The Lost Fujifilm 18mm f2 lens review.

The Fujifilm 18mm is a lens by the Fujifilm camera company that attaches to cameras such as the Fujifilm XT4, XT3, XT2, and many more. It is considered by many a "pancake" lens with the full frame equivalent of 27mm. And…I tried it.
Back in March.
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First time here? Hi, I'm Omar Gonzalez, a professional portrait and event photographer in the NYC/NJ area. On this channel, we talk cameras, lenses, and techniques to improve our photography.
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[@KeithMasonPhotography]

One camera, one lens. It's a great option. As a guitar player, a guitar wants to be played in a certain way, and so when you pick one up, you play it the way it wants to be played, and the same is the true of a single camera, and single prime forces you you to shoot in a way that that combo wants to be shot. Cheers for another great little video.

[@danielmeehan5787]

I gave this video a thumbs up. Not necessarily for the technical info presented (although it was great), but because I was left feeling mellow, and peaceful. Omar, you are not only a great photographer and teacher, but a wonderful storyteller.

[@mattg8888]

...I love Classic Chrome...

[@colinharvey1049]

Really like the 18mm F2. First and cheapest lens I bought for the x system.

[@richardyeung6562]

The 18/2 is a great len, which is the prime len on my xPro1 during last 3 years. Love it so much.

[@antonhei2443]

That's a classy combo for streetphotography! 😍

[@barrycohen311]

I'm not sure why this lens has so many "haters." It is quite excellent.

[@michel559]

Hi Richard, how does it perform on the old lady xpro1? I just bought the xpro1 and got a great offer for a 18/f2. Only worry that it is dead slow. I actually don‘t need speed much, rather go for the experience then performance. But you read all this begative comments for this lens, especially on older bodies. Cheers from Switzerland and thx !

[@richardyeung6562]

@@michel559 It performs well after using with xpro1 for over 30 months. If you like 28mm (full flame), sure you’ll love it.

[@michel559]

@@richardyeung6562 thanks a lot for coming back that quick 👍🏻. Never had that focal length, I used a X100T for the last 5 years and wanted to have something different on my Xpro1, just challange myself. My idea was to get a the older 18mm and the 35mm. I have a 23/f2 to try from a friend, surprised how fast it focusses on the xpro1, but it is the same focal length as my X100T and I either keep the lens & sell the x100t or give it back. Not sure yet. But with the xpro1 I d like to have the original, like the 18 and 35, something about them....like the pictures I see very much. Just a different vibe from them. Some character for sure. Cheers

[@rachelcheung2247]

Just got a XT20 after watching your videos. Your videos are so easy to understand and enjoyable. It's like studying from watching tv shows.

[@sigridlee3743]

Your choice of music was perfect for recreating the mood. I very much enjoyed your slide show.

[@barrymayes6712]

So refreshing to have a positive review of the Fuji 28mm f2 lens. Most other reviewers rubbish it (sharpness?) or just ignore it. I’m a wedding photographer and love the 28 cos it’s light weight and lets in a lot of light. It’s sharp enough for me. Love the reflective pics of Covid community back in March.

[@artsilva]

I got my XF18mm f2 back in 2012 along with the classic XF35mm f1.4. added seven more Fuji primes in the following years and to this day I always fall back to the 18 and 35 classics. Something about the way they look especially on X-Trans III and older sensors that keeps me favoring them.

[@jessedt9837]

I picked up the 18 f2 this summer and love it. I use on my xPro 1 and XT3. I agree with you that your work will follow with the lens. It really makes you think.BTW awesome pictures Omar.

[@pandoraefretum]

You created some real art with this clip... bravo

[@Jennifer-wr9si]

I'd disagree on the 18-55 comp; I found the 18-55 very unbalanced and heavy after using the 18 f2 on my XT10 for months. The 18mm f2 may not be the optical zenith of Fuji lenses but it's a great balance of speed, versatility, character and size.

[@henrys01]

18mm f2, bought with the X-E4 second hand, great combo for everyday use.

[@jimmason8502]

Great review. That picture of the sushi dispels the myth that the 18mmf2 isn't sharp corner-to-corner. Now I want this lens!

[@el0blaino]

I was diving into Fuji during the shutdown and watching your videos was a big part of that. This one I passed over because I felt very close to the 16 mm (ff24mm) field of view, and thought the 18mm (ff28mm) was "off" or "boring" or something. Now of course the 18mm 1.4 has come out to wide acclaim. But I've been looking at smaller lenses, and so I felt I should see what people are accomplishing with it. These are a great collection of images and a great story to go with them. Peace.

