Camera
Fujifilm announces ultra-wide XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR prime lens
Fujifilm has introduced the XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR ultra-wide prime lens, which is equivalent to 27mm when mounted on an X-mount body. This compact lens is surprisingly light given its fast maximum aperture, weighing in at 370 grams (13.1 ounces).
The lens has a total of 15 elements (in 9 groups) and includes both aspherical and extra-low dispersion glass. The six-element focus group is driven by a ‘near-silent’ linear motor. The minimum focus distance of the 18mm F1.4 is 11cm (4.3″), with a maximum magnification of 0.15x.
The ‘WR’ in the name of the lens indicates weather sealing, which is in eight locations, according to Fujifilm. The lens will function at temperatures as low as -14°C/+14°F, according to the company. You’ll find an aperture ring on the 18mm F1.4, with an Auto position that locks the ring in place.
The Fujifilm XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR lens will be available in late May for $999.
Press release
Fujifilm Announces New FUJINON XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR Lens
A Versatile New Take on a Popular Focal Length
Valhalla, N.Y., April 15, 2021 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation is pleased to announce its FUJINON XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR lens (XF18mmF1.4), expected to be launched in May, 2021. With a 35mm equivalent focal length of 27mm, and a maximum aperture of F1.4, it is the 39th lens in Fujifilm’s broad line of interchangeable lenses, made exclusively for the X Series family of mirrorless digital cameras.
Its lightweight, highly portable design makes it an ideal lens for everything from landscapes and cityscapes to portraits and weddings. Added flexibility in dimly lit environments is also provided through the lens’ wide F1.4 aperture, which also produces incredibly smooth bokeh.
“Keeping to our X Series philosophy of creating lightweight and compact imaging solutions that produce phenomenal image quality, XF18mmF1.4 is a well-balanced and versatile option for any image-maker,” said Victor Ha, senior director of marketing and product management, Electronic Imaging Division at FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “We are really excited to see what stories and images our community of image-makers will create with this lens. It’s certainly ideal for street photography and landscapes, but we’re also looking forward to seeing how it will be used to make wedding and portrait images. There are a lot of creative possibilities with this lens, and I’m confident we’re going to see some great content.”
Main features
Exceptional optical performance, even at F1.4
- XF18mmF1.4 utilizes three aspherical lenses and an extra-low dispersion (ED) lens among its 15 lens elements, spread across 9 groups, to minimize chromatic and comatic aberration. This means the finest details of an image will be reproduced with high levels of sharpness.
- The focusing group of six lens elements moves in unison to minimize aberration fluctuations and deliver consistent sharpness at any focusing position.
Designed for versatility
- XF18mmF1.4 has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 27mm and can achieve focus on subjects 4.33in (11cm) away from the front lens element. This gives the lens a broad range of applications, from making images of everyday moments, to using it to create sweeping landscapes.
Fast, accurate, and near-silent autofocus
- XF18mmF1.4 uses an internal autofocus (AF) system, driven by a powerful linear motor, to provide fast, accurate, and near-silent AF. From the lens’ minimum object
distance (MOD) of 7.87in (20cm) to infinity, the focusing group of lens elements travels a total of just 0.1in (2.5mm). This means focus can be acquired in as quickly
as 0.04 seconds*1 . - If the lens must travel beyond MOD to acquire focus, focus can still be achieved in as quickly as 0.25 seconds.
- For precise control when manually focusing, components in the manual focusing ring assembly have been specially engineered to respond with precision, especially when the focusing ring is rotated slightly.
Compact, lightweight and weather-resistant
- XF18mmF1.4 has a 62mm filter thread, measures 2.98in (7.56cm) in length, and weighs just 0.81lbs. (370g). This makes it incredibly lightweight and portable. While the lens barrel is made from metal, it is specially designed to minimize its weight without compromising its overall strength.
- The lens has weather-resistant seals at eight locations along the lens barrel, making it resistant to dust, moisture, and temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C) when used with a weather-resistant X-Series digital camera.
- XF18mmF1.4 is designed with an A (Auto) Position Lock to lock the aperture ring into the A position, preventing accidental movement.
Optional accessory: LH-XF18 Lens Hood
Fujifilm has also developed a rectangular, aluminum lens hood for XF18mmF1.4 that helps to prevent lens flare and ghosting which can occur when beams of light strike the front element of the lens. The LH-XF18 Lens Hood will be made available in late May, 2021.
Pricing and Availability
FUJINON XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR Lens is expected to be available in late May, 2021 at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $999 USD and $1,275 CDN. The LX-HF18 lens hood accessory will also be available at this time for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $69 USD ($80 CDN). For more information, please visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en- us/products/lenses/xf18mmf14-r-lm-wr/.
*1 When using the XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR lens with the FUJIFILM X-T4 digital camera, in High Performance mode with phase detection AF active.
