Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R Review

The Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R mounted on a Fujifilm X-Pro2

Fuji XF 18mm f/2 Lens Review

Thanks to Leo’s Camera Supply in downtown Vancouver for making the Fujifilm 18mm f/2 R available to me for my lens review. I was able to try it out during one of my street photography workshops in Vancouver.

Introduction

Rewind to March of 2012, Fujifilm’s first interchangeable lens X Series camera was released. The Fujifilm X-Pro1. On the counter in my local photo store was the X-Pro1, XF 35mm f/1.4 R, and the XF 18mm f/2 R. The 18mm was the only wide-angle option at the time and I almost bought it.

Fujifilm X-Pro2 shown on the XF 18mm f/2 R

I ended up taking a more cautious approach as I wanted to get more familiar with the Fujifilm system before I added additional lenses. I was shooting a full-frame Canon EOS setup at the time.

I was happy with the XF 35mm f/1.4 R and didn't feel the need for a second lens for a long time. When I decided to add a wide-angle lens, I chose the XF 23mm f/1.4 R.

The XF 18mm f/2 R retail price is $599.00.

A man cycles through a graffiti painted alley in Gastown, Vancovuer. Sample photo from a Fuji 18mm f/2 R — Gastown, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 18mm f/2 @ f/2.8

Handling

At 4.09 oz / 116 g, you gotta love how compact this lens is and yet it still has an aperture ring. It is basically a pancake lens and measures a mere 2.54 x 1.6" / 64.5 x 40.6 mm.

Note that the aperture ring is missing the grooves where the numbers are imprinted on the lens. Depending on how you hold the camera/lens your fingers are more likely to slip slightly on the aperture ring.

The manual focus ring is smooth on my tester but it is focus-by-wire, which you may or may not like. The clutch mechanism focus ring, which was introduced later by Fujifilm, would have been nice but I am sure it would have added bulk to the lens.

The minimum focus distance is 7.09" / 18 cm and the lens has 7 rounded diaphragm blades. The XF 18mm has 8 Elements in 7 Groups with 2 aspherical elements.

A man sits in a cafe on the corner of West Hastings Street and Cambie street in Vancouver Surrounded by windows. Sample image from a Fujifilm 18mm f/2 R lens — Gastown, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 18mm f/2 @ f/2.2

Back to the aperture ring. It is somewhat jerky in operation unlike the XF 23mm f/2 R WR, which I tested a couple of weeks ago. It seems Fujifilm is getting better and better at aperture rings for every lens they release and we have to remember, the XF 18mm is from the first batch in 2012.

It is absolutely still workable but there is a noticeable difference. The lens hood is metal and similar to the one used on the XF 35mm f/1.4 R. It also shares the audible buzzy autofocus of the XF 35mm f/1.4 R, unfortunately.

The Cambie Hostel along Cambie Street in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R — Gastown, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 18mm f/2 @ f/3.2

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R in Action

The full-frame focal length equivalent is 28mm. I have never owned a 28mm prime but have used zooms in the 28mm range in the past.

I am not particularly for or against this focal length. Some photographers will claim they lean toward a 35mm or 24mm or any particular focal length. When shooting primes, every focal length has strengths and limitations.

I will admit I have toyed with the idea of a Leica Q for travel. The 28mm f/1.7 Summilux can create beautiful images in the right hands but the price of entry to the Leica system has kept me in the Fujifilm camp. Mind you, I have also seen several stunning images produced with the XF 18mm f/2 R lens over the years.

Today I tested the XF 18mm f/2 R on my X-Pro2 and it was a joy to carry around. You barely feel the lens on the camera. The buzzy autofocus is annoying but really not that much of an issue. I am also used to this from my XF 35mm f/1.4 R.

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R - Image Quality

I enjoyed the 18mm focal length. It is wide but not too wide. It is excellent for documentary-style shooting where you can get close to the action and yet, will not encounter excessive wide-angle distortion.

Compared to the Zeiss 12mm f/2.8 that I tested a few weeks ago I prefer the 18mm focal length for street photography although I found the Zeiss trumped the XF 18mm in overall image quality.

Speaking of image quality, the 18mm f/2 R is a closer match to the XF 23mm f/2 R WR and X100F.

A woman wearing a white sunhat waits at a cross walk on the corner of Cambie Street and West Cordova in Gastown, Vancouver. Sample photo from a Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R — Gastown, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 18mm f/2 @ f/8

Conclusion

I will start my conclusion with a question. Is the XF 18mm f/2 due for a refresh/update? I do believe many Fuji photographers think so and I agree.

We have enjoyed the introduction of a well-made line of weather-sealed, silent, fast autofocus f/2 and f/2.8 series of lenses; the XF 50mm f/2 R WR, XF 35mm f/2 R WR, XF 23mm f/2 R WR, and XF 16mm f/2.8 R WR. You can't help but think; What if the feature set of those lenses were to be implemented for a new possible XF 18mm f/2 R WR?

I will add another question. Should a new XF 18mm have the clutch mechanism manual focus like in the XF 14mm f/2.8 R, XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR, and XF 23mm f/1.4 R?

I am not sure what I would prefer. I really enjoyed the 23mm f/2 R WR when I tested it, however, I find the optical quality of the clutch mechanism primes a tad better. I often tend to prioritize better image quality but would love to hear your opinion in the comments below.

The Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R mounted on an X-Pro2 — Fujifilm X-Pro2 and the XF 18mm f/2 R

In my limited testing of the XF 18mm f/2 R, I was looking for a wow factor when editing the files but I didn’t quite find it. The photographer may have lacked that wow factor today and perhaps I was hoping the lens would save the day :)

I was excited to try the XF 18mm but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Despite the lightweight portable form factor, it is not a must-have lens in my case.

Pros

Compact and easy to carry
Has an aperture ring despite its small size
Great focal length for documentary-style photography

Cons

Aging in the lineup
Buzzy autofocus motor
Image quality lacks a wow factor

Update:

Fujifilm released the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR, for $999.00 in April 2021. The wishes or predictions I mentioned above did not pan out but Fujifilm instead surprised us when it became apparent the new XF 18mm would be an f/1.4 version, with a linear motor, LM, and also decided to drop the clutch mechanism. I have now reviewed it here:

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR - Review

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R - Sample Images

Please check out the sample images below. Photos are edited in Capture One Express and I have used Fujifilm film simulations such as Classic Chrome and Acros.

Please click to view larger photos.