A few people have raised concerns over reliability and bad autofocus at night. In terms of reliability, I have had no issues and I just throw this thing into my bag without any caps. Of course time will tell and there will be a long term review on my blog in 6-12 months. As for low light autofocus.... honestly... I had 0 issues on an XH2s. Same as daytime tbh. I will try again tho and pay extra attention

I love this lens paired with my X-E4 - they've gone all over the world with me. Light, unobtrusive, and enjoyable to use. Like a digital version of those mid-century compact 40mm rangefinder film cameras.

Almost got sucked into the x100vi hype and tried to get one, but even in Tokyo they were sold out. When senses were regained I got the 27mm + 90mm instead. Killer kombo, and the 27 has a permanent temporary new home on the xt5. Like you say, pocketable (almost).

27mm + XE4 for street photography. Killer combo 👌

Been waiting for a video on this! Love the perspective on the lens.

My first lens together with my XT5. I love how it fits on my daily dumpling bag and not heavy to bring. ❤

The 27mmF2.8 came alive for me on the X-T5 after rarely using it on my x-t30. The autofocus got faster and feel like the noise bothers me less, not sure why. Lovely

I fitted one of these to an X-T30ii - great lightweight carry! Cancelled my order for the X100VI

Thank you Roman, I'm glad you said what you said as I just picked one up for my XE2! Really useful video, thank you 😊

As a M43 system user, I havd the Panasonic Lumix 20mm 1.7 almost permanently on my OM5 iii. It's versatility is excellent and fits into almost every pocket.

my first ever fuji lens, compact and sharp 👍🏼

I was thinking of picking up a lens in Japan and this was on my list! Thanks so much for the review!

X-Pro 3 with the 27mm has been my everyday for over a year and I think it’s worth it just for the size. Great video as always and thanks for sharing.

Totally agree Roman. It's a great combination with my X-T5 for a walk around/family lens. I initially bought the lens for its size but the image quality has blown me away (for what it is).

I love, Love, LOVE this lens!!! Small and easy to pack and haul around all day. Let your legs do the scene adjustment! I got it with my X-E4 when the hype train was in bullet mode on the X100V. I just couldn't get a camera that I couldn't change lenses on though so I got this as a kit. With this and the 33 mm for night walks, and the 16-80mm as a zoom, I don't feel like I really need anything else when taking the camera on a trip. BTW, I think I got one of the last X-E4s in my area before Fujifilm stopped production.

I like your videos when you are talking about gear while walking in the landscape you are visiting and share the visual highlights with us. Regarding the 23mm F2.8 it's often my first choice on the X-Pro2/3 body making it a light and versatile package, although we should mention it makes some "breathing" noise while focusing - at least mine does. Thanks for this video!

I'm really happy with mine as a travel lens, and I like the little aluminum hood that comes with it as a way to protect the front element without having to use a filter. I'm currently walking around Zagreb with it on my X-T5 slung crossbody, and it's so light and unobtrusive I sometimes have to double check it's still there. And unlike with larger lenses, I've seen very few people notice my camera when not in use.

Thank you for nice video Roman. I absolutely agree about size topic. XT5 is being pocketable with this lens, and I always take it outside. Basically, 27mm pancake lens makes XT5 and XPRO2 pocketable and inspiring you to take more photos around. Cheers !

Love the video - this was my first lens (first version no WR) bought in 2018 for £249. Works great with my XT20 when wanting to be small/compact and jsyt as well on my XT2 and XH1.

My Fuji 27mm f2.8 pretty much lives on my X-Pro2. I use it most weekends out and about in London and I love it.

Thank you soooo much for this. 40mm full frame equivalent is my favourite walk around focal length. I have it on my Leica M 262. I had the equivalent) on my micro 4/3 system back in the day. I have the 56, 33 and 16 with my X-T5, but I'm excited to see Fuji do this focal length.

I think you've made the case for taking the gondola *up* the mountain and walking back down! Great video BTW.

Had mine for a year. My everyday lens on the X-T5 - fabulous.

I have this lens and it spends a lot of time on my X-T30ii. I find it's performance excellent and agree with your summary, most other reviewers have been unjustifiably snooty about it.

I had this lens for a year or so, then sold it now that I have an X100F... but I'll admit I miss it a lot. It's a great focal length and the size makes so extremely versatile. I'll probably be buying it again.

