Fujifilm Xf 18-55mm F/28-4 R Lm Ois Zoom Lens Review

The Fujifilm Fujinon XF eighteen-55mm F2.eight-4 R LM OIS ($699.95) isn't the company's latest zoom lens, but nosotros're updating our review after having tested information technology with a mod 24MP camera. Since its release it's been joined by ii more than entry-level standard zooms, besides as the pro-grade XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR. Despite having some more contest and being tested with a camera that puts more stress on its optics, the XF 18-55mm still shines. Information technology's priced between the most basic and premium offerings from Fujifilm, and while it doesn't offer as much broad angle coverage as the 16-55mm and loses a bit of low-cal when zoomed, its images are sharp, without much distortion, and it includes image stabilization.

Design: Better Than Kit Quality

The XF 18-55mm'due south focal length puts it in the same conversation as many inexpensive kit lenses that have come earlier. And while I've seen the quality of xviii-55mm zooms improve over the years—both in build and paradigm quality—I've not seen some other that matches the Fujinon. It's still technically a kit lens—you tin get it equally a bundled option with more premium models like the X-T20 and 10-E3—only information technology'due south improve built than Fujifilm's two truthful entry-level zooms, the Ninety 15-45mm and Ninety 16-50mm.

Our Experts Have Tested 52 Products in the Lenses Category in the By Year

Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help yous make better buying decisions. (Encounter how nosotros test.)

I of the things that sets the 18-55mm ($479.95 at Amazon) apart is its optical design. It'due south an f/2.8-4 lens, and so it captures near fifty percent more light at its widest angle and twice equally much lite when zoomed all the way in as the 15-45mm or xvi-50mm, both of which sport f/three.five-5.half-dozen designs. Of class, that's assuming you lot are shooting at maximum aperture—you can always cull an f-stop that captures less calorie-free.

Similar Products

It likewise outpaces its plastic siblings in build quality. It isn't weather sealed similar the XF 16-55mm F2.8, just the XF 18-55mm does accept a metal outer barrel and an aperture command band. Information technology measures 2.viii by 2.6 inches (HD) at its shortest position, weighs 10.9 ounces, and supports 58mm front filters. It telescopes as you zoom in, and the inner butt is plastic, equally is the included lens hood.

There are three command rings, all knurled metal. The foremost is narrow, a quarter-inch or so, and adjusts focus when the camera is set for manual focus. Behind it is the zoom ring, about three times every bit wide, with marks at the 18, 23, 35, and 55mm positions. These are the actual focal lengths, not full-frame equivalents. If you're used to thinking of a lens in full-frame terms, the eighteen-55mm volition capture a similar angle of view every bit a 27-82mm zoom on a 35mm photographic camera.

Finally, there's the aperture control ring. It's about the same width as the manual focus command, but placed closer to the base of the lens. Information technology too has a ridged, knurled texture, simply the ridges are raised college and set further apart than the zoom or focus band, so you can place them by bear on.

In that location are only two command switches on the butt. I switches the discontinuity control between manual and automatic, and the other turns the optical stabilization system on and off. With the exception of the X-H1, Fujifilm cameras practise non take in-body stabilization, and so getting a lens with the feature is a boon, especially if you plan on recording a lot of handheld video.

Close focus is a weak point. The lens can focus as close as 11.8 inches, which means at its all-time you lot'll be able to capture subjects at 1:6.vii life-size. You certainly won't be able to hone in on a bug or flower similar y'all can with a real macro lens, and you may detect yourself taking a footstep dorsum in order to lock focus, rather than leaning in to become a tighter shot as you can with a zoom that focuses closer. The entry-level XF xv-45mm focuses to 5.1 inches, for larger i:4.2 magnification.

Paradigm Quality

I tested the XF 18-55mm with the 24MP X-Pro2 and Imatest software. At 18mm f/2.8 it manages ii,696 lines on a center-weighted sharpness test—better than the ane,800 lines we want to see at a minimum. Resolution is potent from eye to edge, and while the very outer edges of the frame aren't as abrupt as the boilerplate, they are quite skillful at two,283 lines.

{{ZIFFIMAGE id="152477" notable nopopup align="left"> See How We Test Digital Cameras

Resolution takes a slight step back at f/4 (2,379 lines) and f/5.6 (2,384 lines), only is very skilful. It bounces back at f/8 (2,492 lines) and we see the sharpest results at f/11 (two,973 lines). Diffraction cuts into image quality at f/16 (2,638 lines) and f/22 (2,189 lines), but not to the point of making images unusable.

At 35mm the maximum aperture is f/3.6, which shows that the f-end drib is fairly linear. Resolution is stiff, at 2,656 lines. In that location is a slight stride back at f/5.half-dozen (2,461 lines), but it bounces back at f/8 (2,594 lines) and f/eleven (2,631 lines). Results are still solid at f/16 (2,615 lines), though quality takes a turn for the worse at f/22 (2,117 lines). As with 18mm, results at 35mm are crisp from eye to edge.

At 55mm the aperture is f/four, one-half equally brilliant equally at 18mm. Only we don't run into any issues with sharpness. The lens resolves ii,711 lines at f/4 and hovers around 2,700 lines at f/5.6, f/viii, and f/eleven. There'south a very slight driblet at f/16 (ii,650 lines), and a bigger ane at f/22 (2,193 lines).

Baloney is very well controlled. We run into a piffling bit of noticeable barrel distortion at 18mm, but only a very petty bit—almost i.3 percent. Yous won't observe the slight outward curve in nearly images, but you may want to correct information technology with Lightroom or some other photo editor if you're photographing compages or other subjects with perfectly straight lines. At 35mm and 55mm there is no noticeable distortion.

We also await at lenses to see how evenly they illuminate scenes. The 18-55mm is quite adept, with corners and edges that are within a half-stop of the center through the entirety of the zoom range at a broad-open f-stop.

A Standout Middle Kid

The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 18-55mm F2.eight-4 R LM OIS is the middle kid of the standard zoom lenses available for the 10 system. Information technology offers a brighter design, a better build, and better eyes compared with the entry-level XC 15-45mm and XC 16-50mm. And it drops the wide-bending coverage, stock-still f/2.eight design, and weather sealing included with the premium XF 16-55mm F2.8.

I nevertheless recommend the XF 16-55mm F2.8 to pros who need the best paradigm quality and brightest aperture from the Fujifilm sytem. But if you're not using your camera to earn a living, and simply desire a sharp, light, affordable zoom to capture memories from travels, family unit events, and the similar, don't forget nearly the XF 18-55mm. It'south non without its drawbacks—notably the lack of 16mm coverage and limited close focus capability—but it does just nearly everything else right.

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 18-55mm F2.viii-4 R LM OIS

The Bottom Line

The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 18-55mm F2.eight-four R LM OIS has a lot of appeal for photographers who want more the very basic kit lens offers, but don't demand the pro build (or price) of the XF 16-55mm f/2.8.

Like What Yous're Reading?

Sign up for Lab Study to get the latest reviews and tiptop product advice delivered right to your inbox.

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or chapter links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Utilise and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at whatsoever time.

windeyerlogy1962.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/fujifilm-fujinon-xf-18-55mm-f28-4-r-lm-ois

Share this post