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PRE-ORDERS (and support FR)
Today you can support my work here on Fujirumors. If you choose to pre-order it using one of the shoplinks (AmazonUS, BHphoto, Adorama, wexDE, wexUK & Co) in this post, FR will get a small commission on it. It won’t cost you a single penny extra on your gear. Thanks in advance to those who decide to support this blog… your support will keep this blog running.
PRE-ORDERS
XF 18-135 pre-orders: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama – EUROPE: wexUK / wexDE / PCHstore
Press-release
Fujifilm Global site /Spanish Press Release /
Frimware: “Fujifilm launches new firmware for three X-Series cameras that makes on-the-spot instax printing possible with the instax SHARE Smartphone Printer SP-1..” (UPDATE: this link has been removed. It was marked with the date “June 17”, so probably it is planed to be released tomorrow.)
First looks and samples
Hands on: Rico’s X-pert corner first look (samples and first look) / Real World Images at aboutrc.com / photoreview / Ivan Joshua Loh shots at facebook / mirrorlessons /
Videos: Amazing OIS performance, see the comparison Fujinon XF18-135 vs [shoplink 25819]Canon EF-S 18-135mm[/shoplink] in this video. Read more about it in Rico’s first look here. / Unboxing /
PRESS-RELEASE
Fujifilm launches its first weather resistant XF lens. FUJINON LENS XF18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Fujifilm Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) is announcing the release of its XF18-135mm high magnification zoom lens. The XF18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR will be available from July 2014.
This latest addition to the company’s line up of profession-grade lenses for X-series interchangeable-lens cameras covers a wide shooting range of 27mm wide-angle to 206mm telephoto equivalent*. It has the world’s most advanced 5.0-stop image stabilization technology** and features a dust-proof and waterproof structure with weather resistant sealing applied to more than 20 different areas of the lens.
- * 35mm film equivalent
- ** Complies with CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) standards
![[Image]](http://www.fujifilm.com/news/img/news/n140616/pic_01.jpg)
1. Product name, release date
| Product name | FUJINON LENS XF18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR |
![[Image] FUJINON LENS XF18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR](http://www.fujifilm.com/news/img/news/n140616/pic_02.jpg) |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | July, 2014 |
2. Product features
(1) Covering a wide shooting range, from 27mm wide-angle to 206mm telephoto*
- The new XF18-135mm lens is suited to a variety of scene types and subject matter as it covers frequently used angles of view. These include wide-angle shooting, often used for landscapes and architecture with an excellent sense of perspective (27mm equivalent); a normal angle of view that naturally captures the image as it is (35mm, 40mm, 50mm equivalent); and telephoto, which allows you to zoom right in to capture portraits and sports scenes (85mm, 135mm, 200mm equivalent) with its 7.5x zoom.
- To achieve high descriptive performance with sharpness and rich contrast from the wide-angle to the telephoto, high-performance glass including 4 aspherical glass lenses and 2 ED glass lenses has been used. Multi-layer HT-EBC, which has high permeability (99.8%) and low reflectance (0.2%), is applied to the entire lens to effectively reduce lens flare and ghosting, which often occur in backlight conditions.Utilizing the wide zoom range of the lens, there is more freedom in composition and selecting angles.
- * 35mm format equivalent
(2) Fast autofocus (max. 0.10sec.)**, silent operation
- The XF18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR uses an inner focusing mechanism*** for rapid autofocus speeds. This was engineered by making the focus lens lighter and installing a linear motor. When this lens is combined with an X-series camera body*4 which is compatible with phase detection AF, smooth photography is offered with faster AF.
- Linear motor technology which directly drives the focus lens creates low noise for silent operation when shooting movies.
- ** Complies with CIPA guidelines, internal measurement, during high performance mode, according to Fujifilm as of June 2014
- *** Method that moves relatively smaller lenses in the middle or at the end without moving the front which is composed of relatively larger lenses
- *4 As of June 2014, “FUJIFILM X-T1” and “FUJIFILM X-E2”
(3) World’s most advanced 5.0-stop image stabilization function
- In order to achieve the world’s most advanced 5.0-stop image stabilization performance, the ability to detect movement in the low-frequency band was improved, and an algorithm to accurately sense blur from the detected signal was developed. Correction performance was doubled in the low-speed shutter range. This helps to support a lightly-equipped shooting style without the use of a tripod.
