Fujifilm XF 18mm Showdown: f/1.4 vs f/2 - Which is the better lens overall?
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- Опубликовано: 31 июл 2024
- In this week's video, I'll be comparing the XF 18mm f/1.4 with its older brother, the XF 18mm f/2 to see where each fits in the Fujifilm lineup.
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:52 - In Use
2:07 - Corporate Events
5:25 - Family Sessions
8:00 - Personal Work
11:09 - Conclusion and Slideshow
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![[ENG] Fujifilm 16mm F1.4 Vs. 18mm F1.4 - Should you Upgrade?](/img/1.gif)
Very good review! I bought the 18mm f2 knowing full well that it isn't a perfect lens. But doing a lot of street photography, I don't really need a perfect lens. I need a small and light lens which is fun to walk around with. And the truth is: either you have a good image or you don't. If you capture a beautiful scene nobody cares about degrees of sharpness (as long as it is not blurry) - aside from us gearheads (not in print and not on Social Media - where everything gets compressed anyway). I really love sharp lenses and maybe I will get the 18mm f1.4 for my event work but for my private project the 18mm f2 and 27mm f2.8 make a great team.
I agree good review, talking about street and the 18mm, I went on a 4 day trip from the UK to New York back in 2016, with an XT-10 the 18mm F/2 and 35mm F/1.4, the 18mm was used during the day, and almost every photo was at F/8, it is a fantastic little lens... for my professional work would i use it maybe not, but it is not a focal length that fits into my pro work so it is a none issue (and the same reason i probably wont get the 18mm F/1.4)
Absolutely. This speaks directly to my point of what your requirements are. Personally, the f/2 lens for me doesn't fit anything I would need and the only one thing I might want from it would be the fun flare. As I shoot a good portion of my portraits wide open or close to it, I like to have details in my clients faces and the f/2 lens simply doesn't provide in that regard. Horses for courses, indeed.
I love the f2 18mm as a walking around lens. Plenty sharp and it's soooo compact!
Hi this comment maybe from a year ago but I need your recommendation because I'm new in Fujifilm world. If we only have to choose one lens between 18 F2 and 27 F2.8, which one would you take? Thank you in advance.
@@wildanfjr This is hard because it depends on taste. Everybody prefers a different focal length. The 18mm f2 is really old and can be annoying (it is loud and slow) - so you have to be sure you can live with those things. The 27 f2.8 is a great lens (I own it). My wife also has a Ricoh GRIIIx which also has a 27mm f2.8 lens (she loves her Ricoh). 27mm can be a great focal length if you know how to handle it. The 23mm f2 could be a good choice for you. It is not too wide and not too narrow, has weather sealing and is much newer than the 18mm. I would try the 23mm and 27mm and then decide. Again recommending a specific focal length is difficult not knowing what you want to photograph.
I’m an F8 walk around photographer so light weight, compact size, and the chance to use things such as flaring matter more to me than always excellently sharp. While the Gen 5 Fujifilm 40mp cameras and new 1.4 series lenses are spectacular, they’re outside of my current requirements. It’s great to have choices isn’t it!
Amazing content. I used to own an X-T2 and eagerly awaiting what they'll do with the X-T5. Your images and content are stunning, and your informative presentational style is exactly what I'm after from a channel. Glad I found you today 👍🏻
Thanks! Glad this is what you're after. The X-T5 should be interesting, indeed. They've got a little technical catch up to do in order to keep a lot of more tech oriented users on board, so hopefully we'll see some big improvements.
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Thanks for taking the time to reply to my comment. I agree with what you've said, I hope they can do it. Even with Fuji being a little behind on some of the 'spec+tech' of their competitors, they're still my favourite offering in terms of colour science and ergonomics. I miss my X-T2 and I've since been to Panasonic with the S5, but it just didn't have the character of the Fujifilm platform.
Seriously though Dylan, your channel cuts all the superfluous fluff that comes with a lot of YT content, and your words are backed up with brilliant imagery. Please keep it up!
