Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR lens shown on a black Fujifilm X-E4. XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR review. — The Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR mounted on a Fujifilm X-E4, black

The Super Compact Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR Review

I recently added the Fujifilm X-E4 to my kit and opted for the bundle, which included the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR. The big news for fans of Fujifilm’s 27mm pancake lens is a much-welcomed aperture ring and the fact that the lens is now weather-resistant (WR).

The optical formula is the same as its predecessor, meaning the image quality from the lens should be the same as that of the XF 27mm f/2.8.

I have only briefly tried the XF 27mm f/2.8 on a couple of occasions, but never found the slower f/2.8 f-stop paired with the oddball focal length appealing.

I should be careful with terms like 'odd-ball,' as I realize that to some, this is the perfect focal length. Let us see if this new iteration of Fujifilm’s pancake lens can win me over.

The Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR shown on a Fujifilm X-E4, black

Fuji XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR - Introduction

It is perhaps no coincidence that the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR was introduced at the same launch event as the Fujifilm X-E4. Together, they make for a very compact pair and an ideal travel combo. Curiously, though, the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR is weather-resistant, but the X-E4 is not.

Fujifilm has introduced a pricing strategy for the Fujifilm X-E4 that makes the bundle, including the XF 27mm, hard to ignore. The bundle is currently $1,049.00, and the X-E4 body alone is $849.00, which means adding the XF 27mm lens costs $200.00. The XF 27mm lens is $399.00 on its own.

My bundle did not include the lens hood, whereas it appears it is included in the stand-alone version, making for a costly piece of plastic if I end up buying one :)

A man walks by a Taco food truck at the Art Gallery Plaza in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR — Vancouver, Fujifilm X-E4, XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR @ f/2.8

XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR - Specs and Handling

At 3 oz (84 g), this lens is incredibly light. So light it feels as if you forgot to put a lens on your camera. The filter diameter is 39mm, and the lens design features 7 elements in 5 groups, including one aspherical element and 7 rounded diaphragm blades. The minimum focusing distance is 34 cm.

The new aperture ring, adjustable in 1/3 stops, has grooves along the bottom 3/4 but for 1/4 at the top, where the apertures are marked in clear white; the aperture ring is smooth.

The size of this lens has prevented Fujifilm from making the aperture grooves go all the way around. I prefer grooves all the way around, as they give you a better grip on the lens, regardless of the orientation you hold the camera in, whether vertical or horizontal.

The Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR with the new A lock mechanism shown on the lens barrel — The A lock/release button on the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR

The aperture ring has a lock/release button for the A position (Automatic). Fujifilm may be targeting this lens at a market segment that prefers to shoot in Program mode, and in such cases, this feature is handy.

If you've used several other Fujifilm XF lenses, this may feel like an unnecessary feature. The lock mechanism is positioned where my left thumb would be when holding the lens, which slightly hampers operation.

Manual focus is smooth (focus-by-wire). Although tiny, the front element seems quite exposed without a filter or lens hood, and I would suggest adding the LH-XF27 lens hood for $12.99.

Strangely, the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR has a very snug fit on my X-E4. The lens is hard to mount and remove from the camera. On my X-Pro1 and X-Pro2, the fit is perfect with no problems. The strange part is that my other lenses fit perfectly on the X-E4. So perhaps the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR combo needs to be worn in.

A black Mercedes SUV and an e-scooter spotted on the Granville Bridge by Vancouver House. Sample photo from a Fuji XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR — Vancouver, Fujifilm X-E4, XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR @ f/2.8

In Action

The X-E4 and XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR combo are so light that while cycling with the camera hanging around my neck, I reached down a couple of times to make sure it was there. Insane! I can certainly see the appeal of such a light lens, but I have to admit that I prefer a bit more heft to my gear and more to grab onto.

This, of course, is a fine line for everyone individually, and you may have read my other reviews, where I often mention bulk and weight as deterrents when picking gear. Cast aside the lock mechanism, the aperture ring works fine and is certainly appreciated.

A woman sits by a desk in the lobby of an apartment tower in downtown Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR — Vancouver, Fujifilm X-E4, XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR @ f/5.6

Autofocus speed is quite snappy and certainly adequate for my style of shooting. I tried the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR for tracking skateboarders jumping off a set of stairs at the Vancouver Art Gallery, and I was happy with my keeper ratio. I shot these at 8 frames per second with wide tracking enabled.

The autofocus makes an audible sound and is not as quiet or as fast as some of Fujifilm’s f/2 prime lenses, such as the XF 23mm f/2 R WR.

A skateboarder takes a jump by the Vancouver Art Gallery. Sample photo from a Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR — Vancouver, Fujifilm X-E4, XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR @ f/2.8

The XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR for Travel

I can certainly see the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR as an ideal travel partner with just about any Fujifilm X-Series camera. Replace your neck strap with a hand strap, or maybe even remove the strap completely, and smaller Fuji cameras would fit in a jacket pocket or would be very easy to carry in your hand.

Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR lens shown on the Fujifilm X-E4 — The Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR shown on a Fujifilm X-E4, black

XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR - Image Quality

In my sample images for this article, I mostly used the Fujifilm X-E4, but I also shot a few frames on my X-Pro2. I am excited about the Classic Neg. film simulation and may have gone overboard with it in this review, alongside Acros, which is another favorite film simulation of mine.

Color and sharpness are excellent with the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR, and I have been very pleased with what I've seen during my brief testing period.

With the f/2.8 max f-stop, you will not be able to create dreamy bokeh at this focal length as you would with f/2 or f/1.4 lenses. The bokeh is okay, but I am not over the moon about it.

A man delivers a parcel to downtown Vancouver apartment building. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR. — Vancouver, Fujifilm X-E4, XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR @ f/3.6

XF 27mm vs. XF 23mm Options

Below is a quick focal length comparison from 27mm to 23mm on an APS-C sensor. I have the XF 23mm f/1.4 R and wanted to see the difference for myself, but also wanted to give you an idea in case you’re trying to decide.

23mm is the standard documentary wide-angle focal length, equivalent to 35mm on a full-frame camera, and 27mm is equivalent to 40mm in full-frame terms.

The focal length alone is not the only equation to consider. The overall quality of the lens, max f-stop, size, weight, and durability should also play into your decision.

For example, I think many buyers will compare the Fujifilm X100V, which comes with a built-in 23mm lens, to the X-E4 plus the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR.

Conclusion

Did the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR win me over? Yes, and no!

Yes, because it is indeed a very capable lens, and I can understand why many photographers swear by it. For street scenes, you get a very natural look without drowning in overly wide perspective. The colors produced by the XF 27mm are very pleasing, and I have no complaints about the sharpness.

No, because I already have two very fine lenses in this focal length range: the XF 23mm f/1.4 R and the XF 35mm f/1.4 R.

While I can praise the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR for its compactness and lightweight design, I prefer a slightly larger lens, as I find it provides a better, steadier grip on the camera-lens combination.

With that said, if you had considered the XF 27mm before the update, Fujifilm has now made it even better by adding an aperture ring and making it weather-resistant.

If the focal length suits your style and traveling light is appealing to you, it's easy to make a strong argument for the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR.

For a full review of the X-E4 used for this test:

Fujifilm X-E4 Review

Pros

Super compact and lightweight
The lens now has an aperture ring
Weather resistant
Sharp and good color rendition

Cons

If I am being super picky, it would be nice to have grooves all around the aperture for a better grip

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so at no additional cost by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us, helping us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR - B&H Photo

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