Fuji XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR lens review

[@bardofhighrenown]

It's really weird to me that a power zoom lens, which I assume is mostly targeted at video users, doesn't also have image stabilization.

[@nordfresse]

Makes sense tho if you look at the latest hybrid camera models that Fujifilm launched, they bot have ibis. Ois would probably make this lens extremly heavy and bulky.

[@bardofhighrenown]

@@nordfresse Yeah I realize they had to cut the weight somewhere, but some systems include both lens and body stabilization and get fantastic results with it. Like Panasonic for instance. I think that an 18-80 with a fixed aperture, IS, and power zoom makes more sense though if you're shooting video. It feels like they tried to make it both appeal to video users and make it a general purpose adventure telephoto lens and I feel like it's weird as a result.

[@nordfresse]

@@bardofhighrenown They literally have a 16-80 with OIS, as well as an 18-55 and an 18-135. Also along with IBIS you have digital stabilization now, which works lossless with high res. sensors.

[@richardsalsomano]

It's a parfocal lens man. That is as useful as stabilization for a videographer who doesn't make slide shows (typical of photographers).

[@colinhoward2200]

Totally agree - I bought one and I am returning it immediately. On both my X-T4 and X-H2S it IBIS skips like hell. If I add DIS to compensate it gets so overwhelmed I get a jelly type image. It is useless- except I guess if it is on a tripod. For handheld - rubbish. Sticking with my 18-55 and 55-200.

[@MrAllstar]

The sharpness in the centre throughout the focal range is amazing, you could shoot a full film on this. It’s like the basic do it all Fujinon TV zoom lens they’d use at outside broadcasts.

[@snappyapple6328]

Pretty neat that more lenses like these are starting to adopt power zoom. Always thought it was a gimmick for people transitioning from point n' shoot cameras, but apparently very useful for videographers.

[@trowawayacc]

i wish this was available a year ago. i came from a point and shoot. and interchangable lenses are very wierd. when trying to get quick shots. sometimes its very cumbersome to exchange lenses and if its raining its a no go.

[@_trismegistus]

0:26 ....except you do get exposure changes when you zoom. It's mild in this case, but you can see what looks like maybe an ISO adjustment, or some aperture control issue, happening multiple times.

[@AndyUrtu2]

Thank you for your clear and concise reviews. Your reviews are based on real world usage and experience and that is appreciated.

[@franzjosefstakes]

"I don't think there are any 8K Fuji-cameras yet." Little did he know...

[@teacherofteachers1239]

The exposure issue stepping issue that some folks comment on (it's in the sample at 1:49 - 1:50) is also shown and discussed on the KZbin page with Gordon Laing's review. It seems not to be a problem for some folks shooting video, but it's good to see samples like this so folks know what they're getting. If Fuji rectifies this for just this one lens, I know what I want for Christmas.

[@hendrickziegler8487]

To me it seems to be a metering issue: At Chris's zoom at 1:49 there are those smaller bright rocks in the center of the frame and a rather center weighted metering would have reacted that way. Pretty similar at 0:28 - 0:31 : There he is zooming into the black beak / nose of the owl. Accordingly, the image becomes brighter while zooming in (opposed to it becoming darker at the shoreline zoom)

[@TheHybridSongwriter]

I am getting exposure stepping with the XH2S and the 18-120mm. I get that same effect with the Canon EFS 18-135mm with power zoom. But I expected that since its not a constant aperture throughout its zoom range. I've got everything in manual mode and use the VND filter to control exposure. Is it camera related and not lens related?

[@AdamKuban]

That’s disappointing to read, Joseph. I was thinking of getting the XH2S + this lens, but the exposure stepping is one of the major cons in my comparison chart against the Sony a7sIII, which is the other camera im considering. Hope Fuji fixes this.

[@Eyeofkamau]

@@TheHybridSongwriter it’s 100% camera related.

[@jakelindsay6251]

@@Eyeofkamau Nah. Behaves the same on my X-T2, X-s10, and X-H2S. Pretty sloppy of Fuji to let this one go.

[@NJM1948]

Thanks for this excellent review. As I will upgrading from my X-T3 to the X-T5 with the 40mp sensor, I was looking closely at this lens to replace my 16-80mm which is not on Fuji's list of lenses that will fully resolve the new sensor. However, as an out and out stills photographer, I am thinking that this is not the lens for me...thanks to your review. It definitely looks like a videocentric lens. Have you had chance to compare this to the 16-80mm as I am now considering hanging on to mine until they release a more stills friendly similar lens

[@ashtonanderson]

Love the Fuji content, Christopher! I'd be very interested in a Fuji 90mm f2 review from you. It's had quite the reputation among Fuji shooters for years now, and I'm curious how it looks to your observant eye.

