Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR

£419/$399 An update of Fujifilm’s 27mm pancake prime

Updated slimline prime for Fujifilm’s X-mount camera system

The new Fujifilm X-E4 is a slim rangefinder-style mirrorless camera with a classic external shutter speed dial, and really needs a slim lens with an aperture ring to set it off. The XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR is that lens, and is sold with the X-E4 as a kit, although you can buy it separately if you own a different X-mount camera.

This is an update of the original Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8, with the same optical configuration we’re told, but with the addition of weatherproofing and that all-important aperture ring. Fujifilm’s X-mount cameras use the APS-C format, so although this is a 27mm lens, its angle of view is actually equivalent to a 41mm lens on a full-frame camera.

There’s also no optical stabilisation – only selected Fujifilm zoom lenses offer that. The X-E4 likewise does not have in-body stabilisation, but there are other Fujifilm cameras that do, including the X-S10, the X-T4 and the older X-H1.

Our only complaint on this updated optic would be the autofocus motor. The original Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 was pretty choppy and noisy by modern standards; while this one is quick enough on the X-E4, it doesn’t seem so very different.

Performance

Unless you’re shooting wide open at f/2.8, you can expect cornerto-corner sharpness. The lab tests reveal some fall-off, but not enough to be obvious in real-world shots.

Fujifilm cameras don’t just apply digital lens corrections to in-camera JPEGs: they embed them in the raw files, too. Most raw conversion software loads these embedded correction profiles automatically, so that if there is any distortion it will be cancelled out. This lens does show some barrel distortion when uncorrected, but you would have to be using software that does not apply correction profiles. Rod Lawton

1 The focus ring is fairly narrow, but still pretty generous given the very short barrel, and it’s easy to find with your fingertips without having to look. 2 The aperture ring is good and positive, with clear 1/3 EV detents between the full aperture markings. If you choose the ‘A’ position, the aperture will be controlled automatically by the camera body in Program AE or Shutter Priority mode. 3 The lens hood angles inwards, not outwards. It does the job, though, and even offers some of the protection of a lens cap.