Visually superb, bulky, expensive - compared with Fuji XF 35mm 1.4

The reviewed lens I tested with my Fuji X-E1 (housing Version 2.0, Version 1.0 lens). It is made in the usual quality, excellent XF Fuji. It affects quality and feels good in your hand. The aperture ring is a bit difficult to move than the Fuji XF 35mm 1.4. Compared to the small, discreet 35'er it affects voluminous. Is also heavier (180g vs. 300g). The AF speed in daylight, artificial light or "Low Light" was nearly the same in my copies. As the lenses with the AF of X-E2 worked I could not test.

Placed on an X-E1 the 23'er acts beefy and slightly oversized. Only with screwed-on hand grip on the X-E1, the proportions are voiced. Carelessly and not suitable for Lifestyle X-E1, affects the supplied lens hood. The same plastic cuff, as in the XF 18-55mm zoom. Too bad that no longer Fuji attention to detail proves here and not send lens hoods extradite. The 18'er 35'er and it has yet worked. Remedy if necessary third party lens hoods in retro-look for screwing.

Since I have decided for the Fuji system for the outstanding image quality and mood, of course, interested me in the first place, the optical power of the lens. For this, I tested my copy to the excellent Fuji XF 35mm 1.4. The test I have done from the tripod. Vergliechen was the center and the extreme corners at f 1.4, 2.8, 5.6 and 8.0.

The Result

Aperture 1.4: The 23'er is minimal sharper than the 35'er in the center. In the corners, the 23'er is much sharper than the 35'er. A comparison image is located in the Amazon customer images gallery.

Aperture 2.8: tie at center. In the corners, the 23'er is slightly sharper than the 35'er.

Aperture 5.6: tie at center. In the corners, the 23'er is slightly sharper than the 35'er.

Aperture 8: The center of the 23'er is minimal sharper. In the corners, the 23'er is sharper than the 35'er.

Conclusion

The lens is offenblendig a real "cracker". In my view (in my habits) it is the most universal Fuji lens far. Definitely has the potential to remain as "Always top" lens on my X-E1. Lichtstark, optically outstanding, enough focal length to indemnify. At the same wide-angle enough to capture the environment at events. As a lightweight wide-angle lens is a great edge performance. As with the 35'er and the 18-55mm zoom, there is no color bleeding and barely distortions. In sum for me superclass and definitely 5 star. Definitive recommendation.

Only compared to the Fuji 35mm 1.4 (~ 530) high price ~ 899 (or on Amazon in 1090!?!?) And the plastic tulip in the form of a lens hood :) encounters evil. So I subtract a star.