[@JungleCatImages]

I'd be interested to see that also.... Even though, I've been shooting the 90 on an X-T2 for about 2 years and already know what an absolutely fantastic piece of glass it is

[@ashtonanderson]

@@JungleCatImages Nice! what do you use it for?

[@victorreece9555]

It can shoot 8k 30

[@mirza3582]

@@JungleCatImages It is hands down my favorite lens in the X-mount system. I reckon it will be close to 80mm F2.8 or 50mm F2 but with much less vignetting or even similar IQ to newly released F1.4 lenses.

[@BTMovieSecondChannel]

@@JungleCatImages I agree. Actually, it’s perhaps my least used lens since the focal length doesn’t suit my needs that often. But apart from that, the image quality is superb. Razor sharp, very nice bokeh, good colors. It also focuses very fast. Now I got my X-H2S, it also balances better on the camera body, so it might see more flying hours.

[@zupperm]

Hey did you do the zoom pulls in the beginning with full manual exposure because there’s still some minor exposure changes?

[@professionalpotato4764]

Seems like Fuji still controls iris electronically and can't do it perfectly yet. Maybe the motor used to control it can't do fine enough adjustments.

[@teacherofteachers1239]

I have an update to my earlier comment about how I could use this lens if not for the apparent exposure stepping, and I'm thinking some other people (especially those who work in video and might be newish to cameras and lenses, like me) might be interested in what I've learned, as I have scoured the internet for information on this stepping phenomenon, and nearly every discussion forum went off on the wrong track. What I've learned applies to zoom lenses across the board, but especially less expensive constant aperture zooms like this. Bear in mind, I've only been doing work with cameras earnestly for a couple of years. And perhaps all this is redundant to something Christopher has talked about somewhere. Well, turns out the exposure stepping seen on some constant aperture zooms (seen in this video at 1:49-1:50) is almost a design feature, rather than a bug, so I would not expect it to be mitigated in the future. Take everything I am about to say with a grain of salt, but at the end I will mention some KZbinrs who educated me: The basic question I had never thought about before is how can a zoom lens maintain its f-stop over different focal lengths? Since f-stop is a ratio of focal length to iris diameter (I will call the physical aperture the "iris" to avoid confusion), something will have to be done about the iris's relationship to focal length as the focal length changes (if nothing at all were done, the ratio, which is to say the f-stop, would change as focal length changes). This is complicated by the difference between physical opening of the iris and its "apparent" opening, which zooming alters, but admittedly I'm going to barely mention that as that's where things start getting too technical for me. Keeping the ratio between iris and focal length constant to maintain that f-stop for "constant aperture" can involve three kinds of change: moving the iris assembly (which can actually have two irises, surprisingly), moving glass elements to maintain apparent iris diameter, and opening or closing the iris blades. It turns out that the economical way to do maintain the f-stop ratio between the iris and focal length includes that third kind of change: having the iris diameter change size (closing or opening the blades) as focal length changes. I gather that the priciest constant aperture zoom lenses will not have this "feature" - and the Fuji 18-120 is not a pricey lens. So, even if everything on a person's camera is set to manual, and the person is using this particular zoom lens with its "constant aperture," the iris blades will in fact shift (narrowing or opening) while the focal length shifts. This by itself might not create an issue. Rather, it seems the issue here is the way the Fuji camera communicates with these Fuji lenses: the camera will have to make the iris change in increments, and this is why you get that stepping look. Manufacturing the 18-120 without this exposure stepping seems possible, but it would mean a noticeably more expensive lens. I think that I do not get stepping on my 50-140, but it is a larger, more expensive lens (if someone sees stepping on their 50-140, I would appreciate hearing about it). I do get that stepping on my variable zoom lenses, even the expensive 100-400 at f/11, but the 100-400 is fairly compact relative to what it accomplishes, hence it makes sense that Fuji used the iris-adjustment design. What was perplexing about this 18-120 from the outset was having a power zoom feature - which seems more like a video feature than a stills feature - that is no better for video (for my purposes, anyway) than not having the power zoom. I wonder if camcorders, like the Canon XF605, have this exposure stepping issue even when the aperture is closed down. The people who educated me on how the physical iris mechanism is handled in zoom lenses are "Grandads Reviews" and "Dave McKeegan." The "Granddads Reviews" video was simpler and easier to follow; the "Dave McKeegan" videos (there are two on this subject) is helpful for the more technically-minded. Okay, I hope some of that is accurate enough to be of practical help to someone. I just learned this. - Dave

[@ridgefield]

I think you are right about the stepping issue. And if the lens maintains the wide opening aperture (iris), the stepping issue doesn't happen even for cheaper lenses. By the way, XF 18-120 does apply smooth aperture change, so in theory, the stepping shouldn't happen (there's some review showing this feature). I still have some hope Fuji can fix this via firmware.

