FUJINON XF18mmF2 R REVIEW - Image quality doesn't matter

There are many things to critique about this lens from the way it handles to the image quality if we look at it technically, despite that - there's something special about this little pancake wide angle lens from Fuji. What is it? Let's find out in this review video.
The sample images shown in this video was taken from my trip to Hong Kong between 2014-2018 and taken with the X-Pro1.
FUJINON XF18mmF2 R
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Camera Gear
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Canon C100 Mark II - amzn.to/3g3BOKn
Canon 50mm F/1.8 STM - amzn.to/3vpSWQF
Fuji X-T2 - amzn.to/3q2DO8M
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0:00 Intro
0:30 Specs and features
1:09 Great for street photography
1:35 Metal body
1:40 Focus system and demo
2:22 Annoying things
2:48 Sharpness and Vignetting
3:05 Purple fringing
3:15 Bokeh!
3:46 Price
4:10 Final thoughts
5:40 Outro
#Fujifilm #Fujinon #XF18mmF2

[@Bjuiful]

Nice review. I like the clean look of your top shots and the small gimmicks.

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Thanks for the feedback. Glad you like it. Helps me know what to do going forward ☺️

[@jehandelange6266]

Loved this video Joe, so nice and relaxing :)

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Thank you so much for your wonderful comment. 🙇🏻‍♂️ Hope you have a great day!

[@stevieb7121]

Good review. This is definitely the noisiest lens I've ever owned, but I still love it! It used to be almost permanently fixed to my X-Pro1 but I've been trying to slow things down a bit and am currently using fully manual lenses e.g. Zonlai 22mm and Meike 35mm.

[@JoeLamOfficial]

The AF noise you mean? I agree, with the Fuji cameras, paired with manual lenses. It's a lot more fun to shoot.

[@robertoalfalla256]

Just picked this up as well as a used XPro-2 ...I love it..it gets me out there! I agree with you. Nice review!

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Ah the X-Pro2. What a lovely camera. The X-Pro1 started my whole Fuji love. Thanks again for checking out my video Roberto. 🙂

[@Room2unes]

Hi, thanks a lot for your great and helpful review. Just a few experience notes from my side, as they could be interesting for you. I own the 14mm F2.8, the 23 F1.4 and the 35 F1.4 and use them mostly in that order. All three deliver excellent image quality. The 14mm is just fantastic and so much fun to shoot with. It's light, has that magic image thing and I love the angle, something very special to me. It's not always suitable for every use, but whenever I use it it's good fun. I guess it's one of the most underrated Fuji prime lenses. The 23mm is an incredible lens, let's say almost perfect, but unfortunately too heavy for me to carry around all day, which is definitely a shame. I have thought about it a lot, but have now decided to sell it. I rarely use the 35mm, but it's a great and lightweight character lens. Even though I don't use it that often, I'm very happy to have it. I also used to have the 27 pancake, which I sold again. I loved the compact design, but unfortunately not the focal length/angle. I also borrowed the 23mm F2 once, but it lacked that certain something for me that the 14mm, 23mm F 1.4 and 35mm have. Having now seen your review and a few others, I have decided to buy the 18mm F2 to fill the gap between the 14mm and the 35mm. Looking forward to it.

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Hey interesting to hear a fellow Fuji user on your thoughts. Sounds like your choices and thoughts are very similar to mine! I keep struggling between those choices too. I still don't have a 23mm in my kit but I think it will fit me nicely (one day). The 18mm is kind of a odd one for me even though I use it quite a bit. I wonder if a 16 or maybe the 14mm you mentioned serves me better. I find the 35mm too tight often (for my style/street photos). And 18mm not enough to cover in tight streets.

[@Room2unes]

@@JoeLamOfficial Hi, I totally agree with the 35mm. I use it rarely for street. Fuji released the 33mm lens some time ago, which is closer to the classic 50mm from the analogue world. However this lens is currently not interesting for me. If 18mm limits you sometimes in narrow streets, then you will reach limits even faster with 23mm unless you use it for other things. Among prime lenses, only 16 mm and 14 mm then remain. The 16mm F1.4 is undoubtedly a great lens, but unfortunately quite heavy and expensive. My 23mm 1.4 weighs 300 grams and that is already too heavy for me. The 16mm F1.4 weighs 375 grams, so it's even heavier. Alternatively, you can try the 16mm F2.8. I can't share any experiences with this lens yet. But from what you describe, 16mm still might be too close to 18mm. With 14mm you should be definitely on the safe side. I never reached limits with this lens in narrow streets. In combination with the 18mm maybe a cool choice;-)

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Indeed - thanks again for your message. I think the 16 or 14mm might be more suited for me. The 18mm definitely doesn't quite fit narrow streets and often taller buildings. I find the 35mm as mentioned is way too tight for streets here. My range appears to be around 14 to 23mm 😅 Unless I go even longer specifically for landscape or architect type shoots. Otherwise. I think ultra and standard is more suitable for street. But then, I guess everyone is different. 😅

[@jherylelim]

Very curious to know if you’ve updated this lens to its latest firmware, if not would u try to update it and see if there’s any notable changes?