28mm FF is my favourite wide angle FOV (18 on Fuji). The 18 f2 gets a lot of hate, but I've been very pleased with images produced with it, sure you might need to remove some CA but that is very quickly fixed in PS. Sharpness is not always required, unless you're shooting pictures of doors close up...Some of the old masters had far less capable lenses and cameras, yet produced amazing work. The major selling point is it's size - so small and discreet! I just wish Fujifilm would update it! The 18 f1.4 is what I will be using for professional work, it's incredible. No question it's better in everyway, so I thank them for producing it...It would be nice to also have a small f2 version for travel and everyday use too.
Thanks Dylan for a “detailed” and straight-forward comparison…although now tempted to get the 18 f/1.4 sooner rather than later. Love the pictures of the bridge with the sun stars….very tempting. Cheers,
I see what you did there! ;)
Thanks for watching, David. I apologise to your wallet in advance. If you like this focal length, you won't be disappointed.
Thanks for all those beautiful and informative reviews! I just bought myself a X-E4 with XF18 F2 as I wanted a yet portable but much better camera than my iPhone that I used so far for everything. So yes, we're talking personal stuff like holiday pictures (many landscape, a bit street photography, portraits and also taking photos indoors and at night like on a candle light dinner). So I don't wanna carry around a big bag all the time nor do I want to interchange lenses. So far I love the results with the XF18 F2 but the AF is so wobbly and loud and feels oldschool compared to taking photos on the iPhone. On videos I can hear the sounds of the AF so that's a bit annoying. So now I think about exchanging the XF18 F2 for the XF18 F1.4 LM or the XF23 F1.4 LM. I'm just unsure in what focal length I should invest in. I was able to compare the XF18 F2 with the XF23 F1.4 LM and I love the more natural look of the 23mm. I'm afraid the 23mm won't be wide enough as my only one-for-everything lens. I'm even thinking about the XF18-55 but F2.8-4 seems not good enough for lowlight photography and I love the bokeh from this new F1.4 LM WR lenses. What would you take if you could only choose one single lens?
please do not listen too much anyone want to recommend any lens to use. Who care as long as I use the lens for my personal taste. Bigger aperture f/1.4 does not necessary take good pictures but depend how good the photographer is. I need only 3 prime lens 16 mm, 30 mm and 60 mm for normal shooting pictures. or maybe 100 mm or 200 mm lens f/4.
Since I didn’t have either lens, I bought that 18 1.4. I don’t regret it for a minute, as this lens is incredible! It’s fast, Sharp & bokeh is second to none! I love the close focusing that gives me more creativity to the outcome. And for those that are into Leica’s, this ends up as a 27 mm.
This lens does its best work in urban areas, where I mix together people and architecture.
Glad you're enjoying it, Ben. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks, needed to see like 20 videos before I got an answer about the autofocus, this video
did it all!
Glad it was helpful in the end!
Another excellent video. I really like your unpretentious style. You clearly know what you are talking about and present the information in a clear, well-organized way. 18mm is a good field of view for people shots -- not too wide.
Hi Paul! Thanks for watching and chiming in here. I still own an X-T2 an can confirm that the autofocus is lightyears ahead of the old f/2 lens on that camera. Tracking works well, as does single point AF. If that's what you're after, it's a massive upgrade.
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Thanks for your reply, Dylan. The border is finally fully opening up here in Japan and I'll start getting more gigs doing traveler's photo shoots. I have a limited amount of funds for needed gear upgrades. Lens or body? Maybe I can squeak out a few more miles on the body with a better lens. I still need to think about that. Your videos and input are very helpful to me. Thanks!
You made fantastic use of the old lens and thank you for this excellent comparison, which proves beyond reasonable doubt that you tend to get what you pay for, with Fuji lenses in particular. I would never have even considered the creative use of flare when I owned the 18mm f/2! Hopefully everyone will now grudgingly accept that you did not get a "bad copy" of the f/2 first time around and the lens itself is simply bad for all the reasons you gave. Personally I thought the edges of my own images at f/5.6 were unacceptable, partly due to the distortion adjustment smearing effects and of course you are absolutely right - if there just isn't enough in the way of glass, this can't be resolved before we begin any post processing. In contrast, the f/1.4 doesn't need any such assistance and for me, these are the two extremes in the Fuji lens line-up.