[@nordfresse]

I wish you could test this again on the x-h2 with its 2x digital zoom in 4k hq, which should work seamlessly with this zoom rocker...

[@mickaeldelcanto9708]

Thank you ! I was looking for a zoom for photography, I was hesitating between this one and the tamron 17-70mm and now thanks to you I know this new 18-120mm isn't the best choice for me.

[@antzpantz]

X-H2 can shoot 8K video! :D

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

While to some it might seem easier to choose, I'm torn between this one and the Tamron 17-70. Being a hybrid shooter I'm not sure what to do. The 2.8 is tempting on the Tamron but again, I can't decide. For stills, while I'll have to rely more on my strobes, the fact that I won't need to change lenses for the majority of an entire event and be active on just one camera would be quite amazing. But I'd certainly miss a 2.8 aperture. If someone could test these two lenses out at an event that would really help.

[@bunmeng007]

Shooting event n mostly still, then u need the tamron 2.8 for low light n bokeh. 18-120 is designed primarily for video-centric users.

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

@@bunmeng007 True. But I do mostly video too. Thank you though.

[@technodronesogxl9783]

@@JoaquimGonsalves I am thinking j I st as you are.....too bad it's a in between kind of lens. And you may need 2 lens unfortunately. I am thinking maybe the xf18-55 and this lens. 🤔 If I could I'd get the Tamron and this lens. I have a Viltrox 13mm 1.4 paired to my Xt4. New to Fuji now needing more focal range this is a dilemma for my budget.

[@jlwilliams]

Do the corners remain soft if you move the focus point out to a corner? Or can they be brought into sharp focus at the expense of center sharpness? If corner sharpness can be improved by focusing on the corners, then the issue is field curvature, which is only important if you're photographing flat objects such as test charts. If corners are unsharp regardless of focus position, then the optical design of the lens is not so good.

[@gregboyce360]

Hi J.L. By any chance have you found an answer to your excellent question?

[@nilufergurler2782]

Hello, thank you first of all. Your consistency on your videos are very helpful. You said the still photo is on the "softer" side with Fuji XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR lens. What would you be recommending for the same zoom & price range for X-T5 ?

[@phillies4eva]

I really hope you do a rereview of this lens with an H2s. The question that most lingers is: can you get good handheld video at 120mm with the H2s IBIS? I’ve heard it both ways. In general though I have very steady hands so I’m leaning towards yes but it would be great to see through one of your reviews

[@ImperiousImages]

Thanks for this great review. I'd been using the Sony 18-105/4 PZ and slowly switching to Fuji. I hadn't known of this Fuji equivalent. It seems very comparable in output and functionality.

[@derJackistweg]

I owned that lens too on A6000. Though usefull but I thought, at the time, it is a boring lens. The 18-120PZ now on my X.H2s is different: More range and more features with those buttons. No issues with image quality that I can see and it is great for video. Internally zooming is great, and for stability: If one wants that, one must use a gimbal, for that it is nice.

[@Princeton_James]

Thanks for the honest review. Not for me as a photographer. I thought this would be good for travel but I think the image quality on the 16-80 is better. For wildlife super zoom I'll go with the 70-300.

[@strongereveryday2302]

Yeah this is definitely more of a video lens.

[@albertomeroni9006]

For photography i strongly suggest the 18-135!

[@gregorythomashugel1349]

Fuji does have an 8k shooter out, oddly enough.

[@seckinsahin]

Hi. Do you have any idea about the low light video shooting quality of the 18-120mm f4 lens?

[@camerondavis7815]

This looks like the perfect church service streaming lens! Way cheeper than a broadcast lens with AF and power zoom. On a tripod, the lack of IS is not an issue at all. Definitely grabbing this one.

[@asahelmartinez7508]

¡Hola me gustaria que probara la lente Meike 50mm f0.95!

[@canderson1955]

Was this a pre-production lens Christopher or is it an early production model? I’m in the UK and have had this lens on pre-order since July. Ps there is one Fuji camera that shoots 8k now as the XH2 can do that and the XH2s is capable of 6k at 30fps.

[@patrick.771]

I don't understand why Fuji can't build better zoom lenses. Moved to Nikon Z because I want to work with zooms and it's a difference like day and night. Although Fuji's build quality is very nice I have to admit ...

