XF16mm F1.4

Welcome to my review of this stunning Lens by Fuji Film.

I don’t consider myself a reviewer of any kind. My observations on this Lens will be based on actually usage and evaluating the results.

Fuji have given us two Prime Lens in this specific focal range the 16mm 1.4 and the Fujicron 16mm2.8

When you look at both Lens side by side, you can tell who is BIG BROTHER. The Fujicron is tiny in comparison and yet punches above its weight - if you use it correctly.

I am choosing my words carefully here: the 2.8 at this focal length is not about shallow depth of field. For me, this focal length is about telling a story in a single frame. This means beginning, middle and end, closing chapter.

I purchased this Lens a few years before the lockdown because it has a stopped down Aperture of F22. This was the only reason because 16mm on my crop sensor is equivalent to 24mm on a full frame. So 24mm at F22 with pre-set hyper focal distance of 1 meter will deliver a truly epic image with front to back sharpness. I am happy I made this purchase when I did because this tiny Lens delivers.

Ok, so the big question is why bother with the XF16mm 1.4?

Good question - I have an answer for you.

There is only one reason - Low Light Photography.

This means hand held shooting at 1.4 in low light environments - in doors or out. This also means high ISO values to maintain decent shutter speeds.

This is a different ball game for me. It’s also why I wanted to test the this 1.4 Lens to see if it delivers on promise.

These first three images were created right at the start of The Blue Hour. So my settings were simple: Auto ISO 1600 - 12800, with a minimum Shutter Speed of 1/125th sec.

As the light levels dropped, this is where the power of this Lens kicked in. The benefit of that 1.4 Aperture really allowed as much light to reach the sensor as possible.

There is a world of difference between Long Exposure and Shooting Low Light without the stability of a tripod.

The major distinction is keeping the ISO as low as possible for a longer shutter speed hence the Long Exposures. For Low Light, the ISO needs to be “high enough”, to ensure a fast enough shutter speed.

The high ISO value will lead to noise and grainy images. This is a simple fact of our photographic life. Embracing the grain is part of the process.

It’s just something we have to live with.

The Fuji XF16mm F1.4 is a spectacular Lens.

I experienced this Lens as a fully versatile, light shaping, light sculpting tool.

Yes it’s big Lens - it has to be to accommodate that 1.4 Aperture and all of the internal mechanics that goes into the design and construction.

I know nothing about the design of such a Lens but I will be doing some research just to satisfy my curiosity.

I am very happy with my testing so far.

I am currently exploring the possibility of shooting live music in a low light setting. I need to do this, it’s part of my training to be a fully rounded image creator.

The 16mm Lens is already part of my visual field of reference. In my last post, I mentioned how my brain is now wired into the field of view from 14mm right up 200mm - that’s my longest reach in my Lens tool box.

Right now, I am speculating about my Ultimate Kit - 3 Prime Lens plus 1 all in Zoom to cover all of my shooting needs. This is really interesting because for the Wide Angle Lens, I love the 14mm and the 18mm - right in the middle is the 16mm. It’s tough choice because I can tell you, both 16mm are keepers for different reasons.

For now, this has been a great reviewing exercise.

To be continued