Comparison: Fujinon 16mm f1.4 v Fujinon 18mm f2
The small but perfectly formed Fujinon XF18mm f2R has been the lens I have used the most since I bought it in 2013. The fast f2 aperture along with the small size and 27mm equivalent angle of view makes the 18mm f2 my 'go to' lens.
However has the new 16mm f1.4 usurped this position? The slightly wider 24mm equivalent focal length is one that I used to have when I used film cameras and for landscapes it is a great lens to have in the bag. But how different is the 18mm and 16mm? Is that 2mm going to make a huge amount of difference? and will that extra stop on the aperture compensate for the difference in the physical size of the 16mm compared to the 18mm?
I went for a walk along the coastal path in Dunbar down to the harbour and took there shots with the X-T10 fitted with the 18mm f2 and my X-T1 fitted with the 16mm f1.4.
As usual for this blog I need to point out that this is NOT a technical test, I don't do that, I just report on my findings in using them for everyday photography. If you want graphs and microscopic comparisons check out this superb review on FujiVFuji.com HERE
Anyway here are the sample images and in each case the 18mm shot is at the top and the 16mm is at the bottom.
In the scene above and the shot of the fishing boat in Dunbar Harbour below you can see that the lower shot has a slightly wider angle of view but it certainly isn't massive.
In the shot below of the castle framed in the tunnel entrance the difference between the two shots are also negligible but I was able to get closer to the tunnel entrance with the 16mm.
So the reality is the 2mm extra doesn't make a huge amount of difference in these demonstration shots.
So it comes down to what you want from the lens. The build quality on both is superb but the 16mm is the latest XF lens with Weather Proofing and lens coatings.
By comparison the 18mm f2 is the first generation X-Mount XF lens but that doesn't mean it isn't a stellar performer. The 18mm has received some criticism on the internet but I have had nothing but praise for this lens that punches well above its small weight and I stand by this blog post I did in April 2014 giving the 18mm f2 five stars.
Here is the specifications from the Fujifilm website for each lens
Fujinon XF18mm f2R
| Type | XF18mmF2 R |
|---|---|
| Lens construction | 8 elements in 7 groups (includes 2 aspherical elements) |
| Focal length | f=18mm (135 equivalent: 27mm) |
| Angle of view | 76.5° |
| Max. aperture | F2.0 |
| Min. aperture | F16 |
| Aperture control |
|
| Focus range | Approx. 18cm - ∞ |
| Max. magnification | 0.14x |
| External dimensions | ø64.5mm x 40.6mm |
| Weight | Approx. 116g (excluding caps and hoods) |
| Filter size | ø52mm |
Fujinon XF16mm f1.4R WR
| Type | FUJINON LENS XF16mmF1.4 R WR |
|---|---|
| Lens construction | 13 elements 11 groups (includes 2 aspherical and 2 extra low dispersion elements) |
| Focal length | f=16mm (24mm) |
| Angle of view | 83.2° |
| Max. aperture | F1.4 |
| Min. aperture | F16 |
| Aperture control |
|
| Focus range | 15cm - ∞ |
| Max. magnification | 0.21x |
| External dimensions | ø73.4mm x 73.0mm |
| Weight | 375g |
| Filter size | ø67mm |
There is also the cost to consider. The 18mm f2 currently retails for £359 compared to £729 for the brand new 16mm f1.4. That is a substantial difference in price but this can be justified by the faster aperture and build quality.
Conclusion
I have to admit that the jury is still out for me at the moment, the price and physical size difference makes the 18mm still a great buy in my opinion. In the optical quality stakes the 16mm is better than the 18mm but not by a huge amount unless you are a pixel peeper. If money is no object, and you don't mind the extra size, then the 16mm will win hands down. But all things considered there is a good case to have the 18mm f2 in the camera bag.
Decisions, decisions!!
I head to Austria tomorrow morning for the next round of the European Le Mans Series and I will be putting the 16mm through its paces over the next few days in a motorsport environment. I'll report back next week with a definite conclusion.
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ALL IMAGES (UNLESS INDICATED) ARE THE PROPERTY OF MACLEAN PHOTOGRAPHIC AND CANNOT BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION
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Jeff Carter is an Official Fujifilm X Photographer and was named as a Fujifilm brand ambassador in June 2015. In 2016 he worked with the company on the launches of the Fujifilm X-Pro2 in Tokyo and the Fujifilm X-T2 in Paris in July 2016. You can view his profile and gallery on the Fujifilm website HERE
Hi
ReplyDeleteGood post - a useful reminder to think carefully about what is really important. The 16 is a significantly capable lens, but for me the size and weight of the 18 wins. I rarely shoot it wide open so the extra stop isn't helpful to me. More important is size and weight both in bag and on camera. Shooting with the 18, whether documentary or landscape, is just such a pleasure. As for the results - I'm delighted with the prints I've made based on this lens.
thank you for the comment. the 16 really is a great lens but so is the 18 and i agree with you Pelao, for landscape and street it is a perfect lens. I have A2 prints of images taken with the 18mm and for me it does the job and that is all i ask of the photographic equipment i use.
DeleteI agree! I love the 18mm - so small and light. It's the lens that gets left on my XT1 all the time.
ReplyDelete