This lens together with the x-e4 is great fun. I was able to buy them both in Bangkok last year. I haven't used anything else for street photography since then.

I recently purchased a second hand one! It's sitting on my X-A3 taking it to Japan next month hoping to upgrade to a XT3 for this lens there.

Ooh nice one finding one of these

I use the 27mm and the 18mm f2 on my x-e2. I use the 18mm more because I don't have stabilization and the f2 is necessary indoors. The aperture ring doesn't get accidentally spun as easily on the 27mm. On my x-h2 I usually use bigger lenses. On the x-s10 these pancakes are great

Sweet hike there! I'm guessing you're vlogging with the Pocket 3? You still liking it for that purpose? How have you found it to compare with the GoPro in terms of low light like while hiking in the woods? Thanks for the info and the hike! Have a great weekend.

My most used lens of late has been the budget TTArtisan 27mm at least until I get my X100VI. Love the size and 40mm is very usual. It has quieter Focus motors in it

I have a used x-t30and used 27mm with it. It’s such a great little package to take out. Still new to the 27mm but it’s a great addition to the x-t30

First fixed lens ever back in 2014 paired with X-M1. Still using it today !

I guess it worth to light up the check engine to get up to that view. This lens is tempting .Thanks for the review and the view!

i have this lense and love it. because its so easy to take aronud i dont feel worreid pulling my camera out in any situation. when look back on my photos it seems that this lense was used quiet a lot! Also i like it wide open with some film silulations that make it look really soft - which is great for foggy mornings or statues in parks

Bought this lens with the Xe-4 as a kit. I think I actually prefer it to my X100v plus I get the option of dropping on either the XF18-55 or XC50-230 (another cheap under rated lens). Thanks for the video. 👍

I got the 27mm as a bundle lens when I purchased my X-E4. It's a good size for pocketing but I've found it a focal length that I don't enjoy as much. It's also mega noisy if you wish to take a quick video and don't turn off autofocus -a rode lapel mic gets around that, but it's still quite clunky. I've found the best lens pocketable combo for the X-E4 at least to be my vintage Jupiter- 3 lens on a m-39 converter. It's small, and gives lots of vintage character to the images, if you can get on with the manual focusing.

I am not much of a photographer.. but my only lens atm is the 27mm gen 1. I've been perfectly happy with it. I can picture a scene with it or more of a potrait. Rarely I have missed a tele or even less a wider field of view.

Thank you for the comprehensive review. I managed to grab a copy of this lens on the used market here in the USA (and yes, I paid the premium). Like you, I was looking for something small and compact in preparation for a trip to Europe. Slapped this on an XT-5 the day it arrived and hustled to the beach near my home. With a little patience, I quickly learned to care less about the motors and occasional focus hunt. The lens renders gorgeous images (IMHO) for storytelling.

27mm is an amazing everyday focal length! Great for stills and video, so diverse!

I have loved my 1.gen 27 since I bought my first XT camera - the X-T1 back in 2015 - stil a favorite lense together with the 35 ƒ1.4 (the old one) 😀

It’s a Great Lens! I use it everyday on my Xpro 3 and it never disappoints me. I think you also made a really good Point for using it at Night. I use it a Lot at Night time, and it just shows that you don’t need that fancy f 0,95. You can make it work. I think the 27mm fills up a Space for a lot of different things to shoot, once you get used to it! Great Video 🫶🏻

Just got the XH2 and this seems like it would be a great little lens to lighten up my camera for quick little walks

I highly recommend the Voigtlander 27mm F2, which is as small as the Fuji, faster and sharper IMO. Great build quality, manual focus but super easy to focus. Fantastic lens!

I own most of Fujifilm's fast glass, but this is my favorite to use and the lens I use the most. Paired with my Ricoh GRIII, I can shoot all day with just those 2 focal lengths, and my back thanks me later 😊

I own a XT3 with this lens. Never regreted buying this over the X100F i had on the list. Even now with the VI i am not even tempted to change it!

My 40mm 2.5 is easily my most used lens out of all of my Sony glass. 40mm is life

I've had the first gen 27mm for quite a while, but for quite some time I struggled with it, only keeping it because of the weight. But at some point it kind of clicked and in the last few years I've been enjoying it a lot, now feels very natural to shoot with the 40mm equiv. Now I need to do the same with 28mm equiv...

