[Manual Focus] I hesitated between this and the XF27mm as I wanted something small and discreet. As my intended use was all-purpose travel, I decided to go wider and get the extra f/stop for the increased possibilities of handheld photography in low light. I had read many reviews complaining about distortion, and to check I went to Flickr and 500px, searching for Fuji xf18mm and cityscapes. When I was able to verify that two shots were of the same scene, one highly distorted and the other not, It became clear that it was the positioning of the focusing plane with respect to the subject that made all the difference in apparent distortion. Used with care, this lens produces minimal distortion. That care just involves 5 extra seconds looking at what you're seeing in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen before pressing the shutter. The lens also works well for quick shooting: autofocus is fast and accurate. I love that it focuses so closely, which makes it great for discreet available light travel shots of food in restaurants. When taking pictures of people against an iconic tourist background, or when taking environmental portraits, you need to take care to be far enough away to not introduce distortion on faces. Again, if you play with the angle of the focusing plane, even when you cannot back up further, you can reduce distortion before shooting. With that one caveat--look before you click--you will love the images created by this lens. Sharp edges, beautiful color and contrast. Just head to a photo sharing site and see for yourself. P.S. If you use a protector filter, get the Fuji one. It has the most beautiful glass I have ever seen in a filter, and it is amazingly static-fee. I almost never have to use a lens cloth on it.

[Manual Focus] The 18mm f2 FUJI lens is an excellent all around lens. The sharpness of the images is up there with higher priced lenses.Bokeh is great if you know how to manipulate the image and settings well enough.. Construction feels well built, but not heavy or exaggerated, certainly feels durable.. I use this lens daily for just walking around and taking random shots..

[2:1] Absolutely phenomenal pancake lens. Purchased mine used from B&H and it hasn’t hardly left my camera. I really enjoy the shallow depth of field at f2. The images captured by this lens are very clear but feel somewhat soft or ethereal, favorite lens in my kit.

[f/28] I wanted a small walk around lens for an upcoming trip. I have only shot a few photos so far but am pleased with the results. I love the feeling of precision. Well made.

[Manual Focus] Build quality is excellent, my copy is Made in Japan.  produces more of a vintage style look IMO. And for me that is a good thing.  Works especially well in B&W.  Lots of micro-contrast.  Its designed more for character than clinical precision, which could be a turn off for some.

[FUJIFILM X] Works very well for getting into tight spaces. The lens is fairly sharp - not the sharpest, but offers good value in terms of probe lenses.


F40 requires a ton of light. You'll also want a motorized rig of sorts for any movement as the macro lens is very sensitive to small bumps.


All in all - good value compared to the Laowa. Only down side is it an APS-C lens, so you'll get some crop when on a full frame lens.

[76°] This was love at first sight. A fantastic lens that solves my tasks. If I were to describe how lenses work, I can only say: turn ordinary binoculars and look through them. Shows a wide-angle picture with options for taking Micro pictures.
With best regards. Karl A. Allan

[APS-C] Excelent lens, Very happy with it. Always getting good pictures

[2:1] I'd never tried the "28mm" focal length before, even though I've been photographing for over 40 years.� 28mm is the favored focal length for street shooters and I always wondered why.� I've been recently feeling that 35mm is a bit long for me, so wanted something a little wider.� I also own the Fuji 14mm, but that's been a little bit too wide for me.� So I bought the 18mm and it's rarely left my camera (X-Pro2) since I received the lens.� Just yesterday I photographed the local march, and it was the perfect lens for that.