Fujifilm Fujinon XF FUJIFILM XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR Lens Review

If you're shooting with a Fujifilm X-series camera and want a classic 35mm equivalent prime lens, the Fujinon XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR is a top contender. This lens gives you that versatile focal length with a super bright f/1.4 aperture, perfect for low light and creating beautiful background blur. It's a premium piece of glass, and its price tag reflects that. People searching for a fast prime for portraits, street photography, or everyday shooting on their Fuji will definitely have this one on their radar. It's not a small or light lens, but the build quality feels solid, and it balances well on most Fujifilm bodies.

This lens scores exceptionally high for bokeh and optical quality, landing in the 91st and 86th percentiles respectively. In practice, that means the out-of-focus areas are creamy and smooth, and images are sharp and contrasty right from f/1.4. The f/1.4 aperture is a huge advantage, letting you shoot in dim conditions without cranking the ISO. The autofocus performance is its main weakness, sitting in the 47th percentile. It's not slow, but it's not the fastest or quietest linear motor out there. For static subjects or deliberate shooting, it's fine, but it might struggle a bit with fast-moving kids or pets.

At around $1,050, this is a premium lens. You're paying for the Fujifilm name, the excellent optical formula, and that f/1.4 aperture. It's a significant investment. For that price, you absolutely need to want that specific focal length and aperture combination. If you're on a tighter budget, there are capable third-party lenses that get you 80% of the way there for a fraction of the cost.

Let's talk alternatives. The Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 for Fuji X mount is the most direct competitor. It offers similar specs and very good image quality for about a third of the price. The trade-off is in build quality and autofocus consistency. For a different focal length, the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 (50mm equivalent) is a legendary lens that's smaller and has more character, but its autofocus is even older and noisier. If you're considering other brands, a Sony shooter might look at a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 for full-frame, but that's a different system and size conversation. For Fuji shooters, the choice often comes down to this: pay for the ultimate optical performance and build with the Fujinon, or save a lot of money and get a very good experience with Viltrox.

So, should you buy it? If you're a Fujifilm shooter who values ultimate image quality, loves the 35mm field of view, and really needs that f/1.4 aperture for your work, this lens is a fantastic choice. It delivers stunning photos. But, if you're more budget-conscious, shoot a lot of video, or need lightning-fast autofocus for action, you should seriously consider the Viltrox alternative or look at Fuji's f/2 series primes which are smaller, lighter, and have faster AF. This lens isn't for everyone, but for the right photographer, it's a near-perfect tool.