[@liemnguyen6675]

Nikon Z6 + 24-200mm is my choice.

[@Badonicus]

Will you do the test on the 50 - 400 Tamron Chris?

[@yassinerizzani4600]

Making a photo version of this lens with an aperture ring and mechanical zoom mechanism would be a dream for me

[@big_potate]

If you're a Sony user, this isn't a dream since the full frame Tamron 28-200 exists, is better optically (especially at the long end) and is less expensive. No aperture ring tho

[@Joe-hm1zk]

@@big_potate If you're a Sony user, you wouldn't be looking at this lens.

[@p4ul.f708]

What about the Tamron 17-70? Its not as tele as this but has f2.8 and great sharpness.

[@svetlanagrobman3476]

Thank u for the review! I'm trying to get a middle-range lens for shooting landscape. It's this lens better than 16-80?

[@TorresinhoLFC]

basketball videographers will love this.

[@trym2121]

I wonder why you didn't test it at the center focal length, 70-ish. Does it have the same result as 50?

[@regulation-comment-leaver]

will you be reviewing the laowa 12-24mm f/5.6

[@Saturdaynight2012]

You mention that it may not be good for 8k, however the Fujifilm x-h2 can shoot 8k with this lens. Any thoughts if they would be a good match?

[@deluxelex9056]

How's this lens vs 18-135? I'm planning to upgrade to an XT5 when it comes out (with its 40 MP sensor). I currently have the XT30 Mark 1 (@ 26MP) with the 18-135 and don't think the 18-135 would resolve all the 40MP resolution on the XT5, whereas I think the 18-120 is approved for the new 40MP sensor.

[@ROLHG]

I'm torn between this and the tamron 18-300mm. Any ideas?

[@Aksunkuvat]

Chris you considering XH2 ?

[@jan-martinulvag1962]

I find it strange that you show only f 4 in the middle. Why is that? It does not get any sharper stopping down? A shame you did not show us.

[@jacksoni349]

I just want Fuji to product some longer prime lenses…

[@sallydon3723]

Can you please review the Fujifilm xf 150-600?

[@JoseHerrerawl]

Just got a used copy from B&H and I’m not sure if it’s my copy, but zooming in and out is rather loud.

[@djxcel23]

Wonder if they could fix everything with a firmware update

[@vpr5562]

This or 18-135 for photography, for casual (wife) shooting? x-t10 body :P (now having 15-45 lens).

[@xyphoto]

This is a much anticipated lens. Unfortunately, corner sharpness is disappointing. From 18-135, 16-80, to 18-120, Fuji still hasn't cracked the superzoom code after so many years. They should just buy the technology from Tamron or Nikon.

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

Technology of what? Those Nikon and Tamron lenses for apsc are even worst then anythin Fujifilm made.

[@xyphoto]

@@eagleeyephoto8715 Watch Christopher’s review of the Nikon Z 18-140.

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

@@xyphoto Since when Christopher knows what is good lens?

[@eddiespectral]

When Fuji release the same lens with OIS, I'll buy it

[@phillies4eva]

It’s too bad you couldn’t test this lens on a camera with ibis. Would be useful to know if ibis can handle 120mm. I’ve read that people have had issues with this

[@peterebel7899]

Serious work by Fuji.

[@bill3117]

This lens is one I knew nothing about. I appreciate the review! I'm a little put off by the price. Might be worth picking one up used.

[@strongereveryday2302]

Super affordable used now. With an xh-1, xh-2 or xh-2s it's phenomenal.

[@JanneRanta]

Isn't the new XH2 8k video camera?

[@Jones5121]

watching this makes me hope sony re-do their pretty good 18-105 f4 power zoom lens

[@chungnguyen-sp9kg]

Please can u review fujifilm xf 50-140

[@SummersSnaps]

Is it parfocal?

[@jewknee7870]

Brilliant! Your review basically answers all my questions. Can you confirm me if the lens maintains its exposure when you zoom in and out? It seemed that way, but I wasn’t sure as you didn’t mention it

[@christopherfrost]

Yes but there is some only slight flickering

[@toxotis70]

@@christopherfrost not again…! Why Fuji, why can’t you fix this?

[@jewknee7870]

@@christopherfrost thank you for the reply!

