Fuji needs a better 18mm. The 28mm focal length is my favorite.
157th.
Yet another reminder that the gear doesn't make the photos the photographer does. Complaints of a boring focal length just shows you need some more practice in composition.
Does this autofocus noise is heard on the video if you use lavalier mic for vlogging?
I love the fuji 18mm for street photography. In my opinion, taking a shot from accross the street is a very good distance with a building in the background and walking subjects. At night at F2 with 1/50th of a second and 1600 ISO performs well. Indoors at a cafe or restaurant it's wide and bright enaugh as well. 😍
Your comments regarding this not being suitable for video are incorrect. This lens focuses very close, and being a wide angle infinity focus is achieved rather quickly. You're not going to detect focusing noise much at all. Besides, if you're doing good video you'll be using an external mic anyway, which doesn't detect any of the focusing noise. And yes, I use this lens quite allot for video.
Chris, thanks for your reviews, I truly enjoy them. I personally could care less about sharpness in the middle or on the edges, what is important to me is the character of the lens and photo, and with the Fuji film simulation you can get very nice photos. I own a XE-3 with the Fujinon 28mm f2.8 and the 18-55mm lens. I will probably sell the 18-55 and buy a 18mm f2 as I prefer a small package, the reason why I own the XE-3 vs an XT body. I personally do everything manually and only take still photos, so I use focus peaking and auto-focus speed is not important to me either.
It's a great lens for its compactness and image quality vs price. The 18-55 kit lens covers this focal length already so many people who have it may find the 18mm pointless but ithe 18-55 is so big on my xe2 I feel I need to use the additional grip bracket which makes the whole set up much bigger. The 18mm for street and general city photography is perfect, and with the hood on it has the ideal amount of grip to be comfortable.
Hey Chris,
Do you prefer this lens or the 27mm 2.8 pancake for street photography?
Thanks!
1:47 my lens is also noisy and inaccurate when I leave my lens cap on
This Lens Hood is sooo nice!
My fav
A lens for street photography
I'd love to see you review the new Kamlan 21mm f/1.8. I'm considering buying either the Fuji 18mm or the Kamlan 21mm. Here in Thailand, I think I can get them for about the the same price. (The 18mm is cheap here because it is manufactured in Thailand). The Kamlan is double the size and weight, but as far as I can tell, has significantly better image quality. I'd prefer the manual focusing of the Kamlan so that's not an issue for me. The Kamlan is about double the size and weight of the 18mm. I'm going to see if I can find a Kamlan in a store here to try out.
0:49 "it's not a very exciting focal lenght..." Except if you are a street photographer. In that case 28mm is the most exciting focal lenght.
good vedio
Who wants sharp corners ? not necessary..not desirable. Also 18mm is the widest you can comfortably shoot people with... sure you may get lucky with the 16mm if you place your subjects in the centre... but then again, that makes for boring composition. One last point is that the 28mm field of view is known as the classic Wide Angle lens and is a bread and butter wide angle tool / a ubiquitous wide angle look. Fujifilm should update this with a WR f/2 Fujicron series version with internal focus.
A lense next on my list, I just got a second hand 27mm
Could you review fuji 16 f2.8 ?
I shot most of my photos with the 18 f2 and quite like to focal range, you just need to get closer if you want to fill the frame.
People say it's not the best Fuji lens but to me it's an awesome lens.
http://www.thecarnyhadahorse.com/gallery/
Ok, now I had to watch it again because you infected me with some serious GAS! :D Just bought the 18mm... But sold my 16mm 2.8 for it! That damn sexy lens hood of the 18mm man... And it's my favourite focal lenght too so it had to be done haha. By the way I was about to comment on the pacing of the video and that you should make it a bit snappier and cut long pauses out but honestly I think that's a strong point of your reviews. It feels like I am chilling with you on the street and it is super relaxing somehow. So please keep it going this way! Love the little memes popping up :D You should feature your collective members some day! Would be cool to see the community you created.
