Landscapes and Architecture

For the landscaper who wants to shoot RAW though, the XF 18mm F2 is a nonstarter. Not only is it by far the most optically inferior of the 3 in terms of acuity, it has loads more aberrations, vignetting, and worse distortion characteristics.

Choosing between the XF 14mm F2.8 and XF 16mm F1.4 WR is much more difficult. For the absolute top end optics and weather resistance, the XF 16mm F1.4 WR is the way to go, but the difference between 16mm and 14mm is pretty substantial, and sweeping landscapes so often call for wider lenses. I figured the XF 14mm F2.8 would pull ahead in the sharpness arena at smaller apertures when depth of field is greater, making it a stronger option for landscapers, but diffraction show up in equal amounts at nearly the same aperture.

Portrait and Street

This is where a strong case can still be made for the XF 18mm F2. Edge to edge sharpness and distortion-free images are far less critical here, and the 18mm’s compact size makes it the discreet choice for street photographers. The wider lenses offer push/pull clutch manual focus and a depth of field scale for easier zone focusing. I think I would largely rule the XF 14mm F2.8 out from the category though. It can certainly be used for street, but you have to be really close if you want to fill your frame with something. I’ve done so on the sly with Fuji’s Camera Remote app, but that can feel like a different sort of photography. Edge distortion can also get out of hand with a 21mm equivalent too.

$100 and 150g More

So I’ve narrowed it down to two lenses under each category, but only one of those lenses is in both, the XF 16mm F1.4 WR. This lens is extraordinary. My Ultimate Prime Kit has been revised to include it in place of the XF 14mm F2.8. It’s that good. Sure, it’s a little more expensive than the XF 14mm F2.8 ($150 at the time of writing, however the XF 14mm F2.8 has seen a price increase making the XF 16mm F1.4 WR just $100 more), and a little heavier (about 150g), but it’s money well spent in my opinion for all the added flexibility of having one or two more stops of depth of field, weather resistance, and crazy close focus. For me, which wide angle prime I’d choose is perhaps the easiest lens choice to make.