Here’s the TLDR summary for you: Despite it’s shortcomings, the XF 18mm f/2 is still (as of 2017) one of the most enjoyable Fuji lenses I’ve ever used and I highly recommend it for street, travel, and everyday shooting.
The Fujinon XF 18mm f/2 R was one of the original three lenses released with the X-Pro 1 back in 2012. They were compact, bright, and sharp lenses. The initial focal length offerings were also very practical. Even now in 2017, I still have a soft spot for Fuji’s original trinity. The only thing that was really not so great about the lenses was the noisy and relatively slower autofocus. Of course, firmware updates have made these lenses perform much better, but the AF noise is still quite loud, especially compared to the the recent Fuji pro zooms and the f/2 WR “Fujicron” lenses.
Despite all this, I recently picked up an 18mm f/2 lens (talk about late to the party, right?). I knew it was going to be loud. I knew it was going to be a bit soft in the corners. But that 28mm(-ish) equivalent focal length and near-pancake size still called out to me and I pulled the trigger. I have not regretted that decision. I believe the 18mm f/2 is still a unique offering, even among the more modern Fuji lenses. I also got a great deal on the lens, which goes for a very good street price nowadays.
What I love about this lens:
- Size – it’s very close to pancake size. With this lens, I have a super-light setup that I can carry easily and slip into a large coat pocket. It reminds me of my beloved X100S. I love using this lens for walking around with my family and shooting the streets. Rumor has it that Fuji is going to make a version II of this lens, which will surely be quieter and probably weather-resistant. However, I’m not quite sure if they’ll be able to keep it as small as the original. As the 23mm f/2 WR has shown, perhaps the quiet motors and WR design make the lenses fundamentally larger. I would love for Fuji to prove me wrong though! 🙂
“Soju Cowboys”, Fujifilm X-E1 + XF 18mm f/2
- Focal length – the 27mm equivalent is an ideal focal length for me. A lot of people love the 23mm lenses (35mm equivalent) and talk about how it’s the perfect focal length for street photography. I owned the X100S and while I enjoyed the 23mm focal length, I often found myself wanting the lens to be just a bit wider (or longer). Perhaps it’s because South Korea and other Asian countries I travel to have relatively smaller spaces and people are generally packed closer together. My desire for a 28mm equivalent lens was fueled even further when I used my friend Jackson Hung’s Fuji X70 in Hong Kong. I think if you enjoy shooting with your iPhone as I do, you’ll enjoy this lens. Their focal lengths are very similar and you get much higher quality images to boot. It has also been said that 28mm is a favorite cinematic focal length as its great for storytelling, which I believe as well.
My father-in-law recently had a stroke and I’ve been documenting life after the incident. The small size of the 18mm f/2 keeps the camera out of the way and the wide perspective is great for small spaces.
- Aperture ring – for a time, I was very interested in the XF 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens. However, I was turned off by the fact that it doesn’t have an aperture ring. The aperture ring is one of the things that make Fuji cameras such a pleasure to use, and the 18mm f/2 offers that.
- Build quality – the 18mm f/2 is a high-quality metal lens and it definitely feels like it will last. The front element does move in and out when focusing, but I have a feeling that this design actually helped keep the lens small.
- AF speed – this was the fastest focusing lens of the original 3. It still holds its own among newer lenses. It even tracks well in continuous mode, face detection and video (though the AF motor is probably a bit too loud for video purposes).
What I don’t love about this lens:
- AF Noise – This lens is pretty loud, especially indoors. I own the 35mm f/2 and the 16-55 f/2.8 so I know how quiet Fuji lenses can be. The noise might surprise you, as it did when I first mounted it. However, the size, speed, and handling more than make up for that in my opinion. And you can’t really hear the AF noise when you’re outside.
- Soft corners and chromatic aberration – this is probably what this lens is most notorious for. In practice though, I think this lens is great even wide open. As long as you focus on telling the story rather than shooting brick walls and tree branches, you should be okay. Shooting RAW will also give you more control over these shortcomings in post production.
- No WR – this is a minor thing for me, as I don’t usually go shooting in very harsh conditions. But I could eventually find myself in a harsh environment and having weather-resistance would be nice.
Back to Basics
Return to the classic-ish Fuji kit: Fujifilm X-E1, 18mm f/2, 35mm f/2, and 60mm f/2.4, thrown into an old leather iPad bag.
Since I got the 18mm f/2, I have found myself carrying around a kit that is very much like the original X-mount offering released by Fujifilm back in 2012. But instead of an X-Pro 1, I use my X-E1 (never been a fan of the OVF) and I use a 35mm f/2 instead of the original 1.4. As I mentioned before, Fuji’s initial 3 focal length offerings made a lot of sense and I find this kit sufficient for traveling and everyday photography. The return to the classic configuration has been refreshing and enjoyable. Even the AF speed is fast enough as long as you keep in mind what you’re working with.
Don’t get me wrong though, I still love my Samyang 12mm for when I need to do serious landscapes. And my X-T1 has been assigned to my professional work kit along with excellent the XF16-55mm f/2.8 WR. But for everyday stuff, the X-E1 and the classic(-ish) trinity has been awesome as of late.
Final Thoughts
Overall, even though I’ve had it for only a couple of months, this lens has quickly become one of my favorite Fuji lenses (perhaps favorite lenses, period). As mentioned earlier, I love taking this to the park with my daughter or on family outings. I would also gladly use this as my main lens for street, documentary, and travel photography, as the focal length is so great for storytelling. Along with the 35mm f/2 and 60mm f/2.4 macro, I can do portraits, landscapes, food, and so many other types of photography that I enjoy.