[@JoeLamOfficial]

I've noticed that even with these updates, there doesn't seem to be a significant improvement on my X-T2. Perhaps the camera body is what's holding it back? I know that older lenses can benefit from a new camera's sensor and AF system, but since my camera is older, it may not make a huge difference. Just curious, what camera body are you using?

[@TrilobitesRTasty]

Enjoyable review! Sub'ed.

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Thank you very much. Really appreciate your sub. Welcome!

[@marinbikevideos]

I just got my hands on the 18mm f2 and so far so good! it is compact, a good feel of view and good center sharpness.

[@JoeLamOfficial]

It really is! The edges are bit soft and suffers from CA. But it gives it some character to be honest, rather than being absolutely perfect. 😉

[@XiMenQing1]

Own it. Something about the images, especially wide angle portraits that set it apart and let me forget about the poor border performance. Like you I also love the shooting experience with it.

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Hey thanks for sharing. Good to hear you like it too. I remember seeing a poll somewhere. This lens splits opinions. Some love it for what it is. Others who look at it critically will see all the technical flaws.

[@jacopovalentino]

I used to use this lens more. Then I bought a Rokinon 12mm and kind of swallowed it. It is mote bulky and awkward, but more fun. Very realistic and straighforward review.

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Thanks for checking out my video. I've been shooting with the 18mm a lot. It's not as versatile but somehow prefer the less than perfect image quality and the limitation of a prime. Strange sometimes. Technically not as good and more limiting, but more fun like you say.

[@HypertronicTeddy]

any tips on how to avoid the noise for the 18mm f2 for video? my only trick now is shooting in manual focus and set it to infinity

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Hi that is one way, but if possible - can you use an external mic? Is the sound being picked up by the on board mic?

[@HypertronicTeddy]

@@JoeLamOfficial thank you for the reply! im afraid i dont have an external mic to test it out sadly

[@JoeLamOfficial]

I see. It's impossible to get rid of the sound if you're using the built-in mic. However, I might suggest a few things if possible: - use manual focus (if subject is still) - pre-focus what you want to film before hitting record - edit out / mute portions of audio in post edit I don't know what you are filming, whether these ideas are possible?

[@HypertronicTeddy]

@@JoeLamOfficial awesome suggestions! thank you for taking the time out to write all these. im currently rocking my xt30 with the 18mmf2 lens. loving it so far tho im missing my x100s. have a nice week sir!

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Nice setup! I thought about getting a X100 before too. Something about them makes shooting a joy.

[@tastemysaucer]

Love your humor 😊

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Thank you very much. Are you a Fuji user yourself? 😉

[@tastemysaucer]

@@JoeLamOfficial Yes! Trusty X-T2!

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Ah! Same as me!! I'm still on my X-T2!

[@DANVIIL]

Well done!

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Thanks for the support. 😇

[@Tudor_Mateescu]

Nice review, yes the price new it's a big problem of this lens...

[@JoeLamOfficial]

The performance does match the price tag to be honest. It's just a little too heavy for my liking and philosophy of a small lightweight mirrorless camera. 😅

[@moodyrcf]

i have 18mm f2 on my camera 90% of the time. 50mm f2 for portrait or when it rains. and 50-230mm used only when needed. thats all i need.

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Nice setup!

[@anteusvehlen2099]

Photography is all about fun, the rest is bullshit. It's a small little lens and paired with the 27mm you have the smallest and lightest setup for doing documentary, social and street photography no other lenses needed in this area. Love shooting with it, its glued on my camera almost all the time. Easy to shoot and great for zone focusing, just set your dials right and you can point and shoot without missing the "decisive moment".

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Absolutely agree. This and the xf 23mm f1.4 (really wish to get this lens one day) or the FD 28mm are my two favourite lens with the Fuji personally. What other XF lenses have you got by the way?

[@anteusvehlen2099]

@@JoeLamOfficial Other lenses are the 14mm when I want to go a little wider and the 50mm f2 for the occasional portraits. The 18/27 combo I use the most could ditch the other 2 if I have to. Still the 14mm is also special to me, 21mm in FF it was one of the most used lenses in the /my past, handled wel no exceptional distortion of the persons inside your frame if you are aware of your shooting angles. And great just to make use of this extraordinary depth of field when context and direct action is needed to capture the decisive moment. I think this lens is underrated because of all the focus on the 16/23/35 trio, nice lenses but who wants to be a copycat. Always liked to step out of the box and walk my own path you make the pictures you like if others appreciate your work great if not no problem either. The 50mm was before the Covid 19 thing the least used lens, but now because distance is called I'm using it more and more for street photography for it's harder to get close to people. On a walk I mostly choose one lens and the rest stays at home for this helps me to focus on the subject I want to shoot and makes me forget the gear. Of course everyone is different and that's fine with me, fun in shooting is what I aim for nothing else.

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Wow 14mm that is pretty wide. 😎 Is that the 56mm you mentioned?

[@anteusvehlen2099]

@@JoeLamOfficial No the XF 50mm f2 WR because it's weather resistent not to expensive and good for bokeh although I find the need for that not so important, most of the times the context does matter and if you isolate your subject the story telling becomes meaningless imho.

[@JoeLamOfficial]

I see. Thanks for sharing your experience. 😎