[@jonstnr]

@@toxotis70 Use auto ISO and try using constant aperture of f/5.6 (maybe also works with f/4).. This might fix it - I know it works with my 18-55mm kit lens

[@toxotis70]

@@jonstnr it doesn’t work with any constant aperture lens I tried …

[@marvinm9511]

So what should i buy as a hybrid shooter? This 18-120 or the Tamron 17-70mm? I use an X-H2s

[@serghios]

I am in the same boat about this 2 lens (for wedding videography) and gimbal use

[@greggpedder]

Fujinon 16-55 & 55-200

[@serghios]

@@greggpedder no way i buy tamron, stabilized and brand new lens the zoom fuji is old

[@erlieflorbernardo4873]

Hi! I just bought the lens. Im not a professional. I just wanted it for the zoom range for my upcoming travel. I just noticed that something wiggles inside whenever I move it upside down. Is this ok? I tried using it and it works out fine though. Thank you.

[@ridgefield]

I don't have this lens, so not exactly sure, but this is usually a component in the linear motor.

[@gabequezada2066]

is it parfocal? I find that to be an important detail

[@opalyankaBG]

Probably not as you need to update your camera's firmware so that the camera will keep your subject focused while zooming.

[@Vinterloft]

It's electronically compensated. Hopefully we get the Tamron 35-150 eventually.

[@greggpedder]

No, it's not.

[@j16m02]

I'd love to see an image quality comparison to the Sony 18-135

[@ngonzale3]

Such an impressive lens, but, the fact that it has no Optical Image Stabilization seems like a bit of a mistake. . One's hands- even with an IBIS camera will always have some movement when the rocker is used. Still, I'd like to try it.

[@remektekmedia6641]

Great review. I was interested in this lens, but no more. It doesn't look like it's par-focal, and the exposure was jumping during zooming. Add to that the lack of an iris ring, which for video should be stepless and going to all black, and no IOS, not to mention the subpar resolution. Clearly aimed at the novice video shooter and not something that I would now consider. :(

[@greggpedder]

I don't think I'll be buying... It won't do anything that my 16-55 won't do. If I need any longer I'll use my 55-200 or 50-140. I'd even say that the 18-55/50-140 combo would be better as both of these lenses have OIS. I think it's designed as an all-in-one lens for hobby filmmakers, like you say.

[@pixelgermane]

I have the 18-120 brand new, but something rattles when I shake it. Question to the professional: Is there a lens loose (because OIS has's not)? Should I send the lens back to Amazon within the deadline? - Thanks for your help!

[@andrewjune]

It’s the linear motor lens element that’s rattling when the camera is turned off. When it’s on, you shouldn’t hear any rattling.

[@richardcarlson112]

the 90mm f2 has it also. I have seen some people comment about it but I own the lens and it's the furthest from my mind when I use it. I wonder sometimes if people are looking for things to be critical about.

[@colinhoward2200]

I bought this lens and loathe it - I am returning it. It does not have any inbuilt OIS and jitters like hell on both my X-T4 and X-H2S backs at 120mm. The inbuilt IBIS does not help TBH as it is beyond jittery. If I add DIS, the DIS system is overwhelmed and can't cope so the whole image becomes like jelly. Not quite sure what they were thinking with this lens. I am keeping my combination of 18-55 + 55-200 as I have not seen any of these issues with either of those. The IBIS in the camera back won't help, the OIS on the 18-55 and 55-200 does.

[@indago1]

The line about "No 8k cameras for Fuji cameras yet" didnt age well :)))

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

That zoom distortion/warping... I'm glad I've made the decision to transition to Sony from Fujifilm. My 16-35PZ from Sony is great and I've seen no distortion.

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

Also I'd love to see if it keeps smooth focus on a static object. I do a direct to camera video each week and today I shot my video with my XH1 instead of my Sony A7riii just to see what the differences would be if any. I'd forgotten the Fuji system can't handle being in continuous AF on a static (or direct to camera subject that's not moving too much) without the camera/lens constantly jittering in and out of focus. The Sony I have does a perfect job of this.. which is one of the reasons I've begun to switch. I do lots of news videos and interviews for my full time job at a newspaper and I do lots of talking head videos. I do prefer the colors on Fujifilm but the video it gives you in AF-C is nearly unusable because of the jittering. I don't know if they've fixed this with the XH2 but I hope they have. I saw lots of odd zooming distortions in this video with that lens that just don't happen even with my older Sony (and a camera that people feel isn't able to do good video). I'm going to be very interested to see what your opinions are about the XH2 if you get one to review.

[@geopapa80]

Sony has implemented pz much better, even with their cheap kit lens.

[@sbsheep]

I hope Fuji corrects this is in a further firmware update, kind of a dealbreaker otherwise.

