Fuji GF 23mm F4 R LM WR Review
Fuji GF23mmF4 R LM WR
When it comes to ultra-wide-angle lenses for medium format cameras, the Fuji GF23mmF4 R LM WR stands out as a remarkable piece of equipment. Designed specifically for the Fuji GFX series, this lens promises exceptional image quality, robust build, and versatile performance. Whether you're a landscape photographer aiming to capture the vastness of nature or an architectural photographer seeking to highlight the intricate details of a structure, this lens might just be what you need.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve deep into the features, performance, and practical uses of the Fuji GF23mmF4. We’ll explore how it compares to other lenses in its category and address common questions that photographers might have.
Overview of the Fuji GF23mmF4 R LM WR Lens
The Fuji GF23mmF4 R LM WR is a wide-angle prime lens designed for the GFX medium format camera system. With a focal length equivalent to 18mm in 35mm format, this lens is ideal for wide-angle photography, offering a broad field of view without the excessive distortion often associated with ultra-wide lenses.
Key Specifications:
Focal Length: 23mm (equivalent to 18mm in 35mm format)
Maximum Aperture: f/4
Minimum Aperture: f/32
Lens Construction: 15 elements in 12 groups (including 2 aspherical elements, 1 super ED element, and 3 ED elements)
Angle of View: 99.9°
Minimum Focus Distance: 38 cm (15 in)
Maximum Magnification: 0.09x
Filter Size: 82mm
Dimensions: 89.8mm x 103mm
Weight: 845g (1.86 lbs)
Weather Sealing: Yes (WR – Weather Resistant)
Autofocus Motor: Linear Motor (LM)
The build quality of the GF23mmF4 is superb, featuring a solid metal construction that feels durable and reliable in hand. The lens is also weather-sealed, making it a reliable companion in various environmental conditions. But how does it perform in real-world scenarios?
Build Quality and Design
The Fuji GF23mmF4 is built like a tank. It has a robust metal body that exudes confidence, something you’d expect from a lens designed for professional use. The weather sealing (WR) ensures that the lens can withstand dust, moisture, and even freezing temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor photography in challenging environments.
Design Elements:
Focus Ring: The manual focus ring is smooth and well-damped, providing just the right amount of resistance for precise focusing.
Aperture Ring: The aperture ring is clicked and marked with f-stops, allowing photographers to adjust the aperture with a tactile feel. It also has an “A” position for automatic aperture control.
Filter Thread: The 82mm filter thread is standard, allowing for a wide range of filters to be used without vignetting.
Overall, the design is minimalistic yet functional, with all controls being easily accessible. The lens is slightly heavy at 845g, but this weight contributes to its solid feel and balance when mounted on a GFX body.
Optical Performance
Optical performance is where the Fuji GF23mmF4 truly shines. This lens is designed to deliver sharp images across the frame, even at its widest aperture.
Sharpness:
Center Sharpness: At f/4, the center sharpness is outstanding, capturing fine details with excellent clarity. This sharpness extends across the frame, with minimal fall-off towards the edges.
Edge Sharpness: Even at the corners, the lens performs admirably. By stopping down to f/5.6 or f/8, you can achieve uniform sharpness across the entire image.
Distortion and Aberrations:
Distortion: Ultra-wide lenses often suffer from barrel distortion, but the GF23mmF4 manages to keep it in check. There’s minimal distortion, making it suitable for architectural photography where straight lines are crucial.
Chromatic Aberration: Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, with only slight fringing visible in high-contrast areas, which can easily be corrected in post-processing.
Vignetting: Vignetting is present at f/4, but it’s not overly pronounced. Stopping down to f/5.6 or f/8 significantly reduces this effect.
Bokeh:
While wide-angle lenses aren’t typically known for producing creamy bokeh, the GF23mmF4 does a decent job in this regard. The out-of-focus areas are smooth, with a pleasing transition that doesn’t distract from the main subject.
The overall optical performance is exceptional, making this lens a top choice for photographers who demand the best image quality from their equipment.
Autofocus Performance
The Fuji GF23mmF4 features a linear motor (LM) for autofocus, which is both fast and silent. This makes it an excellent choice for photographers who need to work quickly and discreetly, such as in street photography or events.
Autofocus Speed:
The autofocus is swift, locking onto subjects with precision. Even in low-light conditions, the lens performs well, thanks to the GFX system’s excellent autofocus capabilities.
Accuracy:
The autofocus is highly accurate, with minimal hunting, even when focusing on subjects with low contrast. The manual focus option, with its smooth ring, provides an alternative for those who prefer to have complete control over their focus.
Focus Breathing:
Focus breathing is minimal, which is a boon for videographers who might consider using this lens for cinematic shots.
Related: Fujifilm GF30mmF3.5 R WR Lens Review
Practical Applications
So, where does the Fuji GF23mmF4 excel? Given its ultra-wide angle and excellent optical characteristics, this lens is a perfect match for several genres of photography.
