The 18mm 1.4 seems easier to frame and compose with than the 16mm 1.4 due to the fact that it has less distortion. Using the 16mm 1.4 is something like playing with a “rubics cube”, it’s an optical puzzle in that it makes you think and keeps you engaged a lot more , but when you do get your composition right, you will end up with pictures that you could not be have gotten with any other lens, and that is what makes it special !!!
For sure, I know many who feel the same way towards the 18mm versus the 23mm. The wider you go from 35mm (or 50mm equiv) the closer you have to get to your subject and/or frame your images more creatively. I love the 28mm equiv personally, but I've had years of practice. I'm sure I could probably do the same with the 16mm, but for certain things, like street portraiture, it's slightly too wide for my taste
Hi- I love your videos and have a lot of experience shooting with Fujifilm. I’ve been shooting weddings for 23 years. I shot from 2012 to 2017 with the original XPro1 and the slow, loud and lightweight original 18/35/60 trio. I then got seduced by Sony for 4 years, leaving back to Fujifilm for three X-T4 bodies, the 18 f1.4, 33 f1.4, pre-ordered 56 f1.2 WR and the 90 f2. It was the combined weight of the Sony system and GM lenses that were making me miserable at the end of an 8 hour wedding. I understand your perspective regarding weight compared to the original trio, but even the Sony 24 f1.4 and 35 f1,4, which are considered “light” in the Sony system, are much larger and slightly heavier than the 18 and 33. For me, the mirrorless goal was always being able to carry 3 cameras and 3 primes without getting physically shorter at the end of the day, and I can still get that with Fujifilm and those f1.4 lenses… I love the quiet and fast new from WR series. Fujifilm has major major strides in the 5 years I’ve been away…
10:54 Me walking around doing street with my thicc and beefy 90mmf2 😅 been enjoying this with my XS-10 IBIS great focal length especially for covid right now with social distance and all but still have to pick up this 18mm since i haven’t owned the 16mm yet looking like a fun lens to use, videographer are gonna love this one with minimal focus breathing and the linear motor fuji is definitely going in the right direction here honestly this is probably one of their best video lens beside the 16-55 can’t wait to get my hand on it and test it out, nice and informative review.
I guess it comes down to optical quality. Leica's autofocus 35mm SL lenses are monstrous, close in size to medium format due to the large image circle. Fujifilm's 'pro' lenses that aim for high optical quality do tend to be about the same size as their 35mm equivalent, but not necessarily the same optical and/or build quality. But I know what you're saying :-)
@@bigheadtaco that’s fair for sure, I suppose I just prefer the F/2 primes for Fuji. They seem more “true” to the system to me, but huge props for Fuji continuing to put out fast APSC glass for their cameras. No one else is doing that.
@@thisisbenji90 I thought for a bit that Canon and Sony were serious about APS-C and were going to start pumping out pro lenses and bodies, but they never did. They focused on full-frame, which worked out well for Fujifilm. They pretty much own the APS-C market. This wasn't the case back in the early 2010s when Samsung was also in the market.
Thanks for talking about the framelines in the optical viewfinder on the X-Pro3, I find no other reviewers does this. I'm a fan of the current XF18mm f2 (though I'd love a proper Fujicron version for sure!), and for the kind of documentary 28mm equiv. FOV I shoot I don't really need to see the corners super well. I tested the XF 18mm 1.4 in a camera store a few days ago and I didn't really find the viewfinder blockage much of a problem of the way I shoot. For day-to-day I love the small size of the XF 18mm f2 (and honestly, the focus is plenty fast on newer cameras, the X-Pro3 really breath new life a lot of older lenses autofocus), but I'm thinking I might want to rent the XF 18mm f1.4 for the few times I'm doing event and wedding photo. Anyway, thanks for making the video!
Thanks buddy, plus an article for Fujilove!! Actually, the videos are reasonably easy. It's taking photos that take the most time as you know. I could have just taken photos of a brick wall to test for sharpness, but that'll be too easy. If you only have a week to script, shoot, edit and post your videos, and still have to make time to actually take decent photos, it's pretty tough. I'm glad it's over. Today is my rest day..... tomorrow, back to the hustle life 🤓🤓🤓
Good video and great pictures! 👍. FYI , I found that the eBay price and grey market price of the f/2 version is about 300-350USD, NEW with the square hood included. The street price of the package may be even cheaper in some Asian cities like HK and Bangkok .
Definitely interested in this lens. That opening slideshow was excellent - right down to the music. Was that the “Lovers in a Dangerous Time” chord progression or is it just me? Anyhow, great job! I especially liked the night images.
Hi Lyndon, I appreciate it. The images for a review takes a lot of time, since I'm not just photographing brick walls to check for sharpness. I enjoy the stillness of night photography, with the advantage of no people, just coyotes! As for the music, it's from Epidemic Sound. It's titled "Always Been a Dreamer" and I liked it because it had a 80s Breakfast Club-John Hughes vibe to it.
Nice modern lens, but it's too similar in size and performance to 16/1.4, so it would not make much sense to own both if one already have the 16. On street, I actually prefer 16 (or even wider), or 23. Also the close focusing ability of 16/1.4 is great and very useful for different genres.
