Fujifilm 23mm f/1.4 WR vs X100VI – Which Is Better for Capturing Family Moments?

Looking at the Fujifilm X100VI and the XF 23mm f/1.4 WR on an X-T5, it’s easy to wonder: are you really gaining anything by carrying the interchangeable setup? Or has the fixed-lens X100VI finally caught up? If you’re wondering if the X100VI is worth all the hype it gets then see this. If you want a long term review of the Fuji X-T5 it’s here. Or if you simply want help putting together the best lens kit for your Fujifilm X-T5 then I wrote an article on that too.

Last Updated September 2025: A few months on from when I first wrote this article, and I still find myself splitting my time evenly between the sleek, beautiful, and compact X100VI and the premium, high-quality 23mm f/1.4 WR on the X-T5. Read on to see why that’s still the case as we head toward the end of 2025.

I’ve used both setups extensively for photographing my kids, daily life, and travel — often side by side. One is compact and elegant. The other is more flexible and, in some ways, more powerful. But which one’s better? If you’re interested in seeing the best options for 50mm equivalent lenses on fuji then this article compares the 35mm f2 and 33mm 1.4WR.

Let’s break it down — from autofocus and image quality to usability, emotion, and price. Because as similar as they seem, these two setups actually feel very different in the real world.

Jump to the quick comparison table

As a dad of two daughters, one of the most important things I can do with my cameras is capture the moments of them growing up — the experiences and trips that we share together as a family. Here are the best travel photography cameras and lenses if you want to make your own memories. My eldest, Sofia, is turning 9 this week, and it’s a good reminder of just how quickly time passes. My youngest, Isabelle, turns 1 in a couple of weeks (yes, July is an expensive month — it’s also my mum’s birthday). Over the years, I’ve made a habit of photographing Sofia regularly, but there have been times when I’ve missed out on moments. I don’t want that to happen with Isabelle. I want to create a lifetime of memories of the two of them growing up together. I’ve put together an article discussing the best portrait lenses for Fujifilm which will help you capture those special moments.

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For me, the 23mm focal length is perfect for family photos. It’s wide enough to provide context and capture the places we visit, but not so wide that you can’t also take compelling portraits. There are three 23mm options for Fuji: the more affordable Fuji 23mm f2 , the premium 23mm 1.4 WR , and the X100VI . Today, I’m focusing on the 23mm 1.4 WR paired with my XT5 and the X100VI.

If you’re looking for a camera to record your family’s special moments, and you’re drawn to the 23mm focal length, then like me, you’re going to have to make a choice. If you already have a Fuji system camera, it’s a choice between the 23mm f/2 and the 23mm 1.4 WR, or do you go with the X100VI — a smaller, lighter option with its own set of benefits and limitations? I’ve also written a full X100VI vs X100V comparison that might help if you’re deciding between fixed-lens models.

If you haven’t seen my 23mm f/2 vs X100VI comparison, you may want to check that out as well. But if you’re wondering whether the 23mm 1.4 WR and XT5 combo offers the best image quality for capturing your family’s precious memories — but you’re concerned about the size and weight making it less likely you’ll bring it along — then keep reading.

Handling

The Fuji XT5 paired with the 23mm f/1.4 WR weighs in at (960 g with lens hood) — significantly heavier than the X100VI at 521g. I still find it comfortable enough to carry, but the X100VI is noticeably lighter, so it’s a bit easier to grab for quick shots. Both cameras perform well with fast-moving children, but the difference is in how they feel when you’re shooting with one hand. Picture this: baby bag in one hand, camera in the other, trying to get that quick shot. The balance between the two setups makes a noticeable difference here. The 23mm f/1.4 WR on the XT5 sticks out quite a bit, making it front-heavy and more difficult to manage when shooting one-handed.

For those moments, the X100VI’s smaller, better-balanced form might make it the better choice for some parents. I combat this with a Smallrig handgrip on my XT5, which improves handling, though it does add a little more weight.

Autofocus Performance

Both the XT5 and X100VI offer very good autofocus for fast-moving subjects, though neither quite reaches the latest Sony levels of performance. Eye AF works well and is accurate on both cameras, with the 23mm f/1.4 WR having a slight edge thanks to its linear motor, which helps it grab focus faster and hold it better on moving kids.

The X100VI does make a bit of noise when focusing, while the 23mm f/1.4 WR is silent. This is a small but useful difference when you’re trying not to distract your kids or others around you.

Lens Performance

So, which setup gives the best image quality for those once-in-a-lifetime memories? In my previous article, I found that the lens in the X100VI is better than the 23mm f/2, with better sharpness and silky smooth bokeh. The 23mm 1.4 WR brings something extra to the table. It’s sharper across the frame, has more micro contrast, and offers a bit more “pop” in your images. It’s sharp from the center to the edges and free from chromatic aberration in the situations I’ve tested. It does have a small amount of distortion, but it’s easily corrected in Lightroom.

Below you can see an example of the distortion found in the 23mm 1.4WR lens. If you hover over the image, the automatically corrected in Lightroom image will show. This is very minor issue that is really easy to fix in Lightroom with the click of a button.

The big advantage of the 23mm 1.4 WR is its larger maximum aperture of f/1.4. This gives you a full stop more light than the X100VI’s f/2, which can make a real difference in lower-light situations, like evenings out with the kids or those twilight beach walks. Plus, the extra aperture size allows for more creamy, blurred backgrounds if that’s your style.

Which One Should You Choose?

The 23mm 1.4 WR paired with the XT5 is an excellent combination and gives superior performance, but is it the right choice for you? That depends on what you want from your camera.

If you want the best image quality in all kinds of situations — low light, creating smooth background blur — then the 23mm 1.4 WR is the clear winner. It’s a fantastic lens for family photographers who want to create beautiful images. It’s also marginally faster than the X100Vi to focus.

However, if your goal is to have a small, lightweight camera that you can always carry with you, the X100VI is hard to beat. It’s discreet, light, and self-contained. You don’t have to worry about lens changes, and it’s small enough to slip into a bag or carry around your neck without thinking about it. Plus, that built-in flash can help you capture moments when the light is less than ideal.

If you already own an XT5 or any other Fuji inter-changeable lens camera, the X100VI may not make sense unless you’re looking for something more compact. In that case, the 23mm f/2 offers a similar experience at a lower price. Alternatively, for a bit more, you can get the 23mm 1.4 WR for better performance.

Quick Conclusion – If you value size and portability, get the X100VI (if you can find stock). If you want the best quality and most flexibility then the 23mm f/1.4WR is worth the money and it’s not that heavy, especially compared to full frame options.