Thank you for the detailed and in-depth review on this lens. I purchased this with my XT 2 as a kit a couple years back and I find your results to match mine exactly. It’s great to have somebody give a honest and unbiased review that we can trust. That means so much. I can’t say that about many other reviewer’s on KZread. You’re definitely a cut above the rest. Please stay true to this in your future reviews. Your reviews are very much appreciated. Thank you for your time and effort you put into each review.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

There's very little moderation and objectivity on KZread. It probably has something to do with the medium and every trying to get views

@ezekielgordon8852

2 жыл бұрын

You all probably dont care but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account? I was dumb forgot the password. I love any help you can give me!

@edenjordy8619

2 жыл бұрын

@Ezekiel Gordon Instablaster :)

@ezekielgordon8852

2 жыл бұрын

@Eden Jordy i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and Im trying it out now. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

@ezekielgordon8852

2 жыл бұрын

@Eden Jordy It did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my account :D

Nice review thank you 👍😉

The difference between this lens and kit zooms from other manufacturers is that this will still be in your camera bag long after those other kit lenses have been consigned to the back of a draw. It's build and optical quality are good enough that it makes a great standby for when you don't quite have the right lens for the job, and it's an excellent grab and go lens for those times you don't want to take all the gear but still want good quality images. It's also a good video lens for those of us who only do occasional video. So all in all a great all-rounder, well worth having.

@DustinAbbottTWI

10 ай бұрын

That's fair, though I do think this lens is a bit overrated.

Similar results to my tests with this lens. Most of the time stopping down actually hurts corner sharpness, and as I mostly shoot landscapes with smaller apertures this was enough reason for me to send the lens back and stick with the (kit) 16-50.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

Some of the primes may be a better alternative if you want to get the fine details

Thanks Dustin! This completely aligns with my findings on the lens too. With everyone saying how great it is, I had assumed I had a bad copy!

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

In a vacuum it is just fine, but there are other options that have greater acuity.

@krunobakota9502

3 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI So...in a nutshell, would you recommend investing a little bit more for the 16-55?

This is a great lens if you buy it used or buy it as a kit lens with the câmera, but too expensive buying it solo.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

That seems reasonable

Hi Dustin, would be great if you can do a 14mm 2.8 lens review! thanks!

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

Perhaps in time. It's hard to get to the catalog lenses with so much new gear coming out.

Thank you Mr Abbott

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome.

Nice job. I have both and came up with comparisons and have both the 1-55 and 18-55. I am using the 16-55 on the XT-4 and the 18055 on the Xt30 and XT-3. I still in trial period bit like the 16-55 and kit 18-55 especially for the small body. Serious pictures on the 16-55 contrast and it just sharper at equal focal lengths.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

That sounds about right.

Hi Dustin, I just got this lens for my Fuji X-E3. I'm wondering, after viewing your review, do you think I could help the lens' photographic results by increasing the in-camera sharpening and contrast settings a bit?

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

I assume you are shooting JPEGs, as that wouldn't affect RAW files. You could experiment with it, but realize that adding sharpening can't add detail that isn't there. You might just create more sharpening artifacts.

Thanks for this review. I'm keen on the upcoming 16-80 f/4, in particular whether it will pair well with an X-T30 balance- and handling-wise. Hope you'll be able to do a similarly comprehensive review when that becomes available!

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

I'm scheduled to cover it.

@chinwengkeong

4 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI Awesome! Looking forward to it!

hi have you tested 50 f2 fuji if so is it good for portraits? hope you can help. keep up the good videos.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

I haven’t tested it yet, though I was quite impressed with the 35mm F2

would this be a good lens for realestate video for detailed shots?

Enjoy your no hyperbole reviews. I have this lens, and as a relatively new photographer, I am starting to notice the differences in micro contrast. I recently picked up a KamLan 50mm F1.1 II for my Fuji partly based on your review and others. Working with that lens I get more artful results and great contrast. I also enjoy manual focusing, it feels more deliberate and intentional. However, depending on subject and what you are shooting the 18-55mm can still get good results.

