An overview of the XF 18-55mm f2.8-4 R LM OIS
An overview of the XF 18-55mm f2.8-4 R LM OISIf your looking for a small light ‘one lens’ solution then this lens is going to be a pretty safe bet. Seen by many as a ‘kit’ lens, but I see it as a perfect gateway lens in the mid-zoom range. I would say the ‘kit’ lens would be the XC 16-50mm version.
The 18-55mm starts at f2.8 and ends up at f4 at 55mm and supports a very good OS for keeping things stable. The lens also has an ‘auto aperture’ selection button for quick reference while shooting, while the camera is held up to your eye. Handy !
The linear motor-driven system delivers high-speed autofocus performance of 0.1 seconds to capture those perfect photo opportunities. Silent operation also makes the lens suitable for video recording, which is ace when combined with the OS & compact nature of the lens. This lens is very stable on an X-T1 for video
“If you’re looking for an all around travel zoom lens, this will certainly do the job and then some….
I thought the zoom Fuji had sent me was broken. I honestly did. I was in the studio when I mounted the lens to the camera for the first time; I tried the AF at 18mm, about three feet away: no sound. None of the usual in/out focussing motion I’d become accustomed to with the 35mm. No bzzz…grrr as it searched. So I took it off, mounted it again. But this time I zoomed to 55mm and focused further away… It did work; but it was dead silent. This lens uses a new linear motor which completely transforms the AF experience. Much faster and much, much smoother.
All Fuji lenses so far have offered outstanding optical quality and this one is no exception: as most reviewers have stated, this is not your standard kit lens. At all. Yes, it has a variable aperture, something I never thought I’d ever purchase again. But in all other aspects this is a pro level lens as far as I’m concerned. Do I wish it was f/2.8 all the way though? Yes, I most definitely do. But I’ve psyched myself into thinking of it as f/4 with a 2.8 bonus at 18mm, which is pretty much where that aperture is confined to. For strobe lighting it isn’t at all a problem as I’ll rarely go below f/4 anyway. If I do I’m going for something else entirely and probably hovering more around f/1.4 on the 35mm.” – laROQUE (read the full review here)
Pros-
Great video lens, quiet motor, great compact zoom
Cons –
f4 at 55mm
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Specifications
| Type | XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS |
|---|---|
| Lens construction | 14 elements in 10 groups (includes 3 aspherical and 1 extra low dispersion elements) |
| Focal length | f=18-55mm (135 equivalent: 27-84mm) |
| Angle of view | 79.1° – 28.4° |
| Max. aperture | F2.8 – F4 |
| Min. aperture | F22 |
| Aperture control |
|
| Focus range |
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| Max. magnification | 0.08 – 0.15x |
| External dimensions | ø65.0mm x 70.4mm(Wide)/97.9mm(Telephoto) |
| Weight | Approx. 310g |
| Filter size | ø58mm |
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