I've had 2 copies of the Fuji XF18/f2 over the past 2 years. I sold the first one, as I got it used and it was causing my camera to freak out periodically. But I found myself missing that classic 24mm field of view for walkabout street shooting, so I got it again recently.
There are 2 big issues that give this lens it's much undeserved poor reputation -
1- The Cost - it's $599 in the US. The XF23/2 and XF35/2 are far more competitively priced, as is the XF16/2.8 - Overseas, it's available at more reasonable prices. I got my 2nd lens new shipped from Thailand, and it's totally fine. Sure, any Warranty/Repair work will mean having it shipped back to Thailand, but honestly at the price I paid for it i'm not concerned.
2- In-Camera Optical Corrections - The Fuji X cameras aggressively correct the barrel distortion on this lens (which is pretty apparent at this focal length) with the result that the corners appear soft and smeary. Just remove the Corrections in your RAW file and the corners are MUCH better. For the kind of shooting you're doing with this lens, Barrel Distortion really won't be an issue unless you shoot very linear geometric shapes, and even then I personally like the distorted perspective.
It's an easy lens to shoot with - small, light, bright and with newer bodies it's quite fast. The noise will be an issue for Video work, but that's why the XF10-24 exists.
Would you recommend the 18mm f2 on the Fuji xt1?
1.15 minutes. You left the machine on the street and dust got into the sensor, the sensor was destroyed. This is a terrible moment Alex :)
You are a really fun guy ;)
Mann what's that channel tittle card music
I love you’re style, awesome video! Underrated
the cisco TAC hold music lmao
That intro had me dying 😂
*sO I lIkE tHiS hOoOoD*
EDIT: Subscribed immediately after “thats what she said”
Your best video yet. I like how you're not pretending everything is all perfect and peachy when shooting street. Sounds like you might need to take a break and take pics of cats and flowers for a month. And by the way, the 18 is my favourite lens on the X-Pro3 too.
this location gave me anxiety
"Peace sign photography for like a year".
I am dead
4:40 why the hell are you being sour when people are asking you politely not to take a photo? you are taking photo of them and their dogs/possessions and they have all the right to decline
I’ve used the 23 1.4 , 27 and 16/2.8 and prefer the 18... mainly because I just like the look of the photos. Having looked at hashtags and Flickr photos I new I liked it and wanted it. I like the results can get with flash, crazy sharp at higher f stops. I know is gets ragged on but it got a certain magic.
how about the 16mm 2.8 would it have frame lines?
Nice video, thanks!
How do you have your AF set up for those run and gun shots, if I may ask? Cheers!
I love that lens as well. I’m thinking of upgrading to the xpro3 so I can use the sports mode and turn it into a 35mm with the crop. Then you get two lenses in one!
Alex, on what you mentioned about new cameras driving the motor of this lens, does that include xe-3? XT-30 is included in what as new cameras driving the 18mm lens, right? Asking this as I'm considering both camera model and I'm interested with this 18mm lens. Thanks.
They are not put their pets to there especially train station for fun or relax. Some groups use that dogs to make money, they claims they are charity group to raise money for protect the animals, but some of them are not really do that, so they avoid media to take their photos. I think the elder people in park are welcome and happy for anyone to take photos to their pets.
Really enjoy your videos good sir.
Curious any of you Fujifilm wedding photographers out there use this lens for weddings? Admittedly, I purchased this lens purely for travel and documenting my family. While my favorite wedding lens of all time was the 28mm 1.8G on Nikon, I’ve reserve the 16mm 1.4 and 23mm 1.4 for wedding days. I personally haven’t used f2 lenses for weddings on Fuji due to keeping the ISOs down. Now I'm thinking I should give this a go for wedding? Hmm ...
Was that pic with boba guys taken in san ramon?
28mm is my favourite focal length. I love how it makes you think of interesting angles and pushes your comfort zone.
Great video!
