Ive had this lens for a decade and its wonderful. If I want weather sealing and quick quiet autofocus ill use the 23f2 R WR. The images the 18f2 produces are quite lovely, personally I use it zone focused with a glimmer glass 1 to get the faux x-pan FOV and some film like halation to further the effect. It works wonderfully for that use imo and is a lens that far too many in the Fuji community are too hard on.
I had this lens for over 5 years, with an xe2 and xpro2, been around the world with it and never had any issues that would put me off it. Perfect size, weight, aesthetic and good enough performance for me (I’m not a professional, I take my time framing and focusing, don’t focus peek and use JPEG’s exclusively with minimal editing). I had some fungus a year ago and sent to Fuji to clean and service, I’m sure it will last a long time now. I can’t say it’s too noisy or hunts a lot, about right considering it’s age. An update with internal focusing but exact same form factor and weightier controls would be welcome though.
Excellent and objective review of the lens. I hope Fujifilm does bring a revamp of these portable lenses with appropriate weather sealing and quieter mechanisms. As always, awesome video, and beautiful photos! Cheers mate!
I read all sorts of reviews before buying this lens about four years ago. Most were disparaging, but I wanted a 28mm equivalent. I bought it to use on my X-Pro2 and it produced some of the best pictures I’ve ever taken. When the XF16mm F2.8 came out I traded in for that, not least for weather sealing, and guess what? I hated it. As Goughie says, the distortion was too much. So I re-traded and bought the XF18mm again. Subsequently sold it and bought a Leica Q, with its beautiful 28mm lens. The best focal length for such a wide range of subjects. But I still hanker for the X-Pro2 with XF18mm! I’ll probably buy it again!
Nice review. Agree with eveything except one thing. Reasons to use a prime? Either small size, light weight, larger aperture, image quality etc... The 18 f2 manages to squeeze all that in, with a penalty in image quality, but balancing it with a lovelly ( subjective ) character. That's the only part I don't agree with you: an update at f2.8 will lose its apeal for low light, especially now, that we have the super compact zoom Sigma 18-50, wich at 18 and f2.8 is noticeably better optically, not to mention the old XF 18-55, also superior optically. Even the cheap 15-45 is superior at 18mm. I accept the optical compromises this lens have to suffer in order to get the pancake form and the F2 aperture. Take the f2 away and its not worth it anymore. That being said, I love it as it is! Need the best, no compromises? Go for the bigger younger brother 18 f1.4.
I love this lens! Shot with it last night at a festival on the X-Pro1 and it delivered in spades! Focus is fast enough and the image quality wide open is great. I use it zone focused a lot also. If like me you’re a gig photography shooter, the lens chatter is not an issue. The render feels more like older vintage lenses which I enjoy.
I really like videos of this type, so please keep them coming. And yes, I've liked and subscribed (the latter quite some time ago). I agree with nearly every point you've made except one: you've said that Fuji should consider making the replacement an F2.8 if that keeps the size and weight down. Fujifilm needs to keep this an F2, even though it means slightly more size, weight, and price. Many of us bought the 18-55/2.8-4 when we get our first Fuji camera. Adding an 18/2.8 pancake lens won't make sense for us since we already have an 18/2.8, and it comes with a bonus 19-55mm lens built in. Remember that the kit zoom comes in at $400 with the camera. Spending $600 for a pancake lens without getting an extra stop of light won't make sense, even though the lens will be smaller and lighter than the zoom.
This is one of the best lenses I ever owned from Fuji. The sharpness is beautiful (sensual) and no problems with focussing on my XT20. With this setup I made recently a book, along with the X100f, about Holi in India. Next to the book there is a exhibition about Holi with 14 huge photos. This month the lens was my big friend in Istanbul and in April she will go with me to visit Iraq.
the loud af reminds me of my 35mm loll using these older lenses makes me realize how far we've come in just 10 years haha i'd love to see them release a new version of this lens!
I bought this lens as a wide lens in my kit to go along with my 35mm f1.4. Aside from the fact that I struggle to make good use of a 28mm equivalent I really love this lens. It's down sides don't apply to me - I shoot single AF same as you. Optically it's perfectly fine, and the size and weight can't be beat.
I love my copy of this lens. It’s plenty sharp, renders really nicely, and the form factor is great. It’s not the best landscape lens but great for street, and image quality holds up at close focus so it’s great for food shots, etc. If Fuji updates it I wouldn’t want too many changes to the optical formula or form factor.
Hello again Goughie, As usual I agree with virtually everything you said. I've had 3/4 examples of this lens since 2012, which I keep coming back to. I've waited in vain for a Fuji update, and tried to replace it with either the 23mm or 16mm Fujicrons, Neither floated my boat - the focal lengths were not just me, & I really don't like the long/thin form factor of the 23mm especially with the horrid plastic lens hood attached. However until recently the 18mm f2 languished at the back of my photo cabinet but after suffering a back injury I found my X-H2 with 16-55mm f2.8 zoom to be too much of a heavy lump and so purchased for I believe the 3rd time, an excellent condition X-Pro1 which matches up very well with the old XF18 f2 lens, for days out with the wife & family. Again like you I still wanted a nifty 50, however funds would not stretch (& I didn't want the excess weight), to purchasing the new 33mm F1.4 lens, and while looking on fleabay, found an unused 35mm XC F2 lens, which has exceeded all my expectations. So there you have it, a relatively cheap/light alternative to an X100 with a wide angle/nifty 50 option. John G.
