Definitely one of the most useful comparison videos I've ever seen

Such a high quality review without getting too obsessed with pixel peeping. Perfect

35 f2 is a swiss army, small and sharp

This was by far one of the best comparisons between two sets I have ever seen! Very clear and non-biased, thanks!

Wow, you guys are so good at doing this. Respect, and appreciation. Not an ounce of filler anywhere!

Being one or two stops slower has never been a problem for me, back in the 1970s I found that holding the camera correctly, tucking the elbows in allowed me to shoot at slower speeds and still get away with it. Some lens lend themselves optically to being near perfect at certain f stops, a casing point being the Nikkor 50mm f2 AI, what s superb lens, always enjoyed this lens more than the 1,8 or 1.4. versions , these days I still tend to shoot lens with a maximum no faster than f2, saying that I do own an xf 35 1.4, which I like, but my 23/2 gets a lot more use especially on my X-T2. Great video by the way.

Definitely helped me - I was torn between the 23mm lenses, but I think the 1.4 is what I really want, even if it takes me a little longer to save up. I was hoping to not buy one and get an x100 instead but there isn't enough eye relief for my glasses and it's so difficult to use one! Thanks again for a great video and making it much clearer what the key differences are in the real world.

Thank you for another great video! I've been going through the backlog of your vids, and really appreciate all the hard work you do. I miss my 23mm 1.4, but I'm having a hard time justifying a re-buy now I have the 23mm f2.

Some very honest testing backed up with images and easy to understand information. The f2's are my choice due to size and extra weather protection. 👍🏻's up Andrew.

Best comparison video I've seen for these. I've watched a few whilst considering my purchase. You nailed it! Answered all the questions I had in my mind. I'll be purchasing the 35mm f2.

Awesome informative video, have been waiting for a good comparison of this topic for some time! Love this channel

what a comparison! very useful and short, thanks for highlighting different points of view you give!

Andrew, Super review! Thanks for taking us back down to earth with realistic use comparisons. I was looking at the 35mm f1.4 pretty seriously. This puts it in nice perspective.

23 1.4 and 56 1.2 is my current combo, love it so far!

I really like that you used the peeling paint images to display sharpness. I see so many reviewers use something without fine texture (ie textureless superhero toys) where you really can't compare sharpness properly. Nice practical honest video, and I like that you mention lens vanity, as almost all of us need to be honest with ourselves about that. Great practical information!.

Thank you so much for your video. Best one I've seen and has helped me make a decision on the 35mm f2

As always great job! Thank you for the time and effort...

Oh man I've trying to find such a comparison for MONTHS. Thank you, great work.

So many similar videos from other bloggers are terrible but this was great - you genuinely take a position and give great reasoning without taking 1,000 yrs to do so. Thanks and keep up the good work!

I have the 23mm F 1.4 and consider it one of the best lenses I've used. Particularly like it for video work.

I try my dangest to not be a gear junkie, but alas I'm an engineer by trade. I just want to thank you for making this so clear and helpful. The one big thing that hit me was your comparison of AF speeds. Later on in the video, you say it's a matter of milliseconds, but some of us shoot on an X-E1, and we need all the AF speed we can get! I have the 23 f/2 now and love it. I think I'm pulling the trigger on the 50 f/2 this year. I was convinced I wanted the 35 f/1.4, but now you have me thinking (and saving money). Thanks again!

Wow! So clear and direct..since long not seen anywhere! Thanks Denae & Andrew!

That is how a review should be done. I'm interested in switching to Fuji, because i like the new T3 and T30 bodies. Your review gave me more info about the lens selection and what I can expect than all 3 previous videos I watched combined. Keep up the good work. And in terms of the lenses themselves - all wide angle lenses I ever had, I shot a bit closed down anyway. I would buy the shorter ones in f/2 variation and the 56 in f/1.2 to get a "proper" portrait lens

im in the market for the 23mm lens and this has been HUGELY helpful! thank you.

I love this video, great way to sum up the arguments between the fujicron VS their fast prime counterparts.... can’t wait for your thoughts on the 16 2.8

Very insightful! 13 minutes well invested. Thank you!

Thanks for a straight forward comparison. I am still contemplating going mirrorless, and I have decided the Fuji system is going to be the one I eventurally end up purchasing. I am going to have to limit my initial lens purchases and you have helped me make a well informed decision. Thank you again for such an informative vlog.