Sorry it took you so long to purchase this lens. Hard to believe you had to go to Japan to find one. Congratulations. I recently purchased a used version of this lens. 27mm seems like a strange focal length. Squarely between the 23 & 35mm focal lengths. These are my two favorite focal lengths as a street photographer. I purchased this lens as a compromise between these focal lengths. One or two steps backwards or forwards focuses this lens. The major feature of this lens, for me, is its size & weight. I put this lens on the XE1 and it it pocketable in a jacket. This lens is perfect for Fuji’s smaller bodies. Overall I’m satisfied with this lens. I would have preferred an aperture ring. Can’t have everything. Enjoy your new lens. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

Enjoyed your video, as it confirmed many of the reasons why I bought this lens about 18months ago. Re the price here in Brasil they sell for R$1750 which is around £260 new 2nd hand will be cheaper. The auto focus is fast, I know this as I was shooting a building around town on a busy road and the cars passing kicked in the auto focus 😁 I was using the 18-55 for shots around town and I tended to get a negative vibe when shooting people. But this is less provocative. I bought it after a trip to Peru as I was very much like you on your hike except I was at 4000m+ and at times the only camera I wanted to carry was my phone, an XT 3 and a 10 -24 was not great. You mentioned the X100V hmmmmm I feel this camera is the greatest example of the power of online influencers😅 Last year I found a used XE 1 in good condition and the 27mm paired with this is good for many situations. Image quality..... Well as I am not shooting to print at 19m X 10m I think it's good enough and as you say a slightly off focus perfectly framed shot is preferable to a boring shot that has crisp edges at 400%😁

I had both versions of this lens a few years ago, back when the first version was us$60 and the WR version was us$200. I ended up selling both due how much better the 35mm f2 was for low light, silent autofocus and bokeh rendering, and it wasn’t significantly bigger or heavier to make a difference to me. Now that the 27mm f2.8 is even more expensive than the 35mm I’d be even more comfortable choosing the 35mm f2 over it. Sure, it’s a little tighter but I just take a step back to get the same composition 😅

Great! I just got myself the Voïgtlander 27mm f/2 and I'll never look back to the Fujifilm one. Mounted on my X-E4 and there I go with my pocked-size Leica-like beauty.

this plus the 18f2 and the xc 50-230 make up my travel kit. The 27 is the favourite of the lot and gets the lions share of the time on the xe4.

I would suggest the TTArtisan 25 f/2 when compared to Voightlander 27 f/2 on manual focus and keeping both kidneys. Otherwise, for auto focus, the TTArtisan 27 f/2 is brighter, lighter and a fraction of the price (ok, lacks weather sealing but whatever)

Would love another video on this lens - how to get best from it, what are the best shots/scenarios to use it for, and which shots/scenarios a different lens would be better. Thanks! I love this lens with my xt30ii but not sure I’m getting the best out of it?

I wanted one in Dec 21. I was in Thailand so went to Big Camera. They said no problem but it comes with this, an XE 4, Oh! I went, see u in 10 mins, looked up review on XE 4 and went oooooh! Came back and bought both for less than £1000! Now I think I did quite well! Other camera is XH1

Nice video. Would you trade this lens for the viltrox 27mm? I have the viltrox but it is huge! I can't justify keeping both.

Thank you for the review Roman! I bought it in a kit with the XE4 for 1100€, where the lens was basically a steal. So if anybody can get their hands on a kit with e.g. the X-T30II, no 400€ price tag involved....no brainer! Would I have bought the lens for 400 quid? Not sure. But it is a really nice lens, as you said, a perfect walk-around lens to document your life. Maybe even just use Recipes and jpg and convert your camera in a point-and-shoot. That said, it needs some getting used to when you're coming from classical 23 (35mm ff eq) or 35mm (50mm ff eq) lenses.

As a Canon shooter, my 28mm f2.8 lived on my 7D Mark II - the end result is a similar focal length. It's SO good. The sharpness, the bokeh, the field of view. It's Excellent. It's so Good for street!!

