I use it a lot - I have 5 or 6 other lenses, but this is used a lot. Easier to carry one lens, and as I use it for work - and work outdoors, not having to switch lenses when there is rain, snow, dust, sand or pollen flying around is a huge bonus. I think it's also a great lens for beginners, I hear a lot of people agonizing over which primes they should get. My advice is always to get a zoom use it for a while and then check their exif data to see if there are certain focal lengths that they constantly find themselves shooting at, then decide whether they want to spend extra on a faster an more dedicated lens of that focal length
I have one. Took it to England to photograph gothic cathedrals, great lens. Very versatile. I’m taking it on my next “photographic safari “ to Venice and Tuscany.
I have been using this lens for about 8 years now. I have a bunch of wonderful primes but the 18-135 has seen more use than them all. A much underated lens that I will never part with.
Cool video! I do have this lens and I just got back from my first cruise. Up to then, this hasn't been my "go to" lens. For those I have the wonderful Fujinon 35mm f1.4, 18mm f1.4, and several adapted vintage lenses. However, sometimes it only makes sense to carry one body and one lens. This lens covers a wide range and does it very well. Thankfully there are those people who must have the latest gear. I got a great deal on my 18-135mm used in near mint condition. All my Fujifilm gear is used and still far better than any camera gear I have owned before. I enjoyed your video.
I just came back from Greece where I used my 18-135 on my XT1. It is a terrific lens. Has its limitations but I am waiting for my XT5 to arrive which has IBIS. Cant wait to see what that combo will be able to do.
@@donnergodd1781 Sometimes I think I must have gotten the best copy of this lens imaginable because with the XT5 it is even better. For a zoom lens its quite impressive. The IBIS of the XT5 has increased its low light capabilities of course and the higher resolution of the camera also is a tremendous plus. Of course I understand some of its limitations.
@@donnergodd1781 Own the 16mm 2.8 which is stunning. The 16-80 zoom the 50-230 zoom the 18-55mm zoom. By the way dont discount the 50-230 which although slow is very lightweight very affordable and extremely sharp considering price. Effectively a 75mm-345mm zoom for a fraction of the price. I've taken some of my best shots with that. Don't pretend to be a pro but have been an enthusiast for over 50 years. Own Nikon Canon equipment as well but have been shooting mostly Fuji. They make great lense IMHO. Havent used or owned the 70-230
In the end it's the equipment which will get you the shot that counts. I usually put a not quite point and shoot into my shirt pocket (it has a 20x zoom and some useful tricks for handling low light) in case I see something I would like to photograph. It would be crazy to go to Woolworths with an SLR and a 75-300 zoom around my neck. I have recently had some decent shots of afternoon light against storm clouds, and people packing up at the end of the day. No one even notices I'm there. But with what was in my pocket, I couldn't even track, let alone photograph, the police helicopter the other day, while, at the airshow a couple of years ago, the SLR+zoom got me some pretty great shots. In my view, unless you are a specialist photographer -- someone with a penchant for jumping spiders or a professional baby photographer -- you do best to go for versatility and accessibility. A good episode and some great shots.
The focal length is very versatile as one lens to throw on the camera body. For my personal use, I need something to drop to F2.8 but there times I wish I had that little extra bit of zoom. I liked your video and subscribed to your channel!
As an all-purpose quality lens for a solo traveler (back in the day …) it’s excellent. With little travel nowadays, I’ve added a wide angle prime for landscapes.
bought my XT-1 back in 2015 with the XF 18-135mm. Loved it. Then a year later I bought the XF 14mm and the XF 35mm... and suddenly I had a love-hate relationship with the XF 18-135m...because the other two lenses are just soooooo sharp! Love the zoom as a multi-purpose-walk-around-travel lens, but kinda hate it because the IQ just isn't up to par with the primes (obviously). IF only it was as sharp as the XF16-55 2.8, boy would that have been a winner.
Wow, ISO8000... I've never used this value. This lens' OIS is so good that allows to shoot at 1/50s from hands easily. Maybe only if you have shaky plants or something like this then you need that 1/500s. I like this lens but I can't understand why it gives this steppy "brightness control" (or expo-) when you're zooming in/out? Sometimes (rarely) I need to zoom in videos. And this thing spoils a lot. It's not horrorful but it's pretty noticeable.