Fujifilm XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR specifications
Principal specifications | |
---|---|
Lens type | Prime lens |
Max Format size | APS-C / DX |
Focal length | 18 mm |
Image stabilization | No |
Lens mount | Fujifilm X |
Aperture | |
Maximum aperture | F1.4 |
Minimum aperture | F16 |
Aperture ring | Yes |
Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
Optics | |
Elements | 15 |
Groups | 9 |
Special elements / coatings | 1 ED + 3 aspherical elements |
Focus | |
Minimum focus | 0.20 m (7.87″) |
Maximum magnification | 0.15× |
Autofocus | Yes |
Motor type | Linear Motor |
Full time manual | No |
Focus method | Internal |
Distance scale | No |
DoF scale | No |
Focus distance limiter | No |
Physical | |
Weight | 370 g (0.82 lb) |
Diameter | 69 mm (2.72″) |
Length | 76 mm (2.99″) |
Sealing | Yes |
Colour | Black |
Filter thread | 62 mm |
Hood supplied | Yes |
Camera
Our year in photos: Dale's most memorable shot of 2024
Pedestrians with umbrellas wander down a rainy alley in Yokohama’s Chinatown.
Panasonic S5IIX + Panasonic S 28-200mm F4-7.1 | F7 | 1/125 sec | ISO 1600 |
Japan is one of my favorite places to travel. I’m captivated by its culture, cuisine, and the warmth of its people. It’s also a photographer’s paradise, offering endless possibilities, from serene temples and bustling markets to breathtaking landscapes.
My favorite type of photography when traveling in Japan is street photography, especially at night. I never tire of exploring the vibrant cityscapes, from the iconic Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo to the atmospheric alleys of Yokohama’s Chinatown.
However, there’s a twist: I seek out rainy conditions. While most travelers might not embrace a downpour, I find that rain transforms nighttime street photography into something magical. The umbrellas emerge, the city lights reflect off the wet pavement, and colors take on a vibrant intensity.
I was fortunate to visit Japan twice this year, and it rained both times. What some might consider lousy weather, I welcome as luck. Both my camera and I were thoroughly drenched during several nights of shooting, underscoring the value of weather-sealed equipment. (For the record, despite being so wet they were dripping with water, neither camera nor lens ever missed a beat.)
“While most travelers might not embrace a downpour, I find that rain transforms nighttime street photography into something magical.”
Unsurprisingly, some of my most memorable photos of 2024 were captured during these rain-soaked adventures. It’s challenging to select just one favorite because, as many of you will surely understand, how we remember the value of an image is often intertwined with the experience of capturing it.
The photo at the top of this page is one of my favorites from these trips, captured in Yokohama’s Chinatown. Off the main street, the area is full of narrow alleys, many decorated with traditional lanterns, creating small, intimate spaces. I spied these two pedestrians with similar coats and umbrellas turn into one of these alleys and instantly knew there was a potential photo around the corner.
I managed to fire off two shots before the scene lost its magic, but that’s all I needed. I love that you can’t see the main subjects’ faces. They remain anonymous, allowing the viewer to focus on the place rather than the person.
Camera
Our year in photos: Dale's most memorable shot of 2024
Pedestrians with umbrellas wander down a rainy alley in Yokohama’s Chinatown.
Panasonic S5IIX + Panasonic S 28-200mm F4-7.1 | F7 | 1/125 sec | ISO 1600 |
Japan is one of my favorite places to travel. I’m captivated by its culture, cuisine, and the warmth of its people. It’s also a photographer’s paradise, offering endless possibilities, from serene temples and bustling markets to breathtaking landscapes.
My favorite type of photography when traveling in Japan is street photography, especially at night. I never tire of exploring the vibrant cityscapes, from the iconic Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo to the atmospheric alleys of Yokohama’s Chinatown.
However, there’s a twist: I seek out rainy conditions. While most travelers might not embrace a downpour, I find that rain transforms nighttime street photography into something magical. The umbrellas emerge, the city lights reflect off the wet pavement, and colors take on a vibrant intensity.
I was fortunate to visit Japan twice this year, and it rained both times. What some might consider lousy weather, I welcome as luck. Both my camera and I were thoroughly drenched during several nights of shooting, underscoring the value of weather-sealed equipment. (For the record, despite being so wet they were dripping with water, neither camera nor lens ever missed a beat.)
“While most travelers might not embrace a downpour, I find that rain transforms nighttime street photography into something magical.”
Unsurprisingly, some of my most memorable photos of 2024 were captured during these rain-soaked adventures. It’s challenging to select just one favorite because, as many of you will surely understand, how we remember the value of an image is often intertwined with the experience of capturing it.
The photo at the top of this page is one of my favorites from these trips, captured in Yokohama’s Chinatown. Off the main street, the area is full of narrow alleys, many decorated with traditional lanterns, creating small, intimate spaces. I spied these two pedestrians with similar coats and umbrellas turn into one of these alleys and instantly knew there was a potential photo around the corner.
I managed to fire off two shots before the scene lost its magic, but that’s all I needed. I love that you can’t see the main subjects’ faces. They remain anonymous, allowing the viewer to focus on the place rather than the person.
