I just rented this lens to compare with my 16mm 1.4. It is fantastic. That extra bit of compression really helps to smooth out that kinda busy background the 16mm produces. Along with basically no distortion, insane sharpness, more contrast and color separation, no color fringing (bad on 16mm at 1.4) and the auto focus I think I may have to make the move. This lens really took my breath away.
I have had this lens for 3 months now. Might be my new favorite fuji lens. The two things that stick out the most after owning it is the sharpness and those sun stars!!! Some of the most beautiful sun stars I have ever seen.
It was so big I decided to go for the X100V; I have not looked back. (Unless watching your wonderful take and supporting your channel with my presence counts as looking back).
Is the stepiness in manual focus now fixed in 07/2023? How would you compare the 28/1.7 of the Leica Q2 with the Fuji 18/1.4 on a 40MP sensor? Is the Fuji lens as good as the Leica lens?
Just back in Utah from visiting my daughter in upper Manhattan (first trip to NYC!) and I put the Fuji 18 f/1.4 through the paces. Extremely impressed with the results and this lens definitely lives up to the big brag! Tells the story, cuts through the noise to reveal what this photographer wanted to say via the X-T5. Pleased.
Damn, I love watching and listening to you, Hugh. You could read the weather, and I’d be transfixed. And those mono images of the classic cars… delicious.
Like you I hope they do more updating of lenses, a new version of the 14mm 2.8 would be good, not fussed about anything lower than f2 but W/R would be a bonus. Liking your Portfolio and good to see the colour work too.
Hugh, you make my life SO difficult. now that I was ready to transfer funds for the Q-P, you came with this take??? Awesome images of a very nice lens, even my humble and tiny 18mm f2 is great! Love your video, as always and have an awesome weekend. BTW, you "almost" got it right this time with the Neekon-Neekor" :))
Just got a 55-200mm for my Fuji X-T1 I have a 18-50mm on my x-Pro 1. Saving for update my D700 to a D850 and I will get a Zeiss Milvus 25mmF1.4 to it. Question How do Museums selects Photographs for exibitions? If Nikon do not produce a FTZ with screw drive for the Z8 I will start to switch to Fuji GFX and just use my Nikon F-system until it brakes down. I will not get any S-lenses.
Dear Mr. Elephant, thanks for this review. I appreciate your professional opinion. It is what I wanted to hear, and I really like your examples. I have decided this will be my next lens. Looking for Fuji to have a rebate deal on this lens sometime in the next several months. I like the quality, wide-angle, speed, and AF this lens offers. Thanks so much for your insights.
@@3BMEP Now I have had time to play with it I can concur this lens is indeed a beauty and is now my favourite Fuji glass. One question, do you think it is too big to mate with the X-E4? I haven't had the pleasure of handling the XE4 in real life but I am loving the look of it in the virtual world!
Thank you. Went ‘back’ to Fuji as a main w/ the X-H2S and grabbed the 33 1.4. Love it. You’re right about the Z lenses. In my time with the Z6ii and Z lenses I was often shocked how good they are. The Z 24-70 f4 shoots like a $1,000+ lens and the Z 105.. my oh my. Stunning. I have to try this 18 1.4.
I’ve been doing comparisons on the fujix forums and yeah the 18 1.4 is sharper than the next 23 1.4 Mark II and the 33 1.4, by a significant amount. It’s ridiculous. It resolves high frequency details extremely well, about on par with the $6000 200 f2. These two and the 90 f2 are the three sharpest X lenses in history
The wait is over. The 56| 1.2 R WR is here. I wish it had LM like my 18 | 1.4 R WR LM but I’m happy I waited. I am primarily a Nikon shooter that acquired the z50 and the Z 24-70 | 2.8S. The results are so good I have no real desire to go back to full frame DSLr type days. The Apsc is delivering the the goods surprisingly well. So much so, I will add the 40mp XH2 w/ the new 56 |1.2 R WR. Nuff talk time to shoot
Thanks for the video! I am getting Xpro-3 and think about getting this lens to replace my Leica Q2. I am curious your opinion - do you think Q2 results are comparable to Xpro-3 with 18 1/4?
@@MegaWholeMilk i sold xpro3 and got xt5. I have the 18 1.4, sold the Q2 too. I did not do 1-1 comparison but xt5 with 18 1.4 is heavier and bulkier than Q2. On the other hand you have much better AF, tilt screen and more flexibility in terms of other lenses. In my view Q2 is for those who really enjoy it’s native focal length or have is as secondary or even third camera. I sold Q2 to fund GFX 50sII and couldn’t be more happy.