I think your sentiment will be repeated many times over by current XF16mm f/1.4 owners. It's a great lens and would not switch over unless you want something a bit narrower, or perhaps want slightly faster autofocus.
I bought the Viltrox 23mm after someone stole my 23mm f2 but don't love it...plan on getting the new 23mm 1.4, I have the 16mm f1.4...my style says the 18mm would be better for street and portraits than the 16mm but I like the extra view when needed. So damn 😕
Do the internal components shift when tilting the camera up and down? I rented the lens to test it out and I love it. I'm wondering if I was sent a bad copy.
I was hoping for an 18mm f2 mkII but it seems that except for the 70-300mm Fuji has gone in a different direction than what I had hoped for. I waited for the upgrade to the 35mm f1.4 which hasn’t happened so I got the Tokina 33mm f1.4 which works for me. So I feel that if I can just find a lens that works for me I’ll just get it. It doesn’t have to be Fuji any more. Would be nice tho. I know if I got the 18mm f1.4 it would just sit on a shelf. An 18mm f2 paired with my 27mm would be a nice combo for street/compact system.
@@bigheadtaco couldn’t agree more, I have a few friends that have told me they’d buy it if I sold it 🤷🏻♂️ so might go to one of them. Lol I also have been saving to get a GRii again eventually. I miss having a gr in the bag. So with the Fuji 18 I can save a few dollars and get the GRii over the iii haha
great shots. nice punchy colors. i have the 18mm f/2 and don't really use it because i prefer the 23mm focal length but also i just don't see much of a need for this lens for myself because when i want to shoot wide I'm usually trying to get the deepest depth of field possible and the high ISO capabilities of the current fujifilm cameras is usually enough to get the shots I want in low light so the wide aperture isn't really necessary this 1.4 does obviously have better image quality though, they need to update the f/2
Thanks, and yes I agree the XF18mm f/2 needs a 'fujicron' update. I can imagine the sales of the XF27mm f/2.8 R WR has gone through the roof with the mrk II update. I'm sure the same would happen with the XF18mm f/2. As for IQ, yes this XF18mm f/1.4 is one of the best lenses Fujifilm makes. It's that good. The size, weight and price is justified for this lens :-)
@@bigheadtaco Yeah I bought the new 27mm and x-e4 kit for my street shooting :) glad they updated the lens to add the aperture ring and weather sealing but after releasing the lens so long ago (I think 8 years?) seems like they should have updated the lens design for better image quality too! I know it's probably difficult to improve the optics of such a small lens but still
For AF + MF on the 16/1.4 (and any Fuji lens with clutch system), you can just leave the clutch engaged (activated) all time if you set up using AF + manual assist. You don’t need to flipping the clutch every time. And Just select M mode using the front selector if you decide to go full manual focus. That way, the whole process will stay pretty quiet.
With the clutch activated, I want to be able to use back focus with the AFL button to autofocus, but it doesn't work. YOu have to disengage the clutch to use the back focus button. And then when you go back into clutch focus mode, the focus scale is in the wrong position until you move the ring again to allow the focus scale to reset itself. It's not that intuitive for quickly switching between AF and MF as the newer design. I know it's not complicated, but if you're shooting video, it's a bit of a hassle. For stills, it's not a big deal.
@@bigheadtaco I hear you. I don't use back focus but I just tried it on my X-pro3. Back focus actually works with the clutch engaged for still. And I can switch between MF and AF freely. .But for video, you are right, it doesn't work.
there's such a thing as too much TONEH where things just look fake and it makes the viewing experience worse because it MAYBE feels too fake and that's something wrong?? Could it be that our eyes know that the wall in the back wouldnt be that blurred out that makes it feel strange - unnatural? idea for video sounds pretty good - but its still very interesting to see more perspective on why people would choose 16 or 18 besides the macro close focus since i feel that's a bit niece purpose like a bonus and the 18 is not as good but its not bad either. Main question to learn is where 16 is too wide or the 18 is not wide enough that then requires the other. im used to the 18 - using both 18f2 and 18-55 so i dont know a wider perspective unless I go full fisheye around 7.5mm i think. for video sounds interesting but would this be a video lens anyways compared to using a 16-55 or other lens are better for video and one of these primes will be photos? I wonder. seeing other thoughts/opinions flying around - what's the idea of needing more pancake like lens and what focal length could it be?
Over 26 minutes of your stream of conscious impressions of the 18/1.4 vs. 16/1.4 was excellent; lots of great information. I don't think I'll buy the 18/1.4 since I have my 16/1.4 and my two 23mm primes and that $1000 might be better spent on the next camera body. But, I most definitely going to rent the 18/1.4 for street photography on my next vacation trip to a large, colorful city.
'Stream of Conscious' is another term for going off script :-) but thanks 😂😂😂 I think most of my colleagues with the XF16mm f/1.4 are going to keep it, but are curious about the XF18mm f/1.4, if it can actually be as sharp as their 16. Renting for a specific trip or project is actually a really smart decision. I don't own the XF16mm f/1.4 so my decision is pretty clear. I'm a 28 shooter so this lens fits my style perfectly, although I'm a huge fan of the 24mm as well....