Super comprehensive. Great job! This basically gives all the information one could need to make the decision.

Very good comparison video that give a great overview about pros and cons of the lenses. I got detailed impressions with the important information. Further on it feels very objectively to me. Well done.

So good to see an actual photographer comparing this stuff. Thanks man, really, thanks. I'm about to purchase an X-T30 with the 35F2 in about 2 hours through a site similar to ebay - I hope all goes well. Thanks again. Take care. And I love the kindness before cameras motto.

Picked up the 23mm f/2 and 50mm f/2 with my XT3 & 18-55. and couldn’t be happier. I’m sure more lenses will be added to the bag in time, but for now, this kit has me covered.

Great presentation skills and great choice of video since I don´t think anybody else has done these comparisons in a video before!

You're just the best channel for fuji x users. I changed recently to fuji system and your channel is helping me a lot. Thanks for sharing your experiences about Fuji.

Great analysis and perspectives. You always make great sense...keep it coming. Thanks.

Thank you, as always very nice work. I have been enjoying the content you create.

I don't often comment but just have to say, what an excellent video. Your tests are well-formulated and your arguments are thoughtful and balanced. This might be the best gear advice video I've seen.

Excellent! As usual, a concise, articulate, and informative video!

Andrew, Extremely helpful review! Hat's off to ya!

Kindness before Cameras is a great slogan

I’m so happy this review exists ✌️

Great review! Really useful information. I'm looking at the 35mm and this has swayed me towards the faster lens. Thanks again for your brilliant content 👍

My 23mm f1.4 with metal hood will never be replaces by the 23mm f2 because of the extremely scientific consideration of: It looks soooo cool!! Best video on the topic btw

the speed comparison is so well presented you have me subscribed right there!

So helpful! Thanks for doing this. That 33mm f1 sounds awesome. Can’t wait for that to come out.

Andrew, again a nice well-balanced job with this video. Thank you. I have the 23/f2, 35/f2 and 50/f2 so-called "Fujicrons". I acquired the just released 16/f2.8 "Fujicron" this week. It's a fantastic lens, less than half the weight and much smaller than my 16/f1.4 (which I do intend to keep). I appreciate the faster focusing, QUIET focusing, and weather sealing, lighter weight and smaller bulk of all the "Fujicron" lenses. They are ideal for travel, especially when my travel is self-propelled (on foot, biking, etc.). The 50/f2, after some practice and visual readjustment has become my preferred lens for portraits (over my soon-to-be-sold 56/f1.2, bokeh be damned). Lastly, all of the smaller "Fujicrons" allow me to shoot more discretely, especially for street photography. Again, these are just my choices that meet my needs well. It seems we all have to find our way, and that's just fine. Happy shooting!

Great video, really useful info! Looking forward to further Fuji content. The only feedback I'd give is that the audio was a little tinny but keep right on, dude.

Another really helpful video. Thank you and hope you and your family are all well.

The ultimate test video, great one Andrew, I can't believe noone has made this test before. I have / have tried all of these lenses and I think you're spot on in your conclusions. Although I must say that I'm more partial to the 1.4 lenses myself, mainly due to the more "dreamy" rendering. The f2 ones are almost too "clinical". I'm especially fond of the 35 f1.4, the chattering is charmy and the rendering is dreeaaamy! Thank you for making this video, it had to be done and you made a great one, leaving no aspect uncovered!

Great review, thanks! I'm a commercial portrait photographer and plan to get each of the primes you talk about (in f2). Though I have shot with the faster versions, I prefer the smaller less expensive versions.

Thank you so much for this video, amazing comparison and saved me allot of leg work.

Extremely useful and informative video. Have shared it with many others!

thanks for all this man. You've been the best resource for me calculating how I'm going to shift to Fuji

Having done the whole X-T1, X-T20, X-T3 journey, my perfect prime lineup is: 16mm f1.4, 23mm f1.4, 35mm f2, 56mm 1.2 (perfect portraiture), 90mm f2 WR macro. And get the discounted 18-55 lens with the purchase of a body for ultimate versatility, it is a great value lens. I don’t care for zooms with a small mirrorless system, it would however make some sense for a single camera (non full-frame) user.

I follow your channel principally for the creativity, humor, and kindness. Having said that, this is one of the more useful and clear gear comparisons I've stumbled onto, at least for Fuji geeks. Cheers and kindness before cameras.

