Fuji 18mm f1.4 or 23mm f1.4 LM WR and why?

ichollad · Dec 30, 2022

It sounds like you don't enjoy shooting at 28mm as much as you enjoyed shooting at 35mm (eq), so if that's the case I'd switch out to the new 23. I haven't used the new lenses yet myself, but by most accounts the performance of the 18, 23 and 33 are very similar. I suspect that the 18 gets the most praise/attention because it came out first, and the 23 the least because it was relatively late to the party due to Covid delays.

I enjoyed your sample images, by the way.

DelnT · Dec 30, 2022

I think a lot of people said this already but I'll reiterate as it's a good point. I think all the new LM lenses are top quality so it's down to lens pairing and prefered subjects to shoot. I favour 18mm and 33mm so (28mm + 50mm Equiv) as I shoot street photography in a reportage style 18mm) or isolating things (33mm).

I also like woodland pics (but they are so hard). I find 18mm fine for this though wider could be nice too.

Portraits (head + shoulders) are cool with 50mm too. Though again maybe a 56mm would be nicer.

DelnT · Jan 15, 2023

Some pics from my morning walk with 18mm on an X-T5. Most important kit was waterproof hiking boots though. I prefer the 'drama' of this focal length over 23mm.

18mm f/8 velvia sim

gdanmitchell · Jan 15, 2023

skalsa1 said:
Hi, I am trying to decide between the two amazing lenses. I know both are great optically. 18mm may be a bit sharper in the center and has a bit of a drop in the corners with zero distortion and smooth bokeh. On the other hand 23mm has a bit of distortion and has more uniform sharpness across the frame with a bokeh that has kind of character on the medium to long distances subjects (still much smoother than older 23). 23 has also more stiff apertur ring. May I ask you what lens of the two do you prefer and why?

I'd like to share a general philosophical notion about question like this. Basically, you are trying to decide between two excellent (but, like all lenses, not divinely perfect) lenses on the basis of small difference in test and specifications.

This is a bit of a "missing the forest for the trees" issue I think. The real question isn't which really good lens is maybe, possibly, from some perspective, a bit "good-er" than the other really good lens.

The real question is whether 18mm or 23mm is more ideal for your intended use and for how it fits into a set of lenses you now own or expect to acquire.

Try thinking of it this way: "If both lenses were utterly identical in terms of sharpness, distortion, bokeh "character," aperture ring stiffness, and so on... which focal length would you prefer?"

That's your answer.

--
When in doubt, doubt.
www.gdanmitchell.com

MBlackburn · Jan 17, 2023

I just could not decide either so took the expensive option and bought both!

Just nelping the economy

mcshan · Jan 17, 2023

Good one! My first laugh of the morning.

mcshan · Jan 17, 2023

Hi, I only have the 23mm 1.4 and it is terrific. I should add that being older I often shoot with the small 23 2.0 instead because it makes the X-T20 and even X-T3 a smaller kit.

On rare occasions, I shoot full-frame (Nikon Z6 II) with their 24mm 1.8S so I thought that almost overlapped with the Fuji 16mm 1.4 or at least close enough. That camera/lens combo is really heavy for me these days so I tend to use it only for specific shooting. For me it isn't a full day carry.

I get a lot of joy from the Fuji 23s both small and large. The larger 1.4 lives up to the hype.

Good luck in choosing lenses. Always fun to pick out new gear. I have enjoyed this thread!

--
"Soylent Green is people!"

skalsa1 · Jan 20, 2023

Hi, so I decided to switch from 18 to 23. Well I have to say that build quality of 23 is simply better. Aperture ring is much stiffer and there is no rattling sound of the lens element while the camera is turned off - that concerned me a bit with 18mm. On the other hand I think that 18mm has a bit smoother bokeh. But it is not simply a FOV for me. It is a much harder lens to shoot with because you have to care about perspective distortion. I mean of you take a picture of person there is simply a perspective distortion of the legs. Another issue with 18mm is that the lens is prone to flare .. especialy owners of the older Fuji bodies (x-t2, xh1, xpro2) may find it a problem because 18mm is prone to pinkish flare grit pattern.. So both lenses are really good but it seems to me that 23 is a bit better for my style of taking pictures. Other than that 18mm is amazing. I guess it is an amazing cheap alternative for those that would like to own Leica q..

