Keep the 23mm/2.8 or the 27mm/2.8 MK1?

Bobbpix · Oct 25, 2025

I've owned the X-E5 with the 23mm/2.8 kit lens for about a month. Just got a used XF16mm/2.8 and now I find I don't really need the 23 AND the original (non-WR) 27, since I also have the 35/F2.

I somewhat prefer the 27mm (40mm equivalent) focal distance more than the 23mm (35mm equiv.) but the F stops on the 23mm are very nice to have. The 23mm/2.8 will be a money maker to sell on Ebay since it only cost $200 more when I bought the camera. The old 27mm I have is not in great demand.

Just wondering if anyone has a strong opinion on the image quality and speed of these two lenses. I think the 23mm may be sharper but I have not done side-by-side tests. Curious if anyone else has. Most online sights will be comparing the 23mm to the new 27mm, though maybe the image quality and speed of the 27mm/2.8 MK2 is similar to my 27mm lens.

This is a nice problem to have but I don't think I need both lenses and I'll put the money towards the the XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 to replace my aging 18-55/2.8-4 OIS lens.

Thanks for you thoughts.

biza43 · Oct 25, 2025

If you prefer 27mm and like f/2, maybe you can consider the Voigtlander 27 in X mount? Great little lens, but of course it is not AF.

Compromises...

Jeff Biscuits · Oct 26, 2025

I find both are plenty sharp enough on the 40MP sensor (I have the mk2 of the 27, but I’ve used both versions, and as far as I’m aware they’re optically identical). I prefer the handling of the 23; the 23 is a little smaller (or at least its tapered profile makes it easier to slip in and out of a bag); image quality is great on both; I generally prefer the 27mm field of view; and I dislike the “whirr-whirr-whirr” of the 23 whenever I switch the camera on or off, or go into or out of playback.

Personally the last point bugs me enough that I’d choose the 27 over the 23, but YMMV (and my 27 has an aperture ring).

It’s a close call whichever way you slice it. Presumably you feel more at home with one focal length than the other?

PS: just noticed that you also have the 35/2. Personally I think a 35/2 and a 27/2.8 are close enough that one of them will probably be a little redundant, whereas a 23 and a 35 make more sense as a pair. But that’s not a great pairing if your sweet spot is 27.

MrAndreas · Oct 26, 2025

I'd say, if your drawer still has some space, keep all of these for a year. After a year, you will know better which of these are really used and produce your aesthetic and photographic value, and which don't.

GMacF · Oct 26, 2025

I'd echo most of Jeff's thoughts above. Performance wise they are much of a muchness (I am very impressed with both) so it really comes down to which focal length you prefer.

I really enjoyed the 27mm when I had it but often found I'd have to take it and my 18mm f2 out with me for when I needed something a little wider. So I found the new 23mm ideal which meant I could sell both other lenses.

I always preferred the 23mm focal length but I could never get a lens that I enjoyed using and provided good results. Admittedly the only 23mm lens I haven't owned is the 1.4 WR which I have no doubt would tick the quality box but I couldn't justify the cost nor was I keen on the size weight - I prefer my primes to be small and compact.

Bobbpix · Oct 26, 2025

Back when I owned a Voigtlander Bessa and some Nokton and Skopar lenses I liked to manual focus. I don't think my eyes or my patience are suited to manual focusing anymore. I'll probably stick with the 27mm I already have. But appreciate your idea.

Cossio · Oct 26, 2025

Bobbpix said:
I've owned the X-E5 with the 23mm/2.8 kit lens for about a month. Just got a used XF16mm/2.8 and now I find I don't really need the 23 AND the original (non-WR) 27, since I also have the 35/F2.

I somewhat prefer the 27mm (40mm equivalent) focal distance more than the 23mm (35mm equiv.) but the F stops on the 23mm are very nice to have. The 23mm/2.8 will be a money maker to sell on Ebay since it only cost $200 more when I bought the camera. The old 27mm I have is not in great demand.

Just wondering if anyone has a strong opinion on the image quality and speed of these two lenses. I think the 23mm may be sharper but I have not done side-by-side tests. Curious if anyone else has. Most online sights will be comparing the 23mm to the new 27mm, though maybe the image quality and speed of the 27mm/2.8 MK2 is similar to my 27mm lens.

This is a nice problem to have but I don't think I need both lenses and I'll put the money towards the the XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 to replace my aging 18-55/2.8-4 OIS lens.

