fujinon XF18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS

Fujinon XF18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS

Introduction

The Fujinon XF18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS was the first short zoom lens in the Fujinon XF lens range. It covers a standard range of focal lengths (covering the 35mm equivalent of 27-84mm).

highlights:

1. Can handle a versatile range of subjects from landscapes to portraits
2. 14 glass elements in 10 groups, with three aspheric elements and one extra-low dispersion element
3. Lens has OIS image stabilisation built-in
4. Fujinon’s Super EBC Coating reduces reflections
5. Seven rounded aperture blades gives a beautiful bokeh wide open

Construction and handling

• a nice heft and balances well with the Fuji X-T1
• a quality metal mount with high-grade plastic barrel
• focus ring feels silky smooth
• aperture ring a bit too smooth and can easily be accidentally turned

 

Sharpness

I’ve included three centre and three corner shots for four standard focal lengths. First is always wide-open, second and third are at f/8 and f/11, the sharpness sweet spots for this lens.

At 18mm, the FUJINON XF18-55mm is already sharp wide open in the centre, and corners sharpen up nicely by f/8, reaching best performance at f/11.

At 24mm, centre is quite sharp at F/4, but you’ll need to step down to f/8 to get the best performance for both centre and edges.

At 35mm, try stepping down 2/3 steps to get the best centre performance, corners are great at f/11.

At 55mm, optimal centre sharpness is reached by f/8, for the edges you’ll need to go to f/11.

Distortion and vignetting

The -XF18-55mm has some serious barrel distortion at 18mm, as well as heavy vignetting when shooting wide open. Luckily, there is a Lightroom profile available that takes care of these issues. (or if you shoot jpg, the camera will do this for you.

Autofocus and image stabilisation

• The XF18-55mm lens features a linear motor driven system that helps the camera focus in just 0.1 seconds.
• Autofocus is silent so it can be used for both stills and video shooting.
• The effects of camera shake are also reduced thanks to the inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabiliser).
• dedicated ON/OFF switch for OIS
• This system offers the equivalent of 4 stops compensation, which allows you to shoot comfortably shooting hand-held.

OIS is a big plus on this lens and helps to eliminate shake.

Conclusion

I like the Fujinon XF18-55mm on the Fuji X-T1.

1. 1. small and lightweight
   2. the range is ideal for street photography/travel

image stabilisation helps with focusing, even in low-light

1. image quality is excellent (after some RAW tweaking)
2. one of the best kit lenses (with the Fuji X-T1) I’ve ever tried
3. the aperture ring is a bit too smooth unfortunately, but you can always turn it off on the lens