FUJIFILM XF 18mm f/2 R Lens

FUJIFILM XF 18mm f/2 R Wide-Angle Prime Lens Specifications

The FUJIFILM XF 18mm f/2 R Lens is the ultimate blend of portability, performance, and precision—engineered for photographers who demand professional results without the burden of bulk. Designed for Fujifilm’s X-mount APS-C cameras, this ultra-compact wide-angle prime delivers a versatile 27mm equivalent focal length, ideal for everything from sweeping landscapes and vibrant street photography to immersive travel shots and environmental portraits. Measuring just 33.7mm in length and weighing a mere 116g, it slips effortlessly into any kit bag or even a jacket pocket, making it the perfect everyday companion for spontaneous creativity. The bright f/2 maximum aperture ensures exceptional low-light performance and beautiful subject isolation, while a 7-blade rounded diaphragm renders smooth, natural bokeh.

Its optical construction—8 elements in 7 groups, including two aspherical elements—paired with Fujifilm’s renowned Super EBC multi-coating, minimizes distortion, chromatic aberration, flare, and ghosting, ensuring your images remain razor-sharp and full of contrast, even in challenging lighting. Internal focusing keeps the front element static during operation, enabling the use of polarizers and ND filters without re-adjustment. The lens focuses as close as 18cm with a maximum magnification of 0.14×, perfect for capturing intricate details in context-rich scenes. Practicality meets tactile control through a dedicated aperture ring with precise 1/3-stop clicks, offering intuitive exposure adjustments on the fly, while its all-metal construction exudes durability and craftsmanship. 

With a standard 52mm filter thread, it’s easy to integrate into your existing accessory ecosystem. Although it lacks optical image stabilization and weather sealing, its featherweight design and lightning-fast responsiveness make it an unbeatable option for shooters who value speed, stealth, and image quality in equal measure. Whether you’re chasing golden hour light on a city rooftop, documenting daily life on bustling streets, or capturing expansive vistas on your travels, the FUJIFILM XF 18mm f/2 R stands out as a must-have lens—delivering professional-grade results in a compact, go-anywhere form that encourages you to take it everywhere. If you want a lens that keeps up with your vision while enhancing the joy of photography, this is the wide-angle prime to beat.

Features:

Compact and Lightweight Design for Maximum Portability

Weighing just 116g and measuring only 33.7mm in length, the FUJIFILM XF 18mm f/2 R Lens is built for photographers who value mobility without compromising image quality. Its slim “pancake” profile makes it ideal for travel, street, and documentary work, allowing you to carry it all day without fatigue and shoot discreetly in crowded or sensitive environments.

Versatile 27mm-Equivalent Wide-Angle Focal Length

On Fujifilm’s APS-C cameras, the 18mm focal length delivers a 27mm full-frame equivalent—perfect for capturing a natural wide perspective that works equally well for sweeping landscapes, urban scenes, environmental portraits, and dynamic street photography. This versatility makes it a go-to lens for photographers who want one wide prime that covers multiple shooting scenarios.

Bright f/2 Maximum Aperture for Low-Light and Depth Control

With its wide f/2 aperture, the lens excels in low-light conditions while also allowing you to create images with shallow depth of field and pleasing subject separation. Whether you’re shooting indoors, at night, or during golden hour, the fast aperture ensures sharp results without having to push ISO excessively.

Advanced Optical Construction for Exceptional Image Quality

The optical design features 8 elements in 7 groups, including two precision-crafted aspherical elements. These reduce distortion and spherical aberrations, ensuring crisp, high-contrast images from center to corner. The Super EBC coating further minimizes flare and ghosting, preserving color accuracy and contrast even when shooting against strong light sources.

Close Focusing Capability for Creative Wide-Angle Shots

With a minimum focus distance of just 18cm and a maximum magnification of 0.14×, this lens allows you to get up close to your subjects while still including the surrounding environment. This is ideal for creative compositions in food photography, product shots, or environmental detail captures.

Internal Focusing for Practicality and Speed

The internal focusing mechanism ensures the front element doesn’t rotate during focus, making it easier to use with polarizing or graduated ND filters. This design also helps maintain the lens’s compact form and contributes to faster, more accurate focusing.

Tactile Aperture Control for Precise Exposure Adjustments

The dedicated aperture ring provides 1/3-stop increments, giving photographers a more tactile and intuitive way to control exposure. This mechanical control aligns with Fujifilm’s analog-inspired shooting experience, making the lens appealing to those who value hands-on operation.

Durable All-Metal Construction

Crafted with a metal barrel and mount, the XF 18mm f/2 R feels solid in hand and is built to withstand the rigors of daily shooting. Its premium construction reflects Fujifilm’s attention to detail, ensuring both reliability and a professional aesthetic.

Standard 52mm Filter Thread for Easy Accessory Use

The common 52mm filter size allows quick integration with a wide range of filters, from ND to polarizers, without needing special adapters—streamlining your workflow for both photography and videography.