Thanks for you thoughts.

a_c_skinner · Oct 26, 2025

I had a similar dilemma as I had the 23/2 and the 27/2.8

I preferred the 23/2 BUT it came in a kit with my E3 in a single box so that decided it for me, when the E3 went the 23 went with it. So if the E5 and 23/2.8 came as a one box kit I'd keep them together.

Bobbpix · Oct 26, 2025

Since buying the 16mm/2.8 I'm thinking I don't need the 23. Perhaps I keep the 23 and the 27, but it feels like the 23 has great value now as it's hard to get hold of. And as you say, the 23 does seem very "busy" when turning the camera on/off.

Bobbpix · Oct 26, 2025

In a perfect world yes - keep both for a while. But feels like the 23mm is a wasting asset whose dollar value will only go down. On that note, I'm looking to trade a bunch of old equipment for the new 16-50mm/2.8-4.8 but a check of Amazon price history shows that that lens is price at an all-time high. So I might wait a month for that price to come down.

Bobbpix · Oct 26, 2025

Not so interested in a trade. I can live with the 27/MK I and the 23mm seems in demand on Ebay.

MrAndreas · Oct 26, 2025

Bobbpix said:
In a perfect world yes - keep both for a while. But feels like the 23mm is a wasting asset whose dollar value will only go down.

I agree, though with one caveat. How can you reliably predict what will happen to this lens' dollar value over the next year or two?

But most probably you are correct. I don't think this lens will become a highly valued collectible in the foreseeable future, as happened with Tomioka 55mm F1.2 lenses, Canon FD F1.2 lenses, and the like.

Bobbpix said:
On that note, I'm looking to trade a bunch of old equipment for the new 16-50mm/2.8-4.8

Are you sure it's a good idea? I'd rather look at the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II.

Bobbpix said:
but a check of Amazon price history shows that that lens is price at an all-time high. So I might wait a month for that price to come down.

Bobbpix · Oct 26, 2025

Interesting take. Yes, the 23mm came with my X-E5 in one box. I hadn't thought of keeping them together. I suppose that does help preserve resale value. Is that why you do it?

I'm also losing interest in selling stuff on eBay. I haven't been burned but it's a certain amount of work. Selling to MPB/Adorama/B&H is simpler but the price is lower.

I'm heading to Adorama today with a box of old mid-priced lenses for my Canon 60d and my Fuji 18-55/2.8-4 OIS. The prices for them shown online aren't that much lower than what they sell for on eBay. Notably the 23mm will sell for about $200 more on eBay than the NYC shops will pay for it. So I don't think my 23mm will get sold on my trip to NYC today.

MrAndreas · Oct 26, 2025

Bobbpix said:
I'm also losing interest in selling stuff on eBay. I haven't been burned but it's a certain amount of work. Selling to MPB/Adorama/B&H is simpler but the price is lower.

So, MPB's price is lower than the price on eBay after eBay deducts its 15% commission? Just curious.

Bobbpix said:
I'm heading to Adorama today with a box of old mid-priced lenses for my Canon 60d and my Fuji 18-55/2.8-4 OIS. The prices for them shown online aren't that much lower than what they sell for on eBay. Notably the 23mm will sell for about $200 more on eBay than the NYC shops will pay for it. So I don't think my 23mm will get sold on my trip to NYC today.

Bobbpix · Oct 26, 2025

MrAndreas said:
Bobbpix said:

In a perfect world yes - keep both for a while. But feels like the 23mm is a wasting asset whose dollar value will only go down.

Click to expand...

I agree, though with one caveat. How can you reliably predict what will happen to this lens' dollar value over the next year or two?

But most probably you are correct. I don't think this lens will become a highly valued collectible in the foreseeable future, as happened with Tomioka 55mm F1.2 lenses, Canon FD F1.2 lenses, and the like.

MrAndreas said:

On that note, I'm looking to trade a bunch of old equipment for the new 16-50mm/2.8-4.8

Click to expand...

Are you sure it's a good idea? I'd rather look at the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II.

MrAndreas said:

but a check of Amazon price history shows that that lens is price at an all-time high. So I might wait a month for that price to come down.

Click to expand...

Point well taken about which lens to buy, but I'm really concerned about the size and weight of that lens (and the price too I suppose.) I see that the 16-55mm/2.87 MK II spiked to $1400 at Amazon and the other retailers.

Since I don't think I'm buying any lenses today I might re-evaluate how or if to upgrade my 18-55/2.8-4 lens. I do know that in most cases I'm shooting at F5.6 to F8. But I have done street shots at night and having a constant F2.8 would be nice.

Bobbpix · Oct 26, 2025

MrAndreas said:
Bobbpix said:

I'm also losing interest in selling stuff on eBay. I haven't been burned but it's a certain amount of work. Selling to MPB/Adorama/B&H is simpler but the price is lower.