Hi TAKE. Thank you for this initial impressions review of the pre-prod 18/1.4. I appreciate it greatly. • As fantastic as the XF16/1.4 may seem and what I thought would be the lense that I would use the most in my line-up (+ 35/2.0 and the 50/2.0), I realize that it is my least utilized of the bunch and the reason could be that it's because I'm stuck at home due to quarantine restrictions in our country. But it was kind of odd as well because when I had my Nikon D800 then, attached to it for 98% of the time was the 24/1.4G. With these said, at times I contemplated on selling the 16/1.4 and getting the smaller 2.8 edition as it would put your Fuji gear into compact territory. And there's this thing that annoys me with the 16/1.4 and that would be the barrel distortion on its edges especially for portraits (where I have to edit them via LR or C1 always). • Hence, my question would be if the 18/1.4 renders images with more "acceptable" distortion in contrast with the 16/1.4 such that you won't have to go through editing the pictures (Because in case, I might definitely sell my 16/1.4 for the 18/1.4). Maybe you could include this comparison in your in-depth review episode of the 18/1.4? Thank you again, TAKE.
thanks for your input and thoughts. Check out Jonas Rask's website for a thorough review of the XF18mm f/1.4. Him and I are on the same page about this lens, although he's had the lens for 2 months (he does all the key product pictures for Fujifilm). Look at his photos and you can see how linear his images are. He did a great job on his review.
@@bigheadtaco Thanks. I actually did read up on Rask's initial review even before commenting on your 1st Imprs Review. :) Still, thanks for the reco. I'll try to revisit.
Nice review, I have the 16mm f1.4 but I wouldn't say no to trade it with the 18 f1.4 as it has newer optics and easier sunstars, what I like with the 15cm close up capabilities of the 16mm is more the bokeh effect like bokeh balls than getting details of "macro", as the 18mm is naturally more "zoomed" and focus at 20mm would the results of bokeh (balls) be still an advantage of the 16mm or they are very close?
@@bigheadtaco I finally sold my 16mm and bought the 18mm when I was in Barcelona 2 weeks ago. I am very happy with this lens, it feels like a 16mm mkii, sharpness is crazy high wide open and bokeh balls are bigger at the same distance. I still have to give it a try at the snowy mountains for landscapes
Ha ha, it's an impressive lens. I would definitely put it against the XF16mm f/1.4 and XF35mm f/1.4 for purely optical performance. For lens AF performance, the XF18mm f/1.4 is superior to both. Now how about the secret lens release for this year? I think that will be interesting.....
Excellent video BHT. I have the 16 1.4. Probably would get the 50 f/1.0 before the new 18mm. Fuji really is hitting its stride lately. Now if only they would slash the price of the 200mm f/2 in half.... :-)
If you have the XF16mm f/1.4 and love it, I think the XF18mm f/1.4 is too similar in focal length and performance to want own both. The XF50mm f/1.0 is a crazy lens, just watch out for chromatic aberrations. You'll be spending a lot of time in LR or PS removing it :-)
@@bigheadtaco interesting take on the CA from the 50 mil. Will take your advice on owning the 16 1.4 which will never leave my bag. Also hit the 18 range with my 16-55 zoom. First world problems indeed lol. Go Fuji!!
I have the 18mm F2 with the xpro1. So I do not know if it's worth getting the 16 or new 18mm? However it's nice having the small lens of the f2. Fujifilm seems to be moving away from compact lenes
they're making both compact and pro lenses. They recently announced the XF27mm f/2.8 R WR mrk II and XF70-300mm, both compact for the range they offer. They also released the XF50mm f/1.0 and XF18mm f/1.4, both top end lenses. It's good they're supporting both.
Unless you are a 28mm Shooter, this XF18 has really nothing going on that the XF16 cannot do. Pity, I had high expectations, the XF16 as the poor man's macro will stay longer even though the perspective is sometimes more challenging... free money for the 33 1.0 :)
ha ha, I think most who already own the XF16mm f/1.4 know how magical it is. I am a 28mm equiv shooter, so this lens is a dream come true. If the XF18mm f/2 was a Fujicron, perhaps I wouldn't be as smitten with this new Fujilux :-)
The funny thing is, that my lightroom library says, that I used the 18F2 far more than the 16F1.4... seems I have to take a chance and order it... The XF18F2 as a "true" fujicron (like you said Take) would be the lens of my dreams. But i guess we can't have it all :)
Great video review!! 18mm looks better than the 16mm for its optical quality with its beautiful sun stars it produces and hardly any purple fringing and it would have been great if it was a pseudo macro like the 16mm 1.4 .
Thanks for the review. Question. I also have the 16-80 that you are using for your main lens. What would be the major difference of the new 18mm at F4 in comparison to the 16-80 at 18mm F4?
The 18mm f1.4 will be sharper at any aperture because zoom lenses always have distortion at the low and high end (Which is corrected with software at the cost of sharpness). Of course the main benefit will be the 18mm excelent optical quality even at f1.4 or f2, something the 16-80mm can't provide.
bigheadtaco thanks for the advice! His review is also great (as always) 👏 hope he is explaining his editing style one day... but of course: editing is only a part of his and your art...
