF 23mm f/2 R WR Lens is a masterstroke of optical precision and engineering elegance, purpose-built for photographers and videographers who demand premium performance in a compact, weather-resistant form. Delivering a 35mm equivalent focal length—widely considered the sweet spot for storytelling, street, and environmental portraiture—this lens balances artistic versatility with unmatched reliability. Built for Fujifilm X-series mirrorless cameras, it brings to the table a large f/2 maximum aperture that not only enhances low-light capability but also produces pleasingly soft bokeh thanks to its nine rounded aperture blades, adding depth and emotion to your imagery. Weighing a mere 180 grams and measuring just 51.9mm in length, this lens is deceptively powerful despite its ultra-portable design, making it a dream companion for travel, street, and daily photography. Unlike bulkier alternatives, the XF 23mm f/2 doesn't compromise speed for size—it features a lightning-fast and whisper-quiet internal stepping motor that nails autofocus in milliseconds, making it equally adept at capturing spontaneous street moments and cinematic video footage.

Engineered with 10 elements in 6 groups, including two aspherical elements, the lens minimizes distortion, chromatic aberrations, and edge softness, ensuring that every shot remains crisp, detailed, and true-to-life from corner to corner. The lens coating technology suppresses flare and ghosting, even in challenging backlit scenarios, giving creators confidence in any lighting condition. In terms of construction, the full-metal body radiates durability and professionalism while offering tactile control with a physical aperture ring that provides intuitive operation for experienced shooters and beginners alike. The “R” designation refers to this manual aperture ring, while “WR” stands for its weather-resistance—an exceptional bonus that includes sealing at eight different points on the barrel to defend against dust, moisture, and cold temperatures down to -10°C (14°F). Whether you're shooting in the dusty streets of Marrakech or capturing the rain-drenched skyline of Tokyo, this lens empowers you to keep going, no matter what.

Professionals seeking sharpness and consistency will appreciate its outstanding optical fidelity, while content creators and hobbyists will love the simplicity and performance it offers right out of the box. It supports real-time manual override and internal focusing, which means the front element doesn’t rotate—ideal for using ND or polarizing filters without fuss. The fast, near-silent autofocus also makes this lens a reliable tool for hybrid shooters, especially those focused on narrative or travel video content. For photographers who want a lens that embodies both function and flair—without the bulk, price tag, or fragility of larger glass—the XF 23mm f/2 R WR stands out as a clear frontrunner. It’s the perfect blend of portability, ruggedness, and high-performance optics that proves you don’t need a heavy lens to create heavyweight visuals.

In a market saturated with prime lenses, the FUJIFILM XF 23mm f/2 R WR earns its place by excelling where others fall short: lightweight yet robust, fast yet precise, and beautifully sharp while remaining affordably priced. It doesn’t just capture images—it captures moments, effortlessly and beautifully. Whether you’re a seasoned Fujifilm user expanding your kit or a newcomer looking for that one versatile lens to handle it all, this is the go-to glass that delivers on every promise. Elevate your creativity, upgrade your image quality, and invest in a lens that keeps up with your vision—choose the FUJIFILM XF 23mm f/2 R WR and let every shot speak volumes.

Features:

35mm Equivalent Focal Length for Versatile Framing

The XF 23mm f/2 R WR offers a 23mm focal length on APS-C sensors, which translates to a 35mm full-frame equivalent. This field of view is considered one of the most flexible for photographers, closely resembling natural human vision. It’s ideal for a variety of genres including street photography, environmental portraiture, travel, lifestyle, and documentary work. The focal length strikes the perfect balance between capturing enough context and isolating subjects effectively, making it a one-lens solution for on-the-go shooting.

Bright f/2 Maximum Aperture for Low-Light Performance and Depth Control

With a fast f/2 maximum aperture, this lens performs excellently in low-light situations such as indoor shoots, evening streets, or dimly lit events. The wide aperture also enables creative depth-of-field control, producing beautifully blurred backgrounds that help subjects stand out. Compared to slower kit lenses, this gives you more control over exposure and mood, while maintaining image quality.