[@unknowncaller4739]

Good fer you 🎉 yes one corporation is better than the other 🙌🏻

[@sbsheep]

I've tested the X-H2S in newspaper video work btw and am very happy with it. First of my Fujis where I feel confident in the autofocus capabilities.

[@Optidorf]

So, not a replacement for my aging Fujinon 18-135mm then.

[@ChocoLater1]

At 120 mm you are not very likely to photograph a scene that would be completely in focus. Chances are at 120 mm there will be a subject in the middle and a bokeh in the corner. If you will be photographing a scene where the entire scene will be in focus then picture quality in corners will improve at about 100mm. Still very good for noncommercial photographers.

[@ЭтоДрючинский]

Sincerely, I don't really get Fuji's approach to video. As much as I like Fuji for photos, as much I'm confused in this area. All their zooms have "false constant" aperture which causes brightness jumps while zooming. AF at zooming is just awful, jumping back and fourth. AF as it is just inadequate - I could never get predictable results working with it, usually it simply *doesn't work*. AF settings make no sense. And what confuses me most of all - NO TRACKING in video mode. And don't tell me about subject detection - I need tracking of *anything I place the tracking box on*, nothing else. It's there for photo, but not in other mode - seriously?? And this lens now. No IS, no iris ring, weird glitches with distortion compensation. I'm much frustrated with it all.

[@GoProGnome]

Let's be fair to our Olympus friends - the 12-100 f/4 beats out this Fuji with a constant aperture 24-200 equivalent zoom range.

[@AbdonPhirathon]

I was just about to comment the same thing 😂

[@GoProGnome]

@@AbdonPhirathon he did mention that there were none in aps-c or full frame lens catalogues, which I think is true.

[@KonicaHexanon]

It's also quite a bit heavier and extendable design, which I hate.

[@thomasanderson5929]

If only they could make something in the same or similar range for APS-C / FF cameras. Tamron makes a 17-70mm f/2.8 with Image Stabilization that weighs about 500g... I'd take a 16-120mm F/4 with IS any day, it'd be close enough to a 12-100mm Olympus. Would love to just have ONE lens for everything and take my camera everywhere.

[@thomasanderson5929]

There are only THREE lenses close to this range: the Canon EF/RF 24-105mm F/4, Canon RF 24-105mm F/2.8 and.... Olympus 12-100mm F/4. All of them have Image Stabilization. The sharpest of them of all might be the Olympus. On a M43 body, it's 24mm-200mm; slightly wider than the Fuji and slightly more zoom too when used on an 1.5X crop body. But also, the Olympus' build is much better as well. The Olympus might actually take the crown for being the best camera / lens combo for all purposes and street photography.

[@MrDG80]

Guys, these lenses are made for versatility. It is pretty useless to criticize sharpness or other parameters vs primes or heavy and expensive red badge zooms. I happily use the 16-80 and any other lens would not suit my needs. So this one would do for soneonw else.

[@bigd7696]

I disagree. You may want a baseline of comparison against a lens you are familiar with.

[@grafixnetz]

Just got this lens. It has absolutely ZERO markings!!! No idea which side of it's range the lens is on before you put it into a compatible camera AND turn it on. The zoom ring doesn't stop at all, not on the near or far end, just like the focus ring. I first used it on my X-H1 which worked OK but the X-H1 doesn't (yet) have a firmware update to use this lens.

[@jacobmchenry3431]

I’m terms of an all around travel photo focused lens how does this rate compared to the 18-135? The internal zoom is nice in my mind for additional weather protection in very inclement conditions.

[@key2adventure]

Now Fuji has X-T5 with 8k video, maybe this lens isn’t good for that camera.

[@michaelappleyard6300]

Fujifilm X-H2 does 8k video.

[@bestintentions6089]

Lol on update app said no new update i went to get sd card based update, ficus was all over the place

[@WoFRBlog]

My version of the 18-120 has just arrived and I am negatively surprised by quite a loud zoom noise both for stills and video. Can maybe anyone having this lens confirm that this is expected and not just down to a poor version I received? I have not noted anything in the video review so I am a bit afraid I just got unlucky

[@WoFRBlog]

Update: after reviewing and installing the new firmware (X-T4 1.60) again, the noise disappeared for videos. In stills, it's still a horrendous zoom wobbling sound reminding me on the 70-300 but just a bit louder. That's IMO not acceptable if you buy a lens not only for results but also joyful use. BTW - it's not a mechanic sound related to poor build quality, but sounds rather motor-wise

[@ridgefield]

@@WoFRBlog How come they could remove the noise in video, but not in stills?

