Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR vs. XF 23mm f/1.4 R

A size comparison between the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 and XF 23mm f/1.4 with both lenses lined up with a Fujifilm X-Pro3 — The Fujifilm X-Pro3, Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR, and Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R

Fuji XF 18mm f/1.4 vs. XF 23mm f/1.4?

Which One Is a Keeper?

When I purchased the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR a few weeks ago, I knew it was somewhat close in focal length to my XF 23mm f/1.4 R and with the same max f-stop.

Before getting the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR I asked myself if I really needed both, and already then I was toying with the idea of selling one of them after trying out the new lens.

I do not have to sell but nor do I aspire to become a lens collector with unused photography gear sitting on the shelf staring me in the face.

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR vs. XF 23mm f/1.4 R — Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR shown on the Fujifilm X-Pro3 and Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R shown on the Fujifilm X-Pro2

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 and XF 23mm f/1.4 Specs Comparison

Let us take a quick look at some of the specs where the two lenses differ. A first glance the lenses appear somewhat similar but there are quite a few features separating them.

XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR

27mm (35mm full-frame equivalent)
3 aspherical, 1 ED element
Linear autofocus motor - Yes
Locking "A" position aperture ring - Yes
Weather-resistant - Yes
Clutch mechanism manual focusing - No
Rounded 9-blade diaphragm
15 elements in 9 groups
Minimum focus distance: 7.9" / 20 cm
Dimensions: 2.7 x 3" / 68.8 x 75.6 mm
Weight: 13.1 oz / 370 g

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R

35mm (35mm full-frame equivalent)
1 aspherical element
Linear autofocus motor - No
Locking "A" position aperture ring - No
Weather-resistant - No
Clutch mechanism manual focusing - Yes
Minimum focus distance: 11.02" / 28 cm
Rounded 7-blade diaphragm
11 elements in 8 groups
Dimensions: 2.83 x 2.48" / 72 x 63 mm
Weight: 10.58 oz / 300 g

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 vs. XF 23mm f/1.4 - On Paper and Physical Differences

The first and most glaring difference is the different focal lengths. The XF 18mm is a 27mm full-frame equivalent and the XF 23mm is a 35mm full-frame equivalent. So why even compare the two?

For one, I am curious and the two lenses will inevitably be compared in this range of moderate wide-angle lenses from Fujifilm both featuring the fast f/1.4 f-stop in a similar focal length range.

The optical formula in the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR, on paper, appears to be of a more advanced character with 3 aspherical and 1 ED element versus only 1 aspherical element in the XF 23mm f/1.4 R. The 9 rounded diaphragm blades in the 18mm should ensure better bokeh than with 7 rounded diaphragm blades in the XF 23mm.

A size difference between the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R and Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR — The size difference between the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R and Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR

The XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR is the heavier of the two at 13.1 oz, 370 g, vs. 10.58 oz, 300 g, for the XF 23mm f/1.4 R. The XF 18mm is longer and has a narrower lens barrel whereas the XF 23mm is shorter with a wider lens barrel.

In real life, the weight difference is hardly noticeable but the narrow lens barrel on the XF 18mm feels different, and nice, with a new-textured focus ring where the grooves do not run as deep.

The aperture ring is also slightly wider on the XF 18mm which I would prefer. Keep in mind, the XF 23mm feels more like an older metal-constructed lens than the XF 18mm. The difference is not night and day but noticeable.

A few features which may or may not be important to you set the XF 18mm apart. It has a linear motor for fast silent autofocus, is weather-resistant, and has the locking "A" position aperture ring. On the other hand, the XF 23mm has the clutch mechanism manual focus ring.

The linear motor is surely a plus. The locking “A” position is perhaps not as important to me but I have used it a few times now and it does leave you with a resounding feeling that it won’t move out of place.

I am a bit torn on the clutch mechanism focus ring of the XF 23mm f/1.4 R. While it is good for acquiring infinity focus I have not used it very often and have not missed it on the XF 18mm f/1.4.

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR vs. XF 23mm f/1.4 R, head to head — Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR shown on the Fujifilm X-Pro3 and Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R shown on the Fujifilm X-Pro2

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 vs. XF 23mm f/1.4 - The Real Life Differences

The on-paper specs should be taken into account but do they make any real differences when it comes to using either of these lenses?