Click to expand...

So, MPB's price is lower than the price on eBay after eBay deducts its 15% commission? Just curious.

$150-300 lower for the 23mm, but very few for sale and seem like very few have sold. I understand that the retailers have to make a markup when they buy from me but the discount they'll pay to eBay on the 23mm lens seems larger than their usual discount.

MrAndreas · Oct 26, 2025

Bobbpix said:
Since I don't think I'm buying any lenses today I might re-evaluate how or if to upgrade my 18-55/2.8-4 lens.

My good old XF 18-55/2.8-4 is still in my drawer, despite being replaced with the Sigma 18-50/2.8. I will not put the 18-55 on sale. This is a great lens, with its character, distinct rendering, OIS, and LM AF motors. It will serve me many more times in the future (not so often, but it has its place in my plans).

Bobbpix said:
I do know that in most cases I'm shooting at F5.6 to F8.

My habit on the Fuji X is to keep the lens wide open (f/2 or f/2.8) all the time. Forced f/4 @ 55mm is restrictive for me, that's why the Sigma. You can also scan through this thread. I hope it will be informative, especially the "The six checkboxes list" branch.

Though if your habit is what you said, then the XF 16-80mm F4 may fit?

Bobbpix said:
But I have done street shots at night and having a constant F2.8 would be nice.

Yes! This was (and still is) my point!

--
https://www.viewbug.com/member/stesinou

Bobbpix · Oct 26, 2025

MrAndreas said:
My habit on the Fuji X is to keep the lens wide open (f/2 or f/2.8) all the time. Forced f/4 @ 55mm is restrictive for me, that's why the Sigma. You can also scan through this thread. I hope it will be informative, especially the "The six checkboxes list" branch.

Though if your habit is what you said, then the XF 16-80mm F4 may fit?

MrAndreas said:

But I have done street shots at night and having a constant F2.8 would be nice.

Click to expand...

Yes! This was (and still is) my point!

When I shoot street stuff at night, I'm likely to use a prime since I don't want the bulk of a zoom on the street. And when I took shots of a band last week in a dark bar, I found that F4 or F5.6 was plenty fast enough given that the stage is lit.

I suspect that the 18-55/2.8-4 will survive my trip to Adorama/B&H today since I doubt I'm buying a replacement for it until the prices come down a bit.

Thanks, I'll look at that thread.

MrAndreas · Oct 26, 2025

Bobbpix said:
When I shoot street stuff at night, I'm likely to use a prime since I don't want the bulk of a zoom on the street.

Yes! I second you. My standard kit is a Fuji X-E3 with either the XF 23/2 or the Sigma 18-50/2.8. At 265 g and with its compact design, Sigma is not at all bulky.

Bobbpix said:
And when I took shots of a band last week in a dark bar, I found that F4 or F5.6 was plenty fast enough given that the stage is lit.

Perfectly correct. Also, when shooting a band, you need a bit more DoF than when shooting a solo singer.

Bobbpix said:
I suspect that the 18-55/2.8-4 will survive my trip to Adorama/B&H today since I doubt I'm buying a replacement for it until the prices come down a bit.

Bravo! Keep it. Is it a very worthy lens that will become a collectible someday. I'm keeping mine.

Bobbpix said:
Thanks, I'll look at that thread.

--
https://www.viewbug.com/member/stesinou

JNR · Oct 26, 2025

Bobbpix said:
I've owned the X-E5 with the 23mm/2.8 kit lens for about a month. Just got a used XF16mm/2.8 and now I find I don't really need the 23 AND the original (non-WR) 27, since I also have the 35/F2.

I somewhat prefer the 27mm (40mm equivalent) focal distance more than the 23mm (35mm equiv.) but the F stops on the 23mm are very nice to have. The 23mm/2.8 will be a money maker to sell on Ebay since it only cost $200 more when I bought the camera. The old 27mm I have is not in great demand.

Just wondering if anyone has a strong opinion on the image quality and speed of these two lenses. I think the 23mm may be sharper but I have not done side-by-side tests. Curious if anyone else has. Most online sights will be comparing the 23mm to the new 27mm, though maybe the image quality and speed of the 27mm/2.8 MK2 is similar to my 27mm lens.

This is a nice problem to have but I don't think I need both lenses and I'll put the money towards the the XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 to replace my aging 18-55/2.8-4 OIS lens.

Thanks for you thoughts.

Keep the 23mm/2.8 or the 27mm/2.8 MK1?

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