• Street Photography – Compact, discreet design and fast f/2 aperture make it perfect for candid urban captures, even in low light.
• Travel Photography – Lightweight build and versatile 27mm-equivalent field of view allow you to shoot diverse scenes without changing lenses often.
• Landscape Photography – Wide 76.5° angle of view captures expansive vistas with sharp detail across the frame.
• Environmental Portraits – Balanced wide focal length lets you include contextual backgrounds while keeping your subject prominent.
• Architectural Photography – Corrected optical design reduces distortion, ideal for clean building lines and interiors.
• Event Coverage – Fast aperture and quick autofocus make it reliable for dynamic scenes in weddings, markets, or festivals.
• Food & Product Photography – Close 18cm focusing distance allows creative wide shots with subject detail and environmental context.
• Documentary & Photojournalism – Lightweight, durable lens encourages long hours of handheld shooting while capturing authentic moments.
• Videography – Internal focusing prevents front element rotation, aiding consistent filter use for cinematic work.
• Low-Light Photography – f/2 aperture supports shooting at lower ISOs in dim conditions without sacrificing image quality.

Pros

• Ultra-compact and lightweight: 116g, 33.7mm length for maximum portability
• Bright f/2 maximum aperture: Ideal for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field
• Versatile 27mm-equivalent focal length: Perfect for landscapes, street, and travel photography
• Close 18cm minimum focusing distance: Enables creative wide-angle close-ups
• Optical design with two aspherical elements: Reduces distortion and delivers sharper images
• Super EBC coating: Minimizes flare and ghosting for improved contrast
• Internal focusing: Prevents front element rotation—great for filter use
• Dedicated aperture ring: 1/3-stop clicks for tactile exposure control
• Solid all-metal build: Ensures durability and a premium feel
• Standard 52mm filter thread: Allows easy accessory compatibility

Cons

• No optical image stabilization (OIS): May require faster shutter speeds or a tripod in low light
• Not weather-sealed: No WR protection for harsh conditions
• Autofocus motor speed: Not as fast or silent as newer XF lenses
• Edge softness at f/2: Slight loss of sharpness when shooting wide open
• Older optical design: Lacks some advancements found in newer Fujifilm prime lenses

• Model / Mount: FUJINON XF 18mm f/2 R — Fujifilm X-mount (APS-C)
• Equivalent Focal Length (35mm format): 27mm
• Release Date: January 9, 2012
• Optical Construction: 8 elements in 7 groups, including 2 aspherical elements
• Lens Coating: Super EBC multi-coating
• Aperture Range: f/2 to f/16
• Diaphragm Blades: 7 rounded blades
• Autofocus Type: Micro motor with fly-by-wire manual focus
• Focus Mechanism: Internal focusing; front element does not rotate
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.18 m (18 cm / 7.1 in)
• Maximum Magnification: 0.14×
• Angle of View: 76.5° (diagonal)
• Filter Thread Size: 52 mm
• Dimensions (Length × Diameter): ~33.7 mm × 64.5 mm
• Weight: ~116 g (4.1 oz)
• Build Materials: Metal barrel and mount; rubberized focus ring
• Included Accessories: Front and rear lens caps, metal square lens hood, lens pouch (varies by region)
• Optical Image Stabilization: None
• Weather Sealing: None
• Aperture Ring: Yes, mechanical with 1/3-stop click increments and "A" (Auto) setting

• FUJIFILM XF 18mm f/2 R Lens
• Front Lens Cap
• FUJIFILM Rear Lens Cap for FUJIFILM X-Mount Lenses
• FUJIFILM Lens Hood For Fujinon XF 18mm F/2 R Lens
• Lens Pouch
• Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Is the FUJIFILM XF 18mm f/2 R lens compatible with all Fujifilm X-series cameras?

Yes, the FUJIFILM XF 18mm f/2 R lens is fully compatible with all Fujifilm X-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras. It provides a 27mm equivalent focal length on these bodies, delivering a wide-angle field of view perfect for various shooting scenarios.

Does this lens have image stabilization?

No, the FUJIFILM XF 18mm f/2 R does not feature optical image stabilization (OIS). To reduce camera shake, it is recommended to use faster shutter speeds or a tripod when shooting in low-light conditions.

Is the lens weather-sealed?

No, this lens is not weather-sealed. While its all-metal construction ensures durability, it should be protected from heavy rain, dust, and extreme weather conditions.

What is the closest focusing distance of this lens?

The lens can focus as close as 18 cm (7.1 inches) from the subject, allowing for creative wide-angle close-ups and detailed environmental shots with a maximum magnification of 0.14×.

Can I use filters with this lens?

Yes, the FUJIFILM XF 18mm f/2 R features a standard 52 mm filter thread, making it compatible with a wide range of UV, polarizing, and ND filters without the need for special adapters.

What type of aperture control does it offer?

The lens includes a dedicated mechanical aperture ring with 1/3-stop click increments and an “A” (Auto) setting, providing tactile and precise control over exposure settings.

Is it suitable for low-light photography?

Yes, with its bright f/2 maximum aperture, the lens performs very well in low-light environments, allowing you to maintain lower ISO settings and achieve smooth subject-background separation.

How wide is the field of view?

The FUJIFILM XF 18mm f/2 R offers a diagonal angle of view of 76.5°, making it ideal for landscapes, street photography, architecture, and environmental portraits.

Does the lens have a rotating front element?

No, the internal focusing system ensures the front element remains fixed during focusing, which is especially beneficial when using polarizers and graduated filters.

What accessories are included with the lens?

The lens typically comes with front and rear lens caps, a metal square lens hood, and in some regions, a lens pouch. Contents may vary by market or retailer.