Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR vs Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR is 23mm, the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF is 12mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR for wide-angle, the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF for wide-angle.
Choose the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 23mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You value portability — at 90g (3.2 oz) it's lighter than the 236g (8.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.15x magnification vs 0.1x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 23mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF opens to f/2 vs the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR is 23mm, Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF is 12mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR is 90g (3.2 oz) vs 236g (8.3 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR or the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR is 23mm, the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF is 12mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR for wide-angle, the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR?
Choose the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR if you need more reach — it goes to 23mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you value portability — at 90g (3.2 oz) it's lighter than the 236g (8.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.15x magnification vs 0.1x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF?
Choose the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 23mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR and the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF?
Aperture: the Samyang AF 12mm f/2.0 XF opens to f/2 vs the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 23mm | 12mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 8 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 6 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X |
| Angle of View | 63.4° | 99° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 35-35mm | 18-18mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | DC | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 13 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $499 |
| Filter Size | 39mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 61.8mm | 72.5mm |
| Length | 23mm | 58.4mm |
| Weight | 90g (3.2 oz) | 236g (8.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
