XF 23mm F2 or X100S/T

I would recommend the 23mm f2 or 27mm f2.8 to pair with your camera instead of the X100S.

The latter is a great and unique camera, but if you rely on autofocus at all, I think you would be disappointed in comparison.

nbayless wrote:

ChrisLovesUgly wrote:

I would recommend the 23mm f2 or 27mm f2.8 to pair with your camera instead of the X100S.

The latter is a great and unique camera, but if you rely on autofocus at all, I think you would be disappointed in comparison.

Just for my own curiosity, would you make the same recommendation over the X100F? I haven’t spent time looking into them, but at first glance it would seem to be significantly more in line with current models?

https://photographylife.com/fujifilm-x100-series-comparison

I would. The F is noticeably faster than the S or T, but still significantly slower than the X-E3/X-E4 with either the 23mm or 27mm.

The fastest combination would be the X-E4 and 23mm F2.

I say go for the  X-100f if you can find a good deal. You get a great fill flash, leaf shutter, OVF and ND filter plus a small easy to carry package. You can have the best of both worlds.

Having had the 23/1.4, 23/2 and 4 X100's, my vote would be the X100.

The 23/2 has enough copy variation to remove it from any consideration I’d give it. Yes it’s WR, it’s fast and it’s quiet. But there’s a high chance it’s not going to take great images.

The X100 is an experience. It’s compact, it delivers the same images as its X companions, it’s fun to shoot. The lens lacks some technical prowess but happens to take great images none-the-less. The T is a nice choice. The AF on the S may disappoint.

nbayless wrote:

sam2428 wrote:

Hello all, I know this might be an odd question. I’m fairly new to the Fuji world and am considering the next addition to my kit. I currently own the X-E4 w/ 35f2 and 18f2. I’m now considering getting the 23f2 lens but started thinking about potentially spending a little more for a used X100S or T. I’ve seen them go on the ~$500 range or so. This would essentially give me a second body with compact lens at the same focal length (still kind of kicking myself for not getting the 27mm kit with my XE-4). This would also give me the added benefit of the optical view finder and shooting experience.

Thoughts? Would you all recommend this route or would you all rather get the 23f2? I suppose the image quality is better with the fujicron and it is obviously less costly.

Since you are kicking yourself for not getting the 27mm … have you considered that for your next purchase? It pairs really well with the x-e4 to make a sweet, compact combo. Fits in a jacket pocket more-or-less. Image quality is very nice, though the 23f2 is likely a “better” lens in a technical sense. The extra stop makes a real difference if you like to shoot in low light or wide open

Otherwise, are you more drawn to the 23mm focal length or to a second/different camera? There are tons of factors on either side of the 23f2 vs X100 consideration so I’d point you generally to the path that gets you taking more — maybe even better — photos. If it’s the focal length that is most important, I’d probably favor getting the lens. If it’s form factor and shooting experience that might be inspiring then a second camera makes sense. I haven’t shot with the X100s/t so I’ll let others weigh in on bang for the buck.

Thanks for the reply, yes I’m still considering the 27mm as well....and it is still not out of the mix. I do a decent amount of indoor shots, so i usually lean towards the faster lenses. I think the main thing for me was getting a 35mm equivalent focal length which then got me thinking about the shooting experience of an x100 camera. But you have a good point...the 27mm sits perfectly in between my 18f2 and 35f2 from a focal length stand point. I had not realized how small the lens actually is as well. Just compared the two:

ChrisLovesUgly wrote:

nbayless wrote:

ChrisLovesUgly wrote:

I would recommend the 23mm f2 or 27mm f2.8 to pair with your camera instead of the X100S.

The latter is a great and unique camera, but if you rely on autofocus at all, I think you would be disappointed in comparison.

Just for my own curiosity, would you make the same recommendation over the X100F? I haven’t spent time looking into them, but at first glance it would seem to be significantly more in line with current models?

https://photographylife.com/fujifilm-x100-series-comparison

I would. The F is noticeably faster than the S or T, but still significantly slower than the X-E3/X-E4 with either the 23mm or 27mm.

The fastest combination would be the X-E4 and 23mm F2.

Thanks for the insight. The X100F price wise would be a considerable jump. That is mainly why I was looking at the S or T. Good to know that the S and T autofocus would likely not be up to par....I think part of me just wants an x100 camera for the shooting experience even though I just bought and love the X-E4 lol.

sam2428 wrote:

Thanks for the insight. The X100F price wise would be a considerable jump. That is mainly why I was looking at the S or T. Good to know that the S and T autofocus would likely not be up to par....I think part of me just wants an x100 camera for the shooting experience even though I just bought and love the X-E4 lol.

You know, they are very fun cameras for what they are, and you won't replicate the feeling of using one via the X-E4. You will likely end up with one at some point - a lot of us do.

Good luck and remember to enjoy the process.

I suggest you consider picking up a used XF 27mm version 1. You don't have a weather resistant camera and the older version of the XF 27mm should be available for a very good price. If you can live without the aperture ring, I think you will find it to be a good solution.