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

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
FUJINON XF18-55mm

Bokeh, 18mm F/2.8

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

 

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

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

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.

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

Conclusion

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

    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

wim arys

Wim Arys is a photographer from Belgium Europe with a passion for mirrorless cameras.

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