Xf 18-55mm review

[ZoomZ]

Tested the kit zoom at my regular store and it is indeed a very well built lens.

Total silent focusing, can't even feel the motor at all. What a solid lens! This is a big improvement over my 35mm prime on the AF area.

It is a little bulkier than the 35mm, but due to the high quality glass which takes really sharp photo.

At 35mm range comparing to my 35mm prime, cannot really tell the difference for most of the shots in terms of sharpness. Well done!

Can't resist it and the kit zoom is now on the way back with me.

Will take this as early Xmas gift, or sell later if there are buyers keen....

 

[vengels]

Bro u bought just the zoom lens?

Put me on Q for the lens man.. haha

 

[ZoomZ]

Yes, but at a high premium though after negotiating big time since they don't have standalone set.

I test out first and see if it fits my need. Even if sell off, it will be expensive. You ready for it? Haha...

Bro u bought just the zoom lens?

Put me on Q for the lens man.. haha

 

[1912123]

it cost more than double compare to Sony E lens, with such high premium, they better give a good and solid lens.

 

[vengels]

I was quoted 1049 for the lens..
But that wasn't the official price from Fuji..

So not sure to get it or not..

 

[vengels]

it cost more than double compare to Sony E lens, with such high premium, they better give a good and solid lens.

E mount lens mostly not that good..
Only 50mm f1.8 lens is good..

Even the 24mm Zeiss is no that value for money..
And it costs almost twice the price of the Fuji 35mm..

 

[ZoomZ]

I gotta be fair on this. This zoom is a different class compared to the Sony E 18-55 lens that I used to have. Totally different class.

It has totally silent operation, and very well built. This is way above the Sony one, not comparing the IQ.

As for the IQ, nothing more to say. It is as good as the superb 35mm prime that I have, just not as wide but still very good in bokeh. Resolution wise, this is worth every dollar. Sony E kit zoom can get near though I must say the price of the Sony E is really cheap.

it cost more than double compare to Sony E lens, with such high premium, they better give a good and solid lens.

 

[1912123]

E mount lens mostly not that good..
Only 50mm f1.8 lens is good..

Even the 24mm Zeiss is no that value for money..
And it costs almost twice the price of the Fuji 35mm..

let's see how good is the xf1855... looks like it is the best zoom kit lens.

 

[ZoomZ]

It is. This one feels like a L lens in terms of built quality and IQ. Really can't call it a kit zoom.

It is probably more expensive than other kit zoom due to:

- completely silent AF. Can't even feel the motor. This part is better than any zoom lens that I have used before
- perfect for video, since it does not even vibrate and zero motor sound
- sharpest zoom lens maximising Trans x sensor, very close to the superb 35mm prime - just not as wide
- very nice colour reproduction
- very effective Optical Image Stabiliser
- dual switches for OIS on and off, aperture control on and off - even Zeiss 24mm don't have this
- high quality made with very smooth focus, clear wording on the barrel

Now I know why it is commanding a higher price than all the prime lenses. If you are not looking for the wide aperture of the 3 prime lenses, this one lens could replace all the 3 lenses in most uses.

let's see how good is the xf1855... looks like it is the best zoom kit lens.

 

[Thoth]

I was quoted 1049 for the lens..
But that wasn't the official price from Fuji..

So not sure to get it or not..

Tatz d thing... A good reasonable price will be around 800 max.. Even though it's a very well built and good IQ lens, @ 1149 official RRP price, really too ex for a kit lens. I rather wait out in BnS or when I m in HK then buy it and use it as a spare versatile walk around lens. Now I dun really see the need for one for myself.

 

[ZoomZ]

I think the word "kit lens" created a wrong impression of the quality of this lens.

Coming from most of the Canon L lenses, this is considered a very decently priced lens. Just like the 35mm prime which is highly praised for the IQ which is close to a 35lux yet priced at a fraction of the cost, this one is similar. It should not be called a kit zoom, but perhaps a standard zoom.

Don't want to tempt you guys any more, as you should try it yourself to decide.

If I didn't have the 35mm f1.4 (and for the F1.4), this may just be the only lens on my X-E1.

Will test it out further and report back, whether to keep it for good.