Weather-Resistant Sealing for Harsh Shooting Conditions

Built with eight weather-sealed points, the lens is designed to resist dust, moisture, and freezing temperatures down to -10°C (14°F). This makes it ideal for outdoor and travel photographers who need a reliable lens under unpredictable weather conditions. Whether you're in a dusty desert, a rainy city street, or snow-covered mountains, this lens ensures uninterrupted performance without risking internal damage.

Lightweight and Compact Build Without Compromising Durability

Weighing just 180g and measuring only 51.9mm in length, this lens is extremely compact, making it perfect for lightweight travel setups or minimalist street photography rigs. Despite its small size, it features a full-metal barrel construction, giving it a premium feel and ruggedness. It’s the kind of lens you can keep mounted on your camera at all times without fatigue or bulk.

Silent, High-Speed Autofocus with Stepping Motor

The internal stepping motor offers quick, accurate, and virtually silent autofocus. This is especially valuable in candid environments like street photography or video recording, where discreet operation is essential. The AF is reliable and responsive, locking onto subjects swiftly—even in fast-moving or unpredictable scenarios—without hunting or noise interference.

Internal Focusing with Non-Rotating Front Element

The XF 23mm f/2 R WR uses an internal focusing system, which means the front element doesn't extend or rotate. This is especially beneficial when using circular polarizers or ND filters, as they remain properly aligned throughout focusing. The internal system also contributes to faster and more stable autofocus performance, enhancing usability during video capture and continuous shooting.

Manual Aperture Ring for Tactile Exposure Control

Photographers who value a hands-on shooting experience will appreciate the dedicated manual aperture ring. Marked in 1/3 EV steps, this ring allows for intuitive, on-the-fly control of exposure settings without diving into menus. It also enhances the classic rangefinder-like shooting feel, making the lens a pleasure to use for those who prefer traditional controls.

Advanced Optical Design with Aspherical Elements

This lens features an optical formula of 10 elements in 6 groups, including two aspherical elements that minimize distortion and spherical aberrations. The result is edge-to-edge sharpness, reduced ghosting and flare, and enhanced clarity. Even wide open at f/2, the images remain sharp and color-accurate, with beautiful contrast and detail rendering—hallmarks of Fujifilm’s premium optics.

Smooth, Natural Bokeh with Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

The lens features a 9-blade rounded diaphragm, which contributes to creamy, circular bokeh in out-of-focus areas. This makes it suitable for subject isolation in portraits or close-ups, adding aesthetic depth to photos. Even specular highlights and background blur appear smooth and pleasing without harsh edges, elevating the visual quality of your compositions.

Ideal for Both Photography and Video Applications

With its fast aperture, compact form, and quiet autofocus, this lens excels not only in stills but also in video production. The minimal focus breathing, silent motor, and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for handheld video rigs, gimbal work, and run-and-gun filmmaking. Its reliable performance in changing conditions ensures professional output across formats.

• Street Photography – Compact size, silent autofocus, and 35mm equivalent focal length make it ideal for candid, everyday scenes.
• Travel Photography – Lightweight and weather-sealed for portability and durability in unpredictable conditions.
• Environmental Portraits – Balanced perspective for capturing subjects within their context without distortion.
• Documentary Work – Natural field of view and fast AF allow quick reactions and storytelling versatility.
• Urban & Architecture Photography – Minimal distortion and wide frame coverage for capturing clean lines and structural elements.
• Video Recording – Fast, quiet stepping motor ensures smooth and silent focusing, perfect for on-camera dialogue and movement.
• Landscape Photography – Edge-to-edge sharpness and weather resistance make it a strong choice for natural scenes.
• Fine Art Photography – Optical precision and manual aperture ring support creative control and consistency.
• Low-Light Photography – Wide f/2 aperture enables handheld shooting indoors or at night without excessive ISO.
• Editorial and Lifestyle Shoots – Versatile framing and sharp optics suit storytelling in magazines, blogs, and branded content.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design – Ideal for travel and street photography
• Fast f/2 aperture – Performs well in low light and offers shallow depth of field
• Weather-resistant build – Sealing in 8 areas for dust and moisture protection
• Fast, quiet autofocus – Thanks to internal stepping motor
• Excellent optical quality – Sharp images with minimal distortion
• Smooth, circular bokeh – Due to 9-blade rounded diaphragm
• Manual aperture ring – Provides tactile, intuitive exposure control
• Non-rotating front element – Ideal for use with filters
• Solid all-metal construction – Offers durability and premium feel
• Affordable – Compared to larger aperture prime lenses