Cheers for posting - was considering this because my 16mm 2.8 is so soft, but this looks similar. - except the mushroom shot at 6:05 - that looked good. Not sure what to get. Only had my XT4 for a month, but thinking of selling it already.
Why do you want to sell the XT4? It's a percetly good camera, and the 16mm 2.8 is also a stellar sharp lens. Of course if you shoot everything at 2.8 without nailing focus, it will be soft. I would reserve 2.8 aperture for situations where you actually need the blur OR for low light situations. Otherwise f4 is usually good for most things.
@@Rabixter Getting on with it better now - glad I've persevered - but I'm not the only one who has struggled with mushy images out of the XT4 - The lens in this review 18-135 looks really mushy too. Set-up on the Fuji cameras seems pretty crucial to get good images - If you are used to other systems the Fuji is VERY difficult to get good pictures out of. But really getting to grips with it now. Optically the 16mm 2.8 is supposed to be one of the worst lenses Fuji makes except maybe the 15-45mm. The 16mm 1.4 is supposed to be one of the best... actually I quite like my 16mm now.
@@actstuntcam Glad you're starting to enjoy your 16mm a bit more now. The issue I've seen from a lot of forums is that they do a lot of pixel peeping and shooting blank brick walls. I think any lens can produce good images if you focus on getting good composition and telling a story. Yes, the 16mm 1.4 is supposed to be better, but it's also much more expensive. It also depends what you're doing with your images. If you're making money from your images then it makes sense to invest in an optically better lens to avoid client disappointment. But if photography is a hobby and you're posting only to Instagram then no one will notice or care. I am using an XT2 with the fairly decent f2 primes for street photography and I post only to Instagram. I don't have that many followers despite good image quality. People don't care about image quality, they just want something relatable, interesting or amusing. I guess it all depends on your audience.
@@Rabixter Sounds good mate. The XT1 and XT2 are supposed to be Magic :) I did consider an XT1 for photos and a G85 for video, but it didn't make sense to get into two systems and get lenses for both. I agree that storytelling is king. I compared the specs of my XT4 with my old Professional Canon 1Ds Mk2 and the XT4 EATS IT for breakfast. So the XT4 is way more camera than I need. I did watch a bad review of the 16mm 2.8 ten minutes after I bought it, so that left a bad taste in my mouth. I wasn't really talking about pixel peeping though, just the same kind of mushiness evident in most of the shots in this video. I did some street photography a few days ago - great fun. I'm glad it isn't too easy to get good photos. The challenge will make those good shots more rewarding when they finally come. Have a great Christmas Rabi. Cheers, Cam from NZ :)
That is the first post I have read Anywhere, or video review that has said anything other than Fuji make truly excellent lenses. Yes, there are varying price points, however, the now not so new trio of 2.8, lens received widespread approval when released. Also, though I am still happy with my XT20 and XT2, have yet to read any negative reviews, comments about the XT4. It is highly regarded. Whilst unlikely, have you simply received poor samples of the lens and XT4? Have found Fuji,Australia very accomodating and suggest you give them a call, if you still have the equipment, Neil Pash ,if still with Fuji in Sydney has proven very helpful. Be very interested to hear how you,get on.
I have the 18-135 plus a very squeaky prime for my X-T10.
I have some Fujinon MF lenses.
I have it. Love it! I have 8 other lens gathering dust!
I use it a lot - I have 5 or 6 other lenses, but this is used a lot. Easier to carry one lens, and as I use it for work - and work outdoors, not having to switch lenses when there is rain, snow, dust, sand or pollen flying around is a huge bonus. I think it's also a great lens for beginners, I hear a lot of people agonizing over which primes they should get. My advice is always to get a zoom use it for a while and then check their exif data to see if there are certain focal lengths that they constantly find themselves shooting at, then decide whether they want to spend extra on a faster an more dedicated lens of that focal length
I have one. Took it to England to photograph gothic cathedrals, great lens. Very versatile. I’m taking it on my next “photographic safari “ to Venice and Tuscany.
