Fujifilm’s XF 18-55mm f2.8-4 is a general-purpose zoom for its X-mount mirrorless cameras, and often bundled with bodies as a kit lens. Launched in September 2012, it delivers a flexible 27-84mm equivalent range taking you from wide-angle to mild telephoto, making it an ideal walk-around lens.

The 18-55mm focal length on cropped-frame / APSC bodies is very popular, but Fujifilm’s model outclasses rival brands with a faster aperture of f2.8-4, making it two thirds brighter at the wide-end and a whole stop brighter at the long-end than typical f3.5-5.6 versions. This in turn allows faster shutter speeds, lower ISO sensitivities for better quality and the potential for shallower depth-of-field effects.

The optical design consists of 14 elements in ten groups, an f2.8-4 focal ratio, seven aperture blades, a closest focusing distance of 40cm at the telephoto end, and optical stabilisation. The barrel measures 65mm in diameter, 70mm in length, weighs 310g and employs a 58mm filter thread. There’s no weather-sealing, but the Linear Motor (LM) focusing is swift and quiet which with the brighter than average focal ratio makes the XF 18-55mm a classier-than-average kit zoom. Want something cheaper? Consider the XC 16-50mm. Want the f2.8 aperture throughout the range and weather sealing? Go for the XF 16-55mm f2.8, albeit sacrificing optical stabilisation. Want a longer range with weather-sealing? Go for the XF 18-135mm. But as a Goldilocks option, the XF 18-55mm is hard to beat. Check out my sample images below!

Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f2.8-4 sample images

 
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