Wow, such an useful and objective review! Thanks, subscribed at once!

Great thoughts and well put together bro!

Great video and practical comparison, thank you for sharing!

A most excellent review indeed and very helpful for me. I already have the 23mm f2 and will definitely look at either the 35mm f2 or possibly the 50mm f2. As a mainly landscape shooter bokeh does not often figure, but size and weight does. I feel the f2s fit better with the Fuji ethos, but I also accept that for specific applications you do need the big, heavy bokeh monsters with their low light capability. Thank you.

Im an Olympus shooter myself, but have used Fuji back when I had 2 XE-1's...I loved loved my Fuji's, but have invested a ton into my Olympus system, which I also love. Actually many systems are so good you really do have to have GAS in order to care. But to my point, I loved your review which was concise, but well rounded...provided image samples and really gave a break down to the differences and why one would care. Excellent job!

Great comparison Andrew. In fact you personally recomended me to go with 23 mm f2. I did and I am quite enjoying it. So thank you.

Cheers and thanks very much for this excellent comparo. I'm literally watching this before driving to the camera shop to buy a lens for my new X-T3.

Great video and the fact that the 50f2 was so impressive for you is really eye opening considering you have previously stated the 56 as a must own for potrait shooters (as does everybody else). I love my 35f2 and still think the 23f1.4 would be a great compliment to it but the price differential is pretty high. At the end of the day unless one really needs the low light capabilities I think most people´s love for the faster primes is due to vanity as the big glass is definitely sexier and seeing 1. something on your lens just seems so much cooler :)

I always thought it was ridiculous when I see comments like "I liked this before I watched it"....I just did that. What can I say. I've been a fan for a long time Andrew. I know quality and informative, considered content is guaranteed. Now let me watch the video haha

finally a good and easy to understand review. thank you!

Nice comparison video, very useful! Thanks for sharing.

What a wonderful comparison. Thank you so much.

Solid review man. Bang. Subscribed!

One of the greatest lens comparison video. Thanks!

Very good video. Its a must see when looking to expand your lenses

What Im hearing is that the f2's are lighter, faster, quieter, and cheaper. That's a no brainer. Great comparison video.

Easily one of the most useful reviews. Thanq so much !!

Super helpful video. I'm going to go with the 23mm f/2 after watching this. Thanks for making!

Thank you for these comparisons!

Perfect commentary, short and to the point! I have the 56 F/1.2 and the 23 F/1.4, and happy with them, and I bought both of them used.

Thank you I am going to stay with my 50 f2 you just saved me some money.

Great review and I tend to agree with almost everything you’ve covered....I’ve had all of the f/2 lenses and not too long ago I sold off my entire Fuji lens collection keeping only the 23mm f1.4 and the 56mm f1.2. Everything is personal preference and what your needs are, for me I can’t seem to take the 23mm f1.4 off of my X-T2! I love that lens! The 56mm f1.2 and the 23mm f1.4 just seems to have a special kinda mojo that I just love how both lenses render my photos!

Many many thanks for a wonderfully pragmatic review of these lenses. I purchased the f2 versions of each primarily for travel. Weight, size and convenience were my deciding factors. By and large I'm extremely happy with my decision but I would say that at very very low light the the 35mm (50mm) and 50mm (80mm) do at times struggle to focus. They get there but they take some coaxing. The 23mm (35mm) however is a champion and for my recent holiday in Italy it was welded on to the X-Pro 2. In all though I'm extremely happy with my purchase but I do like the idea of a 1.2 aperture. Again many thanks for a great review of 6 outstanding lenses.

Useful comparison video. make me clear to pick F2 lenses for the purpose of usage. many thanks !

Excellent review, thanks for sharing!

Really useful video, I was looking at a 35mm prime and this has helped me with this

Outstanding breakdown and analysis. I shoot 3 systems. 35 F2 is tied with Loxia 21 2.8 for my favorite lens. Just incredible.

very helpful review, thanks!

I have 18-55 kit lense that came with my XT2. I bought myself a meke 35mm f1.7 and I love manual focus

Great review! I am glad that I have 23f2 35f2 and 56 f1.2. 56 mm is for portraits and it definitely better than 50mm f2 for portraiture

Excellent video, as always! Since this video, I've read the X-T3 firmware update(s) improved focus on those faster lenses. 👍and subbed

While I was debating on choosing either the Fuji 23mm F2 or F1.4, I happened to see your video. The facts and your reasoning help me to realize which are the most important factors for my decision. Thanks for the informative video and please keep on making them to benefit photographers like me. I decided to keep some of my money, go for F2 for reasonably fast lens and forget about the minor bokeh advantage.