If Fuji does decide to build a version II of this lens and they can keep the small size, I’ll definitely be one of the first in line to get it! For the meantime, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the original 18mm f/2 R to anyone looking for a small, fast walk-around lens for their Fujifilm X-mount camera.
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Sample Images
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17 Comments
As a former X70 user, indeed this lens attracts me. But, since I will need it for my vlogging activities, the AF noise becomes my consideration. Just if Fuji release the version II, I will stay in line to get it.
Btw, I admire your works. Those pictures are great!
Hi Bart! Thanks for your comment! I would have to agree that the AF noise might not be ideal for vlogging. The speed is actually not bad for AF tracking, but the older focus motors do tend to make a noise that would definitely be picked up on the microphone. Thanks again for reading!
Great writeup…and wonderful series of photos. I’ve been considering this with my X-Pro1
Thank you, Dave! I believe it’s a good combination with the rangefinder style X bodies.
Hello Roy,
Great review. I’m pleased to read your blog for many reasons.
1. I’m actually set to buy the 18mm f2 tomorrow and I’m constantly reading reviews on how this will add value to my shooting preferences.
2. I have the same lens cycle as you are, 35mm 1.4 (not the f2) and the 16-55mm f2.8. Thus having this lens will complete the trio cycle. Not sure if I really need this lens though.
3. Even though this lens is bashed online for it’s noisy aperture and soft edges, i still see alot of character on this lens – that which is not technical. It tells a story – as the reviews says.
Your blog is very helpful. Appreciate any thoughts on why this lens can be of great value to me considering i already those other lens. I love to use it for street and travel, and i think it will be mounted on my Xt10 more than the 16-55mm f2.8 since it’s heavy. 🙂
Thanks!
Hi Kieth! Thank you for reading! The 18mm is definitely a good lens. Considering the other lenses you own, it would be a valuable addition to the lineup to enable a small, light kit. It will complement the 35 1.4 very well and for most situations, those two lenses may be all that you need! Thanks again for reading and commenting! Enjoy your new lens!
Hey Roy,
Great review, great shots. I agree with the point you made. 18mm may be not the best Fuji lens available, but it is definitely very interesting focal lenghth to work with. It captures little details hidden in the background that I only find out later. That sometimes gives the image more story, dynamics. And I wanted to say thank you for keep posting your images. Your review helped me to get xe2s, 35f2 and K mount manual lenses (itching towards 18-55 though).
On top of this, i just love your images.
I lived shortly in Samcheonpo few years ago witht my parents and now I am living in Belgium only with my wife. So your images remind me days I travels tong young and nam hae with my family. I sometimes even hear that noise of fish market filled with strong dilect accents of grandmas full of fish smell.
Once again thank you and all the best!
Hey Roy,
Great review, great shots. I agree with the point you made. 18mm may not be the best Fuji lens available, but it is definitely interesting focal length to work with. It captures little details hidden in the background that I only find out later. That gives image more story more dynamics.
And I wanted to say thank you. For your reviews helped me to decide getting xe2s, 35f2 and K mount manual lenses.
On top of this, i love your images so much. I shortly lived in Samcheonpo few years ago with my parents but now I am living in Belgium. So your images remind me the days I traveled tong young and nam hae with my family. In your photos, it feels like I can even hear that noise of fish market filled with strong dilect accents and full of fish smell.
Once again thank you and all the best!
Hi Jiha! Thanks for reading! Sounds like you got some nice gear to work with. Definitely a capable kit. Thank you also for your feedback about my images. Gyeongnam is such a beautiful area full of character and I’m thankful to be living here. Best regards to you!
Hello, I have purchased xf 18mm f2. and I was searching xf 18mm f2 lens review on website. Finally I found your review and I was so surprised because your test shots were taken at my hometown Tongyoung in South Korea. I can notice the very first black&white image was too taken at Tongyoung, Your father-in-law’s several shots were taken in Namwon. I think All of your test images so great and beautiful. I can’t take shots so beautiful not like you. Best Images and Great review. Thank you so much. In these days I live in seoul, so your test shots make me being homesick.
Hi Jeong! Thank you so much for the nice comment! Tongyeong is a really beautiful place and is one of my all-time favorite place in Korea. I hope you can visit your hometown soon!
Beautiful photos, Roy! I’m considering purchasing an 18mm lens strictly for street and travel, will use the 14mm2.8 for landscapes. I think often times the older lenses produce more interesting results than the optically superior newer versions. I’m really curious about the upcoming 18mm 1.4 though
Thank you, Michael! I agree, the older lenses are still amazing. That 14mm f/2.8 has definitely been on my radar for a while now, but haven’t gotten to try it yet. The 18mm is a great focal length for street, and the original 18mm’s compact form factor is still one of my favorites. The new 18mm will be interesting for sure, but I’m guessing it will be quite a bit larger. Thanks for reading!
Very nice article and extremely pleasing photos. A picture worths a thousand words and your article serves as a good defence for this most underrated Fuji lens. Because of the bad comments, I missed the chance of getting it for years. I now wonder if those xf18f2 haters actually got back to test this lens properly. I am using it on both xe1 and xe4 and am very happy with the results, esp., on xe4 I can almost use it as a 22mm lens with the range finder mode. Please keep up your good work and I enjoy every word and photo on your article. Well done !
Thanks so much, Vincent!
Debating picking up this lens for my X-S10 and I found your site. Wonderful photos, especially the first one of the river at dusk! Beautiful work.
Thanks, Joey! As with Fuji’s first X-Mount lens releases, the 18mm is an oldie but a goodie. Also try to check out the XF 16mm f/2.8 for a more updated take around this focal length.