Amazing review, thanks. How would you describe the lens character? That‘s where the 16mm 1.4 in my opinion has a real egde compared to other wide angle lenses.
Thanks. I guess it depends on what film simulation you tend to use. I like the Classic Neg, which is very stylized and somewhat heavy as a film sim. On my Fujilove article review, you will get a better idea of the character of the XF18mm f/1.4. It does remind me of the XF16mm f/1.4 in many ways.
Thanks, I read the article. I also wonder how the 18mm 1.4 performs on older sensors, could you test it on a xpro1 or xpro2? I‘m also a 28mm focal length fan, but the 16mm 1.4 is very inspiring to shoot with...
Well, this is true, only if lens brightness was the single factor you're considering. It also has superior image quality, vastly improved autofocus, better build quality, and weather-sealing.
@@bigheadtaco yeh, it's a much better lens in all other ways by the looks, so congrats to Fuji on that. I guess we'll never know how much an xf18 f/2 II with WR, better focus and improved IQ would have weighed for a true comparison.
As a focal length, 18mm wins. Simply most of the mobile phone cameras focal length are 27mm or 28mm. So, people are unknowingly familiar with the 18mm (27mm) focal length.
Actually I am really excited about it. It's my natural field of view for shooting street. I do wish it was a bit smaller and lighter, but optically this lens is right up there with the XF16mm f/1.4 and XF35mm f/1.4.
As we saw with the XF27mm and XF10-24mm, Fujifilm is going back to older lenses and making mrk II versions of them. Lenses like the XF18mm f/2 and XF35mm f/1.4 are the very first lenses released and would make sense to update. Also the XF56mm f/1.2 upgraded to WR would be nice.
Agreed. I understand Fujifilm didn't want to make the lens larger by fitting in an OIS system in an already large lens, but they also promote the lens on the X-Pro3 that doesn't have IBIS! I'm personally ok this lens doesn't have OIS since I have the X-T4, but I understand your frustration.
definitely long, boring perhaps, or maybe you have a short attention span? As for the cost of this lens, Nikon's 28mm f/1.4 is almost twice the price, twice the weight and much larger. There isn't much to compare this lens against, so pricing is relative. Show me another camera manufacturer making a 28mm equiv f/1.4 autofocus lens for cheaper.
![[#2024MAMA] BIGBANG (빅뱅) - 뱅뱅뱅 (BANG BANG BANG) + FANTASTIC BABY | Mnet 241123 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EQsYfiPR9uM/mqdefault.jpg)
The 18mm 1.4 seems easier to frame and compose with than the 16mm 1.4 due to the fact that it has less distortion.
Using the 16mm 1.4 is something like playing with a “rubics cube”, it’s an optical puzzle in that it makes you think and keeps you engaged a lot more , but when you do get your composition right, you will end up with pictures that you could not be have gotten with any other lens, and that is what makes it special !!!
For sure, I know many who feel the same way towards the 18mm versus the 23mm. The wider you go from 35mm (or 50mm equiv) the closer you have to get to your subject and/or frame your images more creatively. I love the 28mm equiv personally, but I've had years of practice. I'm sure I could probably do the same with the 16mm, but for certain things, like street portraiture, it's slightly too wide for my taste
Toneh 😂😂 I’m waiting for his reaction to this lens
I'm also waiting....
really waiting for the new 33 1.4 R WR
Let's see what it ends up being, but that lens does make sense... although if it's a 14mm f/1.4, I'd be even more excited :-)
@@bigheadtaco I agree Fuji needs a wide angle/fast prime. I would love a 10 mm F2.
Hi- I love your videos and have a lot of experience shooting with Fujifilm. I’ve been shooting weddings for 23 years. I shot from 2012 to 2017 with the original XPro1 and the slow, loud and lightweight original 18/35/60 trio. I then got seduced by Sony for 4 years, leaving back to Fujifilm for three X-T4 bodies, the 18 f1.4, 33 f1.4, pre-ordered 56 f1.2 WR and the 90 f2. It was the combined weight of the Sony system and GM lenses that were making me miserable at the end of an 8 hour wedding. I understand your perspective regarding weight compared to the original trio, but even the Sony 24 f1.4 and 35 f1,4, which are considered “light” in the Sony system, are much larger and slightly heavier than the 18 and 33. For me, the mirrorless goal was always being able to carry 3 cameras and 3 primes without getting physically shorter at the end of the day, and I can still get that with Fujifilm and those f1.4 lenses… I love the quiet and fast new from WR series. Fujifilm has major major strides in the 5 years I’ve been away…
10:54 Me walking around doing street with my thicc and beefy 90mmf2 😅 been enjoying this with my XS-10 IBIS great focal length especially for covid right now with social distance and all but still have to pick up this 18mm since i haven’t owned the 16mm yet looking like a fun lens to use, videographer are gonna love this one with minimal focus breathing and the linear motor fuji is definitely going in the right direction here honestly this is probably one of their best video lens beside the 16-55 can’t wait to get my hand on it and test it out, nice and informative review.
