You missed the crux of my point, which was MFD wide open performance. Having a short MFD is a little irrelevant when the performance is so bad.
swldstn wrote:
Wait a minute. I thought the “Fujicron” f/2 R WR lenses, at 23, 35, and 50mm focal lengths, all had pretty good IQ and acceptable AF for their smaller size. The lenses in the X100 cameras are not in the “Fujicron” family officially or unofficially since they have a different design with a leaf shutter.
gyoung143 wrote:
I had a Panasonic 20mm 1.7 and it was good, but only m4/3. My son has it now and has no complaints but it's not relevant to aps-c really, not so wide.
Again - Canon 22mm f2 and Samsung 30mm f2 are APS-C. m43 is 1.3x crop over APS-C but the Panasonic is also faster @f1.7 vs f2 so I would say its a fairly even comparison. But even if you ignore the Panasonic 20mm, the other two examples still hold.
I wrote this lens off quickly, even listing it for $485 here on B&S. Surprisingly, it didn't sell, didn't even have an offer. On a lens you can't even get, priced less than MSRP. So I thought it would be dumb to lower the price and decided to put it in action. Sharpness and rendering wise it's quickly become one of my favorite Fuji lenses. Much better than the 23/2 and slightly better than the 27/2.8. The focus motor noise is well overstated. Sure you're gonna hear it with reviewers in a quiet room and a good mic, but in real world shooting, I haven't even noticed it. So glad I didn't sell it.
Nick Dakota wrote:
I wrote this lens off quickly, even listing it for $485 here on B&S. Surprisingly, it didn't sell, didn't even have an offer. On a lens you can't even get, priced less than MSRP. So I thought it would be dumb to lower the price and decided to put it in action. Sharpness and rendering wise it's quickly become one of my favorite Fuji lenses. Much better than the 23/2 and slightly better than the 27/2.8. The focus motor noise is well overstated. Sure you're gonna hear it with reviewers in a quiet room and a good mic, but in real world shooting, I haven't even noticed it. So glad I didn't sell it. ...Show more →
Just got my XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR with my X-E5 kit but haven’t had a chance to try it out yet. Also own the XF 23mm f/2 R WR . What do you think is so great about the new lens other than its smaller size?
swldstn wrote:
Just got my XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR with my X-E5 kit but haven’t had a chance to try it out yet. Also own the XF 23mm f/2 R WR . What do you think is so great about the new lens other than its smaller size?
Assuming the same good optical quality and performance found in the 27mm f/2.8, the small size is the attraction of these lenses. (23mm is a popular focal length for some purposes — e.g. it is the FL on the X100vi and it is a common focal length for things like street photography.)
Nick, I know you loved your X100V, which of course I did as well, curious how you are finding it comparatively speaking to the V’s lens.
Nick Dakota wrote:
I wrote this lens off quickly, even listing it for $485 here on B&S. Surprisingly, it didn't sell, didn't even have an offer. On a lens you can't even get, priced less than MSRP. So I thought it would be dumb to lower the price and decided to put it in action. Sharpness and rendering wise it's quickly become one of my favorite Fuji lenses. Much better than the 23/2 and slightly better than the 27/2.8. The focus motor noise is well overstated. Sure you're gonna hear it with reviewers in a quiet room and a good mic, but in real world shooting, I haven't even noticed it. So glad I didn't sell it. ...Show more →
It's sharper than the V, mostly in the 4 to 12 foot range.
RoamingScott wrote:
Nick, I know you loved your X100V, which of course I did as well, curious how you are finding it comparatively speaking to the V’s lens.
I'm interested in this lens for my XPro-2. I don't *always* use the optical viewfinder but have long wanted to have a 23 that wouldn't block the lower right 1/3. The 23 f2 never seemed like a good option to me because so much corner performance was "cooked" into the RAW files by Fuji. And I already owned the old 23mm f1.4 (love that clutch.)
I will probably pick up a kit and sell the body after a few more reviews cover color and other "softer rendering benefits."