[@GordoFriman]

I find this lens a bit contradictory: Its meant for video and can reach long focal lenght but has no IS. It gets developed around a motorized zoom system but then gets obvious and ugly distortion correction adjustment during zoom, plus slowest zoom speed is already too fast. Not a convincing lens to me.

[@zegzbrutal]

Fuji cripple hammer

[@Vinterloft]

The distortion correction is not visible on X-H2 and X-H2S, probably to do with the 5x increase in processing power

[@tugatomskanimation6370]

@@Vinterloft How is that possible?

[@opalyankaBG]

I wouldn't expect much optically from a lens like this, but either way Fuji has some issues with their zooms. Besides the red badge ones, the rest of their zooms all have drawbacks.

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

Fujifilm has the widest and best offer of zoom lenses on apsc based cameras. Not sure which one you used but most of them are pretty good.

[@big_potate]

Reminds of the Full frame Tamron 28-200mm f2.8-5.6. It's not a constant aperture lens, but bear in mind that f4.0 on an APSC lens is equivalent to f6 on full frame, so you could set the tamron to f5.6 and it would be faster than the fuji in equivalent terms. The Tamron isn't a powerzoom either, but whether that's a pro or con depends on the user. Tamron is pretty comparable sharpness wise for most of the zoom range as far as I could see in this video, but it's way sharper at the long end. And finally the tamron is a bit less expensive at 729usd. For someone looking to buy into a camera system for a walkaround photo camera and lens, I know which one I'd recommend.

[@el-drk]

I fully agree

[@dajekenji]

F4 on apsc is equal to what? 😄 Maybe you were talking about the depth of field.

[@Fjzk952]

In terms of light gathering (speed) f4 is f4 in any sensor format or size. Depth of field, yes, it’s equivalent to F6 in full frame

[@big_potate]

@@dajekenji Depth of field, but also net light gathering ability (as in the total number of photons hitting the sensor). This is why larger sensor formats are known to perform better noise-wise at high ISOs than smaller sensors at equivalent f ratios. To better explain what I mean, picture a full frame lens at f4.0 on a full frame sensor, now put that lens on an apsc body. All of a sudden a good portion of the light that was hitting the sensor is now hitting the plastic around the apsc sensor, so the apsc sensor is getting less light, despite the fact that the lens is still at f4 . Now do we all understand that an f5.6 full frame lens gathers more light than an apsc f4?

[@dajekenji]

@@big_potate and what about the shutter speed you can get at F4?

[@JiiruKoga]

I have been wondering if this is one of the best all in one lens out there.

[@cedric3379]

I’d say it's either Nikon 24-120 or Tamron 28-200 depends on what feature you want, fuji zooms aren't spectacular

[@JiiruKoga]

@@cedric3379 Yeah I was thinking if I was traveling with my xt3 and only bringing one lens for photos and video.

[@anthonystonehouse]

Yeah, I’d agree with the above suggestion and also worth looking at the Tamron 35-150 f2-2.8. I think Nikon and Sony bodies are best options for zoom lenses. Fuji is great for primes. That said I have done a lot of travel with the Fuji 16-80 f4 and generally happy with the results, if I avoid the extremes of the zoom range. That lens doesn’t make the list of supported lenses on the 40mp sensor though.

[@cedric3379]

@@JiiruKoga I'd go with 16-80 and 70-300, fuji still lacks a proper all-in-one choice as this 18-120 is poor at telephoto

[@JiiruKoga]

@@anthonystonehouse @Cedric Thank you so much for the advice. I bought the xt3 and fell in love with it and will probably think about the xt5 when it comes out. I'm currently using the kit lens but will concider the 16-80 f4 lens.

[@Mnilionic]

keep waiting ~120/f1.8 for fuji 🙃

[@KikujiroChan]

no words about the parfocal feature?

[@Vinterloft]

It's not parfocal, it's electronically compensated

[@professionalpotato4764]

It's virtually impossible to make a parfocal lens this tiny, just look at cinema zooms. Any autofocusing "parfocal" lens with more than a 2x zoom range is usually done electronically.

[@mostlymessingabout]

If you turn off distortion correction does it avoid the warping?

[@opalyankaBG]

Not possible on Fuji cameras.

[@次表面]

In the past, Fuji used a lot of glue to bond the lenses, which is easy to age and fog.?

[@afrocism9045]

Fujifilm x-h2s shoots 8k!

[@alexmilesg3]

How many zooming ways one lens can have….

[@denisgehlhaar8902]

There is a Fuji 8K Kamera. The brand new X-H2 (Non "S") But for me this lens is pretty useless without image stabilization. WTF, Fuji?

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

Yuk. The 18-80mm looks a better option

[@Jimmyageek]

Min Focus is a Joke at 60cm!

