The Fujifilm XF 18mm F2 in 2021 - An Underrated Lens? 

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Made a few mistakes on the talking portion. The lens and hood ARE indeed metal, they were just so light I was confused :)

Using xpro1 and xf18/2 for three years now. Love them so much.

The reviews on this lens always "crack me up" as... I have been shooting it for years... I shoot well over 200 wedding ceremonies a year in the chapel biz... I have shot Fuji since the very first x100/ along side a Canon kit... long been sold off... The 18 f2 YES its "CLUNKY"... a little slow noisy... and is reminisent of the first gen xpro1 and x100... however... I have always found it renders really really strong... and honestly for the second hand price thse days is a "GEM"... its light... its accurate... and it never dissapoints... are there better Fuji len's now... YES... and I have them all... but that said... I still will never sell off this lens... and regularly pull it out of my kit... Shot an insane example at a wedding tonight but don't see a way to post on this ... but yeah trust me buy one of these... use it as a beater... and pull it out after you use it and truly understand what a great pc of kit it is ...

very nice review man! presentation was easy to follow & as someone who’s considering this lens it helps. keep up the great work!

I love this lens, in its own way. I usually bring that and the 35mm 1.4 with me in the backpack. The 35 was my first love back in 2015 with the X-T1, and stayed with all the time. The 18 just grew on me and I think it's great for stopping down in daylight and shoot b/w streets.

My second favorite lens of all time 👍🏼 owned the 56 1.2, 50-140, 16-55 - you name it I've had it and the 28mm focal length is just AMAZING.

Love your work. Thanks for the review 🙏🏽

Hey man! Great review! I love pancakes for size and weight. To always have a camera with you, even if you don't expect to go out and shoot. And for that having a 18 mm and a 27 mm is already a very versatile kit. I'm considering it!

Great videos pondre! Personally, I love the 18mm f/2. Sure, it’s softer than any of the Fujicrons (I’ve owned and sold all of them), but it happens to work for me and my style of shooting! My only gripe is I wish it were weather sealed, but honestly; it never stopped me from shooting it in a light drizzle! Keep up the great work man, really enjoying the content you’re putting out!

A very nice honest review. Thanks. I think for me the 18-55 will satisfy my 18mm needs. I just found your channel will sub and binge.

That shot at 5:49 is so nice man. Love your eye. Seeing the art in the simple things

Very good and honest review. Thanks.

Nice, balanced review and great shots! Still on the fence over this one, in particular since the 18mm 1.4 seems to be released this year. That one won’t be a pancake, though...

Another great video dude 👏🏾

I have this one and the 35/1.4 and boths have their own distinct look. Less sharp and digital looking than the newer XF lenses. Paired with the XP1 it gives the pictures a special look. I like it for that, the compact size and the focal length.

Very good video. Helped me a lot to actually choose this lens.

I actually saw this lens in a store today and now I’m thinking I might look for a used one to go with my xe2. I appreciate your insight 🤙🏼

I cannot wait to get this lens! The extra sharp and expensive lenses are not for everyone. I have the 35.14 and that covers most...but have now been playing with my vintage lenses from Canon FD. My old A1 and my old FD lenses is why I started taking pictures in the first place. The 18f2 reminds me of those but with auto focus...and the small light weight vintage style lens will be perfect for grabbing a story on the street. Thanks for the video.

Really great lens... I use it with my Xe1, XT2 and xe4 and first it makes my combo more convenient for street or casual photography. The images produces by this lens are amazing. Sharp, detailed, etc Really good lens for landscape as well. I live in New Caledonia and I mainly use this lens for landscape. Thanks fort the video

I've heard this lens performs very well on newer cameras, and it does perform well on my xt5. It is well priced, compact, easy to carry and fits well in the focal range amongst my 13mm and 33mm. So what it doesn't resolve the full 40mp, I'm happy with the results.

Nice vid and pics bro! I’ve been thinking about this lens for a long time. I do like my 23’s but I like the idea of having a little wider fov, smaller lens and I love that it has the same lens hood style as the 35 1.4.

Been looking at this lens as a good walkaround option, like it being fairly wide and a pancake. Prices are very tempting. Just discovered your channel, good stuff!

