Your FIRST Fujifilm Lens Should Be...

[@HomeroAGonzalez]

We agree 100% That Lens is the best "kit lens" ever.

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

Ikr!

[@milesharbord9339]

Adding the clarifying comment 'kit lens' is important there are better lenses that aren't kit

[@HomeroAGonzalez]

@@milesharbord9339 Yes, you are right. And indeed there are better lenses that aren't kit.

[@powbobs]

@@milesharbord9339 But it’s the best kit lens I’ve ever seen.

[@paulasimson4939]

I got the 18-55 with my first Fuji camera, the XT2 and for the next 2 years, it was my only lens. The photos I took with it are still some of my favourites. It was so freeing to not have to think about lenses and just go out and shoot!

[@guyplay]

It’s an amazing lens! I use it all the time.

[@jeffadrian7271]

In 2014 I purchased this exact combo, X-E2 and 18-55 as my first Fuji camera! Even though I have three other Fuji bodies and several lenses, I still regularly shoot with this set up for its sheer enjoyment. I also added the 55-200mm my first year with the Fuji system. Just go out and shoot!

[@keithahlstrom176]

16-80 is just magical. I have all sorts of crazy lenses but I find this one on my camera more than any others.

[@blakerichards8369]

Me to

[@avokevo5394]

This was my pick just now when picking up my x-t5 and so far so good!

[@JyothishSebastian]

Me too..❤

[@DigiDriftZone]

I hated the 16-80mm, huge, heavy, slow, terrible for just about anything I can think of: low light, indoor, portraits, wildlife, sports, lightweight travel, video (loses focus as you zoom, not fast enough), etc, etc - subpar lens at best. That was one of the only lenses I sold, the other being the 27mm. However I love my 18-55, 15-45, the F2 primes, the Viltrox lenses are great, especially the 13mm, damn that lens is good. With the 16-80 F4 (That's F6 equivalent on full frame, in other words terrible) the photos have a marginal gain over an iPhone, whereas you throw on something like a Viltrox 13mm or 23mm F1.4 and damn, the photos and videos look striking.

[@keithahlstrom176]

@@DigiDriftZone SHOCKED!!! 😆Different strokes for different folks and all that stuff. I'm not impressed with wide aperture lenses any longer, I've owned them and still own some, but I simply up the ISO a bit and deal with the noise (if any as these cameras are all getting so darn good these days) in post. But to be honest I don't like cameras on the whole, so the fewer lenses I have to haul around the better.

[@zobilamouche420]

I'm still a beginner and haven't tried many different lenses in my life, but the 18-55mm came with my XT-4 and has been very cool to use, very versatile ! Now my girlfriend also bought me a 55-200mm for my bday and it pushed me to shoot things differently, it's less versatile but really nice to isolate subjects a lot more or to shoot wildlife and insects from a bit of distance while still being light. Keep up the good work, cheers from France ! 🇨🇵

[@luisbustamante9869]

The 18-55 is a great lens but the 16-50 beats it in many ways as a street lens. I've used this lens for 10+ years; it came with my first X Pro-1 it's my choice of lens ever since, having produced 2 books (one on the Santiago Metro and the other on the Chilean uprising of 2019). Advantages that make it addictive are: price, light weight and optical rendering not different from the 18-55. The killing factor is the 16mm wide angle which makes it essential to get the intimacy of the shot. As to durability, the lens looks a lot better than 18-55s of the same age which tends to wear on the anodised finish. The latest version of the 16-50 focuses much closer too.

[@3magdnim3]

I agree with you on the XC16-50 for a lightweight setup, I can't imagine a more flexible lens at that weight. However, it depends what you're shooting. For your purposes it sounds great. For someone shooting a little "slower" the XF18-55 provides a different experience in my opinion. I have both lenses and the XC version being full "drive by wire" if you will just doesn't offer the same joy of shooting as the metal construction and clutched focus ring on the XF. They're both underrated lenses in the system. You can find the XC for nothing on the used market, and the XF is readily available for $300, I'd not pay the $700 new price.@@luisbustamante9869

[@刘宇琪-e8m]

18-55mm happened to be my lens of choice when I got my first fuji camera months ago. I do simp for the beautiful bokeh and cinematic feel that prime lenses offer, but a lot of my all-time favs were shot with the 18-55mm. It's outrageously versatile.