Cons:

• No optical image stabilization (OIS)
• Maximum aperture of f/2 – May not offer as shallow depth of field as f/1.4 lenses
• Slight vignetting at wide apertures – Can be corrected in post
• Manual focus ring – Lacks hard stops for zone focusing
• Plastic lens hood – Feels less premium compared to optional metal version

• Product Name: FUJINON XF23mmF2 R WR
• Lens Mount: FUJIFILM X Mount
• Format: APS-C
• Focal Length: 23mm
• 35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 35mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/2
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Aperture Blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm)
• Aperture Ring: Yes (manual, with 1/3 EV steps)
• Lens Construction: 10 elements in 6 groups
• Special Elements: 2 aspherical elements
• Angle of View: 63.4°
• Minimum Focus Distance: 22 cm (8.66 inches)
• Maximum Magnification: 0.13x
• Autofocus: Yes (stepping motor, internal focus)
• Manual Focus Override: Yes
• Image Stabilization: No
• Filter Size: Ø43mm
• Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 60.0mm x 51.9mm (2.36" x 2.04")
• Weight: Approx. 180g (0.39 lb)
• Internal Focusing: Yes
• Front Element Rotation: No (non-rotating)
• Distance Scale: Yes (engraved on barrel)
• Depth of Field Scale: Yes
• Weather Resistance: Yes (dust, moisture, freeze-resistant to -10°C / 14°F)
• Exterior Finish: Metal barrel
• Available Colors: Black or Silver
• Included Accessories: Front lens cap, rear lens cap, lens hood, wrapping cloth, instruction manual
• Compatible Cameras: All FUJIFILM X-series interchangeable lens cameras
• Video Use: Suitable for silent AF and minimal focus breathing

• FUJIFILM XF 23mm f/2 R WR Lens
• Front Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Cap
• Lens Hood (Plastic Dome Type)
• Lens Wrapping Cloth
• User Manual

Is the FUJIFILM XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens weather-sealed?

Yes, the lens features weather-resistant sealing at eight points to protect against dust, moisture, and temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F).

What type of photography is this lens best suited for?

The XF 23mm f/2 R WR is ideal for street, travel, documentary, environmental portrait, and general-purpose photography thanks to its 35mm equivalent field of view.

Does this lens have image stabilization?

No, this lens does not feature optical image stabilization. However, it pairs well with Fujifilm X-series cameras that have in-body image stabilization (IBIS).

Is this lens suitable for video recording?

Yes, the fast and silent autofocus system makes it an excellent choice for video. Its compact size and minimal focus breathing are also beneficial for filmmakers.

Can I use filters with this lens?

Yes, it supports 43mm screw-in filters. The front element does not rotate, making it compatible with circular polarizers and variable ND filters.

Does the lens come with a hood and caps?

Yes, the lens comes with a front lens cap, rear lens cap, and a plastic dome-style lens hood. A premium metal hood is also available separately.

How sharp is the lens at f/2?

The lens is impressively sharp even wide open at f/2, with excellent center-to-edge performance and minimal chromatic aberration due to its aspherical elements.

What is the build quality like?

The XF 23mm f/2 R WR features a full metal barrel, metal aperture and focus rings, and overall premium construction despite its lightweight design.

Is there a difference between the black and silver versions?

No, the black and silver versions are identical in terms of specifications and performance. The only difference is cosmetic to match your camera body style.

How does this lens compare to the XF 23mm f/1.4 version?

The f/2 version is more compact, lighter, weather-sealed, and more affordable, while the f/1.4 offers a wider aperture for better low-light performance and shallower depth of field but is larger and heavier.