Good review and interesting point about camera phones. I have lots of pro gear but increasingly found myself just using a phone on walkabout (less weight) - then found I quite liked the wide angle shots I was taking. So without much info on the full frame equivalent I did a test with a full frame camera with zoom and my phone - turns out the phone is exactly 28mm equivalent. Hence my hunt for an 18mm X mount lens for my XT20. I think I might go for the 18mm / f2

I just bought one of these and am looking forward to using it on my new X-S10! Thanks for the validation video sir.

Super underrated. I haven't taken mine off since I got it. Sucks that it's not WR like the newer ones but it's still a great lens

Great review! The 18f2 has joined the 35f2 and 50f2 as part of my X-Pro3 kit. Don’t use it as much as the other two, but it rounds out the bag. Have an X70 too, so trying to get more comfortable with the focal length.

Thank you for your unbiased review. It's one of the oldest XF but I also consider the value for money aspect which is very reasonable for a Fuji auto focus lens. we deal with all types of issues in capturing our images daily and like most things, we just learn to make reasonable adjustments. Apart for the f/1.4, there aren't any 18mm on the market for this price with these specs.! I love the 28mm (35mm) view because you can pack so much info in the background with minimal distortion. Thanks again.

excellent review...thanks very helpful

How is it for shooting architecture? Do the lines slant?

I love this lens even though it takes a bit more work to use and get good compositions. I love it’s size and build. Great video. Were your shots sooc?

Totally agreed. Within the f/4-8 range, this thing shines! I absolutely love the compact size and image quality, frankly. My only complaint is the dated autofocus motor making noise when I’m trying to take a candid shot. Great video, pondre

Focal length of this lens gives roughly the same angle of view as the all time classic 28mm wide angle lenses of SLR days. Most photographers had one of those as it was wide without have too bad rectilinear distortion

Do you have a specific B&W recipe from this film? I love the look. I also have this lens and like you I think it is great.

I had the 18mmf2 and loved it, just sold it because I've wanting a 35mm equivalent for eveeer, so I changed mine for a 23mmf2

Top lense i bought my x pro1 with it and still use it I used it as a street/travel in bali it was perfect for the small lanes. Very underated.The 27mm is living on my camera now.

How do you feel about this lens in comparison to the new 18mm 1.4 lens? I've been thinking about a two lens kit. I have the 23mm f2 and the 35mm f2, and I'm thinking about either an 18/35 combo, or a 23/50 combo. What do you think?

Love my FX 18mm f2. Happy to shoot is wide open when needed. Renders beautifully and is sharp.

Good balanced video here. I have this lens and use it on my xpro1 and have no real complaints. Yes it’s a bit soft at the edges and sometimes you can see a bit of curvature (barrel distortion?) in images but hey it’s just falls into the ‘character’ bucket. If anyone is serious about shooting wide angle just blow your cash on the much bigger, heavier more expensive 16mm 1.4 or even the 14mm - both technically far superior. I’m hanging on to my 18mm 👍

It's a great lens for street (discreet, unintimidating). It's also great in a pinch for tight spaces and low-ish light indoors (small, pretty wide FOV, and decently big aperture). Great close focusing. And I actually do like the way it renders. As long as I'm not pixel peeping, in legit low light or requiring lightning fast focus, it's my preferred de facto walkabout lens for travel, exploring city streets and popping indoors every now and then. Other times I always have it in my bag anyway for all the above reasons, and because it presents no real overhead in space nor weight.

nice review

I casually shoot film with a Ricoh GR1s and I am very comfortable with the 28mm f/2.8 it has. This being 18mm = 27mm equivalent I will feel right at home. f2 is just a small bonus for me.

Got my copy today. Bought it for the size and focal length. Autofocus on X-s10 actually is not too bad! Noisy but pretty fast, not too much breathing. I'm using single focus most of the time, so not bad! On my X-e1, auto focus is quite painful. I don't mind it is slow, but the noise will bother people around when taking pictures in quite places. A great small lens to carry with the X-s10 for portability given the low price for a used one.

I just got this lens today. Will be going out with it this weekend.

Always loved this lens. On my X-Pro 1 it surprisingly focuses faster/more accurate than my better spec'd Leica Q & Q2 in dark scenes.

While the new 18 f/1.4 is amazing and I'll pick one up, I really wish they refreshed the 18 f/2. If they could make it even more pancakey by removing the manual focus ring it'll be perfect on the X-E4 as an EDC to replace my phone.