[@SCEmissary]

Not to forget: As the 18-55 often comes as a kit lens you can either get it cheaper than for the $700 mentioned in a kit. Or you can find many of them second-hand in pretty good condition for less than half the mentioned price.

[@stephenrobinson9923]

The 18-55 was bundled with the X-T1 when I moved from my heavy Nikon kit to Fuji in 2014. It lived on my X-T1. I had a period where I preferred primes and traded it. In 2022 when I purchased the X-T5 the 18-55 was once again bundled with it at a reduced price. I now have the 18-55 again for Video, and for its lite weight as a two lens "visit the grandchildren kit" with the 70-300.

[@robertwarner3769]

Please don't ever give up on this channel. You are a delight to watch, so enthusiastic and I have learned so much from you. Keep happy.

[@martingreenberg870]

This lens deserves to have a video that sings it’s praise. As several people stated below, this lens came bundled with their camera. As a result we did not have a choice as to whether to purchase this lens. Surprisingly this was a good thing. The 18-55 lens is a great 1st lens for all the reasons you stated. On the DPReview forum it is frequently stated that this is the best kit lens made. Frequently manufacturers put together a cheap lens that accompanies the body. These lenses tend to be plasticy, slow, and just adequate. The 18-55 lens is a star. Fast at the wide end. Sharp. Well constructed. Critical for a Fuji lens is the OIS. Most Fuji bodies lack IBIS. This lens gives all Fuji bodies image stabilization. This is important for shooting in low light, or as you point out, for doing video. I do street photography. This lens has the focal lengths I use the most. If I want to do portraits this lens has those focal lengths covered too. For my use case, this would be my desert island lens. I mostly use primes. The 23&35 crons, and 56mm lenses are the ones I use the most. If I misplace one of these lenses I am using the 18-55 lens. It isn’t only a better than good 1st lens that comes with a Fuji body. This lens is a star all by itself.

[@Nightmoss]

This was the lens you recommended 3 years ago and it's still my go to lens for almost everything. Thank you!

[@gregw8510]

Earlier this week I bought an X-T3 and the 18-55. Very happy for the confirmation bias support that I bought properly. After a 30 yr absence from photography, I've really enjoyed your videos that have educated me about the current state of cameras. I look forward to further lessons. Thank you!

[@mzungudave]

I love the idea of this lens - and on the strength of that have bought two copies, and returned/sold both. For landscapes neither were reliably sharp away from the centre at any focal length or aperture. The Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 is working better for me. Thanks for a wonderful channel with great content.

[@valerieleblanc6269]

The 18-55 came as the kit lens when I purchased my x-t2 a few years ago. I now use it on my x-t4 as well. My primary area of photography is wide angle night photography (Milky Way and Star Trails in particular) and this lens performs beautifully there as well.

[@minghancui9077]

What is your settings for star trail and Milky Way, such as ISO and shutter speed? Thanks!

[@mauricioballesteros2839]

I'm about to return to photography after 25 years, entering the digital world. Your videos are helping me a lot, I really appreciate them. And I'm going to buy a Fujifilm camera, just because the cameras feel more retro anfamiliar with what I'm used to. Keep on the great work!

[@albertphillips447]

This is the "kit" lens that came with my X-T1, before I even understood what the term kit lens meant. You're absolutely right, I moved from Canon to the X-T1 to get away from the mysteries of PASM, and the 18-55 was the perfect companion to my new camera. I moved it to my new X-T3 in 2018, and again, it was like an old friend while I learned that camera.

[@andrewrupp1816]

I was gifted an X-S10 camera body as a surprise and it was my first step into the Fuji world. I went on the hunt for the best first lens, and based on your recommendations from previous videos I decided to purchase this lens. I do not regret that decision, as this lens puts out some great images and is so versatile! Now that I own more lenses, I still find myself using the 18-55mm quite often!

[@belst_]

My first lens when I got my X-T3 was the XF 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens. I love it's super small form factor. But I mostly use the 18-55 now because its just more versatile

[@BlueTeamPro]

You have been my greatest resource since I’ve switched to fuji back in 2021. Thanks for all you do!