One of my most used lenses for the X-mount. I love it and did the stupid thing to sell it once. Regretted it the second I did, even if it were to finance a X100V. Bought it again as soon as I saw a good deal on it. I would also really wish that Fujifilm would update that lens. The most important feature for me is WR. If the make the zoom and aperture rings a bit nicer I wouldn't mind, but I'll manage anyhow. IQ is good and I like that it has some character. One thing is that it's also a super companion to any of the 33/35 lenses. For me it's a killer combo and would be perfectly to downsize to. Especially if they update this lens. I would also buy that straight away, if it will be WR:ed. Thanks you for making a video about this. It really would be a welcome update.
I picked this lens up used last year and really like the way it renders. Reminds a bit of the 35mm f1.4. My copy though is quite soft in the mid frame and corners. The center is really sharp even up close. I have the 18mm f1.4 too and that lens while optically superior has absolutely no charter at all to the images. I would love this lens as much as the 35mm f1.4 if the mid frame and corners were sharper. Your images look much better than my mine. Maybe I just have a sub par copy.
It is a cranky old man of a lens, but it is optically quite good and is nice and small. I just bought my 2nd copy of it. It'll live in my very portable kit with a 27mm f2.8 for my XE3.
Very good results with this for travel photography over the years. I don't hear it focus and don't like to shoot when it is raining. Seems to get the focus when I press the shutter every time.
I’m happy to carry the extras weight of the 18/1.4 for all of the advantages it brings to the table. I also sold my 16/2.8, as I didn’t really love the focal length.
My fav Fuji prime. Maybe I got a good copy, but mine is not too noisy and focusses reasonably well. Also, short close focussing distance, which I like. The rendering is simply fantastic, both for colour and b&w. And yes, it’s too expensive, but still, no regrets buying.
Great video, Goughie! I hated this lens so much I almost exclusively shot with the R72 for infrared! The quality of the images were fine, but I never had confidence it was actually focusing or not, even though at the end of the day it did focus fairly accurately even if it was slow. It just sucked to use. : )
I have had this lens since 2012 and it's not as noisy or slow focusing as you described it using X-Pro2 or X-T3. It is clunky and noisy with my X-Pro1 and X-E2s though. Maybe you bought a worn out lens andto buy a less used version?
I had this lens from new for 3 or 4 years but sold it about a year ago as it just seemed to be missing that certain something. I didn't really use it. Not really useful enough to carry on the camera all the time - the 18-55 is a better choice for that. Not setting the world alight with its images like the 35mm f1.4 which I just love. Just didn't really use it, so someone else got an excellent condition used lens! The aperture ring was fine, not too notchy, and the focus ring was a bit stiff.
Despite it being old, I'm still thinking of buying this 18mm f2.0 lens as a really light backup to keep in the bag while I experiment with my new 33mm f1.4. I LOVE the 33mm's equivalent 50mm distance but it's a challenging focal length with no 'wow factor' distortion and it's slightly tight .... so I feel like the 18mm will give me some comfort as a backup. For when I want to do a portrait that 'pops' in the distorted way, or for when I literally just can't fit something in (oo-er missus).
I actually just sold my copy of this lens yesterday. Bittersweet, I loved the focal length and form factor, but I felt like the image quality I was getting from it was hit or miss, it made people's skin look really unflattering. Might've been my copy. A v2 of this lens would probably never leave my camera.
The 18 f2 was my first Fujifilm lens that I purchased with my X-E4 along with the 27 kit and the 15-45. I was coming from Olympus and I shot primarily with the Leica 15mm 1.7 and the Panasonic 9-18. I love the 28mm focal length as well and love the quality of the 18mm but like you, the sound of the AF drives me crazy. I’ve bought the 23 but it’s nice but not the same. At last years Fujikina, I tried the 18mm 1.4 but I can’t see deal with the price. I just bought the Sigma 18-50 and it’s a great lens and used it on a recent trip to the UK. It was great for landscape and events but for street, i didn’t take the 18 but took the 23 and didn’t like it. I also didn’t use the 27 as I really am not happy with that focal length so I often defaulted to my x70 for street work and daily carry. I deeply wish they would update the 18.
I own this lens and for me its the "iPhone" lens, It doesn't do anything special enough to be different from the default iPhone photo in most cases. sure you can close focus and have DoF but taking a photo of someone inside vs an iPhone makes for a very similar picture. as much as I like this focal length, I just never use it.
I agree with you (great vid btw). The 16 f2.8 R WR should have been an 18 f2 R WR to complete the range and there is no logical explanation as to why Fujifilm did not do this other than to make a killing out of those who have more money than sense and who bought the 18 f2 at full price. I continue with a 23 f2 & a 35 f2 until the day that Fujifilm do the sensible (and easy) thing; provide the lens we are all waiting for!! Come on Fujifilm, you know you want to...
A lot of your criticisms of the 18mm f2 apply to Fuji's 27mm f2.8 lens. But, like the 18mm f2, the 27mm, despite its foibles, takes superb images and is so small it basically turns a camera like the XT30 into a pointandshoot, albeit a pointandshoot that delivers epic images. Definitely a question of taking some bad with the boatload of good these lens give you.