I have been using this lens for about 8 years now. I have a bunch of wonderful primes but the 18-135 has seen more use than them all. A much underated lens that I will never part with.
Cool video! I do have this lens and I just got back from my first cruise. Up to then, this hasn't been my "go to" lens. For those I have the wonderful Fujinon 35mm f1.4, 18mm f1.4, and several adapted vintage lenses. However, sometimes it only makes sense to carry one body and one lens. This lens covers a wide range and does it very well. Thankfully there are those people who must have the latest gear. I got a great deal on my 18-135mm used in near mint condition. All my Fujifilm gear is used and still far better than any camera gear I have owned before. I enjoyed your video.
I just came back from Greece where I used my 18-135 on my XT1. It is a terrific lens. Has its limitations but I am waiting for my XT5 to arrive which has IBIS. Cant wait to see what that combo will be able to do.
So how would you describe your experience with the 18-135 now?
@@donnergodd1781 Sometimes I think I must have gotten the best copy of this lens imaginable because with the XT5 it is even better. For a zoom lens its quite impressive. The IBIS of the XT5 has increased its low light capabilities of course and the higher resolution of the camera also is a tremendous plus. Of course I understand some of its limitations.
@@radley9 which other lenses do you use? I‘m also considering the Fuji 70-300 on my X-S20. Do you have any experience with that lens?
@@donnergodd1781 Own the 16mm 2.8 which is stunning. The 16-80 zoom the 50-230 zoom the 18-55mm zoom. By the way dont discount the 50-230 which although slow is very lightweight very affordable and extremely sharp considering price. Effectively a 75mm-345mm zoom for a fraction of the price. I've taken some of my best shots with that. Don't pretend to be a pro but have been an enthusiast for over 50 years. Own Nikon Canon equipment as well but have been shooting mostly Fuji. They make great lense IMHO. Havent used or owned the 70-230
Thanks, Greg. You’re right, this isn’t a fun lens, but I’m inspired to take it out for something other than kids’ sport.
Some very nice shots there, especially some of the funghii! Your head camera was getting a bit fogged over though... 😅
In the end it's the equipment which will get you the shot that counts.
I usually put a not quite point and shoot into my shirt pocket (it has a 20x zoom and some useful tricks for handling low light) in case I see something I would like to photograph. It would be crazy to go to Woolworths with an SLR and a 75-300 zoom around my neck.
I have recently had some decent shots of afternoon light against storm clouds, and people packing up at the end of the day. No one even notices I'm there.
But with what was in my pocket, I couldn't even track, let alone photograph, the police helicopter the other day, while, at the airshow a couple of years ago, the SLR+zoom got me some pretty great shots.
In my view, unless you are a specialist photographer -- someone with a penchant for jumping spiders or a professional baby photographer -- you do best to go for versatility and accessibility.
A good episode and some great shots.
Thank you for such an informative video. Love your old-school style and I'm happy to share :)
The focal length is very versatile as one lens to throw on the camera body. For my personal use, I need something to drop to F2.8 but there times I wish I had that little extra bit of zoom. I liked your video and subscribed to your channel!
Thanks, welcome aboard.
As an all-purpose quality lens for a solo traveler (back in the day …) it’s excellent. With little travel nowadays, I’ve added a wide angle prime for landscapes.
Yes, I find a wide angle is needed too. I use either the 16mm 2.8 or the Samyang 12mm. What do you find useful?
Thanks Greg for that practical review of lense! 🙏🏻💐
Beautiful snaps👌🏻👌🏻, had a virtual nature-trail 👍🏻👍🏻😀
Thanks, I don't have to go far from home to experience a great creation. Cheers
bought my XT-1 back in 2015 with the XF 18-135mm. Loved it. Then a year later I bought the XF 14mm and the XF 35mm... and suddenly I had a love-hate relationship with the XF 18-135m...because the other two lenses are just soooooo sharp! Love the zoom as a multi-purpose-walk-around-travel lens, but kinda hate it because the IQ just isn't up to par with the primes (obviously). IF only it was as sharp as the XF16-55 2.8, boy would that have been a winner.