[@ArsenijeRadenovic]

Oh man these images are incredibly touching. I remember march, we didn't know what was going on. Our government laughed at the virus and gave people all the wrong information. Heck we even had elections in march. I remember the flowers blooming and a awful feeling in my stomach and in the air. I was strolling on the river side with my girlfriend. We were both sacred but didn't want to admit that. Somehow I repressed all those emotions and they just came up when I saw your images. As for 18mm it is perfect for representing these kind of emotions. Images remind me of reuters and other pro photo houses when they report on war and other disasters. I am glad that you and your family are good Omar. God bless you all!

[@mikethompson2031]

Love the 18mm! I normally have the 35mm f1.4 glued to my xt3 but when I need wider the 18mm comes out. It even replaced my 16mm f1.4 just because of size and find myself wanting to use it more. I also love classic chrome look haha each to their own.

[@johngoodwin34]

Well put together video Omar. Sound is perfect for it too.

[@sonholee5769]

When I first bought the 18mm I had so much trouble with how wide. Now I love it. So versatile. Ends up being around 27mm full frame? Stand back and tell story. Embrace the distortion. Get closer (well not now) and fill the frame. Love it.

[@kathealy60]

Nicely done; choice of music during your Classic Chrome Pandemic blog was on point.

[@ignorance_is_strenght]

„Velvia-Days“ will be the title of my playlist for my next summer-photo-vacation. „Mask-less“ hopefully the other one...

[@mixeddrinks8100]

Velvia just works so damn good when it comes to popping color. Like shooting skittles.

[@jacopovalentino]

Classic-chrome days! That is a genius definition. Thanks Omar!

[@marcmillman1]

been using this lens for years. I keep it on my xpro2 almost all the time for walking around.i love it for its size and weight. and i appreciate that even as a "wide" prime, I can always get a nice crop from it if i really need to "zoom in" later

[@ozuidema]

Wonderful how the music enhanced these melancholy pictures. Hat’s off as always, Omar. Fuji really should release a mark II version of this lens: quick & silent as the Fujicrons.

[@Kaddy2727]

Classic Chrome with Classic Neg are ones of the best fuji films ever made

[@DanielLoveReel]

This was great, thanks. Classic chrome is how I always feel.

[@xuqianzheng7750]

I bought this lens used earlier this year. And I really thinks this is an hidden gem in the Fuji lenses. It fits perfectly on my X-Pro 2. 27mm f/2.8 isn't really my cup of tea for the lack of aperture ring and the tight field of view - perhaps I am a landscape guy in the soul that I like either wide or long but not so much in the middle ground. 18mm is wide enough for me and also not too wide for street photography. And given the f/2 aperture, I can even use it for some star photography.

[@malcolmtice175]

Fantastic video Omar - very atmospheric with a great choice of music. Love the focal length and works really well on my X-E2 along with the 27mm. Took the 27mm on our recent trip to Portugal as "one camera - one lens". Very enjoyable removing the choices. Really look forward to your posts. Thank you.

[@PhiggysDOTcom]

I still love the images you can get from the 18mm f2.0 it came with the 27mm f2.8 along with my first Fuji X pro 1 purchase and all these years on I still own it. Firmware updates to the 18mm have certainly improved the lens and like you state the mfd is excellent even wide open at f2.0. Im Hoping 2021 will be a better one for you your family and the rest of the human race !

[@pottwalhannibal6338]

Wow - very good pictures! Classic chrome may fit to the pandamic feelings we all had around the world. But it also fits very good to the colors and light of March (northern hemisphere) I think. So fortunately we don't have to wait for the next pandemic to shoot in classic chrome. This 18mm lens makes a brilliant combination together with my X-T30. I purchased it mainly for it's portability and really was suprised of the image quality it provides. A keeper.

[@grafixnetz]

Hi Omar! I've seen a *lot* of your videos over the years, but this is a jewel! Thank you.👌♦💠

[@MrRoRoWe]

Thank you for the video, it totally hit home with me. My March and early April pictures look totally different from my usual pics, like they're from a strange parallel world. I felt so weird and how I shot and edited the pictures show that.

[@CaryDepartmentofWorks]

I love the 18f2. You should revise it the lens in happier times. Smaller that the 16f1.4 and 23f1.4. Closer focusing than the 23f2. Much quicker to latch on focus than the 35f1.4 and more light gathering and more in the frame than the 27f2.8. Once you get used to the noise and you start getting into the focal length it is an absolute winner and lovely bokeh for the pseudo macro shots that float your boat Omar. I think you will love it too

[@russellfernandes9607]

Thanks for sharing your pics Omar. Your neighborhood certainly looked ghostly !