Fully agree on the old old 18mm - unfortunately the new 18mm is not as classic fuji nice as this f2 Lens. I owned the 18mm/f2 and sold it due to AF speed and noise. I love the Fujicon lineup in general to to size and look'n'feel. I just started using the 27mm (WR Version) being same size but a little bit better in terms of AF noise and WR.
lol, the aperture ring sounds like something might already be broken in there. Terrible. :D The size and the lens hood are really good though. But it sounds like a broken scanner when focusing. Reminds me of the 27mm. Your sample pictures, however, look really great!
I'm wondering if you have a bad copy (if that's a real thing), or a misused secondhand lens? I have this lens on my X-Pro 2 giving me my poor man's Leica equivalent! Yet, I do not have the issues you have mentioned with regards the aperture ring or focus ring. The AF, while not the fastest in the world, is adequate and not too noisy. I think it is a great little lens though have to agree that it is definitely not a £500 lens. I have this and the 35mm f1.4 as my X-Pro 2 set up... it's more than enough :-)
I got this lens Yesterday. Spent about 130€ for a used copy and for that amount of money I am happy. Now I am testing it and see how it fares against the 27mm f/2.8. A new version with weather resistance would be awesome of course :)
I think it would be time on some of the older lenses to improve the motors and thus the autofocus performance. So my dream would be a small pancake series with a new 18, finally a 23 pancake and a 27 with new motor. I think small lenses have their appeal.
I have no problem with this lens, the autofocus noise doesn't bother me att all. I have the 35/1.4 as well and it is noisy too. The aperture ring is nice and smooth and i do not feel that is going to break. May be there is a problem with yours or may be it is because i never tried the more modern and expensive lenses from Fujifilm. I love that it is compact and light. Image quality is good enough for my taste. I prefer and use the 35mm/1.4 most of the time though.
I’ve owned this lens previously and strangely when reviewing my favourite images recently I was surprised to find that over 80% of them were taken with this lens… makes me regret going for the 16 2.8 now
This lens has become one of my favorite fuji lenses. It might be slow and clunky, but I love the images I get from it. Maybe I got a good copy, but I find it reminiscent of the 35mm f1.4 in the IQ department.
I am wondering if Fujifilm have abandoned enthusiastic amateurs. The 18mm has needed updating for some time yet they have neglected to do so, rather putting their R&D efforts into things like the f1.4 monster, a lens I am sure very few really wanted. It should have been relatively easy to include an 18mm in a similar body style to their 16, 23, 35 and 50mm 'crons. I would certainly get an 18mm version of the lens in that style, whether f2 or 2.8, it would not matter to me. What is even more surprising is that there is no after market 18mm available, though Voigtlander have announced one in MF, which will of course be quite pricey. I am left with using my XF10 as a 28mm equivalent. Again a model (along with the X70) which has been dropped and not replaced.
I'd like them to update it by putting an 18 1.7 in the x100vI (or whatever it will be called) given the rumour is it will have a new lens. With a 40MP sensor that would make a lot of sense. For the next pancake, honestly I'd rather see a 20mm 2.0 or 2.8
According to FujiRumors; AF 20mm F2.8 Minimum shooting distance: 0.19m Filter diameter: 52mm AF: STM Weight: 200g or less and may be lighter than a smartphone
Yeh I think this issue stems more from the 1.4 variants in existence than anything else. To update the 18/2 I guess risks cannabalising the 18/1.4, because we're talking only a stop difference here. This has always been my issue with the 1.4 lenses, they are the 'goldilocks' (just right) kinda lens, but in developing and making them they really push potentially buyers interested in the fujicrons away. Only the 50/1 and 50/2 do I feel Fuji got it right, you can justify owning BOTH of these lenses because they are significantly different in terms of intent and purposes. A 50/1.4 threatens the existance of both which is why there isn't one. Had they pushed a little harder to make the 18, 23 and 33 f1.2 or f1 lenses, then the entire Fujicron (f2) range could get the updates required and potentially Fuji stand to profit to selling the same prime length TWICE to each customer because they will differ enough from one another (how many brands can say that!). Sadly however I feel the 1.4 lenses are what most will seek and settle on.
I just bought it recently. Used. Love it with all it quirks! Traded in the old 35mm f/1.4, which BTW is just as loud and janky focusing and I almost never used it. Too tele for me. I have the 27mm f/2.8, this 18mm f/2 and the Samyang 12mm F/2 for my X-T30. For me, light weight and small form factor are more important, plus I love good close up image quality. These lenses provide that. I never do filming. Close up image quality is what's lacking with most of the newer "Fujicron" f/2 WR lenses wide open. Plus I don't like the tapered look of the "Fujicrons". They all have different, ugly looking lens hoods too. The new Fuji f/1.4 lenses are too large and heavy for my taste and they don't look as good as these old Fuji lenses do. They are nice lenses for the modern looking XH series and XS series, but look like crap on the vintage looking XT series cameras IMHO. Nevertheless I agree. A 18mm f/2 R WR in the same form factor, with the same looks, same glass, but with the focusing of the "Fujicrons" f/2 lenses would be great!