It is important to remember that I have a long history of using the XF 23mm f/1.4 R and hence it may take some time to adjust to a wider focal length.

Instead of doing a tripod-mounted test I took the two lenses out and attempted some street photography with the X-Pro3. It became slightly crippled as I couldn’t shoot as freely as I normally would with just one lens at a time.

The frequent lens changes resulted in picking fairly static subjects where I could compare the lenses at various f-stops.

A classic MG decorated with flower in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR — Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f/2

A vintage MG decorated with flowers in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R — Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R @ f2

For the sample images in this article, I have matched the white balance and only made slight levels and exposure changes in order to match the files.

The photos are shot hand-held and are always from the same vantage point but compositions may vary slightly. The photos were shot in RAW and processed in Capture One.

Make sure to click on the photos to view larger images for comparison.

A makeshift phone booth set up along Robson Street for a flower festival. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR — Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f/1.4

A makeshift phone booth set up along Robson Street for a flower festival. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R — Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R @ f1.4

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 vs XF 23mm f/1.4 - Image Quality

I rarely view my images at 100% and at first glance images from either lens render rather pleasing photos. But since this is a head-to-head lens review I put on my pixel-peeping spectacles and had a closer look.

Pixel peeping can be a pesky ordeal as you may be surprised by what you find. I already knew the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR was an excellent lens from the get-go. I noticed it was very good, even at f/1.4 but I had not worried much about viewing images at 100% or comparing it with other lenses.

Depending on your monitor size you can view my sample images up to 2500 pixels wide and I hope this will give you some insight into my finding.

The XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR is indeed the sharper lens and I would go so far and say it appears to be the case for the entire aperture range I tested.

A Honda scooter parked in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR — Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f/1.8

A Honda scooter parked in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R — Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R @ f1.8

The most glaring difference happens when both the lenses are shot wide open at f/1.4 and this is where the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR really excels in comparison to the XF 23mm f/1.4 R. As you stop the lenses down the difference gradually diminishes and by f/5.6 it becomes trickier to tell them apart.

Bokeh also appears to be more pleasing and smooth from the XF 18mm f/1.4 while the XF 23mm f/1.4 can appear busy in some situations. Colors are slightly more vibrant and warmer from the XF 18mm.

Rarely, if ever, do I mention chromatic aberration in my reviews but it is worth mentioning here as the XF 18mm again holds the ace when it comes to CA. And again, I stress it is very well controlled from f/1.4 onwards.

A food truck in central Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR — Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR @ f/1.4

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 vs. XF 23mm f/1.4 - Conclusion

The retail prices for the two lenses are currently $999.00 for the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR and $899.95 for the XF 23mm f/1.4 R. From this perspective alone the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR represents the better value at the moment. This, of course, would be irrelevant if 23mm is your favorite focal length.

The XF 23mm f/1.4 R has been on the market for nearly eight years now and if you are willing to buy second-hand it can now be found in the $500.00 to $600.00 range. At this price level, the XF 23mm f/1.4 R represents good value in comparison to buying a new XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR where taxes also will add to your total cost.

A comparison of the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR and XF 23mm f/1.4 R — Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR shown on the Fujifilm X-Pro3 and Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R shown on the Fujifilm X-Pro2

Fujifilm has come a long way since the XF 23mm f/1.4 R was released nearly eight years ago and has upped the ante of what we can expect to see in the future.

While I have been fond of my XF 23mm f/1.4 R and have hundreds of keepers from our travels, the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR is in a higher league when it comes to optical performance.

If you can resist viewing your images at 100% or if you are on a budget and prefer the 23mm focal length the XF 23mm f/1.4 R is still a good option.

And if you like things a bit wider and have a gap in your lens lineup, Fujifilm has given you strong incentives to consider the XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR.

So, which one is a keeper? I am and still very comfortable at 23mm but the 18mm opens new possibilities being as good as it is at f/1.4. Combine this with the added sharpness which makes cropping a possibility, especially with future cameras which may give us more megapixels to play with.

For full reviews of the lenses compared in this article:

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R - Review
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 links 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/1.4 R LM WR at B&H Photo
Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR at B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR vs. XF 23mm f/1.4 R - Sample Image Comparison

Please see more sample images below. Editing was done in Capture One and I only made slight levels and exposure adjustments. I have not applied film simulations.

Please click to view larger images.