Continuing FUJIFILM's series of compact, portable primes, the XF 18mm f/1.4 R WR Lens is a 27mm-equivalent wide-angle lens that is well-suited to documentary, travel, landscape, nature, architectural photography, and even astrophotography. Its fast f/1.4 maximum aperture balances size and speed and is suitable for working in available lighting conditions. It offers greater control over depth of field and provides a soft bokeh effect at wider apertures while also limiting the overall size and weight of the lens for everyday use.

The optical design features three aspherical elements and one ED element to limit distortion and spherical aberration in order to produce optimal sharpness and accurate rendering. A Super EBC coating is also used to control flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color fidelity when working in bright and backlit conditions. Complementing the optics is a linear autofocus motor, along with an internal focusing design, which provides quick and especially quiet focusing performance. The lens is weather sealed to suit working on location in inclement conditions and features an aperture ring with an "A" position lock for use in automated exposure control.