THE NEW 18MM: Mini-review Fujifilm XF18 f1.4
After having looked at the XF27 f2.8 pancake lens last week, it is now time to check out the new wide-angle from Fujifilm; the XF18 f1.4 R LM WR.
The 18mm focal length is not new in the X-series lens line-up. The XF18 f2 pancake version, originally released in 2012, was part of the original three lens line-up when the X-Pro1 first came out and can still be purchased today.
It is not a coincidence that most smart phones use a similar focal length for its "main" camera. The ultra compact cameras like the discontinued Fujifilm X70, the newer Fujifilm XF10 and even the Ricoh GR’s; also all come with a fixed 18,5mm lens! On a cropped sensor this makes it a 28mm equivalent which is one of the three most common full frame equivalent focal lengths for street/documentary work. The 35mm and 50mm being the other two. Personally I’ve gravitating mostly to the 35mm field of view (X-100V & XF23f2, XF23f1.4 on interchangeable bodies) but do enjoy the 28mm equivalent as well.
Let it be clear that the new XF18 f1.4 isn't a direct XF18 f2 lens replacement. The one stop faster lens, makes for a considerable larger and heavier lens. On a small camera like the X-E4, it does feel a bit out of proportion and is top heavy, especially without the Metal Hand grip (MHG-XE4). Using it on an X-Pro or X-T camera is a much better fit.
Most potential buyers will probably also be looking at the XF16 f1.4, which is very similar in weight, size, prize and obviously close in focal length. The main objective of this mini-review is trying to see which of the two is better for you. Let's have a quick look at some of the ergonomics and functionality first.
FUNCTIONALITY AND ERGONOMICS
The XF18 f1.4 is not a small lens but feels a bit smaller than the XF16 f1.4. Slightly longer it is not as wide giving it a more compact feel. Weight wise it is virtually identical; 370g versus 375g for the XF16 f1.4.
Having a metal lens barrel, focus and aperture ring it does feel very much "pro", if this is even a thing! To my knowledge this is the first F1.4 X-series lens made outside Japan; my copy showed a "Made in the Philippines" label. Personally this would have no influence on my buying decision.
It comes with a petal shaped hard plastic lens hood but an optional square metal lens hood, LH-XF18, is also available .
XF16 f1.4 or XF18 f1.4?
Let’s try and list the main PRO’s of both f1.4 lenses;
PRO’s XF16 F1.4
- Closer minimum focus distance; 15cm versus 20cm. One won’t be shooting 1:1 marco images but getting close to your subject with a wide angle lens, can make for interesting images!
- Moveable clutch focus ring and depth of field scale; When one quickly wants to use manual focus, just pulling back on the focus ring takes the camera in manual focus. The depth of field scale displayed makes zone focusing a joy to use, although the depth of field is obviously quite wide anyway on a 16mm lens. The XF18 F1.4 has none of that.
- Better for most architectural work and working in confined spaces; interior shots, large buildings, tight alleyways, etc… The 2mm difference in focal length, does provide you with about a 9 deg wider field of view.
PRO’s XF18 F1.4
- Beside being newer technology, the silent Linear motors (LM), makes it more suitable for video. Autofocus is faster than the XF16 f1.4, which wasn't slow to start with.
- Better focal length of classic Street/Documentary; the well known 28mm field of view. Most will like the slightly longer focal length.
- The aperture ring can be locked at the A position, allowing to easily use the command dials to change the aperture, if this is what you prefer. For my own preference the aperture ring is still a little too easy to move.
- Although not a portrait lens, it works well for environmental portraits and group shots, without the distortion of a wider lens like the XF16.
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| 1/125, f16, ISO 640 |
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| 1/250, f4.5, ISO 250 |
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| 1/400, f8, ISO 160 |
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| 1/250, f7.1, ISO 1000 |
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| 1/3800, f5.6, ISO 160 |
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| 1/1400, f6.4, ISO 320 |
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| 1/30, f11, ISO 800 |
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| 1/1100, f8, ISO 320 |
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| 1/250, f4, ISO 320 |
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| 1/100, f14, ISO 160 |
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| 1/3200, f4, ISO 160 |
CONCLUSION
Famous photographers like Garry Winogrand, William Klein, Alex Webb, Bruce Gilden, mostly use(d) the 28mm field of view for the majority of their images. If you feel heavily inspired by one of them, the XF18 f1.4 might be for you!
I guess most people will likely not buy both f1.4 lenses. If the new 18mm would have been a make-over of the original XF18 f2 pancake lens and therefore would come in a smaller form factor, it would have been mine in a heartbeat. The same would be the case if I didn't own the XF16 f1.4 yet. So yes, my XF16 f1.4 is for sale now...
Overall the XF18 f1.4 is clearly a great piece of glass and for me worth the 1000,-USD price tag!
This blogpost can be shared without prior permission, as long as Bjorn Moerman PHOTOGRAPHY is credited.
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