I've been trying to purchase this lens for years but it's always out of stock. I also tried to purchase the X100vi without success. Instead, I got the Voigtländer 27mm, and Voigtländer 18mm pancake lenses for my XT2. Almost an X100vi replacement (minus the magical leaf shutter & flash sync speed capability of the x100vi). I'm debating an upgrade to an X-T5 or X-H2/X-H2s. I'm intrigued by the better EVF and build quality of the XH bodies, but concerned about the size/weight. Maybe it's ok with the small lens like you show. However, I also have the 16-55.

The Ttartisan 27mm f2.8 is just enough for me. 😊

Great video and pictures. What camera do you use for vlogging ? Osmo ? Take care

A rare commodity in Canada too. May have to look into a Viltrox version. I'll have to keep searching, as it's a nice to have lens & not a need lens. Have to check my lineage to see if I know anyone in Japan............Thanks for the video.

Love my 27mm. I find it a very versatile focal length. Pair it with an X-pro body for an even more X100-like experience.

I'm located in Canada. Trying to find the 27mm F2.8 has been a year long pursuit. Finally located a new one recently and it was shipped to me last week. I was in a very similar place.... I probably used the 23mm f/2.0 the most, followed by the 16mm and also the 35mm f1.4. I just love that legacy lens and will never sell it. However, I have been wanting something in between the 35mm and 50mm equiv. The fact that the 27mm f/2.8 is a true pancake with an aperture ring is the most appealing part. Plus WR. An everyday general purpose carry you don't have to think about. I've only been shooting with it for a week now but can honestly say I'll be keeping it. It's unobtrusive and ridiculously light. The overall results have exceeded my expectations. Mostly it is a lot of fun to use. I attached it to an xt3 and it nicely pairs with my Ricoh GR III when I'm out hitting the streets for a long session. A 40mm and 28mm in a small bag or pocket. This suits me well. I feel totally covered for the style of street photography I do. I would be curious to see you do a long term review sometime in the coming months. Btw I paid nearly $500 Canadian dollars which is about $350 Euro.

If you pair it with a Fujifilm xs20 it becomes pocketable! - I have a few focal lengths from the big sexy 18mm to this little guy and I can’t get enough with the pancake ! 🥞

I had the 27mm f2.7 WR for a while and ended up selling it. I liked the picture quality and size but couldn’t live with the noisy focus motors and external focus movement of the barrel. I wish they could keep internal focusing and make it quieter. I am happy to use the f2 primes instead even if they are a bit bigger. I lately have been using the 30mm f2.8 macro more as it is just a bit wider than 35 f2, and has some great versatility as a macro.

The review is super. The what I do having this pancake lens i always using f8 alternating the ISO …..

I have to say that I moved away from Fuji altogether and my XT30ii is now only occasionally used by my wife. One reason is actually this 27mm lens. Although it is small and sharp, I personally don't enjoy shooting with it. It starts with the hectic and imprecise autofocus (I'd rather use manual focus) and ends with the uninspiring shutter noise. Obviously this is my personal opinion but I felt it is worth sharing - since it is an expensive piece of kit.

I tried to buy one but as usual out of stock. I grabbed the 27mm TTartisan version for only £150, all metal build and for me a great little lens paired with my XT30II. Im off to Japan later in the year so might try to upgrade to the Fujifilm version then 👍

I throw my 27mm on my X-S10 and it’s a great small kit.

On the X-T20/30 it's super nice.

Yes it’s a very interesting lens use mine with my x pro2 imo a dream combo even though the x pro 2 is old … the camera has something about its behavior, and for a reason I don’t know its the only digital camera which I like to use with ridiculous high ISO, so to speak, the noise artifacts are adding something mice to the picture….

16mmf1.4, 27mmf2.8, & 50mmf2 is my street kit

I'm torn between this 27mm and the 18mm f2 which would be better for me for tighter places.

I’m not sure if Fuji corrected this issue in the design, but with the older non WR version, the autofocus motor mechanism is very fragile and breaks easily, especially if screwing a filter into the threads. Found this out the hard way. Just be careful with that if you get it. Otherwise it’s a great lens and I enjoyed it while it lasted.

I rather like the TTArtisan 27mm. Although it does feel a little plasticy (is that a word?), I’m very happy with the photos I’ve been getting. I wonder if Fuji is planning to update this lens and that’s why it’s not in stock outside of Japan.

Hello mate. Thanks for the video, as always. I'm off to Japan in a few weeks, and definitely plan on seeing Mt.Fuji That view you showed half way through the video. Do you have a name of the location/path I would need to take to get there......? Appreciate it..

