Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM Lens Review

Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR Handling and Features

The combination of metal and high quality plastics used in the construction of this lens, has resulted in robust build, without adding too much to the weight of the lens. At 490g it is lighter than you might expect for a lens that feels as solidly put together as this. As a result, it complements the Fujifilm X-Pro1 used for testing perfectly.

Focusing is performed internally, so the filter thread does not rotate during operation. As a result, the 67mm filter thread does not rotate, making it perfect for use with polarising and graduated filters. A petal-shaped hood attaches to the bayonet around the front of the lens. The manual focusing ring is smooth to operate and well damped, making fine adjustments a pleasure to apply.

As is the case with Fuji's other X-series optics, this lens has a manual aperture ring for selecting your desired setting in a more traditional way. The aperture ring has no values marked on it, so the screen needs to be referred to find the aperture setting. The aperture ring provides control in third stop intervals and only requires a light touch to move through the aperture range. This is great for making quick adjustments. Auto focus is quick and precise, with little hunting for focus.

The optical stabiliser this lens is equipped with promises to allow sharp hand-held photos to be taken at shutter speeds up to five stops slower than the usual rule of thumb would dictate possible. So long as plenty of time is given for the image stabiliser to settle, sharp hand-held shots are possible around half the time at 1/8sec, which is between four and five stops slower than might be considered safe without the system.

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