MaunaKea7007 wrote:
I'm interested in this lens for my XPro-2. I don't *always* use the optical viewfinder but have long wanted to have a 23 that wouldn't block the lower left 1/3. The 23 f2 never seemed like a good option to me because so much corner performance was "cooked" into the RAW files by Fuji. And I already owned the old 23mm f1.4 (love that clutch.)
I will probably pick up a kit and sell the body after a few more reviews cover color and other "softer rendering benefits."
That old 23mm f/1.4 is a great lens on the XPro2. (And other x-trans bodies.) I used it quietly a bit for night street photography when I had mine.
But it is big and it obscures too much of the OVF, especially if you have a hood attached. While you would give up that f/1.4 aperture, if the 23mm f/2.8 is as good as it seems that it may be, it could be a great option on the XPro.
Voigtlander's 23mm f1.2 seemed like a perfect match for my needs until someone here on FM pointed out that the XPro-2 didn't have the smarts to communicate with that lens. I had almost clicked the "buy" button...
Now when my XPro-4 arrives... (If?)(Sigh) This note posted partly as "thank you" for the free-floating expertise around here.
MaunaKea7007 wrote:
I'm interested in this lens for my XPro-2. I don't *always* use the optical viewfinder but have long wanted to have a 23 that wouldn't block the lower right 1/3. The 23 f2 never seemed like a good option to me because so much corner performance was "cooked" into the RAW files by Fuji. And I already owned the old 23mm f1.4 (love that clutch.)
I will probably pick up a kit and sell the body after a few more reviews cover color and other "softer rendering benefits."
I'd be interested to know what you mean by 'corner performance 'cooked' into the raws'?
I bought the 23 [and 35) f/2s with my Xpro2 yearsago and have been happy with them, even put leica style vented hoods on them to cut down OVF blockage to a minimum. Seemed made for each other.
Gerry,
There were multiple articles about this back at launch of the 23 f2 "Fujicron." I am sorry that at this moment I don't have time to search these myself. People who used programs like Darktable, or other RAW processors that worked independently, were able to show bare-bones optical performance. Then a comparison with RAW-as-processed-with-Fuji lens profile showed the difference.
My memory of the reportage, anyway.
It doesn't mean the lens didn't make good images.
I want close to zero OVF blockage and good sharpness and rendering. I loved my Leica M2 with which I shot for years. Years: 1967 to 1992 and still wonderful at its job. Like that if possible. <grin>
I have an adult daughter still close to disavowing any association with me for EVER having sold it. Learned my lesson and kept the Hasselblad 501c and an 80. Daughter somewhat mollified...
MaunaKea7007 wrote:
Gerry,
There were multiple articles about this back at launch of the 23 f2 "Fujicron." I am sorry that at this moment I don't have time to search these myself. People who used programs like Darktable, or other RAW processors that worked independently, were able to show bare-bones optical performance. Then a comparison with RAW-as-processed-with-Fuji lens profile showed the difference.
My memory of the reportage, anyway.
It doesn't mean the lens didn't make good images.
I want close to zero OVF blockage and good sharpness and rendering. I loved my Leica M2 with which I shot for years. Years: 1967 to 1992 and still wonderful at its job. Like that if possible. <grin>
I have an adult daughter still close to disavowing any association with me for EVER having sold it. Learned my lesson and kept the Hasselblad 501c and an 80. Daughter somewhat mollified......Show more →
I am a bit puzzled because while I remember that the 35 f/2 resorts to software correction my recollection from looking at reviews before buying the 23 f/2 was that it did not. I just looked up the lenstip review , and I quote :-
" The Fujinon XF 23 mm f/1.4 R, on the other hand, corrected it using its optics. One glance at photos below and you know that the slower model follows that example. The distortion amounts to practically zero both for JPEG and for RAW files developed by independent software. Officially we got +0.06% and +0.05% respectively so, within the margin of error, the distortion is zero. With such an angle of view it is a significant achievement and it deserves to be praised."
I remember similar comments from others.
My M3 (owned since 1968) achieves even less viewfinder obstruction with the 35 Summicron but the goggles are not a pretty solution!
Gerry, thank you for this correction. My memory faulty attaching corrections to the 23mm. I shouldn't have advanced such certainty.
