REVIEW: 60 Minutes with the Fujinon XF 23mm f1.4R

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While in Bahrain I also got to try out the new Fujinon 23mm f1.4 on the X-Pro1.  Because of my schedule during the FIA World Endurance Championship weekend in the Middle East I set myself a target of getting some test images using this lens in just 60 minutes, so I chose to use the 23mm during the Audi 'Meet the Team' media opportunity and around the paddock.
A 60-minute test of the XF 23mm f1.4 around the paddock in Bahrain
Out of the XF range of lenses this was the one that least interested me mainly because I have the 23mm 35mm equivalent) focal length on the Fujifilm X100 and my reasoning is I don't need two lenses the same.  The two main differences are the size of the XF lens, it is larger than the XF 14mm f2.8, and a maximum aperture of f1.4, compared to fixed f2 lens on the X100.

The lens feels perfectly balanced on the X-Pro1 and the construction is of the same high quality as the other XF lens range.  The AF is 'snappy' and the push-pull manual focus selector, which is the same as the 14mm, a joy to use.
The Fujinon XF 23mm f1.4R 
The results I got from the XP1 / 23mm f1.4 are impressive. I love using these lenses at near maximum apertures to throw the background out of focus and gives the same beautiful bokeh as the other fast Fujinons.  
Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport, during an interview in the media centre
At £849 here in the UK this is the most expensive XF mount lens in the Fuji range so far (until the 56mm f1.2 hits the shelves in the Spring) but the quality of this lens is undeniable.  The 23mm focal length is perfect for street / travel photography and I really enjoyed my 60-minute challenge with this lens.  

 I would certainly recommend this lens to anyone with an X-Series camera and I would get one in a flash if money was no object. However I don't think I can justify paying for the XF version when I have the beautiful Fujinon 23mm f2 on the X100.

Once again Fujifilm have produced a winner to add to the ever growing XF line up of lenses for the X-Series.
The XF 23mm f1.4R  on the Fujifilm X-Pro1

Audi's 2012 World Champion Andre Lotterer

The media area at the Bahrain International Circuit

Palm Trees in the Middle East, who'd have thought!

An unusual place to hang your washing out to dry
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Comments

  1. Anonymous2 December 2013 at 11:00

    Nice review and some nice images from your 1 hour use

    ReplyDelete

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