[@robmas57]

This was my first Fuji lens that came with my first Fuji camera, the XT1. I have tried every Fuji mid range zoom and this is still my most used. That first one got destroyed beyond repair in a bad fall a few years ago. I immediately replaced it as this is the one lens of the several I own, that I don’t want to be without. So I agree. Nice video, keep em’ coming.

[@heemano]

I had this lens with my XT3. It's a good lens. However, I will encourage people to rent other prime lens and try it out. I just didn't want big lens and I am using 35mm f1.4. It blew me away. It's so good.

[@GarretGrayCamera]

I just bought the 18-55 used and I am amazed by it. It's sharp, the autofocus is great. No kidding about the video either, I can do walk and talks with it on a gimble and the focus keeps up, no focus breathing for rack focus shots, virtually silent. I don't miss the loss in stop when zoomed in either. You can use it for pro gigs too if that's all you have. I doubt anyone would ever know you're using a "kit" lens. The only draw back is the minimum focus distance. There's times I want to get in closer to smaller objects and wish I had more room. I got it for $350 used and think I could have paid like $500 and still had been happy.

[@JHuffPhoto]

18-55 is variable aperture so it wouldn't make any sense to have aperture markings on the barrel. I agree it is an awesome lens especially when you buy it as part of a kit. It is like half the price when bought with a body. I have many other lenses but when I am unsure what I may need I tend to go straight to this lens. Thanks for the video

[@paulemma8125]

I have to say. I have watched so many of your videos and I think you are my favorite on KZbin. Thanks for all your insights.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

When the X-T3 was launched I bought the X-T2 with the 18-55 for just over £900. For that price, the camera alone was a bargain, but bundled with the 18-55 it was phenomenal value. Often called a "kit" lens it's sometimes ignored but to do this would be doing it an incredible injustice - it's excellent!

[@kylejhood]

This was my first lens as well, and I totally agree with you. It’s great. Next steps for me have been picking up a few of the f2 primes. I’m still new to street photography, so I’ve stopped buying lens for now until I grow a bit more. Definitely happy with the lens lineup I have right now. Thanks for all your work. You’ve been a massive help to me as I’ve been learning.

[@juanpabloherrera4899]

Thx so much for your videos! I got my first camera and your videos are the only reason I’ve got to enjoy my camera and feel less intimidated with all the features and options.

[@philroberts166]

The 18-55 mm came with my camera and I loved it. I bought the 16-80 mm and sold the 18-55, which I now regret. The 16-80 is too big and bulky. So I just bought the Sigma 18-50 mm, and I love it. It feels great on my X-H2S and is a great match. I'd like to hear your comparison.

[@DigiDriftZone]

Yes, I struggle to understand why some people recommend the 16-80, the F4 is a major downgrade over the F2.8 on the 18-55 and even at 55mm, you get the same F4 on a much smaller/lighter lens. The extra reach at 80mm is negligible, but losing a full stop of light on the wide end (50% less light) is substantial.

[@matthieuzglurg6015]

about the lack of aperture markings on the 18-55 : it is a variable aperture lens, so Fujifilm's approach here was that if they made marking to make it go down to lets say f/2.8 (since that's the widest aperture that lens can go to at 18mm), it would close to f/4 at 55 even if you put f/2.8 on the aperture ring and that cuses confusion. SO they put a blank dial so that you're not getting confused by it. Marked aperture rings are only on lenses that have a constant aperture thoughout the zoom range, or are primes

[@ldsklLtgmer]

Not completely true, Tamron adaptall 2 lenses have two markings on the aperture ring, for example SP 35-80mm it says 2.8/4 when wide open

[@cr.recording]

I just got my first Fujifilm camera this last week the XT5 and this channel has been a lot of great help thank you🎉Keep up the great work.

[@rogerdunn5988]

My 18-55 lens came with my first Fuji camera - an X-T10. At the time I was shooting Canon and was looking to downsize for travel. The X T10 came with me on an extended European trip and the results were amazing. As soon as I got home I bought the X T-2 and my love affair with Fuji really began. The X T-10 has long gone but the 18-55 is still with me after seven years and is an important part of my lens lineup. Thanks Chris for these terrific videos, never miss one (except those shorts).