I have this lens and it's my least favourite lens to date. I come from shooting originally the 35 f1.4 on my XE1 mostly portraits and had just gotten the then new 56 f1.2 (no apd or wr) and thought (mistakenly) that perhaps it was time to switch off the 35 for a wider and maybe more compact lens. Found and traded the 35 for this and...after a while I really missed the 35mm Fast forward to today it's still my least favorite lens and I've gotten the 35mm back to get back into photography. I'm also looking to get the 23mm f2 to see if it fits my shooting style/wants. Perhaps I'll sell this lens if it works out seeing the 23 f2 is compact enough. TLDR least favourite lens and possibly what contributed to me enjoying shooting less
Can I offer a somewhat different perspective on this lens? I’d say this lens is the most vintage-style optic from Fuji. The lens is NOT particularly “good” by today’s standards in both focus or sharpness, but I see it as an Autofocus version of like, a 1970’s/1980’s optic in terms of sharpness and rendition. It’s the reason I sold ALL other Fuji lenses and kept Fuji’s “worst” lens as my only lens. It simply has a je ne sais quoi to its rendering that I really, really love. It just requires you to look past what most people expect out of a “modern” lens. But I will say: if they released a mk2 with a similar rendering but sharper, and with weather sealing, I’d be sold.
I guess from my perspective if I wanted a vintage look I’d stick a vintage lens on it, or a newer lens from like voigtlander with a vintage lens design! Reminds me I really do need to get some voigtlander lenses on the channel! Thank you for watching!!
I had the 18mm/2, bought used. I was never really happy with it. Image quality wasn't bad, but neither was it stellar. Noisy, sometimes vague focus, and just not "in character" when compared with my other Fujifllm primes found me leaving it at home more often than not. I traded it against the new 18mm/1.4. Yes, it's larger, bulkier, heavier, but the performance is extraordinary in every way, and the size/weight tradeoff is worth it to me. I've also got the 16mm/2.8, and love the images from it, though it would be nice to have that extra stop. I totally agree with you. An updated, WR version of the 18mm/2 would be both welcomed and desirable. It wold possibly become the most used lens in my kit. Fujifilm? Are you listening? And, when are we going to see an xpro4?
They BADLY need to update this lens imo, but I’ve been saying this for at least 3 years lol so I’m not holding my breath. Love the photos I used to get from the lens on the old sensors… but expectations have moved on in other ways. I’m just surprised Voigtlander haven’t made an 18mm pancake lens, it would be an automatic purchase for me as an alternative.
ugh i agree with everything except f2.8. :-) no no no.all the compact primes are f2 except the 16... 2.8 is a daylight lens. i want an 18 f2 that is just slightly better optically. less CA. less optical distortion to correct, quieter, good focusing, maybe just a bit more sharlness. nothing else matters. wr is often unnecessary especially on the bodies most will use this with. and I'm not talking huge leaps like the 1.4. just each of those traits a bit better and I'd buy it immediately. i own all the fast primes as well as the 18-55 and 16 2.8.i want q compact 18 alternative for edc use, but I'm hesitant to get the 18 f2. I've seen many examples of awful CA, and weird ghosting. things i don't like at all otherwise, it is such an ideal size... I'd sell my x100vi for a new 18 f2. no joke.
I tried the 18mm and I couldn't believe how bad it was. Even stopped down the images quality was rough (but perhaps I just had a bad copy in that regard). I have wide angle lenses from the 70s that resolve better. Fuji desperately needs to update it.
It would be great (and smart) for Fuji to release a new 18mm f2 WR compact lens whenever the X-Pro4 drops.
Yes!! That would be awesome! And make a lot of sense! Hopefully early next year!
Yes! 👌
I could see them releasing a MkII with a new X-E5
Agreeeeed !! It should be sized similar to the 35 and 16 cron lenses. That be the perfect drop
Ive had this lens for a decade and its wonderful. If I want weather sealing and quick quiet autofocus ill use the 23f2 R WR. The images the 18f2 produces are quite lovely, personally I use it zone focused with a glimmer glass 1 to get the faux x-pan FOV and some film like halation to further the effect. It works wonderfully for that use imo and is a lens that far too many in the Fuji community are too hard on.
I had this lens for over 5 years, with an xe2 and xpro2, been around the world with it and never had any issues that would put me off it. Perfect size, weight, aesthetic and good enough performance for me (I’m not a professional, I take my time framing and focusing, don’t focus peek and use JPEG’s exclusively with minimal editing). I had some fungus a year ago and sent to Fuji to clean and service, I’m sure it will last a long time now. I can’t say it’s too noisy or hunts a lot, about right considering it’s age. An update with internal focusing but exact same form factor and weightier controls would be welcome though.
Excellent and objective review of the lens.
I hope Fujifilm does bring a revamp of these portable lenses with appropriate weather sealing and quieter mechanisms.
As always, awesome video, and beautiful photos!
Cheers mate!
This is my fave edc lens and we desperately need an update. Also subscribed!
I read all sorts of reviews before buying this lens about four years ago. Most were disparaging, but I wanted a 28mm equivalent. I bought it to use on my X-Pro2 and it produced some of the best pictures I’ve ever taken. When the XF16mm F2.8 came out I traded in for that, not least for weather sealing, and guess what? I hated it. As Goughie says, the distortion was too much. So I re-traded and bought the XF18mm again. Subsequently sold it and bought a Leica Q, with its beautiful 28mm lens. The best focal length for such a wide range of subjects. But I still hanker for the X-Pro2 with XF18mm! I’ll probably buy it again!