Thanks for watching, Michael. I couldn't agree more than these are two extremes in terms of image quality. They both definitely have a place, though, and I think Fujifilm will keep them both around. The f/1.4 lens is absolutely stellar and I'm really glad I didn't decide to settle on buying another copy of the f/2 in the hopes it would be better than I remembered.
I'm a bit overloaded on my 18mm options with the f2, an xf10, x70 and wcl on the 100f. I use them primarily as light and portable street options so it rules out the 1.4 upgrade for me. Low light and higher quality will remain the 16mm 1.4. I don't have the 23 1.4 so the new iteration of that focal length is the only one I may consider in the future.
Thanks for the comparison and your always on-point reviews and content. Excellent and helpful videos Dylan.
Phew... that's a lot of lenses... haha. Thanks for taking the time to watch!
I should never have sold my x70!!!!
I find my copy of the f2 is pretty decent in the center and like other people have said…a good shot is a good shot. I also have the Fuji 8-16mm f2.8 so I know what a good lens can produce…..but I do find the f2 charming.
Thanks 4 your interessting video! Your street photographies are great! 🙏
Interesting and useful overview, Dylan and thanks. I have the 18mm f2 on my XE4 during most 'street expeditions', shooting RAW only then processing in Photoshop (beta). An invitation to use 'Super Resolution' with your RAW files then compare the results with any other camera...
I was actually thinking about selling off my xf18f1.4 to get the xf18f2 just to save a lot of money. I bought my 18f1.4 used at a reasonable price and can make all of my money back. That being said, I did not realize how badly the barrel distortion needed to be corrected in the f2. I’ll keep my f1.4. Thanks for the very informative video!! Great shots btw!
The correction is automatically applied, so you'd never notice it unless you turned it off. That being said, the corners suffer because of it and you don't get the full field of view like you do with the f/1.4 lens.
Cheers for that Dylan, the F2 looks good enough for street work on an XT5, it was the smaller size I was looking for.
If it suits your photography, it's definitely the one to go for!
All the sharpness in the world can't make up for the portability and convenience of the trusty 18f2. I use it for video almost every night, now that there is ibis. I bought it for 200€ four or five years ago and I've got my money worth many times. Besides, I can't see the need for extra sharpness in video. The only thing I miss is OIS but the new -and expensive one, lacks equally in this domain. So even if the new one is optically perfect, the old one wins in my book for a fraction of the price. Lightness and unobtrusiveness trump every thing else.
For sure, there's still a place in the world for the f/2, that's why they still make it. The additional image quality and autofocus of the new lens are well and truly worth the additional money for me, though. When it comes to my work, actually having details is quite a big thing, so the f/2 lens is completely out of the question unless I'm using it for some personal work.
As for the price, you'll find that it's not too much different at RRP. Fujifilm will also likely have rebates that will get it even closer. The used market, well... that's a different story at this point.
nice pics especially that one with the triangle shaped light with guy walking. Impressive really
Thanks! That building does make it easy!
Seems like an updated 18mm f2 with slightly better optical correction, modern AF, and weather sealing would make sense. I don’t think many would miss the old f2 getting retired, unlike the 35mm f1.4
That would end up being a MUCH larger lens, likely not much smaller than the f/1.4 lens. You need more glass and more space for the motors and weather sealing. I wonder if people would even want it in the end? Time will likely tell how Fujifilm feels. They seem to be on a warpath with high quality lenses lately.
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer That's a good point, there's no escaping compromises...
That's the market for 3rd party lenses, I suspect.