I'm fully Fuji XT4 and lenses since it came out (moved from sony). I will say I've been looking at Nikon Z series. not that I would leave Fuji for any reason, but I may consider getting a Nikon for action, wildlife type stuff depending on what happens with the potential "XH-2" or "XT5" (also sort of seeing what developments happen in 2022 with GFX line. If it got a stacked sensor and became INSANE, that could push me away from investing into a Nikon Z set up)
Hugh, fantastic review and images. My curiosity on the black and whites. RAW images converted to black and white in post? Acros simulationJPEGs out of camera or in post? Something else?
So.. It looks like my first dip into the Fuji world will probably be the XS10 it has enough features for an entry into a new camera system to keep me busy for awhile. If I fall in love with the Fuji system and love the glass I buy I'm going to skip the $400 range set of lenses for now. I will use some video features so not sure if I'll grab 16 or 18mm still as my first lens. 56mm will def be my second lens. 23mm 1.4 is in the range of possibilities. If those "do it" for me. Meaning, I am wow'd by the quality. I'll then buy 2 zooms 16-55 2.8 & 50-140mm 2.8. If those continue to impress.. I'll invest in a higher end body like the rumored X-H2. In one of your comment replies did you mention you're testing out a new Fuji 18mm 1.4? Possibly De-clicked?
I bought the 18 mm 1.4 for St. photography specifically, but I’m starting to think it would be good for nature also, because of the higher resolution possible in the future. Another reason I picked the 18 mm over the 35 mm 1.4, is the 18 is so sharp that I can just crop and thereby making the 18 like carrying two lenses inside of one. Less weight and less cost. 😜
If this has been available last year, I prob wouldnt have purchased the Sigma 28mm 1.4 Art. Hoping they release an L mount DG DN of thar now. As for Fuji, I want 14mm F2 WR and ill crop to 18mm (27mm)
This amazing lens made my transition *back* to Fujifilm from Sony painless. I kept waiting for a 28mm f1.4 from Sony that apparently isn’t going to happen. Anyway, this is smaller and lighter and I love the character of the transition from tack sharp to creamy.
@@itsacookie1 That wasn't the only reason I went back to Fujifilm (hated the Sony ergonomics), but when I shot Sony I did want a 28mm f1.4 GM because 28 is my preferred wide.. I had the Sony 35 f1.4 and it's a great lens, and only got the 24 f1.4 also because they don't have a good 28. The 28/2 is easily the worst Sony lens I ever used: incredible barrel distortion and mush on the edges. Corrected in LR, but it completely changes the crop on the edges. The Fujifilm 18 f1.4 gives you the light gathering of an f1.4 one stop less ISO than f2 also.
@@itsacookie1 Well, it was an incomplete statement on my part, and partially facetious. I was already considering going back to Fujifilm (I used the system for 5 years before trying Sony) and the 18mm f1.4 was the first lens I bought when trying the XT4), so technically it wasn’t THE reason but A reason.
The detail and sharpness on that 18mm looks insane! I have just invested in an X-S10 and love it so far, even though I am also a Nikon user (got my eye on those f1.8 z lenses!). Have you had chance to try the Fujifilm XF 33mm F1.4 lens yet? That looks great too :-)
I had this 18mm 1.4 in the crosshair and I was expecting your review, which I find extremely useful and informative, as usual... ...BUT at the same time I crossed my path with a 16mm 1.4 in pristine conditions on eBay for half the price. Decisions, decisions... Long story short, tomorrow I'm taking my daughter for some trekking in the mountains and some 16mm autumnal landscape shooting. YOu were right, Hugh, what a lense. I'll take my time until I can find the 18mm as a bargain too. ;)
@@3BMEP we had an amazing time. She's exhausted and asleep now, and I am shamelessly pixel-peeping the beautiful, stunning pictures I've managed to take. If the 16mm 1.4 is this delight to handle, I can make myself of an idea of how the 18mm feels and I am for sure going to put my mittens on it. Bien à vous.
My kind of lens! We can always tone down sharpness in post, but the thing I like about super-high performance lenses is that when I crop the CRAP out of the image, it always surprises and delights -- even at 24 or 26 megapixels.