- The newly adopted high-precision gyro sensor is installed with quartz oscillators which detect movement from high frequency to low frequency bandwidths.
![[Image] World’s most advanced 5.0-stop image stabilization function](http://www.fujifilm.com/news/img/news/n140616/pic_03.jpg)
(4) Weather resistant structure
- Weather resistant structure with sealing applied to 20 different areas of the lens barrel is resistant to typical atmospheric changes that occur in a natural environment, such as sudden rain, dust, and splashes of water.
- In order to improve the feel when adjusting the zoom, a ventilator has been placed on the inside of the base of the lens barrel. The structure effectively prevents dust particles and moisture from getting into the lens to ensure smooth operation.
- Designed to be paired with the Fujifilm X-T1 and its dedicated vertical grip VG-XT1 which also have weather resistant bodies.
![[Image] Weather resistant structure](http://www.fujifilm.com/news/img/news/n140616/pic_04.jpg)
(5) Light-weight and compact design for excellent portability
- The XF18-135mm lens offers a wide shooting range, advanced image stabilization, and a dust-proof, waterproof structure, all in a compact structure.
- When combined with the X-T1, the camera and lens weigh a mere 930g. This highly portable weather resistant kit offers much improved flexibility and wider photo opportunities to the photographer.
- The adoption of 4 aspherical lenses, each of which delivers the performance of multiple general spherical lenses together, has been used to achieve the lens’ extremely short optical length. With an easily maneuverable size and good holding balance with the total lens length, a comfortable shooting style is promised.
![[Image] Light-weight and compact design for excellent portability](http://www.fujifilm.com/news/img/news/n140616/pic_05.jpg)
3. Specification Chart
| Name | FUJINON LENS XF18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR | |
|---|---|---|
| Lens configuration | 16 elements in 12 groups (4 aspherical elements and 2 ED lenses) |
|
| Focal length | f=18-135mm (35mm format equivalent: 27-206mm) |
|
| Angle of view | 76.5°- 12° | |
| Maximum aperture | F3.5-5.6 | |
| Minimum aperture | F22 | |
| Aperture control | Number of blades: | 7 (rounded diaphragm opening) |
| Step size: | 1/3 step (17 steps) | |
| Focus range | Normal: 0.6m – ∞ Macro: 0.45m – ∞ |
|
| Maximum magnification | 0.27× | |
| External dimensions: Maximum diameter X length (approx.) (distance from tip to standard mount flange) |
φ75.7mm × 97.8mm (Wide-angle) / 158mm (Tele) | |
| Weight (approx.) (excluding lens cap and hood) |
490g | |
| Filter size | φ67mm | |
- * To ensure that autofocus performs as expected, download and install the latest version of the firmware for your camera.
The firmware can be downloaded from the following website.
http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/fw_table.html *available from June 27th
33 Responses
Another 18-xxx mm kit lens at a very high price. We’ll have to wait to see if it’s worthy of the $.
It has some unique features which may justify the high price. Don’t buy it right away in any case, wait for the sales later this year.
if IQ wise it is up there with the likes of Nikon’s 24-120 F/4 VR (which is not silly to expect from Fuji considering the quality & IQ of existing lenses) it is not unreasonnably priced considering the (advertised) OIS, WR sealing and complex optical formula allowing for fairly close focus, which each seem on paper one or two notches above the pro level offering from Nikon and a complete set of notches 🙂 from the amateur/enthousiast offering. You’re right: only real world test and reviews on production lenses will tell especially on CA and corner sharpness
In so many ways this new lens is not really comparable to the Nikon 24-120 (which I own). It weighs much less but it is slower. Try putting the Nikon on an X-Pro1. Maybe compare to the Sony for NEX or the Tamron, both of which are much cheaper. Let’s see how this really compares before defending or bashing Fuji.
I too have the 24-120 f/4 and it is (was) my goto lens when I want(ed) to get out “light” with only one lens. What I was trying to say was that if the IQ was at least comparable, that would make a really interesting proposition, considering that /on paper/ the rest of the specs is above. Yes it is slower by 1 stop but the new OIS (again on paper) over compensates this in the camera shake department (obviously not on DOF). If it delivers on the promises then the price would not be outrageous: high but fair considering the competition.
Time will tell.
Regards
Soooo…. is there a chance to hear anything about the rumored X-T1 update as well today?
I think that rumors point to July
I was really hoping…
That OIS really looks good
First – Patrick, thanks for your efforts and dedication. A fruitful sleepless night !