Nice review! Pretty sure the aperture ring (and maybe focus ring) is plastic, but doesn’t really make it feel less premium. Got mine from eBay for 350 quids and can’t be more happy with it. Think I’ll get an X-E3 or X-Pro2 for it to make a permanent home, currently I have it on an X-H2, but I want something lighter on me when I’m just stoping by Sainsbury’s 😂

wow 400 quid! they're about 400-450AUD here in Oz for the WR version (i love mine and it's unusually sharp) and 350-ish aud for the non WR...another great video👍

First of all, I love this lens so much, because of how compact it is. I always carry this lens with my X-E4....But it is also very fragile, a few weeks ago my lens motor is just broken out of blue, after 3 years since X-E4 first launch. I don't like how the lens focus with its part moving out of the lens body, which gave it quite highly risk to be broken. So should be very careful especially while the lens operates. I paid for the repair about 101 Euro here in Germany, but it's fine.

I've been using this on my xt5 for a while even the ttartisan 27mm isn't that bad I've owned both. In real terms a bit on vignette on ttartisan. I've a drawer full of top drawer f1.2s f1.4s etc I struggle to put the others on the xt5. With Lens blur tool in lightroom. I must of been lucky with my copy of the ttartisan its practical in my use at f2.8

Just got this for a trip to Spain. Shooting a wedding here, but didn't want to walk around with all the big fast glass. It's barely left my camera all trip except the 18 came out to play in some tight spaces.

What is the name of the rope camera strap you are using?

I literally didn’t see as many cars as I’d hoped in Japan. Went to liberty walk and bought the pin of the orange and green FD coincidentally, only to see it showed up the day after 😢 I’m so sad about that, but glad my fave photographer got some pics of it!

You can always crop a little but with 23mm (35mm). That's why in my opinion 23mm is the optimal focal length.

I had two faulty 27/2.8 with AF motors getting stuck in off position before giving up

I like the colours of the photos ! is this SOOC ?

Is this really that much better than the TTartisans 27mm f2.8? Worth the difference?

Nice vid, Roman, as always. I had the mark 1 version of this lens a few years ago, but sold it off. Not too sharp, rendering average, clunky focussing, noisy, prone to hunting in now-light. Plus, for me 2.8 is really too slow for a prime lens. Now I use the Voigtlander Ultron 27mm f/2, which I think is waaayy better in every respect - except that it is a manual focus lens….

Hey do you use recipes for your pictures or do you edit them in post? If you use recipes, could you perhaps name them underneath the photos in your videos? I believe that many viewers would appreciate this very much. Otherwise, keep on pumpibg out these cool and informative videos. Thank you so much❤

I have the older version of this lens. As far as i am concerned it has no serious faults. It's not as good with head and shoulder shots as the 35mm lens. But very good for street photography. Otherwise its a jack of all trades. The TTArtisans 27mm lens has a strong vignette and less quality at F2.8. If you're happy with F4 and the price is a major factor the TTArtisans could be an option. Just my opinion.

I use a 40mm on my full frame camera and I can confirm it is the perfect walk around lens.

What is the name of the mountain you hiked? I’m going to Japan in a few months and would like to take photos of Mt. Fuji from there.

I have the original version , love it , just wish it had an aperture ring & was weather sealed.

I love your videos. very informative and always great to watch. thank you! completely off topic, and pls, no offence meant:... i think your glasses are a bite too wide 😊

6:39 my brother in Shinkansen, why would you put text in front of a MT. FUJI shot?! This lens looks like the perfect companion for the black X-T2 I managed to buy in my first ever trip to Japan two weeks ago. Wish I had it, but the XF 16-80MM F4 really saved the trip since I had no more budget for a lens and it was hard to get cheap primes there.

I really wanted to like this lens, the size and the build quality but apart from street photography I dont think its suitable for anything else. Its not wide and its not tight with a fast aperture for portraits. I find myself always wanting to step back when using it as a daily carry and sometimes there isnt the room to step back. I cant understand why Fuji doesnt offer a similar sized 23mm pancake, this just doesnt do it for me but the current 23mm f2 is too big so I'm left with this compromise.

How’s the lens for portraits?

is that a custom peak design strap? looks cool ngl