Camera
Godox releases V100, a 100Ws fast rechargeable flash
Image: Godox |
Godox has announced the V100, a 100Ws version of its round-headed V1 on/off camera flashgun. The V100 can deliver up to 100 Watt Seconds of power in manual mode and can shoot over 70 consecutive bursts of light at full power. Recycle times of under 1 sec are possible when used with an external power source (1.7 sec with the internal battery).
Like the existing V1 and V1Pro, the V100 is available in versions compatible with the proprietary TTL flash metering systems of Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm or Olympus/OM System, each of which comes with a small secondary flash that can be used to provide a little ‘fill.’ It also has a 2W LED modeling lamp, to help you understand how its light is going to fall.
Godox says it’s able to sync with the global shutter of Sony’s a9 III, up to shutter speeds of 1/80,000, though the company also says the V100’s minimum flash duration is 1/20,000, so presumably 1/80,000 sec shutter speeds would only experience a fraction of that output.
Image: Godox |
The V100 is powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery that can be charged directly using a USB-C cable or in an optional multi-battery charger if you need to prepare multiple batteries before a shoot.
It’s compatible with the company’s 2.4Ghz radio frequency off-camera communication protocol either as a transmitter or receiver.
Buy now:
No details have been given about price or availability but it’s listed as “Coming Soon” on B&H Photo’s website with a price of $349. B&H is also listing a Pentax-compatible version, not listed on Godox’s website.
Godox V100 C/N/S/F/O
Power Beyond Limits, 100Ws at Hand
Introducing the epic 100Ws TTL Li-ion Round Head Camera Flash V100. The Godox V100 redefines the standards for flagship on-camera flashes, brining an era of 100Ws power to handheld lighting. This groundbreaking flash delivers global shutter sync, a vibrant 2.3-inch color touchscreen, an intuitive menu, and one-tap syn operations. It combine cutting-edge features and professional-grade performance to provide an ultimate solution for professional lighting.
100Ws, Beyond Limits
The V100 sets a new benchmark for on-camera flashes by offering an unprecedented 100Ws power at its maximum output (M mode). With adjustable power steps from 1/1 to 1/256 or from 2.0 to 10, it covers the spectrum from subtle fill light to robust lighting for diverse scenarios, pushing the boundaries of creativity in flash photography.
Intuitive Touchscreen, Effortless Control
Equipped with a 2.3” full-color, high-sensitivity touchscreen, the V100 offers a smooth and responsive interface. Paired with an intuitive menu design and logical control layout, it allows photographers to quickly adjust power levels, activate high-speed sync, switch between TTL/M modes, and pair devices with a single tap, significantly improving workflow efficiency.
Global Shutter Flash Sync
The V100 is seamlessly compatible with cameras featuring global shutter like Sony a9 III. Supporting shutter speeds up to 1/80,000 seconds and offering TTL functionality, it delivers outstanding high-speed continuous shooting with effortless precision. This makes it an ideal choice for sports photography, outdoor bright light, and other fast-paced shooting scenarios.
70 Full-Power Consecutive Flashes
Thanks to its advanced cooling system, the V100 delivers 70 to 100 consecutive flashes at 100Ws without compromising performance. This ensures enhanced shooting efficiency and flexibility, allowing you to handle complex scenarios with ease and capture every brilliant moment of your creative vision.
Zoom range (mm) | 28mm | 35mm | 50mm | 70mm | 80mm | 105mm |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Continuous flashes (100Ws) |
75 | 75 | 80 | 90 | 100 | 100 |
Detachable Sub Flash
The V100 continues the highly praised detachable sub flash (SU-1) design from the V1 Pro. This versatile feature enables dual-light setups with a single flash, offering creative lighting solutions for portrait photography.
Wireless Sync, Streamlined Workflow
With the built-in Godox 2.4G Wireless X System, the V100 functions as both a master and receiver unit. Its one-tap pairing capability seamlessly integrates with the X3 trigger or other Godox wireless flash units, streamlining multi-flash setups and boosting productivity.
Powerful Battery, Convenient Charging
Powered by the same high-performance lithium battery as the V1 Pro, the V100 ensures uninterrupted shooting. The Type-C charging port and compatibility with the VC26T Multi-Battery Charger make recharging quick and convenient.
Enhanced Recycling with External Power
The V100 includes a port for the PB960 Lithium-Ion Flash Power Pack, reducing full-power recycling time to as fast as 0.8 seconds. This feature supports demanding, high-intensity shooting scenarios, ensuring peak performance.
Built-In LED Modeling Lamp
A 2W LED modeling lamp with 10 adjustable levels provides flexible options for previewing light effects or serving as a fill light. The lamp supports continuous or interrupt modes, catering to different creative needs.
Comprehensive Accessory Ecosystem
The V100 is compatible with a broad range of Godox accessories, including the AK-R1 Accessory Kit for Round Flash Heads, AK-R21 Projection Attachment, AK-R22 Collapsible Diffusion Dome, and the S2 Speedlite Bracket for Bowens, among others. Whether you’re fine-tuning light, exploring creative effects, or expanding functionality, the V100 is designed to meet every need.
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