Lenses, like cameras, are purchased for a variety of reasons, and in the past, I’ve placed Lenses into one of three categories: Specialist lenses, Utility lenses, and Passion lenses (passion for photography that is). While I still think that categorization is useful, I recognize that not everyone is interested in, nor necessarily capable of, buying more than a couple of lenses for the work that they do. I also recognize that the boundaries between these categories are sometimes papery thin. With all of this in mind, I’ve decided to create a scale that looks at the lenses that I’ve reviewed in terms of how well they perform in each category. As always, I am not a technical reviewer, so this won’t be charts and tests driven, just real world experiences.

1. Specialty Rating (pro quality/top IQ/special purpose): 7

The top specialty lenses are impeccable. They deliver maximum image quality (loads of sharpness, great contrast, minimum distortion and excellent color reproduction), are lightning fast, and are specialists’ tools- i.e. wedding photographers, architectural or other commercial photographers, etc.

As a specialist tool, the Fuji 23mm f/2 WR is pretty capable. Its build quality is excellent (its tough feeling and water resistant), and its optics are very good (sharpness slightly under some of my equivalent Nikon lenses, but with contrast, CA and distortion performance that is better). At focusing, it is fast enough for anything but sports. This is a lens that is a workhorse in my current kit for the work I do (as the pictures at the bottom of the post will attest).

2. Utility Rating (versatility for multiple applications): 8

Utility lenses are the optical equivalent of a Swiss Army Knife, they cut, they saw, they open cans, but they’re often clunky and inefficient when compared to tools dedicated to those tasks. These (usually) zoom lenses are generalists’ tools; their purpose is utility and convenience for the enthusiast.

As a utility lens, the 23mm benefits from its small size and weight, inexpensive cost, and popular Focal Length. 23mm is to crop cams what the 35mm is to full frame, which is just to say that it has aa wide range of application. If you are looking to buy just one prime from Fuji (to compliment your kit zoom), and you are anything from a doting parent to a travel blogger, this is probably the one for you. For me, it is one of two lenses (the other is the 16mm f/2.8 WR) that I always carry to act as my “life lens”- a field of view that looks like life to me that I use to capture daily experiences.

3. Passion Rating (does the lens inspire your photography?): 6

Passion lenses are ones that you form an emotional attachment to.  These lenses can be zooms or primes, slow or fast, cheap or expensive.  These lenses make photography fun. They get out of your way (or in some cases, get in your way), and let you think about composition and subject.

As a passion lens, this one surprised me. For years, 23/24mm has been my go-to length, and though it continues to be with this Fuji, I just don’t feel “in love” with this lens for some reason. I’m not sure what it is exactly (other then that the lens does feel a little “clinical” at times), but I like the 16mm much more in this regard for some reason. That said, I just can’t get away from this focal length and the perspective that I am so used to.

Full Name: Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR
Max/Min. Aperture: 2/16
Diaphragm Blades: 9 rounded
Lens Configuration: 10 Elements in 6 Groups
Filter Size: 43mm
Magnification Ratio: .13x
Focuses Beyond: 8.66″

Durability: The lens is rock solid feeling. It is mostly metal with some plastic, and has a nice heft to it for its small size.

My primary concern buying this lens was because of how important the focal length is to my photography, especially my personal work. When you switch systems, you always have that ONE lens that you worry about finding a one to one replacement for, and this one was it for me.

The 23mm f/2 is a good lens. It’s not a perfect replacement for the lens I used in my Nikon system, but it is close, and better in most ways. I have no qualms about using this lens for work, and no doubt this little lens has delivered some of my clients’ favorite images.

So just how does the Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens perform? Check out the images below to see for yourself.

Gear used for product shots:

Fuji X-T20

Fuji 50mm f/2 WR lens