Autofocus
As much as I loved owning this camera lens, there were two major drawbacks. First — the autofocus.
The XF 18mm f/2 R is equipped with an older technology. It’s generally reliable in good lighting, locking onto subjects quickly for static scenes, but it’s noisy — especially when you’re trying to be discreet. It can also lag and “hunt” when trying to capture moving subjects. This makes the lens feel dated compared to Fujifilm’s newer linear motor systems.
Photographers who prioritize speed and accuracy or those shooting in fast-paced environments are much more likely to miss focus. For more casual use, however, the autofocus performance still gets the job done.
Cost
The second major drawback of this lens is the price.
With newer, faster f/2 lenses in the X-series lineup sitting below $500, The older, slower XF 18mm f/2 R costs $599.95. Even used prices command a higher dollar amount expected for a lens over a decade old. Still, the price-to-performance ratio makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious photographers entering the Fujifilm ecosystem — especially those coming from more expensive brands like Sony or Canon.