Please save me from insanity 23mm f2 vs F1.4r

[crazyfields]

First post here but long time fuji shorter.

I use the XT2 with the 23mm f2 / 35mm 1.4 / 16-80mm f4

I'm considering the 23mm f1.4 r (Non-WR)

About me:

- I shoot black and white only.

- I like macro details to wide open landscapes and everything in-between.

- I shoot mostly for art, intrigue and creativity of the image.

My question - is the 23mm f1.4 going to offer me any meaningful difference over the f2 for the above scenarios

Thanks and sorry for bringing it up again...

Edited December 13, 2025 by crazyfields

[George_P]

I don’t have the 23 f2 but I have read several times that it is considered a little soft at close distance, compared to the 23 f1.4 lenses. These will also focus at shorter distance from the subject, esp. the new one. So that might make a difference.

The new 23 f1.4 LM WR  has better resolution, esp. in regard to the 40Mpix sensors, which you don’t have on the X-T2. What practical difference that makes for the value of the pictures one makes is disputable and subjective. 

f1.4 will gather more light but with a smaller DOF, which may be desirable in some situations but not so in others, depends. If you like to shoot close ups, you will probably use higher f numbers to get a bigger DOF. Same for landscapes. If you are a bokeh fan, yes the f1.4 lens are better. 

The older 23 f1.4 lens that you are considering is a very good and respected lens. The f1.4 vs f2 aperture per se is perhaps not so important. The 23 f2 is very small, light and practical and a great lens for travel and landscapes. So, go figure. I am afraid I just sent you further down the road to insanity !

[crazyfields]

8 hours ago, George_P said:

I don’t have the 23 f2 but I have read several times that it is considered a little soft at close distance, compared to the 23 f1.4 lenses. These will also focus at shorter distance from the subject, esp. the new one. So that might make a difference.

The new 23 f1.4 LM WR  has better resolution, esp. in regard to the 40Mpix sensors, which you don’t have on the X-T2. What practical difference that makes for the value of the pictures one makes is disputable and subjective. 

f1.4 will gather more light but with a smaller DOF, which may be desirable in some situations but not so in others, depends. If you like to shoot close ups, you will probably use higher f numbers to get a bigger DOF. Same for landscapes. If you are a bokeh fan, yes the f1.4 lens are better. 

The older 23 f1.4 lens that you are considering is a very good and respected lens. The f1.4 vs f2 aperture per se is perhaps not so important. The 23 f2 is very small, light and practical and a great lens for travel and landscapes. So, go figure. I am afraid I just sent you further down the road to insanity !

Thanks for the insights. I think it's really hard to make a decision without having the two side by side!