Fuji has a 18 1.4 WR on their roadmap, which I'd be very interested in because I love the 28mm fov. I had the Nikon 28 1.8 on full frame and man that lens was stunning. But yeah I think the little 18 f2 is underrated for what it is. I'd like to get my hands on one someday and have some fun with it.

Pondre, thank you for your honesty on this much disliked lens. I do not have this 18mm f2 lens...yet! I have purchased many bargain equipment on eBay after a negative review by other bloggers & I’m sure I’ll find one of these at a steal. A photographer said that we human do not see life sharp, vivid, dynamic range...all those things that make a photo appealing. The 18mm is a great match for the XP1 btw. ✌🏼

Completely off topic from the video but will you ever sell prints of your work? There's a few I would put on my wall 🥺

I really cannot understand why it gets such bad press, it can be a little softer than the 35mm f1.4. However it is still what I would call a sharp lens.I really love it, especially on smaller bodies like the EX 3.

Your X-Pro 1 condition is like a 2012 brand new!

I know a multi award winning photojournalist who has used this lens daily ever since the Fuji Xpro1 was released. It's a great choice for documentary work.....just perhaps not the ideal choice for architecture or landscape, horses for courses.

For everyday use the XF 18/2.0 is plenty sharp. Especially in the center, where it is always sharp. That makes it my number one lens for (closer up) portraits. No comparison maybe to the 16mm f1.4 regarding bokeh, but the 16/1.4 makes my Fuji setup actually HEAVIER than my Leica setup (M9 with prime). And as a ploicy, I simply do not allow a crop sensor system to be heavier and/or bulkier than a full-frame system. Period. The only area where the XF18 does let me down is the fact that the corners do not gain performance as you stop them down as you'd expect. That is a little irritating especially when shooting landscape etc.

I recently picked one up. I planned on using it mostly for travel photography and maybe some street/documentary. Set it to F5.6, and zone focus (in manual mode). Everything will be in focus. I don't think the lens is bad. I think compared to the other Fuji lens it isn't as good. But it still is a very capable little lens. It also has very a very short minimum focus distance. So far I am enjoying it.

I had this lens and I liked it for the apeture and sharpness BUT i have the 18 55 and it is pretty good at 18mm as is. I decided to buy the 16mm 2.8 and I don t regret it, sharp with character but with a litle bit of distortion, just my cup of tea

Oh guys, I had one, took it used, unknowingly received a not very good and dusty copy. Not so long ago I sold for 23 f2, but now I miss him very much. But we have lost them from sale, I cannot change them back. Although the 23 is a great lens too, I miss really wide angle(

I use this lens on a Fuji XT-1 of the same age. It’s a good pairing of ability and sensor “charm”. So, for me its performance is very good.

I love mine, It's brilliant for macro shooting with an 11mm extension tube.

nice explanation

Oh, I almost forgot about that lens. It has been stuffed intro my camera bag and not saying anything. Today I put it on the X-Pro 1 and the f/2.0 23 and 50 in the bag. Lets go shooting something. But saying that 18mm is an unusual focal length isn’t quite true. I’ve been using my Nikkor 28 since mid seventies and every kit lens for aps-c begins at 18.

I just wish it was a little more compact like the 27mm lens. If they had made it an F2.8 instead of an F2 it would probably be a bit more compact. I would also be willing to do without an aperture ring, but I know a lot of people love tactile lenses. Too bad Fuji doesn't have that many compact lenses. The fact that it weighs so little is also a plus in my opinion. I love lenses that are small and light. I guess the only other alternative would be the 18mm pancakes from Funleader and 7artisans, but their image quality sucks. Unfortunately I'm not an expert in vintage lenses, maybe there are still good pancakes that I'm not aware of, but other than that there are not many options I guess. I already own the 27mm prime from Fuji and am very happy with it, but in many situations it just isn't wide enough for me. A lens that is closer to the 35mm focal length would be a little better for everyday use. I am already very familiar with the 28mm focal length through my Ricoh GR and do not find the focal length unusual at all. I might try the lens, but the slightly larger size compared to the 27mm prime makes me a little hesitant. I'm toying with the idea of ​​testing the lens, but the slightly larger size compared to the 27mm prime makes me a little hesitant. However, if I can get a used one in good condition I might take the opportunity.

