Is It Time To Update The Legendary Fuji XF18mm f2 | Review

[@KevinDeal]

Do you think the Fuji XF18mm f/2 is long in the tooth? Is it time for a new version? Is it your favorite lens? Do you prefer another? Tell me below.

[@artsilva]

No, it is still one of my favorite XF lenses. I got mine in 2012 and still use it today. However I can see an upgrade for the newer 40MP sensors but unnecessary for the 16, 24, 26MP Fujis. My only gripe with the OG is the no WR, wish it had it, otherwise it is fantastic. Photography wise the noise is irrelevant and all the IQ rhetoric of the past is only for extreme pixel peepers and a bit nitpicking in the real world especially if you know what you're doing. For general imaging it is perfectly fine and travels well.

[@KevinDeal]

@@artsilva good points.

[@stayuntilforever]

When it came out it was considered better than the Leica 28mm. It's one of my favorite lenses of all time. I got an image shot with the 18mmf2 nominated for photograph of the year in Sweden this year. I've sold prints and won awards with this lens. Where it shines is in prints.

[@williamlee3444]

Thank you for your presentation. I have a XT-5, started with the 1st lens at purchase was this 18mm/f2 for my family's UK travel. When back gotten the old 56mm/f1.2 and soon added also the old 35mm/1.4 with these 3 lenses covering quite a good range. Today, I usually mount the 35mm/f1.4 as standard, in my pocket the 18mm/f2, especially on tour. On the contrary, I do suggest these 3 as combination of a standard set, due to size and weight. Recently, gotten a Sigma 10-18mm/f2.8, I usually use 10-15, for 18mm, I still like the prime. Just last month, added 70-300mm/f4-5.6 My collection of lenses range from 10 - 300, as full set, I hope to share this as your possible future consideration.

[@KevinDeal]

Thanks for the tips. Sounds like you have a spectrum of focal ranges covered.

[@redboy.]

Bought this lens at full price on the same day as my Xpro-2 and it has barely left my camera since. A criminally underrated lens IMO, ESPECIALLY at second hand prices. Would love a speed update with WR though!

[@KevinDeal]

Love mine for sure, especially at my second hand price that I got it for.

[@stayuntilforever]

Great images ❤

[@KevinDeal]

Thank you

[@davidkarlsson4103]

I like this lens, I would not pay full retail price for it, but since it is an older model there are plenty on thr used market to be had!

[@KevinDeal]

Agreed.

[@dwbonbon3370]

New to your channel and i like what I see. Subscribed. I also think you take great photos and that you probably earn a, or at least, some living from that, rather than many youtubers who earn a living from KZbin revenue and not professional photography. All the best.

[@KevinDeal]

Thanks! Yes, my goal from the beginning was to try and incorporate my real work into my reviews instead of taking pictures of walls and currency and zooming into 400%. I feel like showing real work shot with it is relatable to the viewer. Appreciate the subscription.

[@CrnaInBela]

The 18f2 is one of my favourite lenses for everyday shooting, I pair it with the 27mmf2.8 or 35mmf1.4. But I really do wish they would update it, the age is showing and the focusing is really nothing to brag about.

[@KevinDeal]

It's a fun lens. It would be nice to see an updated version in my opinion.

[@DavidMBanes]

I loved mine on the X-M1 and X-E4 but recently sold it to part fund the Sigma 10-18mm on my new X-S20.

[@KevinDeal]

That 10-18 is a fun lens.

[@birkenlord]

How do you like the Sigma compared to the 18 f2 at 18, David?

[@DavidMBanes]

@@birkenlord It is OK, more 'clinical' than the XF lens but I do like being able to pull back to 24/21mm equiv if I want to. Bigger lens of course. slightly short than the 18-55mm, but larger diameter at the cap end. Not sure it's worth the extra cost unless you want a more up to date product, and it's good for video as well; nice smooth manual zoom.

[@alanc6416]

Fuji should update this one with WR and possibly LM. I can accept the IQ for its size. They should also update the 23mm with the lens formula of the X100V, because they already have the formula, shouldn’t be difficult IMO. I hope they do, so I don’t have to resort to only my 27mmF2.8.

[@KevinDeal]

I personally don't like the lens on the X100 series (I own the VI). When I did my review, I did a shoot out between that camera and an XH2 with the 23mm 1.4 and the 23 1.4 produced better images.