It’s always surprising to me how close these 1.4s are in size, price, and weight to their full-frame equivalents these days.
I guess it comes down to optical quality. Leica's autofocus 35mm SL lenses are monstrous, close in size to medium format due to the large image circle. Fujifilm's 'pro' lenses that aim for high optical quality do tend to be about the same size as their 35mm equivalent, but not necessarily the same optical and/or build quality. But I know what you're saying :-)
@@bigheadtaco that’s fair for sure, I suppose I just prefer the F/2 primes for Fuji. They seem more “true” to the system to me, but huge props for Fuji continuing to put out fast APSC glass for their cameras. No one else is doing that.
@@thisisbenji90 I thought for a bit that Canon and Sony were serious about APS-C and were going to start pumping out pro lenses and bodies, but they never did. They focused on full-frame, which worked out well for Fujifilm. They pretty much own the APS-C market. This wasn't the case back in the early 2010s when Samsung was also in the market.
Thanks for talking about the framelines in the optical viewfinder on the X-Pro3, I find no other reviewers does this.
I'm a fan of the current XF18mm f2 (though I'd love a proper Fujicron version for sure!), and for the kind of documentary 28mm equiv. FOV I shoot I don't really need to see the corners super well. I tested the XF 18mm 1.4 in a camera store a few days ago and I didn't really find the viewfinder blockage much of a problem of the way I shoot. For day-to-day I love the small size of the XF 18mm f2 (and honestly, the focus is plenty fast on newer cameras, the X-Pro3 really breath new life a lot of older lenses autofocus), but I'm thinking I might want to rent the XF 18mm f1.4 for the few times I'm doing event and wedding photo.
Anyway, thanks for making the video!
When do you think the xf33mm f1.4 will come out? I heard that the lens will come this year. Do you have any information about that?
Love the 3 video hustle, Take!
Thanks buddy, plus an article for Fujilove!! Actually, the videos are reasonably easy. It's taking photos that take the most time as you know. I could have just taken photos of a brick wall to test for sharpness, but that'll be too easy. If you only have a week to script, shoot, edit and post your videos, and still have to make time to actually take decent photos, it's pretty tough. I'm glad it's over. Today is my rest day..... tomorrow, back to the hustle life 🤓🤓🤓
Good video and great pictures! 👍. FYI , I found that the eBay price and grey market price of the f/2 version is about 300-350USD, NEW with the square hood included. The street price of the package may be even cheaper in some Asian cities like HK and Bangkok .
True, I'm sure you can find good deals on the XF18mm f/2. I'm sure it's not selling well, much like the XF27mm before the mrk II update.
Definitely interested in this lens. That opening slideshow was excellent - right down to the music. Was that the “Lovers in a Dangerous Time” chord progression or is it just me? Anyhow, great job! I especially liked the night images.
Hi Lyndon, I appreciate it. The images for a review takes a lot of time, since I'm not just photographing brick walls to check for sharpness. I enjoy the stillness of night photography, with the advantage of no people, just coyotes! As for the music, it's from Epidemic Sound. It's titled "Always Been a Dreamer" and I liked it because it had a 80s Breakfast Club-John Hughes vibe to it.
Fabulous review. Thanks so much. You have a fantastic feel for the whole photographic experience.
thanks for watching!!
Nice modern lens, but it's too similar in size and performance to 16/1.4, so it would not make much sense to own both if one already have the 16. On street, I actually prefer 16 (or even wider), or 23. Also the close focusing ability of 16/1.4 is great and very useful for different genres.
I think your sentiment will be repeated many times over by current XF16mm f/1.4 owners. It's a great lens and would not switch over unless you want something a bit narrower, or perhaps want slightly faster autofocus.
I bought the Viltrox 23mm after someone stole my 23mm f2 but don't love it...plan on getting the new 23mm 1.4, I have the 16mm f1.4...my style says the 18mm would be better for street and portraits than the 16mm but I like the extra view when needed.
So damn 😕
Do the internal components shift when tilting the camera up and down? I rented the lens to test it out and I love it. I'm wondering if I was sent a bad copy.
I was hoping for an 18mm f2 mkII but it seems that except for the 70-300mm Fuji has gone in a different direction than what I had hoped for. I waited for the upgrade to the 35mm f1.4 which hasn’t happened so I got the Tokina 33mm f1.4 which works for me. So I feel that if I can just find a lens that works for me I’ll just get it. It doesn’t have to be Fuji any more. Would be nice tho. I know if I got the 18mm f1.4 it would just sit on a shelf. An 18mm f2 paired with my 27mm would be a nice combo for street/compact system.
I'm still hopeful for a XF18mm f/2 R WR, same optical formula, just an updated body with a stepping motor and WR.
@@bigheadtaco I would hit the buy button.
Ha ha, it would make my decision more difficult. Do I go compact and light, versus high performance and bright?
Uh oh !!! Looking like my 90mm collecting dust might get the boot for this beaut of a lens. I’ve been waiting for this !
If a lens is collecting dust, it's time to pass it on to someone who will enjoy it, for sure! As a walk around lens, the new XF18mm f/1.4 is great!!
