Fujifilm Fujinon XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR Review

Fujifilm X system creators who prefer a wide prime have a wealth of quality lens options. The Fujinon XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR ($999.95) is the second of its focal length and gives fans of the angle an all-weather, f/1.4 alternative to the aging XF 18mm F2 R. The new lens sports an optical formula that better matches with higher-pixel cameras, gathers more light, and focuses closer. It's a substantial upgrade over the XF 18mm F2, but doesn't displace the XF 16mm F1.4 R WR ($999.99) as our Editors' Choice winner, which we like a bit more in part because of its manual focus clutch.Wide Angle With F1.4 Aperture The XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR is a metal-barrel prime with a basic black finish. At 3.0 by 2.7 inches (HD) and 13.1 ounces, it matches well with mid-sized cameras like the X-Pro3 and X-S10. With slimmer cameras, like the X-E4 or X-T30 II, it's a little bit front-heavy. That's expected for an F1.4 lens, though—the XF 16mm F1.4 and Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary are similarly sized. ...

The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR is a fantastic prime lens for fans of moderately wide views, and we especially like its weather-protected build.

Tack-sharp optics; Bright F1.4 aperture; Dust and splash protection; On-lens aperture control; Nominal focus breathing; Linear manual focus a plus for video

No anti-smudge fluorine coating; Can't de-click aperture ring; A little bulky for slimmer cameras

Field review: Fujifilm XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR

The Fujifilm XF 18mm F1.4 is a great option for a bright, fast walkaround prime for X-mount shooters. Equivalent to 27mm F2.1 on a full-frame camera, it's fast enough to offer a decent separation between foreground and background, despite its wide field-of-view. Optically it's sharp wide open, offers pleasing bokeh, and has minimal chromatic aberrations. Autofocus is fast thanks to the use of linear motors, though video shooters may find the manual focus experience limiting. For X-mount shooters, the XF 18mm F1.4 is worth the price premium over the XF 18mm F2.

Landscape, street, architecture, environmental portrait and low light photographers looking for decent subject / background separation and top notch image quality.;

Video shooters who want more nuanced manual focus control.;

DPReview TV: Fujifilm XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR review

Introduction; Sample images; Autofocus; Close-up performance; Flare and sunstars; Chromatic aberration; Video capabilities; Sharpness; Bokeh; The wrap;

Introduction; Sample images; Autofocus; Close-up performance; Flare and sunstars; Chromatic aberration; Video capabilities; Sharpness; Bokeh; The wrap;