Articles
Fujifilm's latest lens emulates its eternally sold-out cameras
DPReview News |
| Image: Fujifilm |
Fujifilm has announced the XF 23mm F2.8 R WR lens, a wide-angle, 35mm equiv. pancake lens for its APS-C cameras. It's a similar focal length to the lens used by the much-coveted X100-series and has similar dimensons, though its maximum aperture is a stop slower.
The lens is very light and compact; its 23mm (0.9") long and weighs in at 90g (3.2oz). Despite that, it has a fair number of features: it has a clicking aperture ring that can be locked into the auto position, its manual focus ring has a "high frequency position" detector to make it easier to focus despite its short throw, and it's water and dust resistant. The silver version of the lens even has a matched grey gasket on the back, rather than a black one.
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| The X-E5 paired with this lens makes a pretty compelling X100VI alternative. Photo: Mitchell Clark |
Optically, the lens is made up of 8 elements in six groups with two aspherical lenses. It has an 11-blade aperture.
The lens will come in black or silver, and will retail for $499. Fujifilm says it won't be available on its own until December, though it'll start making its way into customers hands as a kit lens for the X-E5 later this summer.
Press Release:
Fujifilm Introduces the Versatile, Ultra-Compact, Lightweight FUJINON XF23mmF2.8 R WR Lens
VALHALLA, N.Y. - June 12, 2025 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging
Division, announces the launch of its FUJINON XF23mmF2.8 R WR (XF23mmF2.8 R WR) lens.
Designed with portability in mind, XF23mmF2.8 R WR was developed to be thin and unobtrusive while delivering powerful resolution and autofocus (AF) performance.
“The first word that comes to mind when thinking of XF23mmF2.8 R WR is ‘versatility’,” said Victor Ha, vice president, Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “The lens is adaptable to handle standard, wide-angle, close-up image making with ease, while at the same time offering an ultra-compact form factor and user-friendly functionality. From street photography and travel/landscape, where the big picture tells the story, all the way to tabletop photography, where close up, intricate details are critical, XF23mmF2.8 R WR is the ideal everyday carry, designed to work with you on the move.”
Main Features:
Ultra-compact and lightweight design with high resolution performance
XF23mmF2.8 R WR is designed to deliver high resolution performance compatible with the FUJIFILM X Series’ approximately 40.2 megapixel X-Trans™ CMOS 5 HR1 sensor.
- By adopting 8-elements in 6 groups, including two aspherical lenses, XF23mmF2.8 R WR minimizes aberrations from the center to the periphery.
- The lens has been made optically compact through Fujifilm’s latest lens development which reduces size by increasing the number of metal components to make parts thinner while maintaining durability.
- XF23mmF2.8 R WR features a focal length of 23mm (equivalent to 35mm in 35mm format), an overall length of only 23mm2 and a weight of approximately 90g (3 ounces). The lens’s 11- blade aperture diaphragm also delivers smooth, circular bokeh for excellent subject separation, most notably at wider apertures.
Close-up photography and high-precision, high-speed autofocus (AF)
- XF23mmF2.8 R WR excels at close-ups, down to the minimum object distance of 20 cm (7.9 inches) from the sensor.
- The lens uses a full-group focusing system, which suppresses aberration variation depending on the focus position, enabling high image quality photography even at close range.
- A powerful direct-current (DC) motor is integrated into the lens to achieve high-speed AF.
Stylish yet durable user-friendly design
- Knurling at the base of the lens allows for a secure grip when changing lenses.
- The manual focus (MF) ring is equipped with high frequency position detection for high precision manual focus with minimum rotation angle.
- A fixed spacer between the manual focus and aperture rings makes for easier adjustment of either setting when composing through the viewfinder.
- With 9 sealing points, the lens is dust and moisture resistant to temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) and can be used safely in light rain, cold, or dusty environments.
The FUJINON XF23mmF2.8 R WR lens will be available late 2025 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $499.95 USD and $559.99 CAD. For more information, visit https://www.fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/lenses/xf23mmf28-r-wr/.
1 X-Trans is a registered trademark or trademark of Fujifilm Corporation.
2 Equivalent in size to XF27mmF2.8 R WR.
Fujifilm XF 23mm F2.8 R WR Specifications
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Prime lens |
| Max Format size | APS-C / DX |
| Focal length | 23 mm |
| Lens mount | Fujifilm X |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | F16 |
| Aperture ring | Yes |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 11 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 8 |
| Groups | 6 |
| Special elements / coatings | 2 asph |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.20 m (7.87″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.15× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Stepper motor |
| Full time manual | Yes |
| Focus method | Unit |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 90 g (0.20 lb) |
| Diameter | 62 mm (2.44″) |
| Length | 23 mm (0.91″) |
| Materials | Aluminium |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Colour | Black, Silver |
| Filter thread | 39 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
| Tripod collar | No |