@@bigheadtaco couldn’t agree more, I have a few friends that have told me they’d buy it if I sold it 🤷🏻♂️ so might go to one of them. Lol I also have been saving to get a GRii again eventually. I miss having a gr in the bag. So with the Fuji 18 I can save a few dollars and get the GRii over the iii haha
great shots. nice punchy colors. i have the 18mm f/2 and don't really use it because i prefer the 23mm focal length but also i just don't see much of a need for this lens for myself because when i want to shoot wide I'm usually trying to get the deepest depth of field possible and the high ISO capabilities of the current fujifilm cameras is usually enough to get the shots I want in low light so the wide aperture isn't really necessary
this 1.4 does obviously have better image quality though, they need to update the f/2
Thanks, and yes I agree the XF18mm f/2 needs a 'fujicron' update. I can imagine the sales of the XF27mm f/2.8 R WR has gone through the roof with the mrk II update. I'm sure the same would happen with the XF18mm f/2. As for IQ, yes this XF18mm f/1.4 is one of the best lenses Fujifilm makes. It's that good. The size, weight and price is justified for this lens :-)
@@bigheadtaco Yeah I bought the new 27mm and x-e4 kit for my street shooting :) glad they updated the lens to add the aperture ring and weather sealing but after releasing the lens so long ago (I think 8 years?) seems like they should have updated the lens design for better image quality too! I know it's probably difficult to improve the optics of such a small lens but still
For AF + MF on the 16/1.4 (and any Fuji lens with clutch system), you can just leave the clutch engaged (activated) all time if you set up using AF + manual assist. You don’t need to flipping the clutch every time. And Just select M mode using the front selector if you decide to go full manual focus. That way, the whole process will stay pretty quiet.
With the clutch activated, I want to be able to use back focus with the AFL button to autofocus, but it doesn't work. YOu have to disengage the clutch to use the back focus button. And then when you go back into clutch focus mode, the focus scale is in the wrong position until you move the ring again to allow the focus scale to reset itself. It's not that intuitive for quickly switching between AF and MF as the newer design. I know it's not complicated, but if you're shooting video, it's a bit of a hassle. For stills, it's not a big deal.
@@bigheadtaco I hear you. I don't use back focus but I just tried it on my X-pro3. Back focus actually works with the clutch engaged for still. And I can switch between MF and AF freely. .But for video, you are right, it doesn't work.
Hey do you still have the X-Pro3? I'm n Vancouver and interested to switching to Fujifilm, but nobody has an X-Pro3.
there's such a thing as too much TONEH where things just look fake and it makes the viewing experience worse because it MAYBE feels too fake and that's something wrong?? Could it be that our eyes know that the wall in the back wouldnt be that blurred out that makes it feel strange - unnatural?
idea for video sounds pretty good - but its still very interesting to see more perspective on why people would choose 16 or 18 besides the macro close focus since i feel that's a bit niece purpose like a bonus and the 18 is not as good but its not bad either.
Main question to learn is where 16 is too wide or the 18 is not wide enough that then requires the other.
im used to the 18 - using both 18f2 and 18-55 so i dont know a wider perspective unless I go full fisheye around 7.5mm i think.
for video sounds interesting but would this be a video lens anyways compared to using a 16-55 or other lens are better for video and one of these primes will be photos? I wonder.
seeing other thoughts/opinions flying around - what's the idea of needing more pancake like lens and what focal length could it be?
Over 26 minutes of your stream of conscious impressions of the 18/1.4 vs. 16/1.4 was excellent; lots of great information. I don't think I'll buy the 18/1.4 since I have my 16/1.4 and my two 23mm primes and that $1000 might be better spent on the next camera body. But, I most definitely going to rent the 18/1.4 for street photography on my next vacation trip to a large, colorful city.
'Stream of Conscious' is another term for going off script :-) but thanks 😂😂😂 I think most of my colleagues with the XF16mm f/1.4 are going to keep it, but are curious about the XF18mm f/1.4, if it can actually be as sharp as their 16. Renting for a specific trip or project is actually a really smart decision. I don't own the XF16mm f/1.4 so my decision is pretty clear. I'm a 28 shooter so this lens fits my style perfectly, although I'm a huge fan of the 24mm as well....
Stunning shots!!!
thanks :-)
Hi TAKE. Thank you for this initial impressions review of the pre-prod 18/1.4. I appreciate it greatly.
• As fantastic as the XF16/1.4 may seem and what I thought would be the lense that I would use the most in my line-up (+ 35/2.0 and the 50/2.0), I realize that it is my least utilized of the bunch and the reason could be that it's because I'm stuck at home due to quarantine restrictions in our country. But it was kind of odd as well because when I had my Nikon D800 then, attached to it for 98% of the time was the 24/1.4G. With these said, at times I contemplated on selling the 16/1.4 and getting the smaller 2.8 edition as it would put your Fuji gear into compact territory. And there's this thing that annoys me with the 16/1.4 and that would be the barrel distortion on its edges especially for portraits (where I have to edit them via LR or C1 always).