I was just thinking about this last night! You are 100% right, I sure hope this is in the works
Nice review. Agree with eveything except one thing. Reasons to use a prime? Either small size, light weight, larger aperture, image quality etc...
The 18 f2 manages to squeeze all that in, with a penalty in image quality, but balancing it with a lovelly ( subjective ) character. That's the only part I don't agree with you: an update at f2.8 will lose its apeal for low light, especially now, that we have the super compact zoom Sigma 18-50, wich at 18 and f2.8 is noticeably better optically, not to mention the old XF 18-55, also superior optically. Even the cheap 15-45 is superior at 18mm. I accept the optical compromises this lens have to suffer in order to get the pancake form and the F2 aperture. Take the f2 away and its not worth it anymore. That being said, I love it as it is! Need the best, no compromises? Go for the bigger younger brother 18 f1.4.
Agreed. About time to add r wr and modernize the optic of 18f2
I love this lens! Shot with it last night at a festival on the X-Pro1 and it delivered in spades! Focus is fast enough and the image quality wide open is great. I use it zone focused a lot also. If like me you’re a gig photography shooter, the lens chatter is not an issue. The render feels more like older vintage lenses which I enjoy.
I really like videos of this type, so please keep them coming. And yes, I've liked and subscribed (the latter quite some time ago).
I agree with nearly every point you've made except one: you've said that Fuji should consider making the replacement an F2.8 if that keeps the size and weight down. Fujifilm needs to keep this an F2, even though it means slightly more size, weight, and price. Many of us bought the 18-55/2.8-4 when we get our first Fuji camera. Adding an 18/2.8 pancake lens won't make sense for us since we already have an 18/2.8, and it comes with a bonus 19-55mm lens built in. Remember that the kit zoom comes in at $400 with the camera. Spending $600 for a pancake lens without getting an extra stop of light won't make sense, even though the lens will be smaller and lighter than the zoom.
That is a very sloppy aperture ring 😅 love it. Great video man!
This is one of the best lenses I ever owned from Fuji. The sharpness is beautiful (sensual) and no problems with focussing on my XT20. With this setup I made recently a book, along with the X100f, about Holi in India. Next to the book there is a exhibition about Holi with 14 huge photos. This month the lens was my big friend in Istanbul and in April she will go with me to visit Iraq.
subbed! great pics
the loud af reminds me of my 35mm loll using these older lenses makes me realize how far we've come in just 10 years haha i'd love to see them release a new version of this lens!
I bought this lens as a wide lens in my kit to go along with my 35mm f1.4. Aside from the fact that I struggle to make good use of a 28mm equivalent I really love this lens. It's down sides don't apply to me - I shoot single AF same as you. Optically it's perfectly fine, and the size and weight can't be beat.
MUCH MUCH needed.
I love my copy of this lens. It’s plenty sharp, renders really nicely, and the form factor is great. It’s not the best landscape lens but great for street, and image quality holds up at close focus so it’s great for food shots, etc. If Fuji updates it I wouldn’t want too many changes to the optical formula or form factor.
Hello again Goughie,
As usual I agree with virtually everything you said.
I've had 3/4 examples of this lens since 2012, which I keep coming back to.
I've waited in vain for a Fuji update, and tried to replace it with either the 23mm or 16mm Fujicrons, Neither floated my boat - the focal lengths were not just me, & I really don't like the long/thin form factor of the 23mm especially with the horrid plastic lens hood attached.
However until recently the 18mm f2 languished at the back of my photo cabinet but after suffering a back injury I found my X-H2 with 16-55mm f2.8 zoom to be too much of a heavy lump and so purchased for I believe the 3rd time, an excellent condition X-Pro1 which matches up very well with the old XF18 f2 lens, for days out with the wife & family.
Again like you I still wanted a nifty 50, however funds would not stretch (& I didn't want the excess weight), to purchasing the new 33mm F1.4 lens, and while looking on fleabay, found an unused 35mm XC F2 lens, which has exceeded all my expectations.
So there you have it, a relatively cheap/light alternative to an X100 with a wide angle/nifty 50 option.
John G.
One of my most used lenses for the X-mount. I love it and did the stupid thing to sell it once. Regretted it the second I did, even if it were to finance a X100V. Bought it again as soon as I saw a good deal on it.
I would also really wish that Fujifilm would update that lens. The most important feature for me is WR. If the make the zoom and aperture rings a bit nicer I wouldn't mind, but I'll manage anyhow. IQ is good and I like that it has some character. One thing is that it's also a super companion to any of the 33/35 lenses. For me it's a killer combo and would be perfectly to downsize to. Especially if they update this lens. I would also buy that straight away, if it will be WR:ed.
Thanks you for making a video about this. It really would be a welcome update.
I picked this lens up used last year and really like the way it renders. Reminds a bit of the 35mm f1.4. My copy though is quite soft in the mid frame and corners. The center is really sharp even up close. I have the 18mm f1.4 too and that lens while optically superior has absolutely no charter at all to the images. I would love this lens as much as the 35mm f1.4 if the mid frame and corners were sharper. Your images look much better than my mine. Maybe I just have a sub par copy.
YES - this and the 35mm f1.4 - same optics, but better motors and weather resistance for me, please!
thanks! i love my 18mm f2 too!
