A staple of the Fujifilm X-Series for some time now has been the Fujifilm 18mm F2. But, as with a few of the early lenses launched with the X-Series, it is beginning to show its age and users have been noting the need for an update for some time.
Well, according to a new report over on Fujirumors, which cites a source who has been correct with information shared in the past, Fujifilm has an 18mm F2 II high on their priority list of lenses to develop/launch. Unfortunately, this is where the report stops though, and there is no word on whether the lens is already in development or if the new 18mm could be farther out.
I owned the [amazon_textlink asin=’B00OQVGT2W’ text=’18mm F/2′ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’bab3ef3c-efa7-11e6-9203-67b81bcf6b86′] along with my [amazon_textlink asin=’B016S28I4S’ text=’35mm F/2 R WR’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c19764cc-efa7-11e6-a59d-f5cf943008df’] for a while after initially purchasing my X-Pro 2. It was nice to have such a compact lens, but in the end, I found I was much more in love with the 35mm and rarely used the 18mm. I am one of those people who prefer not to keep things around that I am not using, and so I sold the 18mm.
Regardless, now that I have the [amazon_textlink asin=’B01KNXOCO8′ text=’23mm F/2 R WR’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thephobl-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c96c658f-efa7-11e6-acc9-51924611a639′], I feel like I may be more open to the 18mm range again. For those who loved their 27mm lenses back in the film days, a new 18mm F2 from Fujifilm would almost assuredly be a welcome sight. We hope it incorporates things like weather sealing and maybe a new design where the focusing ring can be pulled back to give it zone focusing abilities. Of course, that may be asking for too much; but this is also one of Fujifilm’s smallest lenses in their stable.
We will keep an eye on this one, and if any further information crops up about an 18mm F2 update from Fujifilm we will make sure to keep you updated. Stay tuned.
