Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R vs Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R is 18mm, the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) is 23mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R for wide-angle, the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) for standard.
Choose the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R if…
- ✓You value portability — at 116g (4.1 oz) it's lighter than the 265g (9.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.1x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) opens to f/1.4 vs the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R is 18mm, Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) is 23mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R is 116g (4.1 oz) vs 265g (9.3 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R or the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R is 18mm, the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) is 23mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R for wide-angle, the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) for standard.
Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R?
Choose the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R if you value portability — at 116g (4.1 oz) it's lighter than the 265g (9.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X)?
Choose the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.1x.
What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R and the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X)?
Aperture: the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) opens to f/1.4 vs the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 18mm | 23mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 8 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X |
| Angle of View | 76° | 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 27-27mm | 35-35mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 18 cm | 23 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.21x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $449 | $449 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 64.5mm | 64.8mm |
| Length | 41mm | 60.5mm |
| Weight | 116g (4.1 oz) | 265g (9.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