ZachVSCO · Jan 20, 2023

I’m a long time lover of 35 (ff). I still adore the focal length, but I got the 18+33 combo to shake things up for myself and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been fun researching masters of 28mm and getting to know that focal length. It’s a big shift from 35 for me, but I’m starting to get the hang of it. I’ll never not love 35, but it’s been invigorating to change things up. Someday, I want to get the 23 1.4 wr though, that thing looks amazing! So my answer is all of them I guess lol. But it’s fun to challenge yourself out of habits too.

Dem Bell · Jan 20, 2023

skalsa1 said:
Hi, so I decided to switch from 18 to 23.

...

.. So both lenses are really good but it seems to me that 23 is a bit better for my style of taking pictures.

You are in the majority then. There seems to be about twice as many people preferring 35mm field of view than 28mm:

POLL: 28 mm or 35 mm?

Given these two choices, which (equivalent) focal length do you enjoy using more? There is a lot of discussion around the new Fuji X 18/1.4 and 23/1.4 lenses. Just wondered what the opinions on the old "28 vs 35 dilemma" were across the board.

www.dpreview.com

DelnT · Jan 20, 2023

Dem Bell said:
skalsa1 said:

Hi, so I decided to switch from 18 to 23.

...

.. So both lenses are really good but it seems to me that 23 is a bit better for my style of taking pictures.

Click to expand...

You are in the majority then. There seems to be about twice as many people preferring 35mm field of view than 28mm:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66739607

I think (just my opinion) 18mm and 33mm are for very different purposes. For my own style (street) I use 50mm most day to day for isolating subjects and abstraction. Also for some distance but not too much. An 18mm is kind of a chaos lens bringing in a lot of the surrounding environment. Harder to compose with but easier to add drama due to large field of view.

23mm is in the middle somewhere. I like em all. But each to there own. I struggle with telephoto a lot but at home 24mm to 50mm (Equiv)

I'll stop my rambling now.

G3_4_ME · Jan 20, 2023

DelnT said:
I think (just my opinion) 18mm and 33mm are for very different purposes. <snip>

DelnT said:
23mm is in the middle somewhere. I like em all. But each to there own. I struggle with telephoto a lot but at home 24mm to 50mm (Equiv)

That’s what I love about shooting primes - the “restrictions” it brings about how to compose and use the lens characteristics best.

I’m planning a trip to Europe in spring - cities, mountains, harbours, people... I think the 18/33 combo is all I’ll need. Must. Resist. Urge. For. 56v2!

RangerPhotog · Jan 20, 2023

skalsa1 said:
Hi, so I decided to switch from 18 to 23. Well I have to say that build quality of 23 is simply better. Aperture ring is much stiffer and there is no rattling sound of the lens element while the camera is turned off - that concerned me a bit with 18mm.

I fully agree regarding the aperture ring it is far too loose. The rattle of the lens element does not bother me at all. The 90/2.0 has the exact same trait and it is considered one of Fuji's finest. While I do not have the 23/1.4 wr, I do have the 33/1.4 wr. Aside from the aperture ring, I find both the 18/1.4 and 33/1.4 equally superb with regards to build quality. By all reports, the 23/1.4 and the 33/1.4 are equals with regards to this. My OCD is pushing me to get the 23/1.4 (full collection thing) but the practical side of my brain keeps me from hitting the checkout button. I have the 23/2 and it does not get a lot of use even when I out with only small f2 lenses in a small bag for casual shooting. Perhaps one day I will get the 23/1.4 wr.

Autismo · Jan 21, 2023

I have the 18 and love it, but I NEVER carry just the 18...

