Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR Lens Gets Gold Award at DPReview (89% Overall Score)

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DPReview published the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR Lens review and test results: the new Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR Lens gets an impressive 89% overall score and Gold Award from the experts at DPReview.

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR Lens Key Features:

  • X-Mount Lens/APS-C Format
  • 27mm (35mm Equivalent)
  • Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
  • 3 Asperical, 1 ED Optical Glass Elements
  • 15 Elements in 9 Groups
  • Linear Autofocus Motor
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 7.9″
  • Locking “A” Position Aperture Ring
  • Weather-Sealed Construction
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

What we like:

  • Fills a gap in the F1.4 lineup for X-mount
  • Quite compact for a lens of its type
  • Solid build and weather-sealed
  • Swift, silent autofocus
  • Good sharpness, even wide-open in the corners
  • Minimal chromatic aberrations
  • Most potential optical defects are well controlled
  • Nice sunstars when stopped down

What we don’t:

  • Short focus throw in linear mode makes precise focus pulls difficult
  • A bit prone to flare and ghosting

Conclusion from DPReview:

The Fujifilm XF 18mm F1.4 is a great option for a bright, fast walkaround prime for X-mount shooters. Equivalent to 27mm F2.1 on a full-frame camera, it’s fast enough to offer a decent separation between foreground and background, despite its wide field-of-view. Optically it’s sharp wide open, offers pleasing bokeh, and has minimal chromatic aberrations. Autofocus is fast thanks to the use of linear motors, though video shooters may find the manual focus experience limiting. For X-mount shooters, the XF 18mm F1.4 is worth the price premium over the XF 18mm F2.

Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR Lens: $999 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Read more: Best Lenses for Fujifilm GFX 100 and  Best Lenses for Fujifilm GFX 50R.