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In this Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 WR lens review, we’ll examine what makes this tiny little lens such a compelling option for your Fujifilm kit.
Although it’s a compact and lightweight lens, the popular pancake prime punches well above its weight class. It’d be a mistake to discount it as a great lens choice.
It’s also essential to distinguish between this version of the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 WR and the original model.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR Lens
Compact and highly capable lens offering weather sealing and excellent image quality.
Mid 2013 saw the release of the original XF 27mm f/2.8 lens.
As one of Fujifilm’s earlier X Mount lens choices, it presented a compact pancake prime replicating the look and feel of film camera primes.
Skip forward to 2021, and Fujifilm surprised everyone by releasing an updated XF 27mm f/2.8 WR.
It’s hard to see the difference between the compact siblings at a casual glance.
However, Fujifilm has embarked on an era of updating its focal lengths.
I’ve owned both renditions of the Fujifilm 27mm f/2.8 lenses and can honestly say that the upgrade was well worth the effort.
Let’s dive into the review.
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR Specs
Pros
Compact and lightweight
Natural angle of view that’s ideal for everyday use
Weather resistant
Manual aperture ring
Great image quality
Pocketable
Cons
Sluggish AF up close
No AF update with the new version – or was it?
Focal length – 27mm (40mm FF equivalent focal length)
Angle of view – 55.5°
Maximum aperture – f/2.8
Minimum aperture – f/16
Minimum focus distance – 34cm (13.4″)
Maximum magnification – 0.1x
Filter size – Ø39mm filter thread
Lens configuration – 7 elements in 5 groups
Dimensions – Ø62mm×23mm (2.44″x0.91″)
Weight – 84g (0.19lb)
Build & Ergonomics
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR
I review many Fujifilm lenses here on Shotkit. It’s a passion of mine, and I love all their lenses.
I worry that I sound like a broken record (records are flat spinning discs from which Boomers and hipsters play music).
Fujifilm is renowned for its build quality and precision engineering. The Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR is no exception and follows a proven path of build and ergonomic considerations.
Even though it only weighs 84g (0.19lb) and measures Ø62mm×23mm (2.44″x0.91″), its metal body feels solid and robust.
The size and weight make it a breeze when swapping lenses on the go.
This lens takes up no room on a Fuji body, in a bag, or in the back pocket of your jeans.
The first key difference over the original XF 27mm f/2.8 lens is that the WR version is now weather-sealed against dust, cold, and moisture.
Interestingly, Fujifilm launched the WR lens alongside the Fujifilm X-E4. In my opinion, it’s a match made in heaven.
However, the Fujifilm X-E4 isn’t weather-sealed – one thing I hope Fujifilm will fix in the next generation.
The second essential addition the WR lens offers is a manual aperture ring.
Fujifilm managed to fit the new aperture ring in a lens barrel less than 20mm (0.87″) long.
They did so while retaining a suitably sized manual focus ring – sorcery!
Thanks to the ridged metal surface and marked f-stops, the aperture ring is well-controlled. It locks on the Auto setting and releases with a button.
Including the aperture ring has resulted in the manual focus ring shrinking.
However, the small focus ring is easy to locate by feel.
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR + X-T5
The Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR houses the same optical configuration and focus system as the original.
Its lens assembly features 7 elements in 5 groups, including 1 aspherical element.
A rounded 7-blade aperture delivers a pleasing background blur and subject separation. It’s not a bokeh monster.
The true beauty of the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 WR appears when you drop it onto any of the Fujifilm digital cameras.
The tiny pancake lens adds next to no weight and feels like a fixed lens.
For example, the Fujifilm X-T5 weighs 557g (1.23lb).
Add the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR, and your total kit weight will be no more than 641g (1.41lb).
My primary Fujifilm camera is the Fujifilm X-E4, which I bought alongside this WR lens for street photography.
Together, they weigh 448g (0.99lb), allowing me to handhold my kit without fatigue.
In addition to its size and weight, the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR adds to any Fujifilm camera’s retro aesthetic.
Such a tiny lens also features a tiny filter thread of Ø39mm.
The box includes a lens hood and front cap. It’s a durable lens hood intended to minimize lens flare and protect the front element from damage.
However, the 4mm deep lens hood doesn’t do much to control flare.
Overall, the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR lens ticks all the boxes for a highly capable pancake prime.
Focus Performance
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR + X-E4 | 1/500 SS | f/8 | 250 ISO
The Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 is a fast-focusing lens when paired with any Fujifilm X Series camera.
Some have criticized the autofocus performance of the pancake lens in both its iterations.
However, I shot street photography and found no issues with focus performance.
The lens is quick, responsive, and fast to acquire subjects when needed.
Its internal lens configuration and focusing systems account for around half the total weight.
The focus motors aren’t straining to move large amounts of glass.
Out-of-focus areas deliver a lovely softness and subject separation with a wide f/2.8 aperture.
One setback of the pancake lens is the long minimum focus distance of 34cm (13.4″) from the front element.
Macro work at close distances isn’t a given, even with manual focus.
The autofocus is quiet but not silent – videographers take note – another omission with the new lens.
Image Quality
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR + X-E4 | 1/500 SS | f/2.8 | 200 ISO
The weather-resistant Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 WR is a highly capable lens that delivers excellent light to the image sensor.
While f/2.8 is not a typically wide aperture, it’s enough to achieve subject separation and background blur.
