Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 Lens Review – The Best Wide Prime?

In our Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 lens review, we’ll look at one of Fujifilm’s best wide-angle prime lenses.

An 18mm fast wide prime is an excellent multipurpose lens, ideal for landscape, street, food, or astrophotography.

Fujifilm has a reputation for exceptional optics, and the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 lens is another example – though it wasn’t the first!

The original Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 lens was launched in 2012 alongside two other Fujifilm lenses.

While it was optically sharp, the autofocus performance was slow.

The newer, faster, and optically brilliant Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR lens has inherited the throne as one of Fujifilm’s best and most versatile lens options.

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR Specs

 

• Focal length – 18mm (27mm full-frame equivalent focal length)
• Angle of view – 76.5°
• Maximum aperture – f/1.4
• Minimum aperture – f/16
• Minimum focus distance – 20cm (7.87″)
• Maximum magnification – 0.15x
• Filter size – Ø62mm filter thread
• Lens configuration – 15 elements in 9 groups
• Dimensions – Ø68.8mm×75.6mm (2.71″x2.98″)
• Weight – 370g (0.82lb)

Build & Ergonomics

The Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 lens is another example of Fujifilm’s dedication to building lenses that can be used to hammer nails.

This sturdy, weather-sealed lens features a robust metal build quality and isn’t overly heavy at 370g (0.82lb).

Landscape photographers prefer weather resistance over lightning-fast autofocus, and this lens won’t fail even when shooting sprawling landscapes in freezing conditions.

Manual aperture control is another Fujifilm tradition, and it’s a welcome addition here.

Stops are marked on the manual aperture ring, and clicky feedback aids in fine control.

The aperture ring also features an aperture lock to retain the Auto setting.

With its ridged surface, the manual focus ring is well-dampened and provides an excellent grip even when utilizing autofocus.

The Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR boasts a 9-rounded blade diaphragm for pleasing background blur.

Furthermore, the internal optical wizardry includes 15 lens elements in 9 groups, including three aspherical elements and 1 ED element.

Linear motors quickly shift focusing elements for fast and effective autofocus performance.

It feels well-balanced paired with an X Mount X-E4 or a heavier X-H2.

A rigid plastic lens hood is included in the box.

Focus Performance

The Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 is surprisingly quick, thanks to Fuji’s linear motor autofocus system.

Combine it with the latest Fuji X Processor 5 powered camera, and autofocus is lightning quick.

The Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR has a minimal focusing distance of 20cm (7.87″) and a 0.15 maximum magnification.

The lens’ autofocus is just as responsive and sticky when using subject tracking in low light.

I utilized this fine lens to test the Fujifilm X-S20 X Series mirrorless camera for photos and vlogging. With eye-tracking activated, the linear motor lens kept pace with my erratic actions and stayed focused on my eye.

Image Quality

While Fujifilm started in 1934 as a film manufacturer, they’re renowned today for their precision optics and mirrorless cameras.

The Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR delivers exceptional resolution and quality across the aperture range and in all lighting conditions.

Shooting wide open at f/1.4, center sharpness is excellent, and background blur and bokeh are well controlled.

It won’t deliver the same beautiful bokeh as an XF 56mm f/1.2, but then it’s not a portrait lens.

From f/5.6 to f/16, the aperture features edge-to-edge and corner sharpness, and optical aberrations are effectively corrected.

I did notice the weather-resistant lenses flaring when shooting skywards in bright, sunny conditions.

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 Sample Images

Here are sample images taken with the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR using the Fujifilm X-T3, X-E4, and X-S20.

How I Tested the Fujifiilm XF 18mm f/1.4

I shot street photography with the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR  and X-S20 around my hometown of Melbourne, Australia.

While it’s a lightweight lens, it feels a bit front-heavy when you flip the camera for vlogging.

I also paired the lens with the Fuji X-E4 and felt comfortable carrying the combo as a constant companion.

Weight is a huge deciding factor for me when choosing a kit for my next creative outburst.

The wide-angle lens faithfully captured the fast-paced street scenes thanks to its optical sharpness and fast focus.

Alternatives

An excellent alternative to the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR is the XF 16mm. f/1.4.

It’s considered one of their best thanks to its solid weather-sealed build, good autofocus performance, and exceptional image outcomes.

I stood in the pouring rain with the XF 16mm f/1.4 capturing a busy day at a Tokyo fish market. The focal length was perfect, and the lens never let me down, regardless of the lighting or weather.

Alternatively, the 12-year-old Fuji XF 18mm f/2 lens delivers good, but not fast, autofocus and good sharpness.

Many photographers shooting X Series seek this out over other lenses with similar focal lengths.

Wide open at f/2, it captures great light across the sensor plane.

It isn’t weather-resistant, but the older lens is tiny at ø64.5mm x 33.7mm (2.54″x1.33″) and weighs 116g (0.26 lbs).

It captures great images and is still an amazing choice for environmental portraits.

Value for Money

The Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 retails for around US$1,000.

It’s excellent value considering the optical construction, linear motor autofocus performance, and image quality.

Fuji equipment holds its value and will last a lifetime of continued operation if cared for.

For comparison, the XF 16mm f/1.4 sells for around US$970, and the original XF 18mm f/2 at around US$614.

Primes of this quality rarely sell at the same price as the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR.

FAQ’s

What is the difference between f/1.4 and f/2?

The Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 features a fast and wide maximum f/1.4 aperture. It allows more light to hit the camera’s image sensor and is ideal for subject separation and background blur.

What is the minimum focus distance for Fujifilm 18mm f/1.4?

The Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 has a minimum focusing distance of 20cm (7.87″). As a result, you can get in close to subjects to achieve sharp photos with gorgeous color rendering and appealing background blur.

What is the Fujifilm 18mm f/1.4 equivalent to?

The Fujifilm X Series digital mirrorless cameras utilize a 1.5x crop sensor, giving the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR a 27mm full-frame equivalent.

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 Review | Conclusion

I had trepidations about the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR lens after shooting with the original Fuji XF 18mm f/2.

Despite being older, it didn’t boast the fastest autofocus performance.

However, I’m pleased to say that the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 is fast and delivers exceptional image quality.

This lens is highly beneficial for landscape, astro, architectural, and street photographers.

Thanks to its 27mm full-frame equivalent focal distance, it also makes for an excellent travel lens.

If you’re looking for a new prime lens to add to your camera bag, an 18mm focal length delivering excellent images is a very easy choice.

What are your thoughts on the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR? Have you shot with this or any other X Series wide-angle primes?

Disclaimer: All recommendations are impartial and based on user experience, with no bias to the products or the brand. The products in this post may contain affiliate links.