[@321estrellas]

One of my favourite lenses in any system. Love that you can get a lot of environment in the shot and still have some nice bokeh. Only gripe is the loud/slowish AF (which makes it AWFUL for video) and it's kind of redundant as it's almost the same focal length as my cell phone. Obviously the IQ is incomparable but given phone pictures are getting quite good, it's just so much more convenient to whip out my phone which is always on me anyway. Nonetheless, great video as always!

[@PH1N0]

This is intense! Great photographs!

[@marksnellingphotography]

Feeling classic chromey... New t shirt line there 🤣

[@photographer7]

Just a quick note of appreciation for your videos. Always well done. And glad to see you found a place for Classic Chrome. It definitely has a mood or feel that sets it apart.

[@tjeerdintveen1852]

Great lens and you can pick it up cheaply because the internet thinks this lens is meh. I love it. Small, light, stylish lenshood, love the colors.

[@briangilmour5669]

Thanks Omar, some great images. You and the family stay safe.

[@swaspc7618]

Your video setup has a very nice cinematic mood, you've even chosen a sweater with the right color for the scene. Very pleasant indeed!

[@Nathansmithphotography]

I was waiting for this review. I have 10 Fuji lenses, and the 18mm f2 was my 2nd to last. I read the "bad reviews", and I have 3 Fuji zooms that do 18mm, and I've owned the 27mm f2.8 for awhile, so why buy the 18mm f2? But I wanted something wider and faster than the 27mm f2.8 as a prime. Got it used in perfect condition for under $300. Wish I had bought it earlier. And with the metal Fuji Hood (like the 35mm f1.4), it just looks so cool on my Pro2. LOVE the mood and thought process on this review Omar. Carry on!

[@abadjoseph]

Would love an updated pancake battle, Omar! Thanks for your content! Happy New Year!

[@daxvolfan]

March was weird. December is still weird. Ready for 2021 to be normal(ish). Great as always, Omar.

[@problemat1que]

It'll take till the end of the summer to vaccinate enough people and given how many people refuse regular vaccines, covid may well last forever (aka become endemic)

[@MikeScammon]

Great to see my all-time favorite lens being discussed again. Thank you! It might be a bit more noisy than the newer compact primes, but noisy in terms of street shooting, doesn't matter for me. Also, I've had no complaints on AF speed. Form factor is just awesome; especially with the hood. I have a xpro3 on order and do wonder how it'll perform with the xpro3 over the xpro2, or if there's no difference at all.

[@Ttjam1]

I love how what is supposedly the “worst” Fujinon lens can also be someone’s favourite. That’s what’s great about Fuji lenses! Though I don’t own it, I personally love the pics I see taken with this lens, particularly people pics

[@knotingspecific]

I love how you tell stories about the beginning of the pandemic with the 18mil lens ,I love your work man!🤗😊

[@MottiWolkenbruch]

»I still have some Classic Chrome days« - beautiful.

[@barrycohen311]

One of Fujifilm's most hated lenses. Of course that would guarantee that I love it. The price new is quite high IMO. I paid $270 for a mint used one.

[@rakorakosmako6829]

@M Tech it blows nothing, you loose a stop, af and modern coating. The vintage lens game is just a game.

[@jeroentune333]

Great story telling by the pictures only. The one from your son on the bed is my favorite here. Great shot. I see a lot of comparison with my new 21mm that I still need to learn what to frame and what not..😄

[@nparker1894]

I loved this video. The classic chrome photos were great and I loved the music!

[@georgs5870]

The 18/2 is in terms of sharpness the „worst” Fujinon lens I own. And in the same time it's my first choice for shooting close. It's stellar for everything within an arm's length. For close range portraits the small size of the 18mm is nice too. Great „review” of this fine little lens, thanks!

[@paulasimson4939]

This was great Omar. I'm glad we got to see this now, rather than "then". We have a different perspective on last March and it's interesting to see it through todays events. I really like your idea of using a single focal length and preset or LUT to give a consistent look to a series of photos. I'm definitely going to try that out. Love your channel and content, stay safe.

[@simonwoodpecker]

Thanks for sharing! The beautiful photos & great music choice perfectly captured that haunted time we all experienced.

[@apertureangels7928]

"Your work will follow your focal length" Omar Gonzalez. It's time for breakfast and I'd like to say "Eggs-zactly" :-) Ok. I'll go now. Peace.