[@webmaster4ZLCB]

You seem absolutely energized Chris. I can see and feel the difference. Best wishes.

[@brucekraft744]

Totally agree. The 18-55 was my first lens for my X-T1, and I am still using it.

[@jayforcinema]

Thank you! I love the 18-55 lens for its incredible versatility and quality. The first lens that got me in love with the Fuji system, however, was the Fuji XF 35 f/2. Lightweight, but so powerful. If I had to recommend a first lens to a beginner photographer though, I would perhaps lean towards the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 over the Fuji 18-55. Its constant f/2.8 aperture makes it really versatile, especially at the tele end of things, I feel. Or would you still go for the Fuji over the Sigma?

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

To the conclusion, we attract the type of people that we are ourselves. So we're more then happy to be part of your journey in some way. Thank you for all the efforts, help, laughs and time. May God bless you and your family always.

It s always a joy to watch you dear Chris. If you intend to make a trip to Turkey let me know ❤️

[@pal2tech]

Thank you so much my friend!! 🙏

@@pal2tech I am serious so please consider it 🙏

[@iaincphotography6051]

It was the lens I started with when I changed to Fuji some years back along with the 55/200. Only since moving on to the XT5 have I changed lenses, 16/80, 70/300, which work so well with the XT5. Add a 23F2 and a lensbaby 56 velvet.

[@NBPT428]

It came with my X-T3 3 years ago and it's definitely the most versatile lens I've used so far. I also like to use primes for sharpness and detail and my second most used lens is the 35mm f/2 (nifty/fifty). Well built, aperture ring with marks, weather resistant, very light. GREAT VIDEO!!!

[@gardnerwebb3749]

I just picked up a new 23 f2 wr lens. I can't wait for Saturdays sunrise!!!

[@bill3117]

Loved the 18-55mm as my first lens on my first Fujifilm. I realized how useful it was touring SanFrancisco some years ago. Even night shots worked well.

[@Deminimis2]

I agree. I bought it as a kit many years ago. I have bought and sold many Fuji lens but I still hang on to this lens. It is my main backup lens. I’ll probably never sell it. And I think it still is a very good lens for a first time Fuji owner.

[@stonack1750]

Thank you so much for this, I have just bought an X-T3 and was literally thinking what lens should I start with! Going to be working my way through your vids to better understand my camera 🙂 Thanks again.

[@GuoX1X1]

my first lense is the 16-55, second lense is the 50140, the third im thinking about the 35 1.4have a wonderful weekend!

[@minghancui9077]

这是真的有钱

[@GuoX1X1]

@@minghancui9077 都是等有活动的时候买的，别这么说。。

[@milchkannen]

My first Fujifilm lens was the 35mm f2 on the X-Pro 2. But the first camera was the Fujifilm X-100.

[@knowndogs2429]

Yep, the 18-55mm is good for anything. Good luck for your videos. Btw just a question, don't you want to make a video about the X-T30II, like setting or best usage...

[@holystarmusiccreation3782]

sir , plz make video about , fujifilm xt3 cinematography , lens selection , memoery card , and etc .

[@danielschmaderer]

First and foremost to your last thank you…..you’re welcome. You’re channel is one of the best. Even if you didn’t shoot Fuji, or I was a Canon shooter, I would still watch your videos. That out of the way, I have to agree with your choice. Though the 18-55 wasn’t my first lens, that would go to the 16-55, I did end up getting it when my 16-55 broke, which broke the same way yours did sadly. The 18-55 did surprise me in its quality. Though not as sharp as the 16-55, it still produces amazing shots when I do use it.

[@damienfenton3880]

Hello from Ireland! Great to see this channel back after the break! I'm just wondering if you are planning on continuing your flash photography series?

[@warricksmith5178]

Fully agree, Chris. The 18-55 was the lens on my first Fuji, the X-S10, and has served me very well. Over the first year or so I complemented it with the 10-24 and the 70-300, but the 18-55 remained my default walk-around/travel lens. I then transitioned to the 16-80 as my default walk-around/travel lens, which is even more versatile and is also weather resistant. But I kept the 18-55 as it was very useful whenever I wanted a smaller and lighter mid-range zoom. Last year I transitioned from the X-S10 to the X-H2, and bought a set of fast primes to complement the zooms. But the 18-55 remains in my lens line-up, gets regular use, and seems destined to be a long-time member of my lens family.