@DustinAbbottTWI

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback.

How does it compare with the EFM18-55mm next to it? They are competitor is many ways that’s why I am considering XT30 Vs Canon M50. Tending towards M50 so far due to the nicer colours from Canon.. what’s your opinion in terms of image quality?

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

I haven't really compared them. My son does have the Canon lens, but it is on the very first EOS M body, so it's not a fair comparison in any way (from autofocus to resolution).

Personally I think its a great lens, and very surprised by its performance . My latest shots on my insta were taken with it, and I'm looking forward too using it at my next wedding in a weeks time.

Hey Dustin, always a fan of yours, I just got a used XT20 that came with this 18-55 kit lens and Im wondering if I use the camera primarily for 4K video, am I going to notice that micro contrast dlfference between the two lenses as you do with stills? (I also own a couple of primes though, but I need an experts opinion on this), should I sell it and put on my 23mm F2 and see a day and night dofference in sharpness or what do you think? Remember it will only be used for video, not stills

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

Why don't you run a few side by side tests with identical scenes and see if you notice a big difference.

@gilbertogranados3018

4 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI well that does make sense lol, thank you Sr.

Dusting, thank you - a great idea might be to review the 18 and the 27 from Fuji as well? Super compact lenses and with x-t30 might a winning combo. Greetings from Bulgaria.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

At some point

These two review videos have been very explanatory. Taking photos is my hobby. I like to take portraits, is 18-55 suitable for portrait? I know prime lenses are sharper. I usually shoot kids so I have to zoom in. 27mm/35mm/18-55mm I can't decide between these three lenses. I wanted to get your opinion. Thanks in advance.

@DustinAbbottTWI

2 жыл бұрын

It will work for portraits, though I wouldn't consider it a top option for that.

Dustin can I ask what software you use to process your raw files for this review? Thanks

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

Mostly Lightroom

Still as great into 2019, as it was being into 2012! Firmware is the latest avialable Update. On my DX Nikons, the Tamron 17-50/2.8 (not VC) is the prefered one)

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

enjoy!

so even with the larger size and lack of OIS, you recommend the 16-55 over this? I am deciding between the two for a travel kit and would use an X-T3. Budget is not a concern, I'm afraid that the ergonomics of the 16-55 might be uncomfortable due to size.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

That's obviously up to you. All I can say is that I liked the 16-55 much better, myself, and I would [personally] consider the IQ and extra width a worthy tradeoff for the size.

@dontpokethebear3893

4 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you very much. I am highly considering the 16-55. I was interested in the new 16-80 but it doesn't seem to really improve image quality over the 18-55. I'm not sure if you're planning to review that one but it's very interesting how Fuji has so many overlapping standard range zoom lenses now.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

I'm scheduled to look at the 16-80 at the end of January. It's my next Fuji review.

Great in-depth reviews will probably exclusively use mine at f4 unless I want to mess with DoF. You forgot to edit out the script restart at ~16:30, whoops!

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

Oops :)

I bought this lens with X-T30. Yes, with default lightroom demosaicing settings textures at 1:1 arnt perfectly detailed especially at the corners, however it's not like I'm zooming at 1:1 when I'm just viewing my photos (I cant notice such imperfections in practical use). On top of that since I have started using lightroom ML demosaicing (enhance details) my X-T30 photos has much sharper textures anyway, so right now even at 1:1 textures looks fairy sharp to me. I want to buy new lens with much stronger bokeh now (probably XF 50-140mm f/2.8, or 56mm f/1.2) but overall I'm more than happy with the results. XF 18-55mm 2.8-4 is awesome kit lens in by book 🙂.

@DustinAbbottTWI

3 жыл бұрын

If you're happy, I'm happy!

