Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Announced June 16, 2014
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR provides a versatile zoom range and reliable weather-sealed construction for travel photography; that said, it commands a high price and often requires stopping down to mitigate corner softness.
Weighted from 17 reviewer scores
Pros
- Versatile zoom range covering wide-angle to telephoto
- Robust, weather-resistant build quality
- Effective optical image stabilization
- Strong center sharpness and contrast
- Fast and quiet autofocus performance
Cons
- Soft image edges requiring smaller apertures
- High price point compared to alternatives
- Stiff or jerky zoom ring operation
- Difficult to use in low-light environments
- Noticeable barrel distortion at wide-angle
- Launch price $899.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6
- Mount & coverage Fujifilm X APS-C
- Stabilization Optical IS, 5 stops (CIPA)
- Close focus 45 cm (0.27x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 490g (1 lb 1.3 oz) · 75.7 x 97.8 mm (2.98 x 3.85 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 17 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The build quality of the Fujinon is good albeit not great. The lens body is made of a combination of metal and high quality plastic parts. It extends when zooming towards the long end of the range but the inner lens tube remains pretty tight.
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Fujifilm users who bought an X-T1 will doubtless be anxious to hear how well the 18-135mm performs, and whether it’s a worthy companion to the camera.
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I'd say that the Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is a slight cut above the average for a super zoom lens. It's nice to have the weather sealing and aperture ring and it's reasonably sharp at least in the middle of your images.
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It would be churlish to compare the sharpness delivered by this lens to Fujifilm's prime lenses, as they don't have as many compromises to deal with.
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As the first weather-resistant lens for the XF system, the new Fujifilm XF 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR offers an appealing combination of versatile zoom range, good image quality, excellent construction and handling, and fair value for money.
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The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens is well made and covers a long zoom range, but we expect more consistent performance at this price point.
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While I’m not a fan of multi-purpose zooms in general, I found the XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 to be a very high performer for its class. However, unlike other multi-purpose zooms for DSLRs and mirrorless systems, it is on the expensive side at around $900.
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The big question is this: Would I recommend the lens? I’ll have to give a qualified ‘yes.’ I do think that its price is a bit high given the ultimate performance.
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It makes a good walk-around lens which is capable of producing nice sharp images. Softness near edges means that fine-art prints are only possible withing a narrow aperture-range, but for general travel photographs, it is quite sufficient and versatile.
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[A]s a committed “prime person” I am surprised by the extent to which I like this lens.
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At the end of the day, it’s a good quality lens with a lot of potential. It just needs a little more work than most Fuji lenses in creating brilliant images.
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For your Fuji, this is the one do-everything lens to get.
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Fuji has added robust weather sealing on this lens, and when coupled to a camera like the X-T3, will withstand the worst conditions. Although it’s a “kit lens,” in addition to OIS and weather sealing, has higher quality glass to increase sharpness across the focal range.
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So personally, if picking a zoom lens, I would probably take a close look at the newly released XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR. This does not change the fact that the XF 18-135mm has a very versatile and useful zoom range, and it may fit better with your setup and vision.
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If you're into these kind of lenses, I think you'll be very, very pleased.
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I'm really delighted with what this Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR can do.
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[...] I really love this lens and I think it was a great purchase. I am typically not a fan of variable-aperture lenses, but with much of the photography that I do, this lens is perfect.