[@keithsandercock1412]

Enjoyed your classic chrome retrospective on the way things were in March. I recently acquired an 18mm f2.

[@kentxx12]

Great review of this little gem of the "rattling" lens of Fuji , and i love it still in 2022 :)

[@thatthinwildsound]

I agree w/ you on the CC being film negative peed on but your video did actually show the bright side of the recipe, I noticed with the the sun and natural light behind you or indoor shots with natural light as a heavy source, xcelled very high w/ this 18 f2, even more than a documentary look but a great lifestyle type of vibe ala Variety magazine or “cinematic” / fashion style as subtle, sharp, and crisp, I’m gonna have to remember these types of moments and setting with my fuji xf 18

[@AppVolution]

Please make a comparison between the 18mm and the 27. Love your vids ❤

[@carbonejack]

Evocative photos. Captured the mood.

[@MoeMorales]

Beautiful video my friend. Love the tone. Love the photos you captured during your reel. ❤️

[@fredparczewski9311]

This was an amazing review... I really liked your photos that you took at the time. SUPER catch of emotion.... (btw, I just bought a used 18 f2 and love it!

[@cbimage]

It's several years later, and I'm checking your opinion of this lens, Omar. I'm about to swap my 23 ƒ2 for a 18 ƒ2; it will be my third. I first had the lens with my X-Pro1 in 2014, but now it will be on my X-T5. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@frankyw5138]

I love classic chrome! Lol, that's like my forever setting.... and great photos by the way!

[@anonymitytube]

My fav travel lens. 18 is wide enough for landscapes, f2 is open enough for environmental portraits and casual night shots, lightweight, looks friendly, and also super cheap (~$150 brand new in Thailand!)

[@shred3005]

“You think it limits you - but it frees you”. Exactly how I feel about prime lenses.

[@faisalsheraz8101]

The choice of classic chrome is good while presenting part of history...

[@ljknh]

Loved your video and your photos. Classis Chrome just makes me want to cry.

[@rpigeon8]

Great video, the mood is there! Photos are real nice and the feeling is there :) Thanks.

[@everydaybonsai]

Wow, you really are a great story teller. Love this!

[@nelsonm.5044]

Short story here, I was used to shooting almost only zoom lens before coming back to film camera 2 years ago, with my film camera I have only 2 prime lens 28 mm and 50 mm. Now with my X-T20, I have the 18-55 mm and after a couple of months I want to buy the 35mm prime lens because I am so used to the he 50mm, the 18-55 mm is not "natural" for my shooting style now, you are right Mr Omar, you get use to a focal length and adapt your style accordingly

[@problemat1que]

This is a common experience, start using a prime and do the statistics on your exif data to see what focal length you use most. You could also try setting your zoom to a constant 23, 27, or 50 for a session or a whole day to see if you'd like any of the other primes in the range.

[@aidanlee2230]

A man of culture. Nice seiko SARB...

[@gilbertmoinel7224]

I enjoy your video Omar, your regard about this strange atmosphere linked to pandemic period !!! Which not so classic ! At this moment I am still convince to keep only one lens the 18-55 for "my needs" I wish you many things for this end year , from France Lourdes !!!

[@muuksi]

absolutely great! I really like the film-look-mental-life metaphors

[@johngoodwin34]

Well put together, You told the story of how we feel right now.

[@UweKempf]

Great video. I love the atmosphere of those photos 😊

[@ramtinhayward1]

Hi Omar, I've been going through your back catalogue of videos, and stumbled on this one, about a lens I have and actually love, despite it's shortcomings. Also, towards the end of the video, I see pictures of a watch, which I own and love too! I love your strap combo, and I have mine on brown leather but, your strap looks absolutely fantastic! Is there any chance you could let me know where you got it and perhaps send me a link please? On closing, I have to say that I love your videos, finding them inspiring, humorous and, informative, without being overly technical or opinionated. You have helped and guided me on my Fuji and other camera brand journeys. Many thanks, Martin P.S. I know it's been 3 years but hey, as good then as your vids are now!

[@bmeclipse]

Great shots. Now I’m down because I took all my March photos in 18-55, Velvia.

[@christophde7720]

Always shooting in fine/raw so I can edit later if I want to

[@XavierMinguellaPhotography]

Most of the time I use classic chrome with every lens. My 18mm f:2 it fits perfect in my X-E3, recently I purchased a 7artisans 35mm f:0.95, you must test it or get it . My favorite primes are 18 and 35, but next prime it will be the 35mm f:1.4, I am not going to sell my 7artisans because I love it, focusing with split image is fabulous but a less heavy 35mm it is interesting to get in the bag (or in the jacket)...