I have a Sigma 30 1.4 and Sigma 56 1.4 to pair it with to get 28/45/85 FF equivalent FOV

I also have the Fuji 33 and 90 to combine for a 28/50/135 FOV

Sometimes I just carry the 18 on an xh2s and 33 on an xh2 for 28/50 plus cropping to a 10mp 100mm...my favorite when out and about with my granddaughter.

gdanmitchell · Jan 21, 2023

G3_4_ME said:
That’s what I love about shooting primes - the “restrictions” it brings about how to compose and use the lens characteristics best.

I like shooting primes. But not because they "restrict" me. I've never quite understood that perspective.

ZachVSCO · Jan 21, 2023

G3_4_ME said:
G3_4_ME wrote

That’s what I love about shooting primes - the “restrictions” it brings about how to compose and use the lens characteristics best.

I’m planning a trip to Europe in spring - cities, mountains, harbours, people... I think the 18/33 combo is all I’ll need. Must. Resist. Urge. For. 56v2!

--
Marc

i added the sigma 56 to this exact combo for a Europe trip and was super happy with it. Light, cheap, great image quality. I used it probably 15-20% compared to the other 2, but it came in handy several times. I probably wouldn’t have carried around a heavy 56v2 at 445g along with the others, but the sigma at 280g was doable for me without pain.

G3_4_ME · Jan 21, 2023

gdanmitchell said:
G3_4_ME said:

That’s what I love about shooting primes - the “restrictions” it brings about how to compose and use the lens characteristics best.

Click to expand...

I like shooting primes. But not because they "restrict" me. I've never quite understood that perspective.

Sometimes, it’s not possible to zoom with the feet. Other times, it’s not possible to change to a more appropriate prime. Those have been ‘restrictions’ for me, but a fun challenge. Shooting primes helped me be more thoughtful about composition. That’s all I was trying to convey.

--

Marc

Flying Fijian · Jan 22, 2023

G3_4_ME said:
gdanmitchell said:

G3_4_ME said:

That’s what I love about shooting primes - the “restrictions” it brings about how to compose and use the lens characteristics best.

Click to expand...

I like shooting primes. But not because they "restrict" me. I've never quite understood that perspective.

Click to expand...

Sometimes, it’s not possible to zoom with the feet. Other times, it’s not possible to change to a more appropriate prime. Those have been ‘restrictions’ for me, but a fun challenge. Shooting primes helped me be more thoughtful about composition. That’s all I was trying to convey.

--

Marc

Exactly, I love primes too but clearly can restrict us...eg you want to take a group photo indoors but you only have a 23 prime and can't fit them all in. You might manage a half body shot or break them into smaller groups.

You might argue that you are smart enough to take a 18mm for this situation but now portraits will not be as good. You end up taking an environmental portrait....that's the challenge.

Ideally you would want to have two bodies with an 18 & 35mm etc to make it easier and get a variety of shots...but that's part of the fun of using primes.

If you're just going out on your own to enjoy your photography, then you can take any lens and there are no restrictions.

gdanmitchell · Jan 22, 2023

G3_4_ME said:
Sometimes, it’s not possible to zoom with the feet. Other times, it’s not possible to change to a more appropriate prime. Those have been ‘restrictions’ for me, but a fun challenge. Shooting primes helped me be more thoughtful about composition. That’s all I was trying to convey.

To the contrary, I have to be more thoughtful when using zoom lenses, as there are more options to consider and more choices to make.

For example, when using a 16-55mm lensI can, of course, come to the same compositional choice that I would make if I had a 35mm lens on the camera. But I also can come to a great number of other conclusions, using focal length to alter things like the framing, the inclusion or exclusion of foreground and background elements, and more.

When using a prime (or working at a set focal length with a zoom) I usually work FASTER, not slower.

xtm · Jan 22, 2023

I have 18 1.4, 23 1.4 and 33 1.4. Of all 3, the 18 1.4 is the one that has the most interesting rendering in my opinion. It’s the most 3D looking of all 3, plus the FL allows me to get closer and get more of that subject isolation/environmental portrait look. The 23 renders similar to the 33. The Fuji 18 1.4 is the closest look to a full frame Nikon 24 1.4 I’ve ever seen on a crop sensor.

Fuji 18mm f1.4 or 23mm f1.4 LM WR and why?

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