LEICA Q2 on a Budget - Save your money and get this Fujifilm Lens instead!

My first Impression of the Fujinon XF 18mm 1.4 WR. I also compared it to the Leica Q2 and the results are quite shocking! Let's see if you can tell a difference...
(This is NOT a sponsored video. I bought this lens with my own money to use it for my youtube videos.)

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#streetphotography #fujifilm #leicaq2

[mattdayphoto]

You definitely switch more than me so anytime I get shit for that, I'm just sending them this link. 🤣❤

[johnburrow]

Gotta say, as a Fujifilm user, I am not surprised. From my experiences, I have thoroughly enjoyed each Fuji lens and body I have used. I have had zero issues processing the images afterward, etc. I would love a Leica, but for my budget and what I do, the fujifilm is just so hard to beat. I sell photos, have photos in galleries, etc. At the end of the day, the gear really absolutely does not matter - a photograph that stirs the heart and mind, one that captivated the viewer, can be made with anything from film, iPhone, digital.

Your conclusion is spot on: stick with what user experience you like most. Whatever aids rather than hinders the creative process is the “correct” camera. I happen to like my Fuji and my Fuji lenses, so it works for me.

[rockymhs]

100% agree with Samuel. In this day and age, the end products will be difficult to differentiate between the different camera manufacturers if you know what you are doing. It boils down to usability and which camera makes you want to shoot more photos. Those Fujifilm photos look mighty fine to me compared to the Leica Q2 photos.

[joshuarothman]

I owned both of these at the same time and was just blown away by the Fuji 18 f/1.4. It's such a good lens, and I noticed the same similarities as you. Ultimately I stayed with the Q2, because I find the combination of features on that camera ideal for me—both the handling and the crop modes in the viewfinder combined with the 47MP sensor. But the 18 f/1.4 is *awesome.*

[procolotetsa]

I'm sure the 18 F1.4 is a fantastic lense but for me to shot still the older 18 F2 is more than enough, you can get this lense really cheap as second hand and it works really well on the new Fujifilm bodies, I also love the small size of that lense.

[anthonylawrence]

I own the Q2 and also a Fuji x100v. I think that is a fair comparison. If you mounted the 28mm equivalent adapter you almost have the same camera. F2 vs F1.7 is different obviously but close. If you shoot jpgs the Fuji is the better choice. One could debate full frame vs other sensors but for me Fuji is great. I also like the Fuji controls better than the Q2 but in my opinion the Q2 menus are superior. I have owned Leica cameras for many years there is no doubt they make the best lenses but these days the difference in lenses is marginal. In the end what makes you happy and gets you out of the house to shoot is what really matters.

[steeebuy.]

I’m so glad that I got this lens for my xpro3. Pure joy and excitement every time I bring it out to the streets (over 23mm). I remember in one of Samuel’s videos he said having a slightly wider focal length allows you to include more than just the subject in focus. And I feel this lens does that in a very pleasing way:)

[perrymckenna]

I agree with you that they are hard to tell apart, so shoot with the one that gives you the most joy. Joy can be defined by feel, ergonomics, or budget. If you get more joy in shooting with a Fuji because it's more affordable, go for it. If you get more joy in shooting with the Leica because you can afford it, go for it. At the end, enjoy the journey.

[Bob-mnob]

Enjoy your low-key style. I bought an x-t4. Good enough for now. Added the new 18mm 1.4 and awesome lens. Very sharp. Especially for landscape and street.

[stavros.fourfourianakis]

I recently got the quite small FF Nikon Z 28mm 2.8 SE (I bought it with a Z Fc) and I am planning to mainly use it with my Nikon Z6. I also have Ricoh GR I and III and I enjoy so far the Nikon combination much more. It is always good to have a lot of choices. Enjoy your gear everybody!

[UlyssesAokiPhoto]

"I think my camera obsession is done and I won't be buying anything for a while"



swaps cameras mid-video

[paprhat]

I bought the xf18f1.4 because my friend has a Q and I just don’t have that kind of money laying around. Really love how it renders against a busy background.

[_buttertigers]

I had the exact same realization when I picked up the old 18 f2 lens for the fuji system. People say it's a bad lens but honestly it has lovely character for street and documentary work. The compact size + a XE4 could definitely rival a Q2 in image quality (just being half a stop slower)

That being said you're bang on for the Leica. You honestly don't buy it for the performance, it's just in the user experience and the "brand"

[ewen]

I had a number of Fuji cameras and lenses but the minute I got a Q2 in my hands to take some sample shots I fell head over heels in love with it. I loved it's image quality. Ended up selling all my Fuji gear and moving over to Leica, so now have an M-P240 and Leica Q and couldn't be happier..

[ricky_norris]

The best camera + lens is the one you have the most fun with, and you have fun man! Love your style.

[hoagyguitarmichael]

Great comparison video. The picture quality is very similar. When I decided to get a higher end camera (as opposed my phone or my Canon Powershot) in January, I researched the hell out of it. I was unaware of the Leica cult at that time. I just wanted to learn how to take great pictures shooting manually. What attracted me to the SL 601 with 50 mm Summarit lens was the simplicity. No endless menus, no AF. I bought the body and lens used so I didn't have to mortgage my house. I still love it and am trying to live up to its quality.

[BenRipleyPhoto]

I’m no longer a gear head so I rarely watch review videos (but yours are good to watch - no brick walls!) I used to have the 18mm f2 on my old Fuji X-Pro 1 (7 or so years ago) and I loved it. I’ve since moved through Nikon, Canon and eventually to Sony for work and my A7Riii does everything I could ask for. But…. I recently got a GRiii to carry around and WHAT A CAMERA! But you know that right?! It has also made me fall back in love with the 28mm FOV. I’d looked at the Q (Q2 is way out of my price range) but this new Fuji 18mm, on a weatherproof body, could be everything I’ve been looking for. Thank you Samuel!

[marcomarcon]

I document the activities of our art organisation using cameras ranging from FF to smartphones. Photos are then given to our marketing team to use in our website, social media and printed publications. I also take photos at art exhibitions and events to accompany reviews I write for art magazines. I've done this for 25 years and I can assure you that even professional graphic designers DON'T CARE about which photographic gear was used, they just pick the most effective images even if they were taken with smartphones

[justinkingery]

I personally love that you switch cameras and lenses all the time, haha. It makes for great discussions and comps on your channel. The Fujinon looks like a winner here, especially when you consider the price. And for street shooting, that AF is of the utmost importance. Great vid!

[johnnylandrews]

Longtime lurker, first time commenter. I’ve really enjoyed all of your vids, particularly in the COVID-era, because they show your process of working through everything from being happy with images you produce to acquiring gear that you hope will help you produce more of those kind of images. The conclusion of this video feels like you’ve reached a peace of mind about gear vs ouput. I’ve also bought a crapton of cameras over the last two years and sold half of them as of last week. All tech specs and “bokeh balls” aside, they all served their purpose in helping to keep me afloat creatively but, in the end, it’s about making images that make you happy no matter what name is on the camera. The overall process, obstacles and all, is a part of the beautiful journey. Cheers.