[@RubenMartinez-vu9il]

"It doesn't really matter what focal lenght you have, you'll find the way to make it work". Wise words.

[@Mowikan]

Thx man! Looks like an awesome lens for every day and especially combined with the x-pro3

[@alanwilliams8317]

Great video - at last someone who feels like I do about Classic Chrome

[@avs4365]

Interesting. Alan Schaller has done a lot of work using a full-frame 28mm on a Leica showing metro isolation and IMHO you seem to capture it here using the Fuji 18 - a sense of surrounded by emptiness - alone in the Metropolis. Nicely done.

[@atlzap]

Great work Omar.

[@Jicosai]

You deserve a million subs sir. Greetings from the Philippines.

[@mwales2112]

I'm wanting to get this lens for my next purchase. I don't use zoom's or even own any, but love the small 27mm and adding this lens would be great for a small kit paired with the 27mm. Thank's Omar...

[@christopherbgriffith]

I both purchased and sold back the 18mm this year to MPB. I consistently liked the results I got from it, but I found that 1) I like the 16mm focal length better (I think partly because smartphones are typically 27-28mm FFE, so I see that look everywhere). 2) My copy was a bit stuttery when it came to AF, and occasionally it would miss. The manual focus ring was rubbish, too. 3) I just wasn't reaching for it very often and I figured I should get something I'm more likely to use. All that said, I'm very curious about the new high-end 18mm f1.4 coming out next year, and I think I'd recommend the f2 to anyone who really likes the 28mm look. I really liked my Canon 28mm f1.8, but for whatever reason this one failed to click with me. Thanks for sharing your early shutdown photos. I took some similar ones at the time and I'm very glad that I have them.

[@magiccarpetrider4594]

You should try the Zeiss 28f2. Best 28 I ever owned. I’m a 28 and 50 core guy; other revolve around those. I like the 28 for up close and available light. The Zeiss has encompassing field curvature and keeps you in the frame- the closest modern lens to the Hollywood. I had the Fuji 16 and the images are stellar, but for the size, I’d take the Canon R with the Zeiss. I also kept popping it into manual focus! I’d go for a Q2 monochrome in a heartbeat as long as someone doesn’t give me an M with a Summilux first. I had a full bag of Leica M and R (4s?), no 28, but 24 and 35. The 24 seemed expected, 35 is pedestrian. Maybe you’re right, the 28 is more common now, but only on phones. A 28, played right, with a real lens, is still a classic. I find the Fuji xt2 and 18f2 a good daily carry.

[@mikefoster6018]

I'm thinking of buying this 18mm f2.0 lens as something really light 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).

[@chrisboitz7487]

I actually love shooting in Classic Chrome, but recently I’ve found Astia a little more pleasing. Could be that it’s fall in Texas. But Chrome has always spoke to me, something about the colors just fits.

[@michael2968]

That chess board shot is so good!

[@aransamson]

Wow thanks for this vid but I would still definitely watch a battle of the pancakes vid! I am more of a velvia/eterna shooter myself but those classic chrome shots really do feel apt for shots taken during this pandemic. Great vid as always Omar!

[@megansalt]

my 1st Fuji lens and still the one I use the most. The noise is annoying, but besides, that, it's everything I could ask for. I also shoot mainly on CC because the colors seem the most realistic to me, and I love them!

[@JaapKroon]

It became one of my favorite Fujifilm lenses.

[@antonhei2443]

Ohhhh, the 18mm F2, one of my favorites for streetphotography on APSC (Ricoh knows it as well). This lens it's like multiplying a pair of negatives they end up with a positive result! 😍 Buy it on sale 🤗

[@mixeddrinks8100]

oh nice sakura flower shots, didn't know they have that in the NY NJ area

[@Deminimis2]

OMG. I just checked the film simulation on my camera setting and it was Classic Chrome. I also like Pro Neg. The one I use the least is Velvia.

[@markscott4059]

Just picked on up to try on my xt2.... another great review..

[@bt82]

Nice choice on the SARB035, I have one too! :)

[@certified_street_photographers]

me tooo 035 and 033 and the alpinist heheh

[@rorounineko]

18mm/2 was my first Fuji prime, I still love it

[@timto5805]

I like Classic Chrome, but it’s not for everything. Glad to see someone with a different opinion about it.

[@BenjaminKanarek]

Some really gorgeous images Omar!