It is a cranky old man of a lens, but it is optically quite good and is nice and small. I just bought my 2nd copy of it. It'll live in my very portable kit with a 27mm f2.8 for my XE3.
The image quality looks really nice
Very good results with this for travel photography over the years. I don't hear it focus and don't like to shoot when it is raining. Seems to get the focus when I press the shutter every time.
I am looking at getting one to complement my 35 f2 on my X-T3.
I’m happy to carry the extras weight of the 18/1.4 for all of the advantages it brings to the table. I also sold my 16/2.8, as I didn’t really love the focal length.
That’s fair enough! I’ve got it on hire again and enjoying it!
18-55 at 18mm if you are happy with f2.8. great lens.
I love my copy of 18mmf2 and my 35mm1.4. The 18mmf2 takes amazing images and prints well? I will never sell mine. Perfect size for travels.
Been hoping for an update on this for years. Been using the 23mm f2 in its place but it’s too tight 😢
I like the chatter of the 18mm. It reminds me that lenses have anxiety under performance too!
It’s a feature!
Own this lens. Love this lens. But yes, Fuji definitely should give it an overhaul!
Do you think fuji will make the new versions LM? They are small lenses so I don’t know if linear motors will be super important
Head says doubt it, heart says I’d love them too 😂😂
My fav Fuji prime. Maybe I got a good copy, but mine is not too noisy and focusses reasonably well. Also, short close focussing distance, which I like. The rendering is simply fantastic, both for colour and b&w. And yes, it’s too expensive, but still, no regrets buying.
Great video, Goughie! I hated this lens so much I almost exclusively shot with the R72 for infrared! The quality of the images were fine, but I never had confidence it was actually focusing or not, even though at the end of the day it did focus fairly accurately even if it was slow. It just sucked to use. : )
I hear you! I’ve seen them photos of yours! Awesome work!
I have had this lens since 2012 and it's not as noisy or slow focusing as you described it using X-Pro2 or X-T3. It is clunky and noisy with my X-Pro1 and X-E2s though. Maybe you bought a worn out lens andto buy a less used version?
I had this lens from new for 3 or 4 years but sold it about a year ago as it just seemed to be missing that certain something. I didn't really use it. Not really useful enough to carry on the camera all the time - the 18-55 is a better choice for that. Not setting the world alight with its images like the 35mm f1.4 which I just love. Just didn't really use it, so someone else got an excellent condition used lens! The aperture ring was fine, not too notchy, and the focus ring was a bit stiff.
Despite it being old, I'm still thinking of buying this 18mm f2.0 lens as a really light backup to keep in the bag while I experiment with my new 33mm f1.4. I LOVE the 33mm's equivalent 50mm distance but it's a challenging focal length with no 'wow factor' distortion and it's slightly tight .... so I feel like the 18mm will give me some comfort as a backup. For when I want to do a portrait that 'pops' in the distorted way, or for when I literally just can't fit something in (oo-er missus).
I use it alongside the 33mm too 👌🏻
If you are ok with f2.8 why not try the Sigma 10-18? It's much smaller than Fujis 18mm F1.4 despite being a zoom.
I actually just sold my copy of this lens yesterday. Bittersweet, I loved the focal length and form factor, but I felt like the image quality I was getting from it was hit or miss, it made people's skin look really unflattering. Might've been my copy. A v2 of this lens would probably never leave my camera.
My wife has the 18mm on her X-E3 and she loves it. She rarely takes it off..... 👍
Lovely compact set up!
The 18 f2 was my first Fujifilm lens that I purchased with my X-E4 along with the 27 kit and the 15-45. I was coming from Olympus and I shot primarily with the Leica 15mm 1.7 and the Panasonic 9-18. I love the 28mm focal length as well and love the quality of the 18mm but like you, the sound of the AF drives me crazy. I’ve bought the 23 but it’s nice but not the same. At last years Fujikina, I tried the 18mm 1.4 but I can’t see deal with the price. I just bought the Sigma 18-50 and it’s a great lens and used it on a recent trip to the UK. It was great for landscape and events but for street, i didn’t take the 18 but took the 23 and didn’t like it. I also didn’t use the 27 as I really am not happy with that focal length so I often defaulted to my x70 for street work and daily carry. I deeply wish they would update the 18.
I own this lens and for me its the "iPhone" lens, It doesn't do anything special enough to be different from the default iPhone photo in most cases. sure you can close focus and have DoF but taking a photo of someone inside vs an iPhone makes for a very similar picture.
as much as I like this focal length, I just never use it.
I agree with you (great vid btw). The 16 f2.8 R WR should have been an 18 f2 R WR to complete the range and there is no logical explanation as to why Fujifilm did not do this other than to make a killing out of those who have more money than sense and who bought the 18 f2 at full price. I continue with a 23 f2 & a 35 f2 until the day that Fujifilm do the sensible (and easy) thing; provide the lens we are all waiting for!! Come on Fujifilm, you know you want to...
Yes. I want a MkII version of this lens to go with the 27mm MkII released last year.
Exactly! Fuji?! Are you listening 😂
A lot of your criticisms of the 18mm f2 apply to Fuji's 27mm f2.8 lens. But, like the 18mm f2, the 27mm, despite its foibles, takes superb images and is so small it basically turns a camera like the XT30 into a pointandshoot, albeit a pointandshoot that delivers epic images. Definitely a question of taking some bad with the boatload of good these lens give you.