[@MuhammadIkhwan95]

My first fujifilm camera was X-T1 with kit lens 18-55mm/2.8-4. This kit lens was awesome! And then I bought 23mm f/1.4, also 90mm f/2.0, now have 16mm f/1.4

[@bali349]

That 18-55 was my first lens when I got my X-S10. I've recently got my first prime with the 33mm f/1.4 but the zoom still gets plenty of use.

[@charlescarlson1290]

Yep! I got it as a kit lens and used most extensively. It’s a really nice lens for the price an otherwise. And you’re very right about not having to think about it.

[@ickebins6948]

I just bought a X-T5 with the 80mm macro + a used XC 16-50mm for daily stuff. I'm mainly a macro guy coming from a Canon 1200D. Yes the 80mm is expensive BUT I keep my gear for 10+ years and it is all I need for macro, especially because I'm mostly taking photos outdoors so the WR is a must for me.

[@johnfarr2916]

Coming from Canon full frame and having used so many zoom lenses, my first Fuji is the X-T5 and my first X mount lens is the amazing 18mm 1.4. The combo goes with me everywhere.

[@MarvinMakesSence]

My xt-3 came with this lens and an f1.4 23mm prime, I've been using the prime almost exclusively but I do love having such a versatile back-up.

[@brynnwelch3489]

Hi Chris. I've owned the XE-1, XT-3, X10 and later I bought through MPB UK an X100V. The X100V is a great camera but it didn't suit my style of photography, so once again through MPB UK I swapped my X100V for an As New XH-1 coupled with the 18-55mm lens. I've now got, for my needs, the perfect camera. I kept the X10 because for such a small camera it produces fantastic results. Keep up the good work mate. Brynn Welch -- Stafford -- UK.

[@ajubhosle]

Can you also make a video of second les you should get? love the content

[@ArthurFTM]

It's amazing how your lens choice, has to in a way... match your personality. But, you don't know, what you don't know, until you know. I've been dabbling in photography for about a decade at this point. I've never really enjoyed it that much. All the cameras I've owned came with kit lenses that had similar focal ranges as this Fuji 18-55mm you've shown. I've come to realize, zoom lenses were the reason I didn't enjoy the hobby. When the XT-5 came out I decided to give photography another try... I went all primes though. By shooting with primes, I realized I had little to no understanding of what focal lengths are generally best for a given scenario or look. By being forced to pick a focal length, I'm being forced to learn its strengths and weaknesses. It feels like I'm starting over fresh and relearning everything. I've had more fun with photography since the XT-5 was released, than I have in many years.

[@dwrisdon2487]

No question, "two thumbs up." Not only is this a great intro lense but it is one which grows with you.

[@bmeclipse]

Couldn’t agree more. It is my absolute favorite lens because of its versatility and quality.

[@Icelandscapes]

A great and honest review. I got mine 18-55 with the first Fujifilm camera I bought, the XPro-1. I instantly liked it and sold off my older Canon gear. However I turned to use mainly prime lenses for the Fuji, just as I did with Canon. The 18-55 got left on the shelf and eventually I did trade it for a 35mm f:2. One of the sharpest and most compact lenses for the Fujifilm system. I did instantly regret it and missed having it although I did not use it much. So I traded the 35mm f:2 for another copy of the 18-55, learned to respect it and include it into my shooting style, which is mostly landscapes and portraits and discovered further how great this lens is, regarding flexibility and performance, as well as the robust building.

[@francoisdarfeuille8258]

Hello. I love my 18-55. The reason there is no marking on the aperture ring is because of the variable aperture through the focal range. Same on the fantastic 70-300

[@MarcusDolby]

Great video, right to the point. I too have this lens and it’s great. It helped me to buy a street photography prime lens in that I noticed most of my shots were zoomed all the way in to 55mm. I chose this lens over the 16-55 due to price, weight and size.

