I took the Fuji XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS out for a spin yesterday for a couple of reasons. It is, without a doubt, a very popular option in the XF lens lineup as a lightweight but high-quality zoom lens and I felt it was missing from the list of lenses I have reviewed on my site. Show
As a reviewer, I am rather late to the party, as the XF 18-55mm was released almost nine years ago. As new options have become available is the XF 18-55mm still worth considering? Fujifilm XF 18-55 f/2.8-4 R LM OIS - IntroductionThe XF 18-55 f/2.8-4 R LM OIS, released in September 2012, has often been bundled with various X Series cameras and I think many Fujifilm shooters ended up with the XF 18-55mm this way. They perhaps did not expect much from their kit lens, as kit lenses often have a poor reputation. Or so it used to be. The reality, however, is different. It is almost as if Fujifilm wanted to make a statement right off the bat in an attempt to get off on the right foot with its new X Series customers. The XF 18-55mm has enjoyed lots of praise over the years. At the time this review was posted the XF 18-55 f/2.8-4 R LM OIS was priced at $699.00. BC Place Stadium, Vanouver, Fujifilm X-E4, XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS @ f/8, 28 mm A friend of mine lent me an XF 18-55mm a few years back for a gig I did in the woodlands in British Columbia, Canada. Thanks, Sattu. The reason for bringing a zoom to this gig was the fact that the dusty environment would have made lens changes detrimental to my sensor. I found myself on logging roads in the middle of heavy operating machinery, climbing over fallen lumber, and shooting the entire range of the XF 18-55mm. I was really happy with the performance of the lens at the time. I used it for a few portraits in the field also. Unfortunately, I cannot share the client images here. You will have to take my word for it. Handling the Fujifilm XF 18-55 f/2.8-4 R LM OISUnlike some of the larger zoom lenses from Fujifilm, the XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS strikes a wonderful balance of size and performance. The size feels nearly perfect on the Fujifilm X-E4 I used for this test shoot. The lens weighs 10.9 oz, 310 g, takes 58mm filters, has 14 elements in 10 groups, 7 rounded diaphragm blades, and a minimum focusing distance of 30cm. The zoom ring is a delight and very smooth to operate. The lens protrudes as you zoom in to the 55mm setting. I am not a fan of this but as you can see below is not a big issue on the XF 18-55mm.  Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS at the 18mm and 55mm settings shown on the X-E4 The aperture ring does not have markings as the lens has variable apertures depending on your focal length. You will need to verify your aperture on either your LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. I should mention the nice bright, for a zoom lens, f/2.8 max f-stop at 18mm. Pretty good for a kit lens. Overall the lens has a solid and well-built feel. Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 in ActionUsing the Fujifilm X-E4 I was fortunate the XF 18-55mm has the optical image stabilizer, OIS, as the X-E4 does not have IBIS. I had the OIS on at all times during this test but unfortunately, I did not perform a stress test to see how far I could bring my shutter speed down shooting handheld. It was a bright sunny spring afternoon here in Vancouver and I had no issues keeping a high shutter speed. Gore Ave., Vancouver, Fujifilm X-E4, XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS @ f/6.4, 48 mm With the linear motor, LM, autofocus is fast and silent. During my cycle/street photography session, I had no issues whatsoever and the lens did not feel heavy at all around the neck with the Fujifilm X-E4. Fuji XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4, Image QualityThis was a quick look for me as all the images in the review were captured over a couple of hours of cycling around Vancouver. I have only had the X-E4 for a couple of weeks and am still in the honeymoon stage with the Classic Neg. film simulation. Overall I was pleased with the image quality. Zooming to 100% reveals sharp images. Color and contrast may trail a notch behind my primes and I find myself spending more time during post-processing adding a bit of contrast or clarity, and in some images, I used dehaze in Capture One. It has to be said the light was really harsh on this sunny spring day. The XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS shown on the Fujifilm X-E4. The lens is in the 55mm position. Fuji XF 18-55mm vs. XF 16-80mm f/4The decision between the XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS and the XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR is a tough one and I am sure many are weighing the pros and cons of either lens. If you are buying a new lens the current price difference is only $100.00. The XF 16-80mm f/4 is $799.00 and goes wider and longer with 16mm on the wide end and 80mm short telephoto on the long end. This naturally translates into a more versatile lens and with the constant f-stop you have f-stop markings on the aperture ring also. The OIS, optical image stabilizer is amazing on the XF 16-80mm, and going from memory it is better than on the XF 18-55mm. For overall best image quality, I would give the edge to the XF 16-80mm. Beatty Street Drill Hall, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-E4, XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS @ f/8, 21 mm If however you are buying used, you may be able to find a good deal on an XF 18-55mm as it has been on the market for much longer. Importantly, it is also nicer to handle the XF 18-55mm with a lower weight and volume, and a better fit for the smaller X Series cameras. Overall I enjoyed using the XF 18-55mm more so. You can check my full review of the XF 16-80mm f/4 here: Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS - ConclusionPlainly spoken, the XF 18-55mm is such a joy to use. Everything works as you would expect. It is well-built and has a very useful zoom range. At $699.00 it is, however, not inexpensive, which is why you may want to look out for a deal bundled with a new camera. Look out for sales or perhaps try to scout out a copy on the used market. If you a looking for even more versatility the XF 18-55mm faces strong competition from the XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR but be prepared for more bulk and weight and a slightly higher cost of entry. Update: I have now had a chance to review the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 as well and you can find my review here: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR - Review Pros
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Please see more sample images below. Price / AvailabilityThank you for reading my review. I hope you found it helpful. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support our site you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. Check availability and current price at B&H Photo Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS - B&H Photo Thank you for your support. Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8 R LM OIS - Sample ImagesPlease see the sample images below. Editing was done in Capture One and I used Fujifilm's film simulations for some of the photos. |
