Hi. I know I deserve a slap in the head. Though what I thought was an easy choice, turned out otherwise. Here's the situation:
1. Got two pancakes: XF27/2.8ii and the XF23/2.8. Got also an X100vi. No brainer right? The XF23/2.8 should go. BUT...
2. It appears that the XF23/2.8 is made to render effectively on the 40mpx XTrans5 sensor VS the XF27/2.8 BUT...
3. When I check the images, it seems that the XF27/2.8ii is my preferred natural FL. Still one could just easily crop to the 27mm FOV with images shot at 23mm, right? Just tedious and likely wouldn't become a habit.
4. What's favorable from the 23/2.8 is also the better minimum focus distance vs the 27/2.8ii.
5. The XF23/2.8 adapted to my X-E5 currently has issues (known one) where in reviewing images taken via playback is slower than other lenses. (Not too much of an issue personally but hoping that it'll get fixed soon via FW update)
6. I'm not sure but another issue is that the focus point would shift to the edges by itself with the XF23/2.8. I watched Youtubers mention the problem but I forgot if it was caused by the XF23/2.8 or by the X-E5 body (I'm sure this is also fixable via FW update)
7. The silver colored XF23/2.8 pairs gorgeously with my silver X-E5 but honestly black lenses paired with my X-E5 are beginning to slowly shift my preference to a black lens+silver/black body as it's more authentic looking than, at least, this silver XF23/2.8 on the X-E5 (This point is something minor. I'm just saying it).
8. While for many, it's obvious that the XF23/2.8ii is the one to sell and retain the XF27/2.8WR, I also have the XF30/2.8 macro which I love to use particularly for food photography for now and it's also gorgeously sharp for portraits. So the 27/2.8WR is also so near that 30/2.8 macro โ HAHAHAHA.
9. I'm also purchasing a WCL-X100ii for my X100vi which will be used often especially for travels which may make the 23/2.0 potentially becoming less used making the idea of retaining the 23/2.8 justifiable.
10. So, that's why it's quite complicated. Honestly I was thinking also of ridding both and get some manual lens to replace them [I don't have a zoom also so the 16-50/2.8-4.8 may become handy or that upcoming Thypoch 28/2.8 could be something great to own and use (Note: I'm quite hesitant because never have used manual lenses). Thypoch 28/2.8 Link:
Eureka 28mm f/2.8 ]. Though for certain, I'll also be adding a XF50/2.0 soon in the lineup. (The 16-50/2.8-4.8 isn't sure. Just considering).
Am I overthinking? ABSOLUTELY! HAHAHA. That's why maybe this community will give their 2 cents here. DON'T PUNCH ME IN THE FACE please. And I know ONLY ME CAN ANSWER THIS RIDICULOUSLY DILEMMA. I just want to hear your thoughts. Thanks for your patience and understanding.