Well, the performance part is lacking. Yes I did notice a loss in sharpness compared to a prime, but now this review brings me to a realization of what I was allowing to accept because it is a zoom. Coincidently, the new 16-80mm f4 was just announced. A more useful zoom range and constant aperture. Thanks Dustin for another helpful review!

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

The 16-80 sounds interesting, for sure.

I'm sure the lens has had an update since this video came out because reviews later than this one show much sharper images. I guess I will see when mine arrives next week when it is paired with my X-T2.

@DustinAbbottTWI

7 ай бұрын

My experience is that this lens has really been oversold. It's good, but not great.

Great review Dustin. I’m selling mine off to fund the 16-80mm.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

We'll see how that lens performs, but that's obviously a great focal length.

Very nice review. Jives with my experience owning and using the lens. I just couldn’t understand why other reviewers went so ga ga for it. And while i never tried the 16-55, i just felt, what was all the hype about?!

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

For some reason the hype is pretty high on this lens. I don’t personally get it

@gooeytv1184

4 жыл бұрын

They are over exaggerating. Fujifilm can't even perform better on low light condition with this lens.

Hi Dustin how r u :) one question with xt30 should ingo for 18-55 or 18-135?

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

I haven't tested the 18-135. I will be looking at the 16-80mm F4 in January, and I suspect that one is worthy of consideration.

@senaritradutta

4 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI basically with kit 18-135 and 18-55 coming very cheap with xt30.... 16-80 heard its similar IQ like 18-55 from some review not sure

What lense should i get then? I want a lense that is not to expensive that i can use for photo and vdo too. even prime are ok to me. Thx

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

Many of the F2 primes are both small and compact, reasonably priced, and are highly performing.

@Steger13

4 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI ok thanks ;)

Thanks for a great review- perfect level of detail and very clear explanation. I'm sure the 16-55 is better, but honestly paired with the X-T3 that is the exact same weight as an A7iii with the Tamron 28-75. At that point I'd just go full frame and gain IBIS (price notwithstanding). Would love to see reviews of the XF 16 and 23mm 1.4's if you come across them, particularly how much better the micro-contrast is than the zooms.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

I'll get to them in time...probably. The difficulty with adding a new system (as I did in Fuji last year) is that it's hard to catch up on catalog lenses with so much new gear coming out all the time.

I have seen the first part of the review, reading the subtitles of the video translated into Spanish, (since I do not speak English) unfortunately in the second part of the review the subtitles do not appear and I have been left without knowing the final conclusions, I would like that you could solve it, thank you very much in advance!

@DustinAbbottTWI

2 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry about that. Unfortunately I know little about the subtitles.

@ulisesmedina3043

2 жыл бұрын

Well, this second part of the review, in the description, does not have the link to see it in text mode, like other reviews, for example the one for 16-55 f2.8, it would be good if you could include it, and so I could read, using the translator!

Only the most diehard fanboys claim that this lens is superb. To me, the optics are just average, and do not deserve the praise it gets. The biggest concern for me is that the corners never really sharpen up, and that's why it's my second least favorite Fuji lens, with the 35mm f/2 being significantly worse in the corners. I only use this lens for photography when I absolutely need to, and I mostly use it for video since the OIS is good enough, and I'm not using it professionally. I also picked it up as a brand new gray market for just $300 USD, so I'm not beating myself up for it.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure why comparing it to a prime is stupid. Is that not a legitimate alternative?

@AbdonPhirathon

4 жыл бұрын

Daniel Spaniel All I'm saying is that the corners on the 35mm f/2 are worse than in the kit lens. I've compared both because I've owned both, and have since sold the 35mm f/2. If you think it's a great lens then good on you, but for my liking, it's just an average lens. I've shot it both personally, and professionally, and for the quality I like to showcase to my clients, this lens just isn't the one I would use to do that.

@Audimann

4 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI Comparing a zoom to a prime makes sense indeed. The prime will be your benchmark so you can judge how much your zoom will deviate from it.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

Those were not my findings at all. I found the 2/35 stronger in the corners, and much stronger in acutance (rendering fine details)

Dustin, any reason for using DNG files?

