XF27mm f/2.8 WR – The everyday hero
Hey dear Fuji X Love family,
I never thought the Fujifilm 27mm f/2.8 WR would become my everyday lens, but here we are! Over the last few months, I started searching for a compact, fast lens to fit into my city commuting routine. My daily “route” often involves a lot of commuting and cycling, so portability was key.
I love my 23mm f/1.4 OG, but it’s a bit heavy for long walks. I also own the 35mm f/1.4, but its focal length (50mm equivalent in full-frame) is too tight for my shooting style. Sure, it offers unique character and gorgeous bokeh, but I can’t rely on it as my primary lens—it’s more of a “second” lens, waiting for the perfect opportunity.
Then there’s the 23mm f/2, which I plan to sell eventually. While it’s compact and weather-sealed, it’s not sharp enough at f/2 for my taste. The bokeh on the 23mm f/1.4 is so good that I almost always pick it instead.
RIGHT: Fuji X-T2 . Fuji XF27mmF2.8 . F/4.0 . 1/1800″ . ISO 400
RIGHT: Fuji X-T2 . Fuji XF27mmF2.8 . F/2.8 . 1/1500″ . ISO 400
RIGHT: Fuji X-T2 . Fuji XF27mmF2.8 . F/5.6 . 1/500″ . ISO 1250
Fujifilm XF27mm f/2.8 WR – The beginning
So, I finally bought the 27mm. Coming from larger lenses like the 23mm f/1.4, its compact size and simplicity were a breath of fresh air. This little pancake lens has become my go-to for spontaneous street shots. It’s lightweight, sharp across the frame, and helps me focus on the moment rather than obsessing over my gear—a truly liberating shift!
The Focal Length: My Love-Hate Relationship with 40mm
I’m a 35mm guy, so the 23mm f/1.4 is my natural favorite. However, over time, I’ve adapted to the 27mm’s 40mm equivalent focal length. It feels tighter than I prefer for some shots, but for many, it works just fine.
Is f/2.8 Enough?
For quick street photography and everyday life, f/2.8 is absolutely enough. If I’m shooting portraits or need more background separation, I switch to the 23mm f/1.4, but for daily snapshots, the 27mm delivers.
RIGHT: Fuji X-T2 . Fuji XF27mmF2.8 . F/8 . 1/950″ . ISO 400
RIGHT: Fuji X-T2 . Fuji XF27mmF2.8 . F/5.6 . 1/1250″ . ISO 400
The Pancake Advantage
The compact size and design of the 27mm are game-changers. I even added a JJC hood, which not only makes the lens easier to hold but also gives it a sleek, “sexy” look. Plus, the weather resistance is perfect for shooting at the beach or in challenging conditions where dust and water are concerns.
Cons
● Clunkiness: Autofocus can be a bit clunky and slower compared to the 23mm f/1.4 or 23mm f/2, especially on my X-T2. But it’s still manageable for my use.
● Focus Ring: While I rarely use manual focus, the focus ring feels a bit awkward. The JJC hood helps with handling, though, and I occasionally enjoy using the ring to pre-focus and visualize the frame.
● Night Photography: At f/2.8, it’s not the best for low-light cityscapes. That said, if you’re okay with a bit of grain or looking for poetic, blurry images, it’s still a viable option.
RIGHT: Fuji X-T2 . Fuji XF27mmF2.8 . F/5.6 . 1/500″ . ISO 1250
RIGHT: Fuji X-T2 . Fuji XF27mmF2.8 . F/7.1 . 1/250″ . ISO 800
Final Thoughts
The Fujifilm 27mm f/2.8 WR is an excellent everyday lens. Its compact size, sharpness, and versatility make it a joy to carry and shoot with. While it has a few quirks, they’re easy to work around, and the lens has proven to be an invaluable companion for my city adventures.
“I’m a Lifestyle and portrait photographer from Tel Aviv, Israel.”
Darius
November 27, 2024 @ 9:29 am
Funny, I made a poor review of this lens some days ago, and I have the same conclusion: https://gambajo.wordpress.com/2024/11/04/review-fujinon-xf27mmf2-8-r-wr/
Michael Govorko
December 5, 2024 @ 8:21 am
Hey Darius,
Thanks for the comment!
I liked the robot photo from you review, looks very cool and futuristic.
Albert Smith
November 27, 2024 @ 1:39 pm
I bought the newer version of the XF 27mm f/2.8, with the aperture ring as soon as it was announced and received it before the long delays for supply issues happened. I was happy to have mine while reading of the frustrated people that were unable to get one.
I believe everything in your article, but would add one negative point that caused me frustration. This lens uses the traditional method of focusing, physically extending the optical elements out for near range subjects. Since it is so small, there is not enough extension available, so the minimum focus distance is too long for things like table top shots or details from a subject. I could live with an aperture of f/2.8, but I was constantly bumping up against the MFD, which was frustrating.
I liked the size and angle of view, so I bought the Voightlander 27mm f/2 which has a much closer MFD, a faster aperture and very good performance. If you can live with manual focus and you own a camera that the Voightlander is chipped for, it’s a good alternative.
Michael Govorko
December 5, 2024 @ 8:31 am
Thanks for such an insightful comment, Albert!
The Voigtländer lens does look fantastic, but I didn’t consider it because it’s not very practical for me to use as a lens for capturing everyday life moments.
Dean
November 27, 2024 @ 2:00 pm
Great write up and the beach soccer photo is such a great moment captured.
Michael Govorko
December 5, 2024 @ 9:02 am
Hey Dean,
thanks a lot!
stanislaw witold zolczynski
December 1, 2024 @ 2:47 pm
Well, if 23/2 isn`t sharp enough at f2 is it as sharp at f2,8 comparing to 27mm or sharper?
For me AF speed is more important then compactness and even with M1 body it will never be Ricoh GR 40mm
Michael Govorko
December 5, 2024 @ 8:35 am
Hey Stanislaw!
The 27mm f/2.8 is sharp enough for me at f/2.8, and because of its compact size, I like it more right now. Eventually, I decided to sell the 23mm f/2 lens.
Ricoh GR cameras are indeed very compact, but I don’t like their aesthetics. Plus, the lack of a viewfinder is a dealbreaker for me.
Jack Boston
December 6, 2024 @ 11:46 am
Hallo Michael, thank You for the Report. I use the older Version of the 2.8/27 since many years. Attached on my Xpro2 and using the optical VF its a real point and shout camera. Also on mountain tours I like these compact combination.
My best wishes to Tel Aviv