Fully agree on the old old 18mm - unfortunately the new 18mm is not as classic fuji nice as this f2 Lens. I owned the 18mm/f2 and sold it due to AF speed and noise. I love the Fujicon lineup in general to to size and look'n'feel. I just started using the 27mm (WR Version) being same size but a little bit better in terms of AF noise and WR.
Couldn’t agree more!
How do we start a petition?!
@@Goughie whatever it takes. I’d buy a renewed copy in a heartbeat!
almost got this lens!
lol, the aperture ring sounds like something might already be broken in there. Terrible. :D The size and the lens hood are really good though. But it sounds like a broken scanner when focusing. Reminds me of the 27mm. Your sample pictures, however, look really great!
Cheers mate!
I'm wondering if you have a bad copy (if that's a real thing), or a misused secondhand lens? I have this lens on my X-Pro 2 giving me my poor man's Leica equivalent! Yet, I do not have the issues you have mentioned with regards the aperture ring or focus ring. The AF, while not the fastest in the world, is adequate and not too noisy. I think it is a great little lens though have to agree that it is definitely not a £500 lens. I have this and the 35mm f1.4 as my X-Pro 2 set up... it's more than enough :-)
They seem to be studying a new pancake option now, not an update of this lens tho, but a 23mm pancake version. We'll have to wait and see.
I got this lens Yesterday. Spent about 130€ for a used copy and for that amount of money I am happy. Now I am testing it and see how it fares against the 27mm f/2.8. A new version with weather resistance would be awesome of course :)
That’s a steal! Great find!
I think it would be time on some of the older lenses to improve the motors and thus the autofocus performance. So my dream would be a small pancake series with a new 18, finally a 23 pancake and a 27 with new motor. I think small lenses have their appeal.
Fuji will probably be releasing a new lens roadmap soon so hopefully an update to the 18mm is on it!
Let’s hope so! 💪🏻
This new 18 mm 2.0 lens would be a instant buy #fujifilm #fuji
I have no problem with this lens, the autofocus noise doesn't bother me att all. I have the 35/1.4 as well and it is noisy too. The aperture ring is nice and smooth and i do not feel that is going to break. May be there is a problem with yours or may be it is because i never tried the more modern and expensive lenses from Fujifilm. I love that it is compact and light. Image quality is good enough for my taste. I prefer and use the 35mm/1.4 most of the time though.
I’ve owned this lens previously and strangely when reviewing my favourite images recently I was surprised to find that over 80% of them were taken with this lens… makes me regret going for the 16 2.8 now
This lens has become one of my favorite fuji lenses. It might be slow and clunky, but I love the images I get from it. Maybe I got a good copy, but I find it reminiscent of the 35mm f1.4 in the IQ department.
I don’t understand why people who shoot street photography complain how this lens is loud. I have never heard it outside.
I am wondering if Fujifilm have abandoned enthusiastic amateurs. The 18mm has needed updating for some time yet they have neglected to do so, rather putting their R&D efforts into things like the f1.4 monster, a lens I am sure very few really wanted. It should have been relatively easy to include an 18mm in a similar body style to their 16, 23, 35 and 50mm 'crons. I would certainly get an 18mm version of the lens in that style, whether f2 or 2.8, it would not matter to me. What is even more surprising is that there is no after market 18mm available, though Voigtlander have announced one in MF, which will of course be quite pricey. I am left with using my XF10 as a 28mm equivalent. Again a model (along with the X70) which has been dropped and not replaced.
I'm a new photographer. Can this lens be range focused?
Arguably any lens can?
@@Goughie ty
I'd like them to update it by putting an 18 1.7 in the x100vI (or whatever it will be called) given the rumour is it will have a new lens. With a 40MP sensor that would make a lot of sense.
For the next pancake, honestly I'd rather see a 20mm 2.0 or 2.8
I have the 16mm f1.4, the 23mm f1.4, the 56mm f1.2 and I want to rebuy the 35mm f1.4 - I think!
Viltrox is rumored to be releasing a 20mm F2.8 lens very soon. You may have an alternative, although slightly tighter.
Oooooo now that would be interesting! Let’s hope it’s not the size of a house brick 😂
I'm praying its a pancake and not a Pro model.
The Viltrox 20mm F2.8 is tiny!
According to FujiRumors; AF 20mm F2.8
Minimum shooting distance: 0.19m
Filter diameter: 52mm
AF: STM
Weight: 200g or less and may be lighter than a smartphone
Yeh I think this issue stems more from the 1.4 variants in existence than anything else. To update the 18/2 I guess risks cannabalising the 18/1.4, because we're talking only a stop difference here.
This has always been my issue with the 1.4 lenses, they are the 'goldilocks' (just right) kinda lens, but in developing and making them they really push potentially buyers interested in the fujicrons away. Only the 50/1 and 50/2 do I feel Fuji got it right, you can justify owning BOTH of these lenses because they are significantly different in terms of intent and purposes. A 50/1.4 threatens the existance of both which is why there isn't one.
Had they pushed a little harder to make the 18, 23 and 33 f1.2 or f1 lenses, then the entire Fujicron (f2) range could get the updates required and potentially Fuji stand to profit to selling the same prime length TWICE to each customer because they will differ enough from one another (how many brands can say that!). Sadly however I feel the 1.4 lenses are what most will seek and settle on.