I also appreciate your reminder of the excellent reviews at lenstip! They will be a good resource when I have to decide on that new pancake.
MaunaKea7007 wrote:
Gerry, thank you for this correction. My memory faulty attaching corrections to the 23mm. I shouldn't have advanced such certainty.
I also appreciate your reminder of the excellent reviews at lenstip! They will be a good resource when I have to decide on that new pancake.
Are you still shooting film in the M3?
Jonathan
I have a good selection of film in the freezer, including some Astia and Velvia as well as Provia and various neg films, but I have to admit that it's a long time since I got round to shooting any. I also havexa III as well as the M3, and choice of 3 Nikons plus a few 'lesser' breeds.
Stopping by to see if any of you have some updated feedback on the 23/2.8? I have my first Fuji headed my way (X-T5) and I’m looking for a small/fast/quality lens. I realize I can’t necessarily have all 3 of those qualities but I thought I’d see what others are using.
I ordered it with the 16-50 as a lens I can start with to learn the system and more so to throw on for the few times my wife shoots. Albeit, she has a great eye but wants a point and shoot setup hence the lens I got.
My favorite focal length is 35mm full frame (Canon R5ii), but ideally I’d like something a bit wider, closer to the 24mm range. While I’m a huge sucker for 1.4 and fast lenses, with the X-T5, I think I want to emphasize a smaller size over speed.
I’ve read the 23/2.8 will start shipping this Monday and I’m leaning towards ordering one but I thought I’d see what others are enjoying. Looking for something I can bring to Disneyland with the kids, family gatherings, and street photography that doesn’t stick out like I’m on an assignment.
toyxmachine wrote:
If I were to get something like an X-E5 today, that is the first lens I would be interested in getting. I like how compact it is for everyday carry.
I have not used it, but I have extensively used its brother, the 27mm f/2.8. The latter is an excellent lens for things like street and travel where you may want something smaller. I hear that the 23mm f/2.8 uses a very similar design and has nearly the same shape and size.
These things are very subjective and personal, but I like the slightly narrower angle of view of the 27mm lens (about 40mm FF equivalent) for general photography. I think the person before your post mentioned liking somethng a bit wider than the 23mm lens (in FF equivalent term), in which case the 18mm f/2 is also quite small…
jakeg403 wrote:
Stopping by to see if any of you have some updated feedback on the 23/2.8? I have my first Fuji headed my way (X-T5) and I’m looking for a small/fast/quality lens. I realize I can’t necessarily have all 3 of those qualities but I thought I’d see what others are using.
I ordered it with the 16-50 as a lens I can start with to learn the system and more so to throw on for the few times my wife shoots. Albeit, she has a great eye but wants a point and shoot setup hence the lens I got.
My favorite focal length is 35mm full frame (Canon R5ii), but ideally I’d like something a bit wider, closer to the 24mm range. While I’m a huge sucker for 1.4 and fast lenses, with the X-T5, I think I want to emphasize a smaller size over speed.
I’ve read the 23/2.8 will start shipping this Monday and I’m leaning towards ordering one but I thought I’d see what others are enjoying. Looking for something I can bring to Disneyland with the kids, family gatherings, and street photography that doesn’t stick out like I’m on an assignment. ...Show more →
My first impressions are that it is a very good lens, with no real weaknesses. I can't say whether it is better or worse than the f2 version or the 27mm, but if there are any differences they are very minor and not worth worrying about.
gdanmitchell wrote:
I have not used it, but I have extensively used its brother, the 27mm f/2.8. The latter is an excellent lens for things like street and travel where you may want something smaller. I hear that the 23mm f/2.8 uses a very similar design and has nearly the same shape and size.
These things are very subjective and personal, but I like the slightly narrower angle of view of the 27mm lens (about 40mm FF equivalent) for general photography. I think the person before your post mentioned liking somethng a bit wider than the 23mm lens (in FF equivalent term), in which case the 18mm f/2 is also quite small…...Show more →
I had the non WR 27mm f2.8 back in the day when the X-T1 came out and I did enjoy that lens. I'm just more of a 20-35mm kind of guy. 28mm or 35mm is the sweet spot for me. I used to have an X70 but the GR III replaced it.