Really nice photos Reggie. I was wondering if it is much better than just using the 18-55 mm kit lens at 18 mm though. The kit lens is stabilised too. I like that the 18 mm prime is so small and F2 though, would be good on my XT30 I imagine.
What is the best lens? The one that you have with you when you need to take a picture! I am a hero on a budget... that was the only lens i could afford at the time and it was the best lens ever... at that time.
should i save more and get the 16mm 1.4? is the different that much with 18mm f2? can i get same quality like 16mm 1.4 using this 18mm f2? which one u choose if u can only pick one
Well said! Even leicas greatest summicron is a 28
Love ur pic
What's your view on this lens against the 16mm f2.8 ? Really can't make my mind..
About to buy a xt30 and was tossing up between a 23mm f2 and this - was leaning this way as I love street / landscape photography and felt the 23 might not be quite wide enough. Now I’m certain this is the one. Thanks for the great video.
I’m new to photography and I have the 16-55mm lens but I’m looking for a small lens for street photography and travel. Would you recommend 18mm or 35mm f2?
...great Fotos. Wish you well
Would this be suitable to take images of stationary cars within a small garage? I currently use the 35mm lens which is great however this is mainly used when the car is outdoors and space is available.
Hello Reggie. I am very curious about the video performance of this lens after new software. Video is important to me. I will or will not buy this lens. I don't know if there is a video focus problem. Do you have an opinion on this matter? Thank you.
I totally liked this video and ultimately agreed on every points. That's a very good analysis of the situation for that lens. In order to tackle it, you needed to go into the consumerism psychology and photography skills and identify responsibilities into this rabbit hole. I learned a lot about myself too. I shoot a lot with 28mm and never realised I was using the least forgiving lens which make totally sens. Also I respect a lot the risk you took to put out this option that goes against the stream.
Well said! My uncle told me once, "a good tradesman never blames his tools". Makes sense. Yes please, more casual style review opinions!
Great video Reggie! I put off getting this lens, as I had 3 Fuji Zooms that did 18mm, including the 16-55mm f2.8, and because of the "bad" reviews. I've had for years the 27mm f2.8 which on my Pro2 was a great walk around lens, but I just wanted something wider, faster, and the 18mm f2 is Fuji's most compact XF lens that has an aperture ring (wasn't a big deal as my front command dial changes aperture just like my Nikons used to do). I also used to love my Nikon 28mm f2.8 Ai-S lens on my full frame Nikons before I switched to Fuji. But I found a used perfect condition copy for €250 (about $280) so I bought it. I wish I had bought this years earlier. I shoot weddings with 2 X-T2s, and I haven't taken the 18mm to a wedding, but on my Pro2 for personal work I love it, and it fits the style of that camera. But as others have mentioned, Kevin Mullins, who honestly was the Fuji photographer whose work inspired me to switch to Fuji (didn't know you yet Reggie :-) ), uses it, and shared in a video how he got a great shot of a child at a wedding where any of the larger Fuji lenses would have scared the child off. For some candids it can be great.
Its funny that some people complain about the fuji 18mm focal length, yet everyone is are all over the leica q/q2 with a 28mm lens saying how amazing it is!!!
I use the 23 f2 quite a bit, but often find myself wishing it was a bit wider, yet when I use the 16 f2.8 I find that to be far too wide. I wonder if this maybe would be a good balance. The whole autofocus speed and noise gives me pause though. I use a composition technique that’s kinda dependent on very fast AF, as I essentially refocus for every shot. I also don’t want my lenses to make too much noise. Anyhoo, seems like an interesting option.
Thanks for the video! Wonderful photos in it too!
What grip do you have on your X-t3?
i just got my xt3 , and hear many people praise alot 16mm 1.4 and hate a lot 18mm 2.0 . for the size inreally like 18mm compact design. and the price 3 time cheaper. di u think it worth to upgrade to 16mm 1.4 and is it that good? or i can get good quality for photo n video with 18mm f2. if u should choose one which one would u choose for all around photo and video?