Awesome video man, useful! I currently own the 23 f2 and the 35 f2, debating adding the 50 f2 but i may opt for the 56 1.2 along with the 16 1.4 to give me some low light ability.

I've had the 23 f2 and the 23 1.4 for like 2 years and I absolutely prefer the image quality of the 1.4. I've never liked the way my images look out of the 23 f2, I also feel similarly about the f2 on the X100F. But if you needs something fast, light, and weather sealed the f2 is a no brainer.

Was ready to.send back 23 f2 due to close up softness, love it now!

thank you for this really great comparison!

Thanks for another well-contextualised perspective, Special Agent Andrew. You are liberating our cognitive load so that we're free to make better decisions, and lead friendlier lives :) For many years I lusted for the XF56mm F/1.2 (which at that time was considered fast-focussing...!), yet by the time I had the chance to extend my kit my choice was clear: XF50mm F/2 and the XF90mm F/2; they're both very swift and very sharp, and if I have the time and space for the XF90 then it has comparable bokeh capacities to the XF56 due to the extra focal length. The XF56 is very charming, yet I felt it more practical to have the compact XF50 and the exotic XF90. Another factor for me, though, was that my first Fujinon was the XF35mm F/1.4, so I already had a low-light option with a versatile focal range. Someone with a slightly tight budget who wants a tight yet complete kit may be well-served by the XF27mm F/2.8*, the XF56mm F/1.2 and the XC50-230mm F/slow - this way they'd have range, lowlight, bokeh, and super-compact modes (swap to XF16mm F/2.8 + XF35mm F/1.4 for a wider version). The XF35mm F/1.4 is integral to my concept of the Fuji image-making experience**. I don't think that the XF33mm F/1.0 would replace it simply because of the huge weight difference. The F/1.0 is definitely on my radar, but with a Foveon kit as well and its new place in the messianic L-Mount Alliance, I have more on my radar than I will practically be using or buying for some time... . . . . . ! * the XF27 is my most used lens, and it only cost $99 after cashback + discount. ** as is the X-Pro1 which I should really pass on to a younger photographer, but which I'm not yet ready to part with.

Excellent comparison and timely! You're a great Fuji ambassador... hope they make you one. I love how you compare every aspect of the lens that matters to different people. I totally geek out on bokeh/isolation, so I ordered the 56 f/1.2, however unsure about the 23mm. I really want the speed/bokeh/DoF of the 1.4, but I'm going to hate it for video and run&gun. Might just get the f/2 as a daily lens. Hard to fathom an f/2 on an APS-C... UGH!! The difference in price doesn't bother me, but that slow/loud motor does. First world problems, I know! Thanks again :)

Best, most laid back and logical comparison I've seen. The only one I've ever actually enjoyed :) Just the points that matter :) Man, it was ridiculously refreshing to have someone not belabor every point to death haha. I didn't hold my breath thinking, yeah yeah, we get it, what next, one single time!

can't wait for that 16mm f2.8

Thank youuuu, this was very helpful indeed 🤗📷

really great comparison, thank you!

Best reviews on youtube for Fuji followers!! After watching your reviews on youtube i have become even more addicted to fuji lenses that i have ended up buying nearly every fuji prime lens!! I am like a kid in a toystore and i have to have them all because all fuji lenses are that GOOD!!!

Great video and very useful info. One of my first len's was the 35mm f1.4. It was slow, noisy, and a hunter, but when it lock in, it is magic. I picked up the 35mm f2 and was surprised at the build and the Leica shape. It is quick and sharp. But I ended up keeping both as each has a unique personality, individual to each lens. Now with the X-H1, I was shooting with the 35mm f1.4 and found it has achieved new life, it is now just as fast as the f2 and the hunt has all but disappeared. The f2 remains in my travel kit due to its weather sealing and I use the X-Pro2 as a second body and it allows full use of the Optical viewfinder.

For pure outright portraiture the 56mm is hard to beat, but I’ve grown to love the little 50mm for street photography and as a general purpose lens. In my experience it’s the best of the three “fujicron”s in terms of edge-to-edge sharpness and (micro) contrast.