Fujifilm X-series lenses have gained significant popularity over the years. Models such as 18mm f1.4 LM WR, 35mm f1.4, and 50mm f1 R WR have been popular among many users, and their performance has been just as great. However, it has now been reported that Fujifilm is discontinuing a popular lens that many photographers still use. Have a look.
According to Asobinet, the company is now discontinuing the 23mm f2 WR silver lens, which was first introduced in 2017. The 23mm f2 black version will still be available for creators. The report looks at Yodobashi Camera, Japan’s biggest retailer’s website, and the product has been listed as discontinued. Map Camera, another retailer, does not have a new version of the lens on its website.
On Amazon USA, the lens is available for $449, but it is a used version. Given that the lens was introduced a while back, you can only get the used version right now.
The 23mm f2 WR was launched after the 23mm f1.4 R, which came to the public in 2013. The company has since refreshed the f1.4 R version in 2022. But the f2 was introduced as a slightly cost-effective version with a more compact size. In fact, we reviewed the f2 WR, and to us, the f1.4 was still a much better performer in many ways. As we said in our review:
So why do I prefer the 23mm f1.4 more than the f2? A part of it has to do with how it physically feels in the hand. I prefer the beefier feel vs the thinner feeling despite the f2’s weather sealing. Additionally, I get really excited for that little bit of extra out of focus area that the f1.4 lens gives me.
The F2 silver variant is old, and perhaps its discontinuation is due to a new lens on the horizon. Often, but not always, people stop production after a new model is announced. Just like in the case of the Canon R5. But we are unsure if one will see a silver version of the 23mm soon. The latest model the company announced in 2025 was the 23mm f2.8, a pancake lens with a much narrower aperture.
There is also a possibility that the company wants to put its efforts into other lenses or models, which is why the 23mm f2 silver version has been discontinued. Or, the demand for the model after the f2.8 version has dipped, especially given the rising prices of gear in the USA.
Either way, this does mean the end of an era for now. It remains to be seen if the company introduces anything new in 2026 for those who want the silver variant.