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

Sure - I convert everything to DNG on import as it is the universal Adobe format, takes up a bit less space, and there is the promise for perpetual support for it.

If I ever decide to film an Apocalypse Now Redux reboot... will you be my Benjamin L. Willard?

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

LOL - that's a a new one for me.

Still a great value for money lens in 2022. Considered the more expensive 2.8 zoom. Frankly, just found it difficult to justify the very, very significant price differential, this kit-not, lens is a definite keeper.

@DustinAbbottTWI

Жыл бұрын

I liked the F2.8 lens better, myself, but this is a strong value.

you find this lens new, from 250 euros... no one buys it 500 or more! it would be nice to see the difference from other kit lenses, like the canon one you have there. Can you make a comparison please ?

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

I use the current prices at American retail outlets. Making a comparison to other systems isn't realistic, as you can't divorce the lens performance from the camera performance when comparing different systems.

@toxotis70

4 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI so, how can you tell if its better or worst than other kit lenses ?

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

Why does that matter? You are looking at the whole package, not just the lens in that instance.

Why aren't we going to 100% for sharpness evaluation? You ought to be able to punch in waaay closer for pixel peeping with a 26mp photo.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

This is at a pixel level (you can clearly see 1:1 in the Lightroom segments if you look). Just remember that I am working on a high resolution 4K monitor - more pixels are on display by default.

@JeremyGalloway

4 жыл бұрын

Dustin Abbott I did see it was 1:1, but thought maybe it was only a 16mp file. The 4k monitor explains it. Thanks!

You're right that the 18-55 is not the sharpest lens, especiallly at the long end. But i really like its rendering and the photos it produces. Possibly your test copy was on the poor side.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

That may be the case, though it was loaned to me from Fuji, so that wouldn't really be in their self interest. I think that the lens' sharpness has become a little overhyped along the way.

I have a Fuji X-T20 with the XF 18-55mm. Over f/6, diffraction really decreases the quality of the picture. With Capture One, you can easily correct this problem. This lens will cover mostof everyday photographer, but I I wouldn't use it for landscape or portrait photography. In that case, prime lenses are far better (the 50mm f/2 is a killer one)

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

My major criticism here is that the acutance of the lens isn't overly high (and a lot of their prime lenses have excellent acutance).

@photoworld9816

4 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI Yep! I'm in love with the XF 50mm f/2. I'm actually thinking to the 35mm f/2 for Christmas...

This looks like a nice walkaround lens for someone like me walking around in the rain : )

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

LOL. Every day

@Noealz

4 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI everyday what?

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

Walking in the rain

@Noealz

4 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI well it's the rainy season here in Seoul, so far I been using mostly old glass - btw been watching alot of your older vintage vids, one of the reasons i got the 50 1.4 long ago

For me,this lens is trully exceptional...

@DustinAbbottTWI

2 жыл бұрын

Then enjoy it!

@dandanu2526

2 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI What do you think about Fuji 35 mm f2? Better than 18-55?

Did some testing again between 16-55, 16-80 and 18-55. The 18-55 wide open at 18mm is simply not good. I did not pay to much but the retail price is ridiculous high for what you get. 500 to 600 Euro! My 100 Euro Nikon 18-55 even renders far better and sharper pics. That is what I call a good kit kens.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

That's interesting, and is closer to my own findings. I took a lot of heat for suggesting that the 18-55 wasn't nearly as good as the common perception.

@Audimann

4 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI I know what you mean . Sharpness is something you can determine objectively by MTF or just use your eyes. But some people simply deny that it gives unsharp pics at 18mm wide open. Or better, they place the 18-55 far above the 16-55. Credibility completely lost here!

To sum up,I think matter of cost you pay for what you get. Fairly expensive the 18.55 lens. I am not a pro phographer just a casual user. But I think the `18.55 might suit me. Thanks for the very honest and candid review. 😉👍

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

Fair enough. It's a good lens...just not as amazing as it is sometimes hyped up to be.

