Fuji Let's Talk 18mm f2.0

[AndyH44]

I've read many things about this - 1. Great; 2. Not So Great lens, so it's time for all that have asked for a Mk 2 to speak up. Other than WR, what else is lacking or needs to be better?

 

[Bobby Tingle]

A version 2 needs the AF motor of the 23/35/50 trilogy. Maybe a little more sharpness. With that said, I'd like to see a 16mm f2 variant with weather sealing.

 

[AndyH44]

AF speed isn't a concern for me, but accuracy, rendering, and sharpness is. As my main use for an 18mm would be for landscapes, maybe this 1st version might do it for me.

 

[tonyturley]

I had no issue at all with IQ on the 18mm f2, nor did I find the focus speed a problem. It also made for a very small combo with the X-T20. However, I decided to go a different route with the XF 18-55 for more versatility. I gave up the compactness, but I just didn't feel like I could justify keeping lenses around I wasn't using.

 

[gryphon1911]

For me, the 18/2 was always one of the weaker of the first gen Fuji primes in IQ.

I was generally happy with the AF speed and size. So really, just IQ.

 

[bartjeej]

A WR 16/2 at or near the size of the 18/2 would have me seriously considering an ILC for the firs time...

 

[Bobby Tingle]

AF speed isn't a concern for me, but accuracy, rendering, and sharpness is. As my main use for an 18mm would be for landscapes, maybe this 1st version might do it for me.

I agree. If you don’t require weather sealing then you should give the current 18mm a try.

 

[Lightmancer]

The current version is not my favourite lens, partly because it's good but not great, partly because there are other lenses - not least the aforementioned 18-55 - which cover the focal length better, and partly because it is a bit of a meh field of view for me. Seldom wide enough and just a bit loose for general use.

So I won't be in the market for a Mk.2 but if I was, faster AF and WR would be a must.

 

[Armanius]

I only have the 18/2 and 35/1.4. I rarely use the 18/2. Not because it is a bad lens, but I am in love with the 35/1.4. It's probably my all time favorite lens in any mirrorless system that I have used. The IQ of the 18 is fine for me. AF is no worse than the 35. But I am not as comfortable using wider than 35mm (in full frame focal length).

 

[KillRamsey]

I'd rather have 16mm than 18mm, as well, if we're voting. As for the current 18, from what I've seen (I don't own one) it's similar to the 27... good, not great. It suffers mostly by being compared to all the other Fuji XF lenses. I so often opt not to use the 27 for that reason, only going with it when space is at a PREMIUM, at which point I'm glad to have it.

 

[AndyH44]

Don't want the heft, bulk or price of the present 16. Not even interested and not comparing. I'm keeping my Fuji system as light and compact as possible.

 

[KillRamsey]

I wonder how small an f2 16 could be... and if it's not small enough, would an f2.8 sell well enough to justify making?

 

[Armanius]

The 14/2.8 is a decent size. Not a pancake, but not too big either.

 

[KillRamsey]

Too large to differentiate from the 16 1.4, though...? Needs to be compact if the angle is "travel lens" like the other f2s.

 

[Armanius]

Yikes, you are right. I haven't used a 14/2.8 in ages. Just looked at it on Camerasize, and it's almost as big as 16/1.4.

 

[KillRamsey]

THAT one I did have. I remember it well. About the same size as the 18-55.

 

[AndyH44]

Anyone else care to discuss the merits, or faults of the 18mm f2.0?

 

[Armanius]

It's small and portable. Its IQ is not in the same league as the 35/1.4 or any of the other X lenses I have used (14/2.8, 18-55, 50/2, 56/1.2, 60/2.4, 90/2, Touit 32/1.8). But I find the IQ perfectly acceptable. AF speed is also on the slow side compared to the newer lenses.

 

[gryphon1911]

I'll just add this so you have some samples. Back when I had the Fuji XE1.
Fuji 18mm f/2R

 

[Larry T]

I picked my 18 f2 up used for $200, in great shape. I love it, it stays on one of my X-T1 bodies all the time. I like the close focus distance of 7 inches, makes the lens a lot more versatile. It may not be Fuji's sharpest lens, but it's sharper than my Canon 28mm f2.8, especially in the corners, wide open. I won't be selling mine soon.