Fujifilm has introduced the Fujinon XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR for its APS-C X-system cameras. With a focal length equivalent to 27mm on full-frame, it’s touted as a general-purpose wideangle prime that’s ideal for a broad range of subjects from landscapes to weddings. Meanwhile the fast maximum aperture provides extra scope for shooting in low light and blurring out-of-focus backgrounds.
Fujinon XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR on the Fujifilm X-T4
Optically the lens employs 15 elements in 9 groups, including three aspherical and one extra-low dispersion glass element to maintain sharpness into the corners of the image and suppress colour fringing from chromatic aberration. It employs an internal-focus design driven by a linear motor, which promises focus acquisition times as short as 0.04 seconds and enables a minimum focus distance of just 20cm. As the WR designation implies, the lens is resistant to dust, moisture and temperatures down to -10°C, achieved via eight seals arranged around the metal-skinned barrel.
Key features of the Fujinon XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR include an aperture ring and a weather-resistant design
At 69mm in diameter, 76mm in length and 370g, the lens is very similar in size to Fujifilm’s existing 16mm f/1.4, 23mm f/1.4 and 56mm f/1.2 designs. It employs 62mm filters, which are shared with the latter two of these siblings. As usual from Fujifilm the lens boasts a physical aperture ring, which includes a lock button to prevent it being accidentally nudged from its Auto position. However the focus ring doesn’t have a push-pull mechanism to engage manual mode, as used by some of its stablemates.
The Fujinon XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR is due to go on sale in May for £879.
