Fuji 14 2.8 R -- how to make a perfect UW prime

I don't know what Fuji what thinking about. Really. It was probably some meeting there where some management guy said -- "you know, it's wildly known that crop sensor cameras are not good for ultra wide shooting", and, probably, somebody from engineering team replied -- "man, hold mine Sake". Here we have it -- nearly perfect UW prime.

What is a perfect UW prime should have?

1) Great sharpness -- checked

2) Reliable and fast auto focus -- checked

3) Great build and reliable mechanics -- checked

4) Weather sealing -- yeah. No. Sorry, not this time -- probably too much Sake was left. But that's OK, we will talk about this later.

5) Compact and lightweight -- checked

6) Low distortion -- checked

7) Optical stabilization. Well. Maybe. But not really always important for UW. -- missing here

So this one is about a perfect or as perfect as it gets. This lens is small. And when I am saying small -- man, it's really tiny. It is sharp, already at 2.8. Maybe except some very very extreme corners where I can say it's a little bit softer at 2.8. But not to level of Canon zooms ahahaha. From 4.0 it's perfect everywhere. AF works great on X-T4. No complains at all. Fast, reliable. Have I said how small it is? Ok. Also it has no distortion at all. That's better than Zeiss, better than Canon, better than Nikon and basically anybody. Really -- that's such an important aspect for UW and this lens is perfectly corrected for distortion. Amazing -- never seen it before like that.

There is no weather sealing. Do I care -- nope. Will be good to have it -- absolutely. But weather sealing do not replace your brain. So apply it and you will be fine in any elements. Maybe one day this lens will die due to that -- buy a new one an go forward. What important that pictures you take will live forever.

OIS. Ok. Will be cool. But with IBIS certainly not needed now a days.

My only wish for it if it will be a little bit cheaper. Price is not really cheap. But also -- inflation is striking. This lens was 900 Euro new in 2012. Now it's 850 Euro new. And there is a huge inflation in 10 years, so practically by the end of 2021 this is not any more same price as it was in 2012. Much more affordably priced than before. Still will be cool if it will be like 500. But every cent you pay for it -- is deserved. This lens has a great value.

One of the best lenses I've owned across multiple systems, digital or otherwise. Optically outstanding, and like you I appreciate the small dimensions and low weight.

WR and newer AF motor could be nice in an Mk II, but are hardly a necessity.

If there is anything I could wish to be different in the 14/2.8, it's the loose aperture ring. Not a major issue, but it can be annoying to find you have knocked your aperture while getting the camera/lens out of the bag, or while setting up your square filters.

Speaking of filters, I found that under some very specific circumstances, the white print with the lens specifics can reflect back onto the filter and then onto the sensors. Not sure what exactly is causing it, potentially it's the angle of the ring surrounding the front element on which the print is applied. A bit of electrical tape solves that without permanent marks to the lens.

FTOG wrote:

If there is anything I could wish to be different in the 14/2.8, it's the loose aperture ring. Not a major issue, but it can be annoying to find you have knocked your aperture while getting the camera/lens out of the bag, or while setting up your square filters.

They are improving this on version II lenses. I think, the best way is how it is done in GFX where both "C" and "A" positions are present on aperture ring and lockable. So you can put it into "C" and control aperture from camera. Surprised than only "A" lock is implemented on v2 X-mount lenses.

I am sure this lens will get some update in some time, but I suppose it's not a high priority for Fuji now, cause I suppose this prime now is not really a mainstream. For nearly same money you can get WR, OIS zoom lens... so u know.. probably there way of thinking -- we have been covered here.

nameless0ne wrote:

What is a perfect UW prime should have?

1) Great sharpness -- checked

2) Reliable and fast auto focus -- checked

3) Great build and reliable mechanics -- checked

4) Weather sealing -- yeah. No. Sorry, not this time -- probably too much Sake was left. But that's OK, we will talk about this later.

5) Compact and lightweight -- checked

6) Low distortion -- checked

7) Optical stabilization. Well. Maybe. But not really always important for UW. -- missing here

Great review – like you, I absolutely love this lens.

But sadly, mine primarily lives on the shelf.  A lot of my use cases are better served by the 16/1.4.  These include...

• Close focus (pseudo-macro, 0.21x vs. 0.12x)
• Light-gathering & DOF @ f1.4
• Weather sealing for hiking, travel, etc.

For those who need less of the above, and need a wider field of view and a more compact form factor, the 14 is absolute gangbusters.