Then – I could not find any informations about the firmware updates – aside from a reference to 3 bodies being able to print directly to Fuji’s printer. and a refresh of firmware for compatibility on the new lens. Any other details by any chance ?
Fuji deleted the news with the firmware. There was just the headline, and when I clicked on it, there was an error page. Therefore I do not have more details about it… but it was marked June 17, so I’d expect it to come tomorrow
Very interesting FW concept. For every new lens, all cameras need to update their FW? How long is Fuji going to keep on this effort for older/replaced models? Again one of those issues with Fuji X I find quite important – as this kind of approach doesn’t seem to exist with any other camera brand. I’m btw not so confident that Fuji cares so much about legacy, the only thing they assume we’ll do is buy new stuff.
Great lens for soccer moms.
Actually it’s good for landscape, as you usually shoot at smaller apertures.
If it proves to be a sharp lens, it’s a great travel solution.
And for fuddy-duddy old men who go on vacations.
Great lens for people who want good image quality at 18-135mm with WR and OIS.
Choosing a lens based on ‘for noobs – for pros’ is a firm evidence that you are not far from ‘moms’ 😉
“Choosing a lens based on ‘for noobs – for pros’ is a firm evidence that you are not far from ‘moms’ ;-)”
lol
There’s a difference between “good” image quality and excellent image quality. If you were a professional you’d understand this. Very few zooms approach prime lens quality; the ones that do don’t offer more than 2.5X reach. Do pros use consumer zooms? Sure, sometimes. But never for critical work, and rarely for paid work. Why? Because consumer zooms are always compromised by at least one of the following: complex aberrations, distortion, or vignetting.
Well, may your supercilious highness explain us why does that ‘soccer moms’ lens isn’t good for ordinary enthusiast photographers who need versatility and endurance? (It’s a bit harder than drone on about ‘average flaws of average zooms in average situation’)
I saw samples images in this article and I like it. Or it’s not cool because it’s not canon 85 1.2 L?
“…explain us why does that ‘soccer moms’ lens isn’t good…”
Explain it I did, young Padawan. But grasp it you did not. 😉
Now that’s a more reasonable price than the rumoured $1100. Still a bit on the pricey side, but not bad if it delivers the same quality as the 18-55.
Some people commented that this is a soccer-mom lens. Don’t think soccer moms will use Fuji cameras, and yes, it’s a convenience zoom, but there’s nothing wrong with that. Not something I would want to buy (there are other priorities now, but maybe for location scouting?) but it does complement the Fuji lens line-up.
Yawn…
Now go make that 18-33 f/2.0 zoom that I’ve been dreaming of please.
First they release a waterproof camera with no waterproof lenses. Then a few months later a water-proof superzoom lens where nobody was waiting for. Oh yes, unless a few fresh amateurs in swimming suite enjoying their summer holidays – they finally went over from smartphone photography to the real thing. I’ll never understand Fuji’s logic… or should it be called fuzzy-logic? The world has been missing waterproof cameras a long time and in a certain way, it still can. Toys for boys, the whole videoworld is running a not-waterproof cameras unless the occasional gopros for the action boys.
It isn’t waterproof. It is weather resistant as is the X-T1. Big difference. Get your terms correct!
Look at Fujis release note. Waterproof structure and weather resistant sealing. Maybe they should tell what they mean.
What does “R” stands for?
“Ring” (refering to the aperture ring)
OIC. Don’t remember seeing it on other lenses
Rain proof!
Does anyone know the max apertures at the various focal lengths?
I’m sure it will be a high performing lens. Fuji hasn’t disappointed yet and I wouldn’t mind having one either as an all purpose lens. I’m a little bit disappointed that there wasn’t more announcements. It seemed like there was a lot of hype leading up to it but it turned out to be just a lens announcement.
Money making and therefore marketing is not a bad thing inherently, but you lost me at “live blogging” in anticipation for a new zoom lens.
Did anyone notice on the aofficial web site under tge features tab for the lens that in the notes at the end it says the sample images are simulated! What does that mean?
Firmware update press release is up now. It only applies to X-Q1, X-M1, and X-A1. It allows those three bodies to wirelessly use an instax printer.
Bummer. I was hoping for the X-T1’s remote control features to trickle down to the X-E2, or a wax-off feature for high ISO jpeg portraits so people would quit complaining.