• Hence, my question would be if the 18/1.4 renders images with more "acceptable" distortion in contrast with the 16/1.4 such that you won't have to go through editing the pictures (Because in case, I might definitely sell my 16/1.4 for the 18/1.4). Maybe you could include this comparison in your in-depth review episode of the 18/1.4?
Thank you again, TAKE.
thanks for your input and thoughts. Check out Jonas Rask's website for a thorough review of the XF18mm f/1.4. Him and I are on the same page about this lens, although he's had the lens for 2 months (he does all the key product pictures for Fujifilm). Look at his photos and you can see how linear his images are. He did a great job on his review.
@@bigheadtaco Thanks. I actually did read up on Rask's initial review even before commenting on your 1st Imprs Review. :) Still, thanks for the reco. I'll try to revisit.
Great review as always. Can you take the lens cap on and off with the square hood on?
The square hood comes with its own specific square plastic lens cap. If you go to B&H you can see how it looks like 👍🏼
Nice review, I have the 16mm f1.4 but I wouldn't say no to trade it with the 18 f1.4 as it has newer optics and easier sunstars, what I like with the 15cm close up capabilities of the 16mm is more the bokeh effect like bokeh balls than getting details of "macro", as the 18mm is naturally more "zoomed" and focus at 20mm would the results of bokeh (balls) be still an advantage of the 16mm or they are very close?
Thanks for sharing
@@bigheadtaco I finally sold my 16mm and bought the 18mm when I was in Barcelona 2 weeks ago. I am very happy with this lens, it feels like a 16mm mkii, sharpness is crazy high wide open and bokeh balls are bigger at the same distance. I still have to give it a try at the snowy mountains for landscapes
Love the photos at the beginning Take! I can feel your excitement for the Eighteen (and Life)!
Thanks buddy. The XF18mm f/1.4 is a great lens! Can't wait to use it in Hong Kong, or Taiwan, or Osaka....
GReat initial impression my friend. I’m waiting for my review unit from Fujifilm Canada, but will I be patient enough to not buy it before then? 😂
Ha ha, it's an impressive lens. I would definitely put it against the XF16mm f/1.4 and XF35mm f/1.4 for purely optical performance. For lens AF performance, the XF18mm f/1.4 is superior to both. Now how about the secret lens release for this year? I think that will be interesting.....
@@bigheadtaco We have 33 reasons to believe the next release will indeed be interesting ;-)
I wonder how the FUJIFILM 18mm f / 1.4 compares vs SIGMA 18-35mm f / 1.8 (selecting the 18mm)
I sold my 23 1.4 for it. I can’t wait
Excellent video BHT. I have the 16 1.4. Probably would get the 50 f/1.0 before the new 18mm. Fuji really is hitting its stride lately. Now if only they would slash the price of the 200mm f/2 in half.... :-)
If you have the XF16mm f/1.4 and love it, I think the XF18mm f/1.4 is too similar in focal length and performance to want own both. The XF50mm f/1.0 is a crazy lens, just watch out for chromatic aberrations. You'll be spending a lot of time in LR or PS removing it :-)
@@bigheadtaco interesting take on the CA from the 50 mil. Will take your advice on owning the 16 1.4 which will never leave my bag. Also hit the 18 range with my 16-55 zoom. First world problems indeed lol. Go Fuji!!
great review as usual.
Thanks :-)
I have the 18mm F2 with the xpro1. So I do not know if it's worth getting the 16 or new 18mm?
However it's nice having the small lens of the f2. Fujifilm seems to be moving away from compact lenes
they're making both compact and pro lenses. They recently announced the XF27mm f/2.8 R WR mrk II and XF70-300mm, both compact for the range they offer. They also released the XF50mm f/1.0 and XF18mm f/1.4, both top end lenses. It's good they're supporting both.
Unless you are a 28mm Shooter, this XF18 has really nothing going on that the XF16 cannot do. Pity, I had high expectations, the XF16 as the poor man's macro will stay longer even though the perspective is sometimes more challenging... free money for the 33 1.0 :)
ha ha, I think most who already own the XF16mm f/1.4 know how magical it is. I am a 28mm equiv shooter, so this lens is a dream come true. If the XF18mm f/2 was a Fujicron, perhaps I wouldn't be as smitten with this new Fujilux :-)
The funny thing is, that my lightroom library says, that I used the 18F2 far more than the 16F1.4... seems I have to take a chance and order it... The XF18F2 as a "true" fujicron (like you said Take) would be the lens of my dreams. But i guess we can't have it all :)
Another nice review.
thanks for watching.
@@bigheadtaco akways welcome. Like your insights..
Great video review!! 18mm looks better than the 16mm for its optical quality with its beautiful sun stars it produces and hardly any purple fringing and it would have been great if it was a pseudo macro like the 16mm 1.4 .
Thanks. If the XF18mm had the same macro abilities of the XF16mm, it would be a no-brainer for sure. But still, I really like this lens :-)
Thanks for the review. Question. I also have the 16-80 that you are using for your main lens. What would be the major difference of the new 18mm at F4 in comparison to the 16-80 at 18mm F4?