You dont see the forrest for the trees.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

You've quoted a nice little saying, but what you do mean by it?

"Micro contrast"

"you know". . . = :- )

@YARIUS

3 жыл бұрын

ю ноу блин))

The worse result at F5.6 happens also in Fuji 16-55 at 55mm.

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

It's a bit odd

@igorverzola

4 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI , ​ I know. Its odd. But look here: www.lenstip.com/433.4-Lens_review-Fujifilm_Fujinon_XF_16-55_mm_f_2.8_R_LM_WR_Image_resolution.html this URL confirms my statement

@ThomasSpinner

4 жыл бұрын

@@igorverzola Do you have a real world example? I have no complaints with my xf 16-55

Why does everyone insist on calling this a kit zoom? Yes it gets bundled with camera bodies but it's $939 CAN at Henrys right now. That is well out of kit zoom territory. Calling it a kit zoom, instead of the average to mediocre standard zoom that it actually is, perpeptuates the cycle of making excuses for what is a very underwhelming lens from Fuji. This should have been the first lens they did a version 2 on. My 15-45mm actual "kit lens" is more reliable at the wide end and honestly very competitive with the 18-55mm even at the tele end. Much as I wanted to like it the 18-55mm more often than not just dissapoints. The build quality is a step up but optically it is very average.

@DustinAbbottTWI

Жыл бұрын

Hi Douglas, the term "kit lens" actually just refers to a lens that is commonly bundled with cameras. On Canon full frame that can include the premium Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS, which costs over $1700 here in Canada. I do think that the 18-55mm is seriously overrated, myself, but it definitely qualifies as a kit lens even though it is fairly expensive.

@douglasbrown1950

Жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI I saw another review that speculated the 18-55mm suffers from shutter shock in a specific shutter range somewhere between 1/60 to 1/250. Do you think this is a possibility? It is such a hit or miss lens I think this might be a plausible explanation for it’s inconsistencies.

I rather believe Ken Rockwell

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely your prerogative. I'm here to share my findings.

@gizmoriderfulye8007

4 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI But can you explain why hes tests and measurements differ basically completely from yours on this lense?

@stone_rodger

4 жыл бұрын

Gizmoriderful Ye Ken Rockwell is a meme. Dustin is honest and thorough. But you do you 🤙

@gizmoriderfulye8007

4 жыл бұрын

@@stone_rodger You are a meme, look at Rockwells track record and education

TLDW pixel-peepers will unsurprisingly be more impressed by a pro-level, constant-aperture lens at 2x the size and 3x the cost. Everyday shooters will have to strain themselves with tedious comparisons to justify the financial/comfort burdens of the heftier, far more task-specific pro offering. If you like picking nits, grab the 16-55. If you like taking pics, the 18-55 is perfectly capable.

@DustinAbbottTWI

3 жыл бұрын

That's fine, but relative to many, many lenses I've reviewed, I wasn't particularly impressed with the 18-55...particularly considering its outsized reputation that it simply doesn't live up to.

I found this lens so boring and i didn't feel inspired to shoot with it

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

That's not far from how I felt.

@boxeriain

4 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks for the reply. Yeah my dad bought one for himself, but he was surprised I put mine on eBay 😆 I have a beautiful manual samyang f1.4 50mm and it just spoilt me!! I think I'll get the 35mm f1.4 .. i just feel my phone can do so much that a camera like this, it seems like much more sense to buy prime lenses..😁✊

This brick wall is getting boring!

@DustinAbbottTWI

4 жыл бұрын

Repeatability is the priority for formal tests.

@studio96vienna64

4 жыл бұрын

@@DustinAbbottTWI Is it? If the light angel changed slightly the contrast and texture shadows are different from hour to hour! I love your real world pictures which shows everything about a lens performance, but this brick wall, especially after softcorrection tells me not so much! Dont get me wrong, im a sub an honor your work!!