[@Paul_Rohde]

Out of interest, what was that prime you chose?

[@MarcusDolby]

The older 56mm f1.2 R. Found it used for just over $500 USD. There’s a newer 56mm from Fuji but the older model has amazing reviews and is less expensive. Omar Gonzalez has a great video where he, tongue in cheek, calls it obsolete.

[@Paul_Rohde]

@@MarcusDolby I have the new one. I thought you may have gone with one of the lighter silent fast focusing F2s. I don't feel comfortable with street photography, I was just curious what you went for, or if it could have been the XF60mmF2.4 macro. I'm sure you'll get nice shots with your value buy.

[@mercerna]

I agree that this may well be the best one to start with. That said when I got into Fuji cameras my first lens was the 23mm f1.4 one. I was not new to photography though, and had some cash to spare, but this was a great lens to kick off my first experience with APS-C sensors and modern digital photography. I did end up getting a 16mm f2.8 and a much praised 16-55mm, and I can say that the 16mm really teased my appetite for compact lenses (and now I'm thinking about getting a pancake one), and 16-55 I feel like I will never replace, it's just that great. My general advice from a newish photographer to other newish photographers is: make sure you get a nice zoom that will let you try all the popular prime lengths (so 16, 23, 35, 50) or ones close to those, and get one that is portable so you can throw it on your camera and head outside without worrying. Also 16 is the one of the cheapest lens I own and it's still weather resistant, got aperture and focus rings, so it's really solid and I'm not worried about it getting damaged or bumped at all.

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

The opening line is so true! I still have my apsc Sigma 2.8 zooms from my Canon days even though I moved to Fuji in 2018.

[@komali2]

Aww just before I go to bed this video comes out! Can't wait to watch tomorrow

[@ronhenning3205]

This is the lens that popped into my mind when I read the title. 55-200 was the next I bought. I have since upgraded both but mostly so I could give them to my daughter. Actually, I like these lenses so much that I didn't really "give" them to her. They are on "long term loan."

[@DavidKinnear3]

The 16-80mm f/4 was the first Fujinon lens that I bought with my X-T4 and it is still the most used. I very much like having the 24mm full-frame equivalent focal length on the wide end. The lens performs very well. It does cost $100 more than the 18-55mm. Other than cost, I am wondering why the 18-55 is recommended over the 16-80?

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

F2.8 snobs mostly.The 18-55 a great lens and definitely one of the best kit lenses ever made, but just look through comments sections for any camera system and you will see the f2.8 snobs who think any lens that’s not f2.8 is garbage, I’d rather have a wider and longer f4 than a faster but narrower walk around lens and then have an actual fast lens for low light🤷‍♂️

[@thepirateshoots]

I've got many primes but I would recommend a cheap kitten lens like the 16-50, used for 125 bugs. Mine is sharper than the 18-55 which I had in parallel. Get a prime for potraits or thin depth of field or a macro later!

[@moostomp]

I would contend the 16-80 being an all around excellent option too. It also has OIS, it has an aperture ring with numbers on it. It's not as bright wide open at the wide end, but it's only one stop of light and -only- at the wide end. Having that little bit extra zoom range really stands out to me. Especially for a first lens. It's only 100$ more new, or used about 500$. Do you suggest used or new for beginners? Because I bought in to 'new' lenses, but really should have had no fear of used lenses if bought from a reputable source (KEH, Adorama, BH, etc...). The nice thing about the 16-80, is if you expand to another zoom you can look at the 70-300 or xc50-230 to very easily expand to a two lens kit that does a lot. Yes the 18-55 and the 50-230 are a lightweight cheap first combo lens consideration. But I think that the extra reach to 80mm means you can hold off on buying a telephoto zoom. Just my 2 cents.

[@brucesmith9144]

16-80 is maximum f/4 aperture opening through the whole focal length range, something the 18-55 is not, and it is weather-sealed, 9 versus 7 blade aperture, and its OIS is better.

[@andreiporoshine2725]

Totally agree. Today, 16-80 is better option, even for beginner. Pair it with 70-300 and you ready for almost everything.

[@moostomp]

I forgot to mention the close focusing distance on the 16-80 is really superb for a zoom. Having 0.25 reproduction rating really is icing on the cake to me, the 18-55 only has 0.15. It has weather sealing too.

