23mm (35mm in full-frame equivalent) has always been my favorite walk-around focal length. So, whenever I’m not testing lenses, the X100VI is usually the first camera I reach for.
With the release of the new XF23mm f2.8 WR, we now have three different 23mm options from Fujifilm. That really shows just how popular this focal length is, and Fujifilm clearly knows it, giving us more choices to fit different shooting styles and budgets.
Intro
Back in 2022, a community poll on a rumors forum showed strong interest in a compact 23mm pancake lens. I was one of the photographers who voted for it. Over the years, bits and pieces of rumors kept surfacing, and I found myself always hoping the day would finally come. Now, in 2025, Fujifilm has delivered. The long-awaited pancake lens arrived alongside the X-E5 at the X-Summit in Shanghai.
Right: Fuji X-E5 . XF23mm f2.8 @ 23mm . f2.8. 1/80″ . ISO 1250 . Nostalgic Negative
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, you’ll immediately notice how small and lightweight this lens is. Weighing just 90 grams, it’s only slightly heavier than the XF27mm f2.8 WR (84 grams). In terms of size, its dimensions are 61.8mm x 23mm, almost identical to the XF27mm. In reality, both lenses are very close to each other, basically the same in size and weight. This also means this 23mm pancake won’t add any bulk to your camera setup.
Right: Fuji X-E5 . XF23mm f2.8 @ 23mm . f2.8. 1/80″ . ISO 320 . Classic Negative
It also takes tiny 39mm filters, which is great for filter users. The metal build feels premium, exactly what we’ve come to expect from Fujifilm—no compromises here.
The aperture ring is another highlight. It delivers that satisfying, tactile click with every turn, something Fujifilm shooters will definitely appreciate.
Image Quality
When it comes to Fujifilm, image quality is rarely in question. Whether the lens is marketed as budget-friendly or premium, their standards remain high.
Right: Fuji X-E5 . XF23mm f2.8 @ 23mm . f2.8. 1/480″ . ISO 125 . Classic Negative
This pancake is no exception. At wide-open, the images are sharp with excellent contrast. Chromatic aberration and vignetting are virtually unnoticeable, which is impressive for a compact lens like this.
Focusing
The lens uses a DC coreless motor for autofocus. In most cases, it’s quick and accurate, even in low-light conditions. It’s not quite as snappy as Fujifilm’s other two 23mm lenses, but still very reliable.
Right: Fuji X-E5 . XF23mm f2.8 @ 23mm . f5.6. 1/200″ . ISO 500 . Nostalgic Negative
That said, I did encounter two instances in a row where the autofocus confirmed (green box lit up), but the final shot was back-focused. Oddly, this happened outdoors in bright sunlight. After those two occasions, everything went back to normal, and I haven’t been able to reproduce the issue.
Right: Fuji X-E5 . XF23mm f2.8 @ 23mm . f2.8. 1/1250″ . ISO 125 . Classic Negative
Minimum Focus Distance (MFD)
Something surprised me in this department. I wasn’t expecting something so compact and yet able to deliver a much closer focusing distance at 20cm. It is impressive that the image quality holds up beautifully with crisp detail and punchy contrast.
Price Point
As of now, this lens is bundled as the kit option with the X-E5. The price difference between the X-E5 body only and the kit with this lens is about USD 200 / SGD 300.
Right: Fuji X-M5 . XF23mm f2.8 @ 23mm . f2.8. 1/500″ . ISO 3200 . Classic Negative
If purchased separately, the lens is expected to retail at USD 499 / SGD 599. Availability seems to vary by region—here in Singapore, for instance, it’s not yet being sold standalone.
Others
The lens doesn’t ship with a square hood, but it does include a small round hood. It’s more for basic protection than style, but it gets the job done.
Right: Fuji X-M5 . XF23mm f2.8 @ 23mm . f2.8. 1/1300″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic Negative
Who is this for?
This lens is aimed at photographers who value compactness above all else. While you can certainly mount it on cameras like the X-T5 or X-H2(S), I think it pairs best with Fujifilm’s smaller bodies, such as the X-M5, X-E series, or X-Txx series.
Right: Fuji X-E5 . XF23mm f2.8 @ 23mm . f2.8. 1/1100″ . ISO 125 . Classic Negative
Conclusion
As mentioned at the start, Fujifilm now offers three 23mm primes, ensuring there’s an option for every type of shooter.
Right: Fuji X-E5 . XF23mm f2.8 @ 23mm . f2.8. 1/125″ . ISO 640 . Classic Negative
The XF23mm f2.8 WR may not be the brightest lens in the lineup, but it’s the compact street photography lens that many Fujifilm users have been waiting for, and Fujifilm has finally delivered. Now that we have the long-anticipated 23mm pancake, I can’t help but wonder what Fujifilm’s next pancake lens might be. Will it be a 35mm, or maybe a 50/56mm? What do you think?
Thank you for reading.
Disclaimer:
1. All the shots taken here are shot by me.
2. Most of the shots are straight out of the camera with some shots edited via In-Camera Raw Processing.
3. The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment.
4. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me.
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Alwin Kok 