I just bought it recently. Used. Love it with all it quirks! Traded in the old 35mm f/1.4, which BTW is just as loud and janky focusing and I almost never used it. Too tele for me. I have the 27mm f/2.8, this 18mm f/2 and the Samyang 12mm F/2 for my X-T30. For me, light weight and small form factor are more important, plus I love good close up image quality. These lenses provide that. I never do filming.
Close up image quality is what's lacking with most of the newer "Fujicron" f/2 WR lenses wide open. Plus I don't like the tapered look of the "Fujicrons". They all have different, ugly looking lens hoods too.
The new Fuji f/1.4 lenses are too large and heavy for my taste and they don't look as good as these old Fuji lenses do. They are nice lenses for the modern looking XH series and XS series, but look like crap on the vintage looking XT series cameras IMHO.
Nevertheless I agree. A 18mm f/2 R WR in the same form factor, with the same looks, same glass, but with the focusing of the "Fujicrons" f/2 lenses would be great!
I have this lens and it's my least favourite lens to date. I come from shooting originally the 35 f1.4 on my XE1 mostly portraits and had just gotten the then new 56 f1.2 (no apd or wr) and thought (mistakenly) that perhaps it was time to switch off the 35 for a wider and maybe more compact lens. Found and traded the 35 for this and...after a while I really missed the 35mm
Fast forward to today it's still my least favorite lens and I've gotten the 35mm back to get back into photography. I'm also looking to get the 23mm f2 to see if it fits my shooting style/wants. Perhaps I'll sell this lens if it works out seeing the 23 f2 is compact enough.
TLDR least favourite lens and possibly what contributed to me enjoying shooting less
Can I offer a somewhat different perspective on this lens? I’d say this lens is the most vintage-style optic from Fuji. The lens is NOT particularly “good” by today’s standards in both focus or sharpness, but I see it as an Autofocus version of like, a 1970’s/1980’s optic in terms of sharpness and rendition. It’s the reason I sold ALL other Fuji lenses and kept Fuji’s “worst” lens as my only lens. It simply has a je ne sais quoi to its rendering that I really, really love. It just requires you to look past what most people expect out of a “modern” lens. But I will say: if they released a mk2 with a similar rendering but sharper, and with weather sealing, I’d be sold.
I guess from my perspective if I wanted a vintage look I’d stick a vintage lens on it, or a newer lens from like voigtlander with a vintage lens design! Reminds me I really do need to get some voigtlander lenses on the channel! Thank you for watching!!
@@Goughie speaking of, I really wish Voigtlander created an 18mm option for Fuji!!
I had the 18mm/2, bought used. I was never really happy with it. Image quality wasn't bad, but neither was it stellar. Noisy, sometimes vague focus, and just not "in character" when compared with my other Fujifllm primes found me leaving it at home more often than not. I traded it against the new 18mm/1.4. Yes, it's larger, bulkier, heavier, but the performance is extraordinary in every way, and the size/weight tradeoff is worth it to me. I've also got the 16mm/2.8, and love the images from it, though it would be nice to have that extra stop. I totally agree with you. An updated, WR version of the 18mm/2 would be both welcomed and desirable. It wold possibly become the most used lens in my kit. Fujifilm? Are you listening? And, when are we going to see an xpro4?
companies "usually" don't like producing good 28mm or equivalent fov lenses
This and 35 1.4 for pete's sake. 26MP enjoyers doesn't need those clinical sharp heavy lens. Just make the AF faster if possible
They BADLY need to update this lens imo, but I’ve been saying this for at least 3 years lol so I’m not holding my breath. Love the photos I used to get from the lens on the old sensors… but expectations have moved on in other ways.
I’m just surprised Voigtlander haven’t made an 18mm pancake lens, it would be an automatic purchase for me as an alternative.
I think they just released one
@@stefan33uk you’re right, I just found it last week! Desperately trying not to buy it 😂😂😂
@@sammy_sam_leonardo but I thought you wanted it!
@@stefan33uk I do, but my bank account doesn’t agree 🙈😂
@@sammy_sam_leonardo sell all your other gear 👌
ugh i agree with everything except f2.8. :-) no no no.all the compact primes are f2 except the 16... 2.8 is a daylight lens. i want an 18 f2 that is just slightly better optically. less CA. less optical distortion to correct, quieter, good focusing, maybe just a bit more sharlness. nothing else matters.
wr is often unnecessary especially on the bodies most will use this with. and I'm not talking huge leaps like the 1.4. just each of those traits a bit better and I'd buy it immediately. i own all the fast primes as well as the 18-55 and 16 2.8.i want q compact 18 alternative for edc use, but I'm hesitant to get the 18 f2. I've seen many examples of awful CA, and weird ghosting. things i don't like at all otherwise, it is such an ideal size... I'd sell my x100vi for a new 18 f2. no joke.
I tried the 18mm and I couldn't believe how bad it was. Even stopped down the images quality was rough (but perhaps I just had a bad copy in that regard). I have wide angle lenses from the 70s that resolve better. Fuji desperately needs to update it.
I had a similar experience. Yet… I miss it. I miss the softness - the rendering of the photos I took had a sort of magic to them