The 18mm f1.4 will be sharper at any aperture because zoom lenses always have distortion at the low and high end (Which is corrected with software at the cost of sharpness). Of course the main benefit will be the 18mm excelent optical quality even at f1.4 or f2, something the 16-80mm can't provide.
I have seen it again. I like the place of the last sigh.🙏
Great work, Take!!!
Thanks!!
I have to thank for the help/good work... had the 16 1.4 for 2 times but it just wasn‘t for me. The 18 should be 80-90% of the time on my X-pro 🥰😋
@@romankampa6212 Check out Jonas Rask's review on his website on the XF18mm. He did a great job
bigheadtaco thanks for the advice! His review is also great (as always) 👏 hope he is explaining his editing style one day... but of course: editing is only a part of his and your art...
Amazing review, thanks. How would you describe the lens character? That‘s where the 16mm 1.4 in my opinion has a real egde compared to other wide angle lenses.
Thanks. I guess it depends on what film simulation you tend to use. I like the Classic Neg, which is very stylized and somewhat heavy as a film sim. On my Fujilove article review, you will get a better idea of the character of the XF18mm f/1.4. It does remind me of the XF16mm f/1.4 in many ways.
Thanks, I read the article. I also wonder how the 18mm 1.4 performs on older sensors, could you test it on a xpro1 or xpro2? I‘m also a 28mm focal length fan, but the 16mm 1.4 is very inspiring to shoot with...
fantastic video, thank you!
Glad it helped!
Great intro!
1 stop brighter for 3x the weight? That's some diminishing returns right there. Not sure I've ever been less interested in something Fuji's released
Well, this is true, only if lens brightness was the single factor you're considering. It also has superior image quality, vastly improved autofocus, better build quality, and weather-sealing.
@@bigheadtaco yeh, it's a much better lens in all other ways by the looks, so congrats to Fuji on that. I guess we'll never know how much an xf18 f/2 II with WR, better focus and improved IQ would have weighed for a true comparison.
@@MrJed_s I would love to see a mrk II for the XF18mm f/2 for sure.....
Fuji needs some f/3 to f/4 metal+manual El-Fujits ;)
I would love that, but I heard from top officials that Fujifilm is not interested in manual focus lenses. That's unfortunate.
I just got one of these and there is a loud clunking noise when the camera is off. Is this normal or do I have a broken copy?
do we know the reproduction rate with fuji extension tubes?
As a focal length, 18mm wins. Simply most of the mobile phone cameras focal length are 27mm or 28mm. So, people are unknowingly familiar with the 18mm (27mm) focal length.
Exactly, there’s a reason why phone manufacturers picked that particular field of view ;-)
thanks take.. the way i see it your are not too excited about it. Really the size is the downer for me.
Actually I am really excited about it. It's my natural field of view for shooting street. I do wish it was a bit smaller and lighter, but optically this lens is right up there with the XF16mm f/1.4 and XF35mm f/1.4.
18 f2 can be had for $200-250 on the used market
good tip, thanks
If I didn’t have the Ricoh griii and the 16mm f1.4 I’d consider this.
Second thoughts the close focus distance advantages of the 16mm is a deal breaker imo and the GRiii also having closer focusing distance.
If you already have the GR and the XF16mm f/1.4, this lens is probably a pass :-)
Is fuji making a 18 f/2 WR or is that just a rumor?
I don't even think it's a rumour. Would love an x80 (x70 AF is on anything moving is awful) first.
The only "rumors" for now are 33 f/1.4 and 150-600mm
33 F/1.4 is not a rumor, it was already confirmed by Fuji themselves. 18 F/2 is only on wishlist by some people, but is not even a rumor.
@@jzayas5698 source?
As we saw with the XF27mm and XF10-24mm, Fujifilm is going back to older lenses and making mrk II versions of them. Lenses like the XF18mm f/2 and XF35mm f/1.4 are the very first lenses released and would make sense to update. Also the XF56mm f/1.2 upgraded to WR would be nice.
Nearly every lens under 20mm should be Manual Focus only.
c'mon i want 14mm 1.4 ... what wait fuji!!??!?!?!?!
I'd love to see a 14mm f/1.4, just worried about the size and weight. I'd seriously be happy with a XF14mm f/2 R LM WR.
Another $1,000 Fuji lens without IS. Great for photography, but weak for video not shot on a stand.
Agreed. I understand Fujifilm didn't want to make the lens larger by fitting in an OIS system in an already large lens, but they also promote the lens on the X-Pro3 that doesn't have IBIS! I'm personally ok this lens doesn't have OIS since I have the X-T4, but I understand your frustration.
TONEH!!!
Toneh, Toneh, Toneh
You talk too much....everything you say we already know it! Otherwise we wouldn't stop here.
Your reviews are normally way too long and boring.
No ois auto focus is just average can Fujifilm justify the cost of this lens.
definitely long, boring perhaps, or maybe you have a short attention span? As for the cost of this lens, Nikon's 28mm f/1.4 is almost twice the price, twice the weight and much larger. There isn't much to compare this lens against, so pricing is relative. Show me another camera manufacturer making a 28mm equiv f/1.4 autofocus lens for cheaper.
And that’s the reason for long video?