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer idk, the 23, 35 and 50 f2's are good counter examples to your point, as all that people really want is for the 18mm f2 to be brought up to that standard. Ofc the wider you go generally the harder it is too design a lens of the same quality but it's definitely possible to improve the af and IQ of the 18mm that would be at least half the size of the 1.4
I'm sure the new f/1.4 lens is fantastic. Use the f/2 lens on an older X-E2s and am happy with the rendering. The 16mp sensor and dated optical formula work together to give a very film-like look that does not need perfection. I guess that is that unquantifiable "character" thing that people mention.
Maybe less than perfect, but the size of the X-E2s and 18mm f/2 can assure that you might actually have your camera with you and therefore make it viable.
Definitely a place for it! For me, it makes no sense to provide my clients with a substandard image when I know it can be better. However, if that's not a concern, as I said, that f/2 is still a good choice, especially on the second-hand market.
Very useful, thank you!
You're welcome. Thanks for watching.
Both for me, 1.4 for pro work, f2 for family. The 27/28mm is one of my fave focal lengths
Interesting that you own both! What's the biggest difference for your type of work?
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer I exclusively use the f2 for a walk around lens or with family. Anything paid is the 1.4. Which would be portrait and event stuff.
Is the 18mm 1.4 good as a landscape lens would you class it as wide angle
Some fantastic images at the end of the video Dylan from both lenses. The older lens can still do a good job.
It really does. It's technically not great, but still capable of producing when you need it to.
The worst fuji lens vs the best fuji lens, the outcome is bit too predictable :) Would be really cool if you could make 16mm/1.4 vs 18mm/1.4 comparison, that's much less obvious competition. I know you covered it in the previous vid, that 16mm/1.4 is too distorted for your work and AF too slow, but I wish there was some image comparison side by side... Anyway, thanks for your content!
You know that titles are just to get people in, right? ;) This isn't about drawing a conclusion but highlighting the differences between the two lenses. With an unlimited budget, I'd probably pick up that f/2 just for the flare.
The 16 and 18 have been compared quite a bit. I'm sure you'll be able to find the answers you're looking for there. I loved working with my 16mm while I had it, but the way I work changed and the 18mm suits me better now. It's not a huge difference for personal work, but definitely for my family sessions and event photography.
Cheers for watching.
All things considered, it's the second best lens in my book after the XF18-55 in the whole Fuji line-up. Maybe it doesn't fill your task list.
My 18f2 is so much sharper in the centre at f2 than the sample provided here. Maybe unit variation?
Thanks! Would love it if you could get your hands on a GF 80mm 1.7 and provide your feedback on that too. They did not go with a liner motor on that one and I’m very curious how bad it is… I assume it will suffer the same as the f2? Cheers!
That's an awfully difficult lens to get a hold of right now. There are none in country. I've played with it in the shop a couple of times and it feels like the 35mm f/1.4, but that's just from a few moments use. I'd have to spend more time with it to really give my thoughts.
Have you done, or will you do a review on the WCL-X100 ii? Would be an interesting comparison with both of these lenses.
Hi Alan, thanks for watching. You can find my thoughts on the WCL in my Gear Shorts playlist. These fill such different roles for me that I don't think I'd directly compare them. The WCL will also vary wildly depending on which X100 you put it on. The new 100V lens is technically a far better lens than the original.
My f2 shots have never been that "unsharp" Thanks for the side by side anyway!!
Dylan, any thoughts about the 23mm f/1.4 LM WR lens. I have the older model and debating whether to upgrade. THX
Thoughts are coming. I've had it for a couple of months now. Watch this space.
Thanks for your video. Would you rather have this 18mm F2? Or the WCL-X100 ii on the X100V instead?
I own both. They serve very different purposes. When I need the speed and reliability for my work, I use the 18mm. When I'm enjoying a day off, I use the WCL. It's a privileged position to be in, for sure. But that is the distinction I make between the two.
how much does the ovf cover?
I sometimes forget that you live in Korea and when places in korea appear in sample images, I think what? isn't that Korea?
haha awesome review and I hope you love your life in Korea!