Plus, the normal focal length and max f-stop are ideal for various genres and styles, including environmental portraits.
The lens configuration, including one aspherical element, delivers clean and crisp image quality with only slight barrel distortion wide open.
At f/2.8, it won’t deliver dreamy bokeh balls, but it will provide super sharp subject separation.
The manageable weight allows for greater control in low-light settings, meaning you can work at slower shutter speeds handheld.
Bigger and heavier lenses add imbalance and less control when shooting handheld with a slow shutter speed.
Corner and edge sharpness is cleaner from f/5.6 to the minimum f/16 aperture.
The Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR lens isn’t likely to win any prizes or professional praise for its image quality.
Fujifilm intended for it to be an everyday-use lens, and it does exceptionally well and produces sharp, well-rendered images every time.
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 WR Sample Images
Here are some sample images taken with the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 WR, using a Fujifilm X-E4.
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR + X-E4 | 1/250 SS | f/8 | 500 ISO
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR + X-E4 | 1/500 SS | f/8 | 200 ISO
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR + X-E4 | 1/250 SS | f/8 | 250 ISO
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR + X-E4 | 1/500 SS | f/8 | 400 ISO
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR + X-E4 | 1/500 SS | f/5.6 | 400 ISO
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR + X-T5 | 1/250 SS | f/6.4 | 400 ISO
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR + X-E4 | 1/250 SS | f/2.8 | 400 ISO
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR + X-E4 | 1/500 SS | f/2.8 | 100 ISO
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR + X-E4 | 1/250 SS | f/2.8 | 800 ISO
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR + X-E4 | 1/250 SS | f/8 | 400 ISO
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR + X-E4 | 1/500 SS | f/8 | 200 ISO
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR + X-E4 | 1/60 SS | f/2.8 | 6400 ISO
How I Tested the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR + Fujifilm X-E4
I’ve been shooting with the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 WR for over three years and owned the original version before that.
I shoot street photography and typically carry the Fujifilm X-E4.
However, I’ve tested the XF 27mm on a wide range of X Series bodies, including the Fujifilm X-E4, X-T3, and, more recently, the Fujifilm X-S20 and X-T5.
The Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 WR has proven to be a highly capable prime with a perfect focal length.
The focal length fits well with landscape photography, street scenes, portraits, and more.
Alternatives
If you’re a Fujifilm X Series photographer, the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 WR is a great lens to have in your camera bag.
However, if you’re looking for an alternative focal length with a pancake form factor, I’d recommend the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 lens.
Along with the XF 60mm f/2.4 Macro lens and XF 35mm f/1.4 lens, the XF 18mm f/2 was the first Fujifilm X Mount lens on the market.
It measures ø64.5mm x 33.7mm (2.35×1.33″) and weighs 116g (0.26lb).
The 12-year-old lens offers minimal controls, including a clicky manual aperture ring and a smooth focus ring.
While it lacks weather sealing, the lens makes sense as a highly portable landscape option.
If you’re after a 27mm (40mm full-frame equivalent) focal length, the TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 for Fujifilm is good.
The small lens is the same size, weight, and almost the same optical formula as the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 WR.
Aside from lens performance and the lack of weather sealing, it feels like a carbon copy.
The autofocus-capable TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 may be half the price of the Fujifilm lens, but image quality suffers.
Strong vignetting, low image contrast, and aberrations appear especially wide open at f/2.8, so you have to weigh that up against the cost saving.
Value for Money
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR
The Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR lens retails for around US$450.
It’s a considerable cost for such a tiny and lightweight prime lens.
I find it hard to commit to a value-for-money proposition for the lens.
Like all Fujifilm lenses, it features excellent build quality, manual control, focus performance, and image quality.
Those factors, paired with the outstanding performance of any Fujifilm camera body, make it good value for money.
However, if a lens sits in your bag for 75% of the time, it’s not great value.
The TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 is available for under US$160.
One thing to consider is that, like all Fuji lenses, the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR will hold its value and last a lifetime.
The original Fuji XF 27mm f/2.8 is still available and attracts reasonable prices.
Moreover, the original lens performs as if it were shipped from the factory yesterday.
FAQ’s
What is a Fuji WR lens?
Fujifilm lenses with WR in their product title feature weather resistance. This means they’re sealed to prevent moisture and dust from entering the lens barrel or reaching the camera sensor.
What is the difference between the old and new XF 27mm?
The new Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR lens features Weather Resistance (WR) and a manual aperture ring (R), which were absent from the original.
What is a 27mm lens used for?
You can use a 27mm lens for any style of photography. The 40mm full-frame equivalent focal distance is excellent for street photography, portraits, travel, architecture, and landscape.
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 WR Review | Conclusion
The Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR lens is a fun and highly versatile standard prime lens.
Considering its diminutive size and weight, it scores highly in almost every aspect of my review.
Fujifilm has employed magical unicorns to construct a highly capable and weather-resistant lens.
Like Fujifilm’s other lenses, the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR boasts a healthy spec sheet and an R WR upgrade over the previous version.
I thoroughly loved writing this Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR lens review.
I tested the 27mm focal distance in many styles and genres. It’s one lens that never skipped a beat and continued to deliver images I was pleased with and even proud of.
Have you shot with the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 original or the newer R WR version yet? If so, what’s your experience with this little lens?
Please feel free to share and comment below.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR Lens
Compact and highly capable lens offering weather sealing and excellent image quality.
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