Lens ReviewMorten Byskov - 5050 TravelogNovember 20, 2025Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR Review, Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR Sample Images, Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR Sample photos, Fuji XF 23mm 2.8 review, Fujifilm XF 23mm review, Fujifilm XF 23mm 2.8 review, Fujifilm XF 23mm 2.8 sample images, Fuji 23mmComment

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR Review

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR on the Fujifilm X-E5 — The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR on a black Fujifilm X-E5

Fujifilm’s 23mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR vs. XF 27mm

I re-read my review of the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR, and in many ways, I could easily have copied and pasted most of the words from this review, pasted them into this review, and my conclusion wouldn’t be far off.

Only 4mm of focal length separates the two lenses, and this latest XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR looks and feels like an exact clone of the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR.

Fujifilm X-E5, black, and XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR — The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR on a black Fujifilm X-E5

It appears that Fujifilm’s goal with this lens was to create a very portable package (camera/lens combination) to accompany the release of the Fujifilm X-E5 and serve as an alternative to the popular Fujifilm X100VI.

This leaves photographers with a choice between a fixed-lens option (X100VI) and an interchangeable-lens option with the X-E5 and XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR.

A giant maple leaf in Stanley Park, Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR and Fujifilm X-E5. — Stanley Park, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-E5, XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR @ f/2.8

Introduction

The XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR was announced in late summer of 2025 and was released at the same time as the Fujifilm X-E5 (links go to my review).

As a standalone option, you can purchase the XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR for $499.00 or in a bundle with the X-E5 for $1,899.00. The X-E5 retails for $1,699.00, so in the bundle, you would only pay an additional $200.00 for the XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR.

At the time this review was posted, the camera/lens combo and the lens as a standalone were temporarily out of stock, and it appears Fujifilm has another success on its hands, struggling to meet demand.

A pedestrian is crossing the Cambie Bridge in Vancouver — Cambie Bridge, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-E5, XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR @ f/5.6

Handling and Specs

The appeal of the XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR, as well as the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR, lies in the compact design, portability, and light weight.

At 3.2 oz (90 g), you barely feel the XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR on the camera. I sometimes joke that it doesn’t feel much different than having a body cap on the camera.

As with the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR, I struggle with the handling of these small lenses. It is if there isn't enough lens to get a solid grip on things. I find the aperture grooves to be a tad too slick, and the A-lock button on the lens is exactly where I put my left thumb, and it just doesn’t feel great in my book.

Compared to the 7 aperture blades in the XF 27mm, the XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR has 11, which should make nice bokeh overall. The XF 23mm tops the XF 27mm when it comes to close focusing distance at 7.9" (20 cm) versus 1.12' (34 cm) for the XF 27mm. The filter diameter for both lenses is 39mm.

A black Fujifilm X-E5 and XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR — The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR on a black Fujifilm X-E5

In Action

Terms like slip it in a pocket, daily carry, or the camera you always bring along come to mind when you discuss lenses such as the XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR.

It’s a lens you can attach to your camera when you want the overall camera/lens combination to be as small and unobtrusive as possible.

The sample images in this review were captured during short walks or while cycling through Vancouver, and this is where I found a great deal of freedom compared to the heavier, bulkier gear I sometimes lug around.

When it comes to focal lengths, I have become much more accustomed to the 40mm full-frame angle of view (27mm APS-C) since I reviewed the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR more than four years ago. This has mainly happened with 40mm Voigtländer lenses, but also the GF 50mm on GFX cameras, which is about 40mm as well (full-frame equivalent).

That said, I think I would pick the XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR over the XF 27mm. I am not sure if this is an APS-C thing, but I’ve enjoyed having a tad more in my frame, and with the X-E5, you can easily get away with some cropping without much loss in overall image quality.

The sidewalk at Burrard Bridge, Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR and Fujifilm X-E5. — Burrard Bridge, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-E5, XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR @ f/5.6

Image Quality

I do not see any meaningful difference in image quality between the XF 23mm f/2.8 and the XF 27mm f/2.8, despite the slightly higher price ($50.00 for the XF 23mm) and the XF 23mm lens having more aperture blades.

However, I find the Fujinon 23mm f/2 II on the X100VI more appealing, thanks to its faster f-stop and ever-so-sharper rendering.

That said, I could also count myself lucky to come home with images that have good color rendering and ample sharpness from either the XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR or the XF 27mm; there is, however, a difference I find worth mentioning.

The images from the XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR are fine, but I also find they may lack the character and final finesse you get from a lens like the XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR.

There is, however, a price to pay if you go with the f/1.4 lens. Not only monetary, but you will also feel the bulk and weight of a larger lens.

Please click the sample images to view sizes up to 2500 pixels, depending on your monitor size.

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR on the X-E5 — The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR on a black Fujifilm X-E5

Conclusion

Fans of pancake lenses will rejoice with the arrival of the XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR, and it appears to be in high demand. The ability to travel light is often high on the list for photographers, just like in other scenarios, you need to lug heavier or bulkier gear if a particular job requires it.

The image quality delivered is as expected and good enough for a lens in this price category. Still, it never blew me away, and it’s not the kind of lens I will reach for to create images oozing with character, or I want the best possible quality.

But as a carefree, portable, and compact option, you could put the XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR high on your list, and it offers good value when bundled with an X-E5. As a standalone option, I find the price a bit high, but it will depend a lot on your priorities.

Pros

Portable, compact, lightweight
Weather-sealing
It has an aperture ring

Cons

A bit pricey as a standalone option. Better value in a kit with the Fujifilm X-E5

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 links below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR - B&H Photo
Fujifilm X-E5 and XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR - B&H Photo
Fujifilm X-E5 (body only) - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR and X-E5 Sample Images

Please see the sample images below. Editing was done in Lightroom, and I used Fujifilm film simulations for some of the photos. Some photos are slightly cropped.

Please click to view larger images.