Tatz d thing... A good reasonable price will be around 800 max.. Even though it's a very well built and good IQ lens, @ 1149 official RRP price, really too ex for a kit lens. I rather wait out in BnS or when I m in HK then buy it and use it as a spare versatile walk around lens. Now I dun really see the need for one for myself.

 

[Thoth]

I think the word "kit lens" created a wrong impression of the quality of this lens.

Coming from most of the Canon L lenses, this is considered a very decently priced lens. Just like the 35mm prime which is highly praised for the IQ which is close to a 35lux yet priced at a fraction of the cost, this one is similar. It should not be called a kit zoom, but perhaps a standard zoom.

Don't want to tempt you guys any more, as you should try it yourself to decide.

Ok... standard zoom... I still dun c d point for me to buy it now... Will wait out n c... I will focus on taking photos using what I am having now... No more GAS till Zeiss 12mm comes...

 

[Thoth]

This might be interesting... Video test on 18-55 lens

Fuji X-E1 video test with 18-55mm lens - YouTube

 

[ZoomZ]

As usual, my suggestion is don't try this lens. You will end up selling your Leica 35mm.

Did I mention that it has 4 stop image stabiliser to prevent shaky hands? Haha....

Ok... standard zoom... I still dun c d point for me to buy it now... Will wait out n c... I will focus on taking photos using what I am having now... No more GAS till Zeiss 12mm comes...

 

[Thoth]

As usual, my suggestion is don't try this lens. You will end up selling your Leica 35mm.

Did I mention that it has 4 stop image stabiliser to prevent shaky hands? Haha....

Wah bro... subtle poison hints ya? Nahz.. I wun sell my Pre ASPH Lux 35, love d way it renders the pictures. Sharpness and contrast did improve after CLAed by Mr Tay and tested it today... Feels like a brand new Summilux Pre ASPH 35 now.. Haha..

I just need to work on those shaky hands of mine when taking photos, hope the Gariz case can help out abit and also the thumb grip for more stable handling of the X-E1. Cheers.

 

[ZoomZ]

After a day of testing with the kit zoom lens, this is my updated impression.

With the 18-55mm even at F2.8 and with the OIS, I find the OIS still not as effective to combat shaky hands as compared to the fast prime at low light shots, i.e. the 35mm F1.4.

The silent AF and speed of AF is really very nice, but a little bulky for my daily use. If you are using it for travelling and sight seeing, this is a wonderful lens for general purpose.

 

[Errz]

u need this. http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/buy-...ns-leica-summilux-m-35-mm-f-1-4-asph-fle.html

Wah bro... subtle poison hints ya? Nahz.. I wun sell my Pre ASPH Lux 35, love d way it renders the pictures. Sharpness and contrast did improve after CLAed by Mr Tay and tested it today... Feels like a brand new Summilux Pre ASPH 35 now.. Haha..

I just need to work on those shaky hands of mine when taking photos, hope the Gariz case can help out abit and also the thumb grip for more stable handling of the X-E1. Cheers.

 

[ZoomZ]

Hahaha.... you still carrying on poisoning him.... but he can afford lah.... Hahaha...

u need this. http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/buy-...ns-leica-summilux-m-35-mm-f-1-4-asph-fle.html

 

[Thoth]

Hahaha.... you still carrying on poisoning him.... but he can afford lah.... Hahaha...

LOL... Can afford but need to sell off my estate ya? Not very rational to buy this now... Since I do not have a Leica M yet... Still expensive @ 6800 anyway. I can easily get it for less than 6K next year when I am on business trip to Basel, just cross over to Munich or roam around a few european cities after that to look for it. M saving up for the big splurge next year... Keke...

 

[robinchee]

I tested it tonight .. the OIS works well .. even down to 1/8 or 1/4 second .. Can't imagine life without it .. It would be wonderful to have a fast prime with OIS ..

After a day of testing with the kit zoom lens, this is my updated impression.

With the 18-55mm even at F2.8 and with the OIS, I find the OIS still not as effective to combat shaky hands as compared to the fast prime at low light shots, i.e. the 35mm F1.4.

The silent AF and speed of AF is really very nice, but a little bulky for my daily use. If you are using it for travelling and sight seeing, this is a wonderful lens for general purpose.