Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS Fujinon APS-C Lens for X-Mount, Black {58}

The Fujifilm 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF R LM OIS is a wide angle zoom lens for Fuji X-Mount mirrorless digital cameras. It's a sharp, fast, and well built lens that offers a lot of versatility.

The 18 to 55mm focal length zoom range covers a field of view equivalent to what a 28-85mm lens on a full frame 35mm camera would produce. At the 18mm end of the zoom range the field of view is 76.5 degrees (diagonal), wide enough to take in a great deal of subject matter. Zoom all the way in to the 55mm focal length and the field of view closes to 29 degrees narrow enough to be suited for more flattering portraiture. Being able to quickly transition from taking a group portrait to an individual portrait helps you not miss the moment.

Fujifilm users expect high quality optics and cameras. The 18-55mm lives up to those expectations. The optical formulation of 14 elements in 10 groups includes 3 aspherical elements, 1 extra low dispersion elements, and Optical Image Stabilization elements. The Super EBC (Electron Beam Coating) multi-coating on the optics keeps internal reflections and associated contrast losses to a minimum. Image quality is great and the bokeh is pleasing to the eye.

The OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) system helps by reducing blur caused by camera and lens shake and allows use of shutter speeds that might not otherwise be practical handheld. An OIS on/off switch is also provided if you want to save some battery time or use a rock solid tripod rig.

The maximum aperture is respectable, varying from f/2.8 at 18mm to f/4 at the tele end, that's from half to a full stop brighter than most 18-55mm lenses or Fuji's own 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lenses. The 7 aperture blades produce a round opening, stop down to f/22 and are adjustable in 1/3 E/V (Exposure Value) stops. An aperture mode switch on the barrel offers a choice between automatic aperture control and manual electronic aperture selection via the dedicated aperture control ring (the closest ring to the camera).

Focus is driven by a linear motor and generally it provide speedy autofocus. The maximum magnification is 0.15x at .4m at the telephoto end. A dedicated focus ring at the front of the lens provide electronic manual focus control.

The physical construction of the 18-55mm is also rather good, it tends to favor use of metal and it has a robust feel. The 18-55mm f/2.8-4 is positioned in a middle tier between Fujifilm's slower 16-50mm offerings and their higher end 16-55mm f/2.8. All in all it's a nice mix of capabilities..

Individual fixed focal length lenses may be more compact than the 18-55mm but the 18-55mm is more compact than carrying the four fixed lenses (18mm, 27mm, 35mm and 50mm) that would be needed to replicate it's zoom range. Weighing in at 310 grams, the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 is no boat anchor.

It's a handy all purpose solution for Fuji X Series photographers looking for great quality with more compositional freedom than a fixed lens would provide.

Recommended accessories include the original lens hood (Fujifilm part 100A12457A10).