23mm 1.4 sharpness question

[KenC]

I just purchased the Fuji 23mm 1.4, and I would appreciate any input as to whether I have a bad sample.  The question is sharpness at f/1.4 up to f/2.  I also have the 14mm 2.8, 35mm 1.4, 60mm 2.4, 56mm 1.2 and the 55-200.  They all have excellent sharpness at max aperture, but the 23 is wanting.  I attached two 100% crops.  4536 is the 23mm at 1.4 and 4051 is the 35mm at 1.4.  These were auto focus, on the dog.

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I know that wider angle lens tend to be less sharp, but this seems pretty soft.  So, I would appreciate any comments from users of this lens.  If mine is normal, that's fine - it has plenty of other redeeming features.  But if it's not, I can exchange it for another one.  Thx for any help.

[MiMA]

Hi,

I have to say this looks weird, from my experience, I used 35/1.4, then after few months purchased 23/1.4 and I was completely struck how sharp it is from 1.4, quick focusing, and overall I was very happy with the performance of the lens.

 

Are your pictures shot in full manual mode? The 23 one looks kind of noisy...  

[KenC]

Both photos were in aperture priority, auto focus and auto ISO.  The 23mm was ISO 500, and the 35mm was ISO 320.  I didn't use a tripod, but dozens of test shots showed the same sharpness difference, in low light and outdoors.  Thx for responding, I don't have any friends here who have the 23 f/1.4 to compare but I suspect this is a bad sample.

[darknj]

It shouldn't be that bad, here is a shot I took handheld. Focus is on the nose:

 

[frod]

My 23mm is second only to my 50-140. RMA.

[KenC]

Thanks for the help - it is on its way back for a replacement.

[val]

I shoot at F1.4 most of the time with my 23mm and I don't have a single complaint about its sharpness. Prob send it in for repair.