When Fujifilm launched the X-E5, it additionally unveiled a brand new pancake lens that made the brand new mirrorless really feel extra just like the X100VI compact digicam. However for months, the one solution to get that new lens was to purchase the X-E5 equipment. That’s altering, nonetheless, because the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 lastly has a launch date: December 01.
The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR is a large lens with a reasonably vivid f/2.8 aperture, but it measures in at lower than an inch lengthy (23mm) and weighs simply 3.17 oz (90g). That compact measurement helps Fujifilm’s mirrorless cameras really feel extra like a compact digicam.
I took the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 – mounted on the X-E5 – on a visit final month. The combo is so small that I may nearly neglect that I wasn’t taking pictures with a compact digicam.
The lens that virtually lives on my Fujifilm is the 50mm f/1, which is beautiful however extremely heavy. The XF 23mm f/2.8 seems like the right compromise, contemplating I may decide up the pancake lens and use it with my current digicam for a lot lower than it will price to purchase the X100VI.
Fujifilm has had pancake lenses earlier than the 23mm, together with the XF 27mm R WR. However, the compact lenses’ excessive demand meant the 27mm is tough to search out. I initially looked for the lens again in April to loosen up my very own X-T4, however I couldn’t discover it in inventory anyplace.
I think the identical may occur to the brand new 23mm. The Fujifilm X100VI is simply beginning to present indicators of being out there with out lengthy wait occasions, greater than a yr and a half after its launch. With the recognition of Fujifilm’s smaller cameras, I think the brand new 23mm pancake could also be a well-liked selection. Fujifilm followers wanting a pancake might need to leap on the early pre-orders earlier than the listing will get too lengthy.
Proper now, although, Fujifilm’s “finish of 2025” estimate for the brand new pancake lens lastly has a extra strong date: December 01. It is out there for pre-order at a number of retailers, together with Amazon, B&H (US), Adorama (US), and Wex Photograph (UK).
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