[@alanc6416]

@ interesting. I’ll watch that video

[@alanc6416]

@ I just watched and realize you were comparing to the 1.4. I have the old 1.4 and I can still see it is better than the X100V I own and rightfully so. So I can imagine your newer 1.4 be much better. So I’m a guy who prefers smaller bodies and lenses so if Fuji can update the 23mm F2 to the x100V lens to fix their infamous close focus problem, I’ll be more than satisfied. Secondly, I love my X100V but carrying 2 bodies during travel is cumbersome. So the next best thing for me is the 23mm F2. And in your X100VI video, the most important feature of that camera is definitely the leaf shutter and ND filter, combined with the in body flash, it’s a backlight killer. Try shooting with it at 1/2000 with the Sun behind your subject and you’ll take photos you never thought you could with internal flash. Obviously an external high powered flash with flash sync, soft box and reflector will do much better, but with a little work you'll be amazed what the internal flash can do. Anyway, Thanks for your videos, keep it up!

[@paulterl4563]

18 mm is equivalent 28mm. on fullframe. Period.

[@KevinDeal]

On a 1.5 crop it's 27mm and on a 1.6 crop it's 28.8. And manufacturers approximate specs. Some lenses say they're 18mm, but if you measure them, they are 17 or 19. If you want to be precise, the results actually vary from lens model to lens model. I can take two lenses that say they have a maximum aperture of 2.8 at the same focal length, yet when I toss them in my RAW editor, at the same settings, one is darker than the other. Why? Because companies approximate specs.

[@philippecollard1716]

Great review! I purchased this lens used after I watched your video :) Quick question if you don't mind : my copy exhibits some sort of a "clunk" when I shake the lens, not the typical kind of noise I hear from other lenses I have. Almost as if there were an element moving inside. The lens works fine though. Is that normal?

[@KevinDeal]

Thanks I never noticed a rattle on mine, but after reading your comments, I checked mine out. With a medium shake I do hear a little "ting" rattle in the lens. But when I am just normally handling it, putting it on my camera etc, it does not rattle. Not sure how that experience mirrors yours. Hope that helps!

[@philippecollard1716]

@@KevinDeal Thanks a lot for checking your lens out. I guess something is a bit off with mine then. Regards and a Happy New Year :)

[@stayuntilforever]

I've shot great astrophotography, concerts, skateboarding and streetphotography with this lens. Its a storytelling lens with a magical rendering. I've owned and sold 16mm1.4, 23mmf2 and 23mm1.4. I will never sell my 18mmf2

[@KevinDeal]

That’s awesome. I agree it’s a storytelling lens.

[@pondcurtis9725]

I would be happy about any new Fujifilm pancake that can focus closer than 30cm

[@KevinDeal]

I agree

[@morespinach9832]

Have people used the Voigtlander 10mm (with an M mount adapter)?

[@KevinDeal]

I personally haven't. Have you? If so, how was it?

[@edc5338]

I use the 18mm 1.4.

[@KevinDeal]

The 1.4 is a fantastic lens.

[@BenvonMomenteDeinerGeschichte]

Maybe they update it paired with the X-Pro 5. Your version also came out with an X-Pro I think...

[@KevinDeal]

2012 is when my version came out. So more than 12 years ago. Still a great lens, but I won't complain if they update it.

[@MisAnkic]

Is it ok for 300usd, almost unused?

[@KevinDeal]

That's about what I paid for mine. To me, that's about what it's worth. So yes, I think that's a fair price for it almost unused.

[@MisAnkic]

@@KevinDeal thx!!!

[@redboy.]

A great deal for a great lens - I say do it! (love mine)

[@jtes1442]

That is long overdue for a makeover. The 18 1.4 WR lens is excellent, but it’s a tad too big. I wouldn't buy the 18F2 for $599, either. My favorite Fuji lens is the 32 1.8 Zeiss Touit, followed by the 23 1.4 WR.

[@KevinDeal]

23 1.4 is my jam. I need to do an episode on it.

[@jtes1442]

@@KevinDealYes, you do!

[@morespinach9832]

Did you try the Voigtlander 35mms?

[@ImagesByJJ]

A couple of years ago, I realized that Fuji has left the small compact lenses market. A new 18mm f/2 will not come, I am sure. Their lenses gets bigger and bigger. And so does their bodies. And since they apparently also can't decide if the x-pro line will continue, I sold all my Fuji gear. I still miss the x-pro2 though. I loved Fuji for that series. And their x100v. Those cameras were the Fuji soul for me. Now they are trying to make a Sony or Nikon clone. But with aps-c sensors in almost as big bodies and lenses. Don't really get it...

[@KevinDeal]

Fuji has a long way to go to be Nikon or Sony, as their autofocus doesn't keep up. You may very well be right, as I can't remember the last time they came out with a new tiny lens.

[@quangha2137]

i think fujifilm only care about APSC sensor and medium Fomat sensor. They never product fullframe because they are king of APSC with a lot of film simulator which SONY AND NIKON never have.

[@redboy.]

@@KevinDeal March 2021 I believe when they updated the 27mm pancake with an aperture ring and WR - I use this or the 35mm f/2 WR when it's raining since the 18 doesn't have WR ... yet.