[@DigiDriftZone]

16-80 F4 was my least favourite lens I've ever owned. I owned and sold it after 6 months. It's huge, heavy, terrible in low light, it loses focus as you zoom so terrible for video, it's a lens where the results you get are just subpar in every category, you may as well use a phone: can't take it indoors as it's just F4, it's too narrow for architecture, F4 useless for portraits, there's not enough zoom for wildlife (55 vs 80 doesn't give you much extra reach), not good for sports (slow, not enough zoom), it's just a terrible lens in my opinion. I own the 18-55 F2.8-4 (much better all rounder, F2.8 makes a HUGE difference), 15-45 (it's so tiny and really wide for indoor, architecture), Viltrox 13mm F1.4 (love this lens, my favourite lens now, it's so sharp and incredible for so many uses including video), Viltrox 23mm & 56mm (great fast primes), 50-230mm (wildlife), 35mm F2 (tiny prime for travel), couple of fun cheap lenses from pergear - the ones I owned and sold are the 16-80mm F4 (useless heavy lens), 27mm (tiny, but slow focus, difficult focal length), Viltrox 33mm (got the 35mm f2 instead).

[@hamdouch26]

​@@DigiDriftZone thanks for the details given..I am considering to buy a prime lense for portraits for my XT4..what do you recommend?

[@Spleen250]

I’am so glade to see you again !!!!

[@benjaminb5889]

I totally agree with you Chris, the 18 55 is the lens I always keep with me. all the time. it is small and light and provides excellent images.

[@Nolofinwe86]

I've been shooting most of my weddings for the past two years using almost 90% of the time this particular lens. Every fellow videographer watching my videos does not believe me when I say to them that I shoot with a kit lens.

[@BIOSHOCKFOXX]

I will purchase X-T5 in few days if not tomorrow, and I will take the kit with 16-80mm F4 lens. I just really fell in love with telephoto type of shots. Basically the inspiration is Larry Chen photography, from Hoonigan. The way he takes closeup pictures of cars from a distance.

[@jeremytheoneofdestiny8691]

I will never get tired of content that sings the praises of the 18-55mm. It’s the single best and most useful lens I have personally ever used! This video helps cure my GAS for the 16-80mm! If this lens could zoom out to 16mm, it would be *perfect*.

[@ulpiusbellator3354]

Dear friend. I want you to know that you convey what no content creator does: familiarity. You really remind me of my older brother when he taught me how to study. At the same level, your teaching skills are perfect and you speak with an English accent that this fifty-one year old Spanish who is writing to you understands. Please know that your videos are invaluable. Thank you very much for making them. But you must have a very clear thought (if you allow me to give it to you, although it is obvious): be happy making your content. If you are happy, you will make all your subscribers happy. Thank you very much for your incomparable content.

[@winc06]

I think that may be true, but I, like many people, learned with a 50mm on a full frame film camera. You learn what the camera sees with that focal length. Eventually you see your picture frame in your mind without ever putting the camera to your eye. So instinctive. My graduation a few years later was to a 35mm and a 90mm. I discovered that my favorite was the 35mm. Only occasionally did I need the 90 or the 50 after that. That was then. Today the 16-80/4 is my most used.

[@cow77cow]

Just bought my x-t4 with a 16-55 2.8, so that was my first lens, few days later just bought the viltrox 75mm f1.2 because on full frame the 135 was my favourite focal length.

[@Sean-Smith-Photos]

Switched to Fuji in January, got an XT5 and the 23mm f2. Perfect for street photography

[@venom2k2]

Cool coincidience! I got this lens today. I never intended to buy it but I saw a used copy for just laughable 80€. The front glass has a scratch in it but I couldnt see any problems with the images I have taken. A super bargain! I only owned primes, ranging from 16mm to 56mm and this zoom is very fun to use. When I got my lens I was overwhelmed with choices and I had no idea how 50mm or 16mm would work out, the drawbacks and so on. I bought three cheap MF lenses to figure out what works for and slowly bought the Fuji lenses I needed. Thanks for the video. You rock!