Landscape Photography:
Wide Field of View: The 99.9° angle of view is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes. Whether it’s a mountain range or a seascape, this lens will allow you to include more of the scene in your shot, providing a grand, immersive feeling.
Sharpness: The lens’s exceptional sharpness ensures that every detail, from foreground elements to distant mountains, is captured with clarity.
Architectural Photography:
Minimal Distortion: The minimal barrel distortion makes this lens ideal for architectural photography, where maintaining straight lines is crucial.
Wide Coverage: The wide-angle allows photographers to capture large structures in their entirety, even in confined spaces.
Interior Photography:
Low-Light Performance: With its f/4 aperture and excellent sharpness wide open, the GF23mmF4 is a solid choice for interior shots, particularly in low-light environments like churches or historic buildings.
Space Management: The wide-angle is perfect for capturing the full breadth of interiors, making even small rooms appear spacious and inviting.
Street and Environmental Portraits:
While not a typical choice for portraits, the wide field of view can be used creatively to include more of the environment, adding context to the subject’s story.
Related: Fuji GF20-35mmF4 R WR Lens Review
Comparisons with Other Lenses
How does the Fuji GF23mmF4 stack up against other lenses in the Fuji GFX lineup? Let’s take a look at a couple of key comparisons.
GF 32-64mm F4 vs. GF23mmF4:
Versatility vs. Specialization: The GF 32-64mm is a versatile zoom lens, offering a range of focal lengths, including 32mm, which is close to 23mm. However, the GF23mmF4, being a prime lens, offers better sharpness and less distortion at its fixed focal length.
Portability: The GF23mmF4 is lighter and more compact than the 32-64mm, making it a better choice for photographers who prioritize portability.
GF 45mm F2.8 vs. GF23mmF4:
Focal Length: The GF 45mm F2.8 is a standard wide-angle lens, more suited for general-purpose photography. The GF23mmF4, with its wider focal length, is more specialized for landscapes and architecture.
Aperture: The f/2.8 aperture of the GF 45mm offers better low-light performance, but the GF23mmF4’s f/4 aperture is still sufficient for most wide-angle applications.
User Experience and Feedback
What do photographers who have used the Fuji GF23mmF4 have to say about it? User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the lens’s build quality, sharpness, and versatility.
Pros:
Exceptional Sharpness: Users frequently highlight the lens’s sharpness, particularly in landscape and architectural photography.
Build Quality: The robust construction and weather sealing are appreciated by photographers who shoot in challenging environments.
Fast Autofocus: The linear motor’s quick and silent performance is a standout feature, especially for event photographers.
Cons:
Price: Some users feel the lens is on the pricier side, though many argue that its performance justifies the cost.
Size and Weight: While the lens is relatively compact for a medium format lens, some photographers find it a bit bulky for handheld shooting.
FAQs
Is the Fuji GF23mmF4 suitable for portrait photography?
While the GF23mmF4 can be used for environmental portraits, where the surroundings play a significant role in the composition, it’s not the best choice for traditional portraiture. The wide-angle can cause distortion when photographing close-up subjects, which is generally undesirable in portrait photography.
How does the GF23mmF4 handle flare and ghosting?
The GF23mmF4 is equipped with Fujifilm’s Nano-GI (Gradient Index) coating, which effectively reduces flare and ghosting, even when shooting in challenging lighting conditions, such as backlit situations.
Can the GF23mmF4 be used for astrophotography?
Yes, the wide aperture of f/4 and the lens’s excellent sharpness make it a good candidate for astrophotography, particularly for capturing wide star fields and nightscapes. However, some photographers might prefer a lens with a faster aperture for this purpose.
Is the GF23mmF4 worth the investment?
If you’re a photographer who specializes in landscapes, architecture, or interiors, the GF23mmF4 is absolutely worth the investment. Its combination of sharpness, minimal distortion, and robust build quality make it a standout lens in the Fuji GFX lineup.
How does the GF23mmF4 perform in low-light conditions?
The GF23mmF4 performs well in low-light conditions, particularly when used with a tripod or stabilized body. While the f/4 aperture isn’t the fastest, the lens’s sharpness at this aperture helps maintain image quality even when shooting at slower shutter speeds.
What kind of filters can I use with the GF23mmF4?
The GF23mmF4 has an 82mm filter thread, which is a common size, allowing you to use a wide range of filters, including polarizers, ND filters, and UV filters, without worrying about vignetting.
Conclusion
The Fuji GF23mmF4 R LM WR is an exceptional lens that delivers on all fronts: build quality, optical performance, and versatility. It’s a lens designed for professionals and serious enthusiasts who demand the best from their equipment. While it may be on the pricier side, its performance more than justifies the investment for those specializing in landscape, architecture, and interior photography.
This lens not only meets but often exceeds expectations, making it a worthy addition to any photographer’s kit. Whether you're photographing the grand landscapes of nature or the intricate details of an architectural masterpiece, the GF23mmF4 will help you capture it with unparalleled clarity and precision.
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