Fujifilm XF 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

Fujifilm X

Review

The Fujifilm XF 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is a versatile zoom lens designed for Fujifilm X-series cameras. It's an excellent choice for photographers looking for a robust all-around lens that covers a wide focal range, from wide-angle to telephoto. This lens is particularly appealing for travel and landscape photography, as well as general everyday use.

The build quality of the XF 18-135mm is impressive. It features a weather-resistant design, making it suitable for outdoor shooting in varying weather conditions. This durability is a huge plus for adventure photographers who need gear that can withstand the elements. The lens also sports a relatively compact form factor for a zoom lens, making it easy to carry around.

In terms of optical performance, this lens delivers good sharpness across its focal range, especially at the center. At wider apertures, you might notice some softness at the edges, but as you stop down, overall sharpness increases significantly. The lens benefits from Fujifilm's impressive lens coatings, which help in reducing flare and ghosting, providing a clearer image with better contrast.

The autofocus system is quick and relatively silent, thanks to its Linear Motor technology, which is a great feature for shooting video. Additionally, the optical image stabilization (OIS) allows for more stable handheld shooting, especially useful in low-light situations or at longer focal lengths.

However, the variable aperture of F3.5-5.6 means that in lower light conditions, especially at the telephoto end, you might struggle to get a good exposure without increasing the ISO or using slower shutter speeds. This is something to consider if you often shoot in dimly lit environments.

Another aspect to keep in mind is the lens's size. While it is compact for a zoom lens, some users might still find it a bit bulky when compared to prime lenses. If you prioritize lightweight gear, this could be a slight drawback.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Versatile focal range (18-135mm) covering wide-angle to telephoto.
• Weather-resistant build quality.
• Good sharpness and contrast across most focal lengths.
• Quick and quiet autofocus.
• Effective optical image stabilization.

Cons

• Variable maximum aperture (F3.5-5.6) may limit low-light performance.
• Slight softness at the edges at wider apertures.
• A bit bulkier compared to prime lenses.

Verdict

The Fujifilm XF 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is an excellent all-around lens for Fujifilm X-series users. It combines durability, versatility, and good optical performance, making it an ideal choice for photographers who want one lens that can handle a variety of shooting conditions. While its variable aperture might be a limitation for some low-light shooters, the benefits of weather resistance and stabilization generally outweigh this drawback. For those seeking convenience in their photography without compromising too much on quality, this lens is well worth considering.