[@johnnybreedlove6398]

100% agree, Super Video quality, you have up your game😛

[@ramibenshushan1821]

For me, this is one of the best kit lens I've ever used

[@wilsonpalmpre]

Fully agreed with you. I sometimes bring along other primes with 18-55, and eventually this zoom lens is most frequently used.

[@TroupeGoal]

Picked up the Sigma 18-55 f2.8 for the constant aperture.

[@paceyombex]

I like to expand on the topic a bit, not just specifically about the lovely 18-55, but about the standard zoom "kit lens" in general as the best first lens. Usually, the question about what should be the first lens came from people less experienced with photography, beginners you could say, who might not really know what they want. A kit lens will help you cover most focal length that you'll want and need, there's a reason people call it "standard zoom". A kit lens is also useful to teach you about what's your preference. You could easily use a great standard zoom like XF 18-55 for a year or two, and throughout the year you'll see which focal length you use the most, or want to explore more, and you could get a more specialized lens with that focal length.

[@JohnChubbSr]

Absolutely agree! I was fortunate enough to get one with my first Fujifilm X-t3.

[@cosmicsurfer736]

Thank you for your recommendation,i was interested in buying this Lens you reviewed

[@mr_jarble]

Called it! The 18-55 is such a great starter lens

[@thorburnparker3199]

Thank you for this video I have used Fujifilm for about a year and I wish I had seen this video when I first started using Fujifilm, Thank you again!!!!

[@Paul_Rohde]

Dear Fuji, if you're reading this please consider a version II of this great iconic lens. It's lost its easy optical superiority over the competition now. Please consider an aperture ring that has hard end points, with markings for at least both zoom range extremes. And increased 'macro' performance without affect to other aspects is of course always welcome. (Plus work on more useful algorithms for OIS/IBIS for video work) Thanks!

[@massimobernardoni8741]

I had the 18-55 as a kit lens when I bought the XS10, then after a year and a half (I confirm everything you said about the 18-55) I sold it to buy the 16-80 which is more heavy, but which covers my needs more. I confirm the beauty of the 30mm macro, light and quite small (the only negative note is the lack of stabilization). I agree with the quality of FUJIFILM lenses, it is true they are more expensive, but there is no comparison with the rendering of photos compared to the "dedicated universals". So I think it's better to buy fewer lens, but more quality.

[@andreiporoshine2725]

If you decide to tide a knot with lens, don't be cheap. Today, 16-80 is better option, even for beginner. Pair it with 70-300 and you ready for almost everything.

[@oscarsariles]

I'm a beginner, and this video has helped me so much. Thank YOU

[@jessedt9837]

Definitely a great lens for photography and video. It’s travelled with me to so many places. It’s my go to if I only had to take one lens.

[@ianwebster1143]

Glad your feeling better, great video about what is often classed as a kit lens, I have had some exceptional images using this lens early on in my Fuji camera adventures 👍

[@danieldelariva4653]

Love your recommendations but I am more into prime lenses ! I don’t wanna think about the extra factor of zooming when I am shooting. But it’s definitely a great recommendation. As someone that likes shooting film the 35 f1.4 seems amazing

[@gregpantelides1355]

I have that lens. It is amazing! I prefer its compact nature over the 33mm. :-)

[@Sean-Smith-Photos]

I too zoom with my feet

[@Auhana50]

As a Fujifilm shooter mahalo for your hard work. 🙏🏼

[@tizianobabbi3218]

I have used the 18 -55 for 8 years. For travel and street photography it is always in my camera bag. The other travel lens is the 18 - 135mm lens, except for my next trip next week when I need my Viltrox 13 mm f 1.4 for takin pictures of the northern lights.

[@daveericson8447]

Relatively new to photography, started with fuji which is great, but curiosity has got the better of me and I am selling my gear and switching to Sony. Will still watch your videos as I enjoy the content 😉

[@elliotkrane1220]

The whole gamut: 18-55, 70-300 + 1.4x multiplier, and the awesome 27mm pancake lens for street and casual use. And if you want to jump the shark add the 56mm f1.2 prime for magnificent portraits with narrow DOF.

[@phanvanhao7992]

If you could only choose one versatile lens, is the 18-55 a good choice or should you consider the 16-80 instead?