Hugh, if this is one of Fuji's best autofocus lenses, do you think these new lenses with improvement to the camera body could ever make Fuji competitive with Sony and Canon for having sticky continuous eye AF? I ask this because I know Fuji acknowledges their autofocus has to do with both their camera and lenses.
Tech RUclipsr: Neon Background, multiple light sources
Photographer RUclipsr: Dark background, 1 or 2 light sources
I LOVE this!
I just rented this lens to compare with my 16mm 1.4. It is fantastic. That extra bit of compression really helps to smooth out that kinda busy background the 16mm produces. Along with basically no distortion, insane sharpness, more contrast and color separation, no color fringing (bad on 16mm at 1.4) and the auto focus I think I may have to make the move. This lens really took my breath away.
I have had this lens for 3 months now. Might be my new favorite fuji lens. The two things that stick out the most after owning it is the sharpness and those sun stars!!! Some of the most beautiful sun stars I have ever seen.
The 18mm 1.4!! One of my favorite XF lens so far! Glad to meet another fujifilm user 😍🤩
It was so big I decided to go for the X100V; I have not looked back. (Unless watching your wonderful take and supporting your channel with my presence counts as looking back).
I am here and ready to hold all my thoughts!
It's an impressive piece of glass! I wonder if they're going to update the 60mm ?
Is the stepiness in manual focus now fixed in 07/2023? How would you compare the 28/1.7 of the Leica Q2 with the Fuji 18/1.4 on a 40MP sensor? Is the Fuji lens as good as the Leica lens?
Just back in Utah from visiting my daughter in upper Manhattan (first trip to NYC!) and I put the Fuji 18 f/1.4 through the paces. Extremely impressed with the results and this lens definitely lives up to the big brag! Tells the story, cuts through the noise to reveal what this photographer wanted to say via the X-T5. Pleased.
Damn, I love watching and listening to you, Hugh. You could read the weather, and I’d be transfixed. And those mono images of the classic cars… delicious.
Peter, you make me blush. 😉
I´m invested in this system and craved for a wide angle lens with an f 1.4...
short history of almost everything - most fascinating book out there! read it bout 20 years ago when i was.. well..20.... and it changed my mind!
Like you I hope they do more updating of lenses, a new version of the 14mm 2.8 would be good, not fussed about anything lower than f2 but W/R would be a bonus. Liking your Portfolio and good to see the colour work too.
Always enjoy your videos and perspectives. Trying to decide between this lens with my XT3 vs just getting a Q2. First world problems, I know.
Considering Samuel street life abandoned his Q2 for a XS10 and this 18mm 1.4
Thanks for this vidéo !
Have you tried to compare this Lens with the Nikkor Z 28mm f2.8 ?
Hugh, you make my life SO difficult. now that I was ready to transfer funds for the Q-P, you came with this take??? Awesome images of a very nice lens, even my humble and tiny 18mm f2 is great! Love your video, as always and have an awesome weekend.
BTW, you "almost" got it right this time with the Neekon-Neekor" :))
😜😊🖖🏻
Just got a 55-200mm for my Fuji X-T1 I have a 18-50mm on my x-Pro 1. Saving for update my D700 to a D850 and I will get a Zeiss Milvus 25mmF1.4 to it. Question How do Museums selects Photographs for exibitions? If Nikon do not produce a FTZ with screw drive for the Z8 I will start to switch to Fuji GFX and just use my Nikon F-system until it brakes down. I will not get any S-lenses.
Dear Mr. Elephant, thanks for this review. I appreciate your professional opinion. It is what I wanted to hear, and I really like your examples. I have decided this will be my next lens. Looking for Fuji to have a rebate deal on this lens sometime in the next several months. I like the quality, wide-angle, speed, and AF this lens offers. Thanks so much for your insights.
Enjoy!
It’s on its way! 😍 Sacrificed my 16 f2.8 and 50 f2 and a few magic beans! 😉
Those beans come in handy!
@@3BMEP Now I have had time to play with it I can concur this lens is indeed a beauty and is now my favourite Fuji glass. One question, do you think it is too big to mate with the X-E4? I haven't had the pleasure of handling the XE4 in real life but I am loving the look of it in the virtual world!
Thank you.
Went ‘back’ to Fuji as a main w/ the X-H2S and grabbed the 33 1.4. Love it. You’re right about the Z lenses. In my time with the Z6ii and Z lenses I was often shocked how good they are. The Z 24-70 f4 shoots like a $1,000+ lens and the Z 105.. my oh my. Stunning.
