Normally we would never recommend a person to buy a kit lens, but then again a kit lens never is usually as sweet as this one. The FUJIFILM XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 ZOOM LENS is really a stand alone pro lens that just happens to be part of the X-E1 Kit. It’s not some starter piece of plastic that has more problems then it’s worth, like most bundled lenses. It’s a desired lens even if you bought only the X-Pro 1 or X-E1 body by itself. Of course if you buy FUJIFILM XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 ZOOM LENS in the kit you’ll save a few hundred.
WHY I WOULD BUY THE FUJIFILM XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 ZOOM LENS –
Considering the line of X Mount lenses it only makes sense that Fuji would make their standard zoom lens with a minimum aperture of f/2.8. I wouldn’t be writing this if it wasn’t. Having a low aperture is extremely important in all that we do, from food photography to travel, we need that depth of field to separate our subjects or make use of a low light situation.
In fact it is the lenses that have attracted us to the Fuji system. The FUJIFILM XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 ZOOM LENS is amazingly light compared to our Canon equivalent and compact as well, but well built and performs just as well in sharpness and capturing color.
I can’t stop talking about the sharpness of the FUJIFILM XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 ZOOM LENS, and I would have to say, I think it’s getting a little help from the lack of a low-pass filter inside the new Xtrans sensor of my X-E1. Whether if it’s what’s inside the camera, or just that Fujifilm has been able to create lightweight super sharp lenses all I know is that I loving the sharpness in my photos.
WHAT WE WOULD USE THE FUJIFILM XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 ZOOM LENS FOR –
Food Photography:
Of course, or we wouldn’t be writing this! Jokes aside, this lens is the perfect range for food photography. 18mm would be too wide on full frame sensors, but on the X-E1 it’s perfect for those whole table shots. The combination of sharpness and the depth of field this lens gives at f/2.8 makes the FUJIFILM XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 ZOOM LENS king when trying to make that delicious dish stand out from the background.
Portraits:
Whether in the studio or just family pics, the FUJIFILM XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 ZOOM LENS has the ability to zoom in and out saving you when trying to capture those fast moments. I also love the option to have live view in the viewfinder, where I can check focus and review my images without having to look at the back of the LCD screen.
Travel:
Pretty much all of the points above make the FUJIFILM XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 ZOOM LENS a great travel lens. Its a lens you could use to capture everything from architecture to nature with ease and not have to change lenses all the time. And again, it is so lightweight you won’t strain yourself carting it around.
WHAT ANNOYS US –
For the first time NOTHING! To be fair though we have only owned it for a little while now so I’m sure well think of something. We’ll keep updating this as things change, but looking at how well crafted this lens is I’m doubting anything will.
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CHECK OUT SOME OF THE IMAGES WE’VE MADE WITH THE FUJIFILM XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 ZOOM LENS:
Check the prices (FUJIFILM XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 ZOOM LENS | Amazon)
In the Muscat area? I got my gear over at Photocentre, they are the official dealers of Fujifilm cameras and lenses. They have some great staff and a huge selection of camera equipment plus other geeky photo gadgetry.