Good comments and I think so too.

i dont get why many dont like it. its my favourite lens compared to my 23mm f2, 50mm f2. i like how sharp and the colours it gives feels better to me than either of the 23 and 50. cant compare it to higher end lenses. its too expensive and i dont like the bigger size

Temperature is a better indicator of metal than weight. At room temperature heat will travel from your hand to metal more readily than plastic, making it feel cool to touch.

I’m starting to like wide field of view especially for harsh light and black n white photos. This is mostly due to having fun with the XC 15-45mm. Hope to use this lens soon. Have a good day, man!

one thing that i hate about 18mm and 35mm 1.4 is the external focusing i prefer lenses to have an internal focus :D

This will be my next lens & it will join my Fujinon Super EBC XF 27mm f/2.8 lens in my everyday camera bag. There are many people that love to hate both of these lenses. Luckily, I don't care about the opinions of others. 😆

Love this lens

interesting because my original lens hood is made of metal... [edit] just saw your comment. ;) I don't know why this lens gets a bad rap. Lots of it is from a particular Fuji fan on RU-vid who has talking head type videos. Funny how these people never has any actual photo examples to back up their claims. Is it the best or fastest 18mm (24mm FF) f2? Not necessarily but it does give fantastic images. I have owned mine since 2013. It was my second lens for my X-E1 at the time and even with all the hate online about this lens, I just cant find a reason to get rid of it. It has given me amazing images in both street and landscape photography as well as general shooting. For the price, it's a fantastic lens that marries well with any Fuji. Don't believe the Hate-hype on this lens but then again don't expect a Leica Summicron performance... but it can come close in look in my experience. With Fujifilm film simulations, this lens shines brightly, even on current X cameras.

I have one on my x-pro 1...takes great pics....you just need to get closer and frame your pic...as refards shooting video....theres a vid on my channel ‘how to light a fire’...shot with this same lens on the x-pro1.....manual focus of course..! And on a tripod for the most part....a cheapo tripod ...i agree with you...people get all hung up on perfection as regards gear, and tend to forget theyre supposed to be looking for the shadows and light and colour and atmosphere and things like that....of course its a great lens ...available at great prices...and the x-pro1 is a cool camera....would i rather a better lens....a super dooper lens....yes of course ....but that wouldnt make my pictures any better....the challenge seems to be finding the pictures....finding the life... Ive seen a few of your videos now....enjoy them all....thank you for sharing .....keep well there ...all the best from across the ocean...! Matt

i bought it and sold it few days later… the photo is far from sharp… so I bought the 18mm f1.4 (I have the 35mm f1.4 in the meanwhile)

It's good and I use it, but honestly it falls far short of the standards Fujifilm sets with the rest of the crop. Bad lateral color aberrations in the corner, noisy AF that has to hunt more than any others. Sharpness lacking across the frame. Still, it's reasonably sharp and reasonably fast, and it's not offensively loud for most purposes. It just doesn't match the stellar quality of the rest of the lineup, and I wish Fujifilm would produce a better one in the small f2 format for the X-Pro line.

they should put it on the box: "won't make you disgusted" :)

Shame it's not a WR lense. At that price point, it would be nice to have that extra protection.

Are you saying the barrel of this lens is plastic? The hood is not plastic.

Why do I always want to buy lenses I don't need

A practical expression... I would prefer not to use such terms as "poor man's something "... in my opinion there is and there cannot be such a thing... kudos.

I had this lens for over 2yrs. Results were hit and miss for me, even though some of favorite candid shots of my family and relatives were done with this lens, focus speed and sharpness were at a few times an issue but, it was when shooting a gig where I saw a lot of flaring that pushed me to sell it eventually.

Using Capture One I am getting purple fringing like a mofo with this lens, and it is the one thing I hate about it

The 'awkward focal length' argument I thik is the stupidest of all and even worse whe you hear it from pros; a focal length is pretty much as awkward as a number and the reason it looks weird to them is because they're used to other 'standard' focal lengths.

Has anyone ever told you that you look like the real-life Sheen from Jimmy Neutron?

you look like jimmy neutrons friend

It's just to expensive imo. new and used.

XF 18 in 2022?? Proceeds to use it on an x-pro1 haha.

The lens is metal and the lens hood is metal.

I started with this combo, XPro One and 18mm. I loved it. I moved up to the xt2 with the 18mm and i think they are still some of my best shots. I’ve recently gone back to shooting fuji and re created this combo with the x pro 3 and the 18 f 1.4. In my humble opinion it’s the new killer combo but not cheap!