I have to try this 18 1.4.
I ve had that. Send it back cause i like the 23 1.4 wr better. But the 18 1.4 is also awesome
I’ve been doing comparisons on the fujix forums and yeah the 18 1.4 is sharper than the next 23 1.4 Mark II and the 33 1.4, by a significant amount. It’s ridiculous. It resolves high frequency details extremely well, about on par with the $6000 200 f2. These two and the 90 f2 are the three sharpest X lenses in history
Waiting to get one of the new 1.4a in for testing!
Are you referring to Fuji’s 200 f2?
The latest XF 18,23 and 33 WR lenses are one of the best you can find for that price!
5:49 something wrong with this video but anyway let's hold that thought ahahah i love the 18mm 1.4 with my xh1 just lovely lens
Can this lens be used with the XT-1?
I feel the new 18 + 33 can be a very good combo (with 2 XT4 bodies?) for most pictures.
Also waiting for the new 56 that may come next year.
The wait is over. The 56| 1.2 R WR is here. I wish it had LM like my 18 | 1.4 R WR LM but I’m happy I waited. I am primarily a Nikon shooter that acquired the z50 and the Z 24-70 | 2.8S. The results are so good I have no real desire to go back to full frame DSLr type days. The Apsc is delivering the the goods surprisingly well. So much so, I will add the 40mp XH2 w/ the new 56 |1.2 R WR. Nuff talk time to shoot
Thanks for the video! I am getting Xpro-3 and think about getting this lens to replace my Leica Q2. I am curious your opinion - do you think Q2 results are comparable to Xpro-3 with 18 1/4?
Did you end up switching? I’m wondering how these two compare as well.
@@MegaWholeMilk i sold xpro3 and got xt5. I have the 18 1.4, sold the Q2 too. I did not do 1-1 comparison but xt5 with 18 1.4 is heavier and bulkier than Q2. On the other hand you have much better AF, tilt screen and more flexibility in terms of other lenses. In my view Q2 is for those who really enjoy it’s native focal length or have is as secondary or even third camera. I sold Q2 to fund GFX 50sII and couldn’t be more happy.
I'm fully Fuji XT4 and lenses since it came out (moved from sony). I will say I've been looking at Nikon Z series. not that I would leave Fuji for any reason, but I may consider getting a Nikon for action, wildlife type stuff depending on what happens with the potential "XH-2" or "XT5" (also sort of seeing what developments happen in 2022 with GFX line. If it got a stacked sensor and became INSANE, that could push me away from investing into a Nikon Z set up)
I understand. 😊
I wish this review was more relaxed as your support video at the end of the review .
A true apochromatic lens. This lens is insanely good. Makes the XF 16mm look mediocre in comparison, and that’s saying something!
Hugh, fantastic review and images. My curiosity on the black and whites. RAW images converted to black and white in post? Acros simulationJPEGs out of camera or in post? Something else?
This time out, RAW converted in post.
Love Blinkist. Just saying.
So.. It looks like my first dip into the Fuji world will probably be the XS10 it has enough features for an entry into a new camera system to keep me busy for awhile.
If I fall in love with the Fuji system and love the glass I buy I'm going to skip the $400 range set of lenses for now. I will use some video features so not sure if I'll grab 16 or 18mm still as my first lens. 56mm will def be my second lens. 23mm 1.4 is in the range of possibilities.
If those "do it" for me. Meaning, I am wow'd by the quality.
I'll then buy 2 zooms 16-55 2.8 & 50-140mm 2.8.
If those continue to impress.. I'll invest in a higher end body like the rumored X-H2.
In one of your comment replies did you mention you're testing out a new Fuji 18mm 1.4? Possibly De-clicked?
Please keep us posted!
Great review 👌📸 what’s your favourite Fuji prime ??
16/1.4 or 56/1.2 (I use them as a pair on the street) - but I should be getting the new 33 one for review shortly. Hold that thought.
You should change the channel name to Hold that thought 😋. Great video btw
😉
Fuji xt4 or Z6ii ???
Good morning to you!
And to you!
Fascinating conversation, the Morgan Freeman of reviews…. Cheers matey … keep that soul..
😎🙏🏻🖖🏻
I bought the 18 mm 1.4 for St. photography specifically, but I’m starting to think it would be good for nature also, because of the higher resolution possible in the future.