Thank you- very good review: But it looks like that the older f2 version is wider than the new one? Maybe 17mm? best, t
If you watch through to the end, I explain why that is. :) The older lens is a bit simpler in its optical construction.
Well, got the 18 f2 for 200$ aaand i am thinking for 1.4, but when used it on xpro 2 - its very noticeable difference, also front heavy. And i believe if you are pro, with latest gen Fuji - you go for 1.4, if not f2 is the way to go.
Thanks for this content. Can the 18mm be hendheld for a vlogging? I want to choose which buy for hendheld walking footage facing the camera, without a tripod, is the 18mm too near? 18mm or necessarily 16mm? I have a Sony a6600 and I want to choose between a 16-55 and a 18-105 I would prfer the 18-105 if it could be used for a head talk while walking without a tripod, is the 18mm too near? do you know if there is some content about this around? How to you look shooting your self with a 18mm or with a 16mm holding it with the hand? Thanks, Max
Just in case you're still looking, I'd recommend you get the Viltrox 13mm f1.4 for X-Mount. Much cheaper, and 18mm _is_ uncomfortably tight for vlogging in most situations.
Excellent objective review as usual. Hopefully Fuji will come out with a much improved version.
Agreed. I'd love a small lens that is much closer to the quality of the larger one. It's a lens I use a lot, but I don't necessarily need f/1.4 at this focal length. Let's see what the future holds.
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Me too. Thanks for responding.
What brought you over to Korea where I live?
your video has a really flat feel to it - is it shot in Eterna SOOC?
You convinced me about the 18mm f1.4. Now, the question is if I should get that or the f/1.0 first...
Either way, you'll have fun! Pick the lens you'll use most and get the other one down the road.
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Fuji shooters are lucky to have such problems. ;-)
Maybe I have a good copy, but my 18 f2 is pretty sharp in the center. I'm sure if I compared the 2 I would have the same conclusion as you.
Perhaps. This is the third copy of this lens I've used and they've all been very soft just like you see here. If you don't have a need for the extra detail or AF speed, there's probably no need to consider the new lens.
I hope Fuji decides to do an update to the 18 F2 .
Agreed! It'd be amazing to see slightly better image quality and a linear motor from my perspective. What would you like to see in an update?
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer to be able to handle higher resolution and have weather sealing while maintaining its current size. I think it would be an instant hit for Fuji.
Hi Dylan, I am also a Fuji shooter living in Seoul--can I say hello when I see you on the street =]
F2 force you to be creative due to limitation. F1.4 is a tool to combat whatever coming towards you.
Actually, I would be sorrow every time I will have used the f/2 instead the f/1.4 because of the spoiled potential. The only real drawback is the size of the f/1.4 when attached to the X-Pro 3 because the optical viewfinder won't show the hole field of view. But that's more of a problem of the camera in general.
If you're using that optical viewfinder then, sure, it's always a concern. But, I guess then the question is does the EVF bother you so much that you'd sacrifice the image quality you want because of it? That's a question only you can answer. :)
@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer But the OVF is one of a few unique reasons why people buy the X-pro cameras. It makes up a large and important part of the design and user experience that Fuji intends to deliver with the pro series.
Actually there is no comparison. The purposes of both are different.
Picked up the 18 f/1.4 over the 16 recently. Amazing lens, and it's my EDC right now. I just toss in the 35 f/2 in the bag in case I need a bit more reach.
The 28mm equivalent is so underrated that there aren't many lenses in the mirrorless world that has the same sharpness. *Actually none at all*. Its only other competitor is the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 28mm f/2 (overpriced and not even worth comparing). The other Leicas are rangefinders apart from the L-mount version, and the 28mm f/2 on E-mount is a lot softer than the 18 f/1.4.
Glad you're enjoying it! For me, it's been a great addition to my kit.
I'll be using the 18mmf2 as my One-camera-one-lens-one-year lens next year. Only shooting in black and white on my XE1. @xftales I use the 18mmf2 more than my 16mm1.4
Sounds like a good project. Will you be posting the results somewhere?