Glad I saw your video. I got my xf 18 f2 when i bought my xpro 1. Have been using it on my vacation and there is something to it. Perhaps microcontrast? The images just look good. Almost sold it today and wanted to go for the xf 16 2.8 but stopped selling it because of the shots I got on vacation. The edges dont matter to me (I never look there in a picture) and the CA is okay. The lens just has some magic surrounding it which is hardly mentioned on the internet imho.
Looking for a talking head lens for my channel under $300. I have an XT200. Thoughts on this (used) with a lav vs the Viltrox 23 f1.4? Any other recs I should consider? The autofocus noise isn't as much as an issue, but speed and reliability would be. I like the closer depth of focus on the 18mm which could double as a cheap macro as well. Great video as always!
Wonderful review. Considering this as my next wide angle lens. Your video helped a lot, thanks.
How did you manage to record the cameras liveview like at 07:13 for example?
✌️
The shots look just amazing! IMO the first gen. lenses had something special to it.
Regards from Bromsgrove Damian. Just bought a copy from eBay. Really like your reviews pal.
It's a photographer's lens, not for pixel peepers. Lots of character...love it.
I have the 27mm f/2.8 and this spends most of it's time permanently on my old (but still good) X-E1. I've been thinking of getting the 18mm f/2 for a similar experience on my X-T2. I love pancake primes especially for street grabs and with these two combinations I could pop both bodies in my small messenger bag and snap away.
Hi Damien, love your videos, I have a Z6 with a perfect razor sharp 35mm lens (23mm equipment in aosc) I used to have x-t10, x-t20 and x-t3 with 23 f2 and 16 f1.4. I have a little hard time getting used to the nikon 1100grn total, the X-t3 with the 16mm was not much lighter. I wonder if I should go into x-t30 + this 18 f2 as I love 28mm FOV and it's crazy light. Though is this 18mm capable of taking great landscape and sunstar photos?
Nice review, it works well for me too.
It has great color rendering and it's sharp enough for every common application. If someone needs to make three meters prints like Andreas Gursky, then ok, look for something else.
Just now I use the 16-80 for almost any purpose. Have ben thinking of the 16mm1.4 for indoor, but after seing your video consider getting my old. 18 mm f2 instead. Actually switched to it from the 27mm, which i had with the XM1 in a pocketable size. Now instead I use my XT70.
Hey, Damian! I am looking for my lens and i am struggling. I wanted 23 mm. But now i considering this 18mm. With fuji 23 f2 is a problem at close focus distance. The new viltrox23 cannot focus close at all - very poor magnification ratio. But i personally feel a need a wider field of view with closer focus ability. 16 1.4 is not for my pocket :( Beside this, that new viltrox is very attractive, but that little 18 is so compact, and looks like very nice with natural rendering. I found used copy 18mm asking for 230 euros. Witch of the trio you would vote?
Hey do you use filters on your lenses for protection? Just noticed you removed a clear filter from the 18 let me know thanks!
this is a magic lens.
this lens is all about the lens hood......they should put this lens hood on the 16mm f/2.8 WR
Drink every time he "gets the job done" 😂
I love the fuji 18mm for street photography. In my opinion, taking a shot from accross the street is a very good distance with a building in the background and walking subjects. At night at F2 with 1/50th of a second and 1600 ISO performs well. Indoors at a cafe or restaurant it's wide and bright enaugh as well. 😍
I exchanged my 18mm f2 for the 16mm f2.8, lured by the promise of perfection. An amazing lens, for sure, but not for me. Now I've got another (brand new!!) 18mm f2 and I'm loving it. It sits on my xpro2 and focusing is superfast. Noisy, yes but hey life isn't perfect. I think you are absolutely right, Damian it has a certain magic/attraction. I have the classic trio back in my bag. No more charts, no more reviews, no more "what do other people think about my lenses" Just, as you say, go out and shoot with what i've got.