SUMMARY
Gordon Laing conducted a side-by-side test of five Fujifilm X-mount pancake lenses, including three native Fujifilm models and two third-party alternatives from TTArtisan and Viltrox. While Fujifilm lenses typically resolved more detail, the aging XF 18mm f/2 stood out despite its size and cost. Autofocus speeds were similar for stills, but video performance varied, with Fujifilm lenses exhibiting louder motors. The TTArtisan offered quieter video autofocus, while the Viltrox struggled with focus during video. A notable quirk was the XF 23mm f/2.8's longer startup time, an issue flagged with Fujifilm. The review highlights that these compact lenses prioritize portability over extreme apertures, offering practical solutions for street and travel photography.
TAKEAWAYS
Five Fujifilm X-mount pancake lenses were tested for sharpness, autofocus, and video performance.
Fujifilm lenses generally provided superior detail, but third-party options offered strong value.
Video autofocus performance varied, with TTArtisan being quieter and smoother than Fujifilm's offerings.
The XF 23mm f/2.8 exhibited a longer startup time, a reported issue with Fujifilm.