Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR vs Voigtlander NOKTON 35mm f/0.9 Aspherical (Fujifilm X)

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR is 16mm, the Voigtlander NOKTON 35mm f/0.9 Aspherical (Fujifilm X) is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR for wide-angle, the Voigtlander NOKTON 35mm f/0.9 Aspherical (Fujifilm X) for short-telephoto / portrait.

Choose the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.13x.
  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 35mm f/0.9 Aspherical (Fujifilm X) if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/0.9 is faster than f/1.4, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON 35mm f/0.9 Aspherical (Fujifilm X) opens to f/0.9 vs the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR's f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR is 16mm, Voigtlander NOKTON 35mm f/0.9 Aspherical (Fujifilm X) is 35mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR is $999, $300 under the Voigtlander NOKTON 35mm f/0.9 Aspherical (Fujifilm X).
  • Weight: the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR is 375g (13.2 oz) vs 460g (1.01 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • Durability: the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR or the Voigtlander NOKTON 35mm f/0.9 Aspherical (Fujifilm X) better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR is 16mm, the Voigtlander NOKTON 35mm f/0.9 Aspherical (Fujifilm X) is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR for wide-angle, the Voigtlander NOKTON 35mm f/0.9 Aspherical (Fujifilm X) for short-telephoto / portrait.

Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR?

Choose the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.13x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Who should choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 35mm f/0.9 Aspherical (Fujifilm X)?

Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 35mm f/0.9 Aspherical (Fujifilm X) if you want more light and background blur — f/0.9 is faster than f/1.4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR and the Voigtlander NOKTON 35mm f/0.9 Aspherical (Fujifilm X)?

Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON 35mm f/0.9 Aspherical (Fujifilm X) opens to f/0.9 vs the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR's f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR
Fujifilm
$999
Optical Design
Focal Length16mm35mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1312
Optical Groups1110
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.4f/0.9
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades912
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CAPS-C
Lens MountFujifilm XFujifilm X
Angle of View83.2° – 83.2°44°
35mm Equivalent24-24mm53-53mm
Focus
AutofocusYesNo
Focus MotorDC
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoNo
Min Focus Distance15 cm35 cm
Max Magnification0.21x0.13x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$999$1,299
Filter Size67mm52mm
Diameter73.4mm75.4mm
Length73mm73.5mm
Weight375g (13.2 oz)460g (1.01 lb)
Weather SealedYesNo
Tripod CollarNoNo