Another reason I picked the 18 mm over the 35 mm 1.4, is the 18 is so sharp that I can just crop and thereby making the 18 like carrying two lenses inside of one. Less weight and less cost. 😜
BINGO! 😊🖖🏻
Would you say cropping to around a 23mm (35mm fov) is more than usable for digital publishing and small 9x12" ~ish prints?
@@professionalpotato4764 quite possibly - even likely - depending on subject matter.
@@professionalpotato4764 🤙
If this has been available last year, I prob wouldnt have purchased the Sigma 28mm 1.4 Art. Hoping they release an L mount DG DN of thar now.
As for Fuji, I want 14mm F2 WR and ill crop to 18mm (27mm)
why not comparing XF18mm f/2 Vs. XF 18mm f/1.4 lens in your next video?
I've got my 33/1.4 last week: just the same...
That lens looks awesome i'm jelly from Canon shooter!
I'm definitely a Budget budget gourmet type of guy, and I use the much unloved fuji 18mm f2 on my very budget XM-1 and XE-1 bodies.
Is it worth getting if you already have the 16 1.4 🤔
Only if the 16/1.4 doesn’t give you what you want.
This amazing lens made my transition *back* to Fujifilm from Sony painless. I kept waiting for a 28mm f1.4 from Sony that apparently isn’t going to happen. Anyway, this is smaller and lighter and I love the character of the transition from tack sharp to creamy.
@@itsacookie1 That wasn't the only reason I went back to Fujifilm (hated the Sony ergonomics), but when I shot Sony I did want a 28mm f1.4 GM because 28 is my preferred wide.. I had the Sony 35 f1.4 and it's a great lens, and only got the 24 f1.4 also because they don't have a good 28. The 28/2 is easily the worst Sony lens I ever used: incredible barrel distortion and mush on the edges. Corrected in LR, but it completely changes the crop on the edges. The Fujifilm 18 f1.4 gives you the light gathering of an f1.4 one stop less ISO than f2 also.
@@itsacookie1 Well, it was an incomplete statement on my part, and partially facetious. I was already considering going back to Fujifilm (I used the system for 5 years before trying Sony) and the 18mm f1.4 was the first lens I bought when trying the XT4), so technically it wasn’t THE reason but A reason.
Hugh please bring out a video autobiography for the channel…would love to see how you have aged over decades🖤🖤🖤
Hah!
I would have been more pleased with a 14/F2.
The detail and sharpness on that 18mm looks insane! I have just invested in an X-S10 and love it so far, even though I am also a Nikon user (got my eye on those f1.8 z lenses!). Have you had chance to try the Fujifilm XF 33mm F1.4 lens yet? That looks great too :-)
I wish! I have an X-T4 here just waiting for it!
@@3BMEP Yep! I think it would look good on my X-S10 too!
I had this 18mm 1.4 in the crosshair and I was expecting your review, which I find extremely useful and informative, as usual...
...BUT at the same time I crossed my path with a 16mm 1.4 in pristine conditions on eBay for half the price. Decisions, decisions...
Long story short, tomorrow I'm taking my daughter for some trekking in the mountains and some 16mm autumnal landscape shooting. YOu were right, Hugh, what a lense. I'll take my time until I can find the 18mm as a bargain too. ;)
Enjoy - what a lovely way to spend time with your daughter!
@@3BMEP we had an amazing time. She's exhausted and asleep now, and I am shamelessly pixel-peeping the beautiful, stunning pictures I've managed to take. If the 16mm 1.4 is this delight to handle, I can make myself of an idea of how the 18mm feels and I am for sure going to put my mittens on it.
Bien à vous.
Canon must release L F2 primes! I don’t want chunky glass. Even though there’s always time for my 50 1.2
YES!
Ouch, so sharp it cuts!
My kind of lens! We can always tone down sharpness in post, but the thing I like about super-high performance lenses is that when I crop the CRAP out of the image, it always surprises and delights -- even at 24 or 26 megapixels.
Hugh, if this is one of Fuji's best autofocus lenses, do you think these new lenses with improvement to the camera body could ever make Fuji competitive with Sony and Canon for having sticky continuous eye AF? I ask this because I know Fuji acknowledges their autofocus has to do with both their camera and lenses.
That is my hope.
Images edited to taste yield tasty images.
😎