The Fujifilm Lens YOU MUST OWN 23mm 1.4: Best Lens for X Pro 2, X-T2, X Pro 1, X-T1

What's the best lens for Fuji X Series Cameras? Is a question I get asked all the time. So here's the answer. If you only buy one lens for your Fujifilm X Pro 2, Fuji X-T2 etc cameras then get this one.

This is also the best focal length for weddings as well as street photography in my opinion as it is the most versatile lens length.

[mwilde]

Thanks Matt for putting this together. I'm all about the 23 mm1.4 for my "if I could only have one" lens of choice and is how I "see" the world. Typically, I will carry a 23mm 1.4/56mm APD combo with my XT1 and a 35 mm1.4/14mm 2.8 combo with my X-E2s. I have a 35mm f/2 that floats around and have parted ways with the infamous 90mm f/2. The 23 1.4 checks all of the boxes for me and can stand alone in virtually any situation.

[philstanley]

I agree Matt, Since buying the 23 1.4 my 16mm has gone largely untouched, I haven't used it in 3 weddings, I will keep it though as it's nice to have that fast and wide option.

[DCuerpoJr]

The XF 23mm f1.4 and 56mm f1.2 were the first two lenses I purchased when I switched to Fuji cameras. Never regretted the decision. The 23mm f1.4 is such a versatile lens that can be used for group portraits, landscapes, and street photography among others.

[MichaelVincentMagic]

Great video Matt and I agree. The XF 23mm 1.4 is a magical Lens. I traveled to Lebanon with this on my X-Pro 2 and didn’t miss my other Lens. It was perfect. For wider shots, i created mini panos and stitched. This Lens is perfect.

[jeromekwok]

I love 16mmF1.4 the most on my X-T2. I travel often and it is the best for landscape and in the dark. It is also weather resistant and able to take close up. If I need it tight, I can always use lightroom to crop it.

I also love 56mmF1.2 for portrait and 50-140mmF2.8 for event shooting. I have 23mmF2 if I want to go light. I also have X70 for fun.

I also have 35mmF2 and 18-55mmF2.8-4, but I don't use these as much.

[sergeyusik]

it's all depends, I'd go with fuji 24+50mm (FF) But as you said 35mm (FF) you may shot a whole wedding.
I'd vote for Pro2/XT2 + 16mm 1.4 + 35mm 1.4 and X100T as a backup and 23mm (35 on FF)

[lifefootsteps]

I couldn't agree more, myself I've got zoom lenses ranging from 10mm to 200mm plus prime 35 ft and I must say 35 stays on for daily usage. Very compact fast lens with great bokeh and awesome night performance. Now for indoors 35 it's just to close, landscapes are bit to much compressed for street photography it's perfect. 23 would be ideal for all 3 scenario plus that extra half stop will always help you in dark or to get even greater background blur.
Fuji lenses are outstanding and their primes are just another level above zooms.
Great video and good choice of all around versatile lens!!!
👣👣👣

[migui]

I have the 23mm 1.4 and it has helped me capture many keepers from my travels.

[farouk]

I agree with you mate no wonder that focal length is The standard for many years. Congratulations to your sister and Paul, the pictures turned out fantastic. good work!

[TheSteve]

Matt, the one thing that puts me off is the reported focus noise for weddings, please comment on this, thanks !!!

[leemeek]

If you're shooting weddings then the 16mm is the only wide you need imho. You can always crop in a little if needed. You will be thankful of that extra 11mm. Plus a 56mm or 35mm on body numero 2.

[RickMentore]

I would have argued "a 28mm, " however you have advocated competently for the 23mm. The image of the happy couple beings driven away from the church is an award-winning effort. Love your posts and your images are terrific, they always stimulate my photographic instincts.

[danielmainlandphotography]

oh and loving the frequency of the videos that are coming. Keep up the good work.

[Peter-ijrn]

hi Matt, I totally agree that the 23mm is the most versatile one . I recently purchased the fuji23mm 2.0 WR. It is smaller, more affordable, and even more versatile because of its WR. I went from dslr to mirror less because it is more compact, so why buying the bigger and heavier lenses? The16mm was the first I bought...( what do you mean heavy;-)) I am so glad with the 23mm lightness, non intrusive, wr, autofocus, street friendly appearance :-) Consider that too. Regards Peter

[boris.dupont]

I agree with everything you say still I use the 35mm f/1.4 on my X-Pro 2 for almost the same reasons 😉 and my X100F for anything else. Wish it was f/1.4 though

[JoeyShip]

There is a reason why the 35mm focal length is so widely used across photography styles...it’s because it’s (arguably of course) the BEST. The 23mm 1.4 is on my list of must have Fuji lenses.

[fetzinger]

23mm on a crop sensor is abt. 35mm in FF-terms, that´s the ideal choice for me!! I have the 17mm 1.8 on my Olympus and the 28mm 2 on my Sony A6000 as everyday primes. The 17mm (= 34mm FF) seems perfect to me, the 28mm (equ. 42mm FF) is great in most situations, but can be a bit tight at times.

[WestKrestTheBest]

I love my 18mm for street, but there is too much distortion for me for any portrait of more than 1. I have shot the 35mm fov on many cameras and will likely replace my 18mm with the 23mm. Great video as always!

[BellipotensNYC]

All I need is the fuji 16mm 1.4.... XT2 with booster grip and the 16mm is a monster package for a variety of situations.

[Kdkjdjewerdnxa]

The f2 has significantly faster AF and weather sealing but the F1.4 has a better look in my opinion, has an extra stop which is useful in low light and looks sharper in macro photos. It's a tradeoff, both are great. The focus ring with distance scale is also a nice addition, I only wish the F1.4 had the AF speeds the F2 has because while it has an extra stop of brightness for low-light photography, its low-light focus speeds aren't great.