[@JonathanVarasRoco]

f 1.4 pleaaaaaaSeeeeee #Fuji needs to understand that 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@grdprojekt]

8:05 that ages like milk

[@RandumbTech]

The lack of OIS can be forgiven, but no aperture ring Fuji? If you are going to start making gear that looks like all the other brands, it better perform as well or better. Unfortunately, this is another attempt that falls well short of the competition. That warpy crap when zooming in from the wide end is completely unacceptable for professional use.

[@rzimbauer]

0:30 none other in the world besides the Sony E 18-105 f/4 G PZ OSS

[@iamphil1598]

Howdee!!!!! 👍

[@_trismegistus]

1:22 God... when is Fuji going to get their shit together with video zoom? Exposure jumps, abrupt vignette corrections, terrible distortion correction jumps in the corners. Absolutely ABSURD to me that they cannot get this right. Makes me want to ditch the system for Sony.

[@raygamma8739]

wow, distortion18-120, oh my god! disappointed !

[@DJFAmenHeavy]

The focus system is a deal breaker. Sorry Fuji

[@mattbite]

Many gimmicks, but optical quality suffers. Bad for photography (IQ and limited wide range), average for amateur video work (zooming in movies looks like those clips made by uncles using their VHS cameras on aunt's name day).

[@nordfresse]

You dont know what you are talking about, this is clearly meant for documentary work or video journalism. Makes sense because the X-H2s records in Prores too.

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

Zoom wokkaa

[@Donbros]

But its apsc so its actually f6 at least as ff in bokeh department

[@Donbros]

@@djstuc i say - smaller sensor

[@Donbros]

@@djstuc short answers is not your drift huh? Ok here is the same a but longer one: it has 1.5x crop so being f4 as ff equivalent its f6, which exact moment is hard for you to understand?

[@Donbros]

@@djstuc i didn't say its terrible lens just that its not wow having f4 on apsc. Having f4 on full frame at this range that would be astonishing. I see we agree to dissagree, but more likely we talk about different problem I tried to mark, which is f4 on apsc being nothing interesting, but you understood it as "bad" lens. I haven't said that. Maybe you should avoid youtube at all with attidute like that. Reddit may be your drive or just stay on flickr

[@yuidfbse]

The quality of Fujifilm cameras and lenses has slowly been declining along with, from average steady price increases up to staggering high prices for their newer bodies and better lenses. This has stopped mankind any sense long time ago already. I've switched from Fujifilm to Sony a couple years ago and never looked back. Sensor advantage, none. IQ advantage (X-trans BS), none. Size advantage, none. Price advantage, none. Frequent updates and long-term support for their products as they used to do, now, none. Fujifilm's glory days are gone and mass average consumer appeal and money making machine mentality has replaced them. I'm glad I am out of all this. A FF Sony a7C is smaller and blows ANY of the higher end Fujifilm cameras out of the water (and even cheaper than Fuji's new ones), and the selection of lenses and accessories is unmatched. This lens review just proves the same all over again.. big, not cheap, mediocre performance. Fujifilm? The whole APS-C thing actually? Give me a break. Pass. Thanks for the review as always.

[@KingFiercer_zip]

Fuji X-T, X-Pro and X-E lines are more about tactile and visual sensations, as well as getting the result straight out of camera. If we are talking about compactness and weight, then it is clear that the FF will be heavier with similar parameters, at least because of the optics.

[@big_potate]

Yeah the Tamron 28-200mm for FE mount is just this but better (except for video features) AND less expensive. I don't understand why anyone would buy into fuji x mount at this point.

[@anthonystonehouse]

Mostly true but their new primes are quite special- 18, 23,33 f1.4 and 56 f1.2.

[@spaqin]

Went with X-T20 for the small cam and dials. But besides the 18-55 and XC 50-230, with glass I went fully third party. Even the cameras themselves aren't great - where's X-T40, small body with dials and IBIS? X-T4 and X-Pro 3 are already A7-sized, what's the point to get Fuji now? Viltrox and Sigma are now saving this mount from extinction.

[@professionalpotato4764]

While the price has been kinda steep lately for new products from Fujifilm, it can't be compared to something like an A7C. You get what you pay for. I don't agree with some of Fujifilm's design/pricing choices, but for the most part there is tremendous value in the new lenses/bodies. The A7C has barely any bit of ergonomics in it. I'd say it's a point and shoot cam for moms and dads who shoot auto. Also, it doesn't even have a full shutter mechanism, so good luck to shooting portraits in bright daylight with EFCS issues.

[@lippylee947]

First!