Wow, ISO8000... I've never used this value. This lens' OIS is so good that allows to shoot at 1/50s from hands easily. Maybe only if you have shaky plants or something like this then you need that 1/500s. I like this lens but I can't understand why it gives this steppy "brightness control" (or expo-) when you're zooming in/out? Sometimes (rarely) I need to zoom in videos. And this thing spoils a lot. It's not horrorful but it's pretty noticeable.
This lens wasn't made for video.
@@GregCarrick I don't believe that they couldn't made this smoothly. It was a "marketing purpose". If saying with a decent language ;)
Do you use a protective filter with it?
Cheers for posting - was considering this because my 16mm 2.8 is so soft, but this looks similar. - except the mushroom shot at 6:05 - that looked good. Not sure what to get. Only had my XT4 for a month, but thinking of selling it already.
Why do you want to sell the XT4? It's a percetly good camera, and the 16mm 2.8 is also a stellar sharp lens. Of course if you shoot everything at 2.8 without nailing focus, it will be soft. I would reserve 2.8 aperture for situations where you actually need the blur OR for low light situations. Otherwise f4 is usually good for most things.
@@Rabixter Getting on with it better now - glad I've persevered - but I'm not the only one who has struggled with mushy images out of the XT4 - The lens in this review 18-135 looks really mushy too. Set-up on the Fuji cameras seems pretty crucial to get good images - If you are used to other systems the Fuji is VERY difficult to get good pictures out of. But really getting to grips with it now. Optically the 16mm 2.8 is supposed to be one of the worst lenses Fuji makes except maybe the 15-45mm. The 16mm 1.4 is supposed to be one of the best... actually I quite like my 16mm now.
@@actstuntcam Glad you're starting to enjoy your 16mm a bit more now. The issue I've seen from a lot of forums is that they do a lot of pixel peeping and shooting blank brick walls. I think any lens can produce good images if you focus on getting good composition and telling a story. Yes, the 16mm 1.4 is supposed to be better, but it's also much more expensive. It also depends what you're doing with your images. If you're making money from your images then it makes sense to invest in an optically better lens to avoid client disappointment. But if photography is a hobby and you're posting only to Instagram then no one will notice or care. I am using an XT2 with the fairly decent f2 primes for street photography and I post only to Instagram. I don't have that many followers despite good image quality. People don't care about image quality, they just want something relatable, interesting or amusing. I guess it all depends on your audience.
@@Rabixter Sounds good mate. The XT1 and XT2 are supposed to be Magic :) I did consider an XT1 for photos and a G85 for video, but it didn't make sense to get into two systems and get lenses for both. I agree that storytelling is king. I compared the specs of my XT4 with my old Professional Canon 1Ds Mk2 and the XT4 EATS IT for breakfast. So the XT4 is way more camera than I need. I did watch a bad review of the 16mm 2.8 ten minutes after I bought it, so that left a bad taste in my mouth. I wasn't really talking about pixel peeping though, just the same kind of mushiness evident in most of the shots in this video. I did some street photography a few days ago - great fun. I'm glad it isn't too easy to get good photos. The challenge will make those good shots more rewarding when they finally come. Have a great Christmas Rabi. Cheers, Cam from NZ :)
That is the first post I have read Anywhere, or video review that has said anything other than Fuji make truly excellent lenses.
Yes, there are varying price points, however, the now not so new trio of 2.8, lens received widespread approval when released.
Also, though I am still happy with my XT20 and XT2, have yet to read any negative reviews, comments about the XT4. It is highly regarded.
Whilst unlikely, have you simply received poor samples of the lens and XT4?
Have found Fuji,Australia very accomodating and suggest you give them a call, if you still have the equipment, Neil Pash ,if still with Fuji in Sydney has proven very helpful.
Be very interested to hear how you,get on.
Versatile lens.
As always...informative.
The shutter sounds like dislodged earwax
That's what happens when the noise travels up through a metal attachement into the little Sony X3000 mounted on top of the camera.