Fujifilm XF 18mm f1.4 Review: BEST FUJI LENS EVER MADE 😤 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The Fujifilm 18mm f/1.4 lens excels in performance for photographers and videographers.

Key Insights

• 💬 The Fujifilm 18mm f/1.4 lens offers exceptional performance in diverse photographic scenarios, especially in weddings and portraits.
• 👾 Its autofocus capabilities outperform previous models, providing confidence during fast-paced shooting environments.
• 💦 The lens's sharpness is a standout feature, making it suitable for high-resolution photography and video work.
• 💬 Compared to the 16mm and 23mm lenses, the 18mm f/1.4 presents less distortion, making it ideal for capturing people.
• 🥺 Photographic composition challenges with wider lenses can lead to more creative and engaging results with the 18mm f/1.4.
• ✋ The lens serves as both a practical travel option and a dedicated tool for high-quality imagery.
• ❓ The reviewer emphasizes the importance of lens choice in achieving desired aesthetic effects in photography.

Transcript

I sold four of my Fujifilm lenses -- the 12mm f.2.0, my 18mm f/2.0, 23mm f/1.4, and my 50mm f/2.0, all to fund this lens -- the Fujifilm 18mm f/1.4. Do I regret selling all those lenses? So I'm gonna come out of the gate and say that this is not a technical review. I'm not gonna do any pixel peeping, brick wall distortion tests, bokeh comparisons. ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did the reviewer sell their previous lenses to buy the Fujifilm 18mm f/1.4?

The reviewer sold four Fujifilm lenses to fund the purchase of the 18mm f/1.4 due to its promise of better overall performance, particularly in low-light settings and its favorite focal length of 18mm, which offers a versatile field of view for their photography style.

Q: How does the 18mm f/1.4 lens perform in low-light situations?

The Fujifilm 18mm f/1.4 lens excels in low-light environments, allowing the reviewer to shoot comfortably without having to stop down excessively. Its improved autofocus and f/1.4 aperture provide greater flexibility and reliable performance during high-pressure events like weddings.

Q: What are the main advantages of the 18mm f/1.4 over the 16mm and 23mm lenses?

The 18mm f/1.4 lens minimizes distortion more effectively than the 16mm lens and is more suited for portrait and wedding photography than the 23mm. The reviewer notes it offers an ideal focal length with sharpness and versatility, allowing for better composition and enhanced image quality overall.

Q: How does the lens handle distortion during portrait photography?

The 18mm f/1.4 is described as offering distortion control similar to the 23mm f/1.4, making it more suitable for portrait photography than the 16mm. Less distortion improves the representation of subjects, allowing for more natural-looking portraits eliminating the excessive warping associated with wider angles.

Q: What makes the 18mm f/1.4 a favorite for video work?

Its silent operation and smoother autofocus transitions make the 18mm f/1.4 an excellent choice for video, as the reviewer uses it to record themselves. The lens's speed and reliability contribute to better video quality in dynamic shooting environments.

Q: How does the reviewer suggest determining whether to buy the 18mm f/1.4 or the 18mm f/2.0?

The reviewer emphasizes deciding based on size and budget, noting that the 18mm f/1.4 is larger and pricier but offers superior performance suitable for various conditions, whereas the 18mm f/2.0 is more compact and budget-friendly, although not as capable in low light.

Q: What shooting styles benefit most from the 18mm f/1.4 lens features?

The lens is particularly advantageous for wedding and portrait photographers who require sharpness, distortion control, and reliable autofocus. The reviewer also highlights its effectiveness for documenting family life and creating creative compositions due to its versatile focal length.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The reviewer discusses their experience with the Fujifilm 18mm f/1.4 lens, emphasizing its versatile performance for wedding and portrait photography.

• Compared to other Fujifilm lenses, the 18mm f/1.4 offers less distortion and superior autofocus, making it ideal for high-pressure shooting situations.

• The lens is praised for its sharpness and overall quality, making it the new favorite choice over other previous options in the Fujifilm lineup.