No menu digging needed for manual aperture: just use front control wheel. Also, if AF/MF is turned off in the menus, the FOCUS ring can be used to precisely control the zoom. I have a dozen XF lenses, but this little guy is one of m6 favorites.
I def see your point on all the issues. I ended up buying an X-T100 (already had an X-T3) for a hiking holiday walking 225 miles in Northern Spain. When ounces counted, this lens and the smaller body made a world of difference and I really liked the wider view. Thanks for the vid!
Hey Don, I'm planning on buying the X-T3 shortly as well, and am looking for a little brother for it in the fuji line like the X-T100 for a b camera second video angle. The specs show that both these cameras can do 30min of video recording, where as most of the other fuji cameras are limited in record length. Since my interviews are about 30 min in length unedited the X-T100 looks like a possibility - if I buy the X-T100 I'm wondering if I should just get this kit lens for the $100 more. Do you have any suggestions? Interviews are mainly indoors on tripod less than 10' from subject with studio lights.
Hai, i have xpro 3 also and want to buy this lens. XC 15-45mm. Is it worth to buy? Is there any lack of image? Or any problem? Please give me a review. Thanks a lot :)
DUDE, What a pleasure it is to see a lens reviewer who takes good pictures, not just good but 10X what virtually other lens reviewer shows us. Just goes to show you, it really doesn’t matter how good or bad your lens is...if you cant compose good pictures to start with. Thanks!
Thanks for your kind words Michael. That's really all that matters to me in the end, so I appreciate that. Reviewing gear has always just been an excuse to document, and to share that documentation.
Great lens to use as a 15mm prime. The zoom is not fun at all, best to think of that as an added bonus along with OIS. It is as sharp as the 18-55mm and 23mm f2 in the center. Edges are OK. It will be perfectly good for landscapes at 15mm f4 ish, for $100-120 split from a kit.
If you have to vlog on an X-E4 with the flip up screen and no IBIS, this lens is perfect. It's super light, keep it set at 15mm with OIS on and don't do anything else with it and it will work better than pretty much anything else in the Fuji catalog. The introduction of the S10 changes the equation with IBIS but again if you love everything about the X-E4 (the budget Pro3) and need to vlog this is the ticket.
Just spreading positive vibes! Soooo glad you did a review on this lens, i was always wondering about this lens for vlogging format. I think I'm gonna stick to my 18-55 Kit lens.
I have never tried the 15-45mm. However I do own the 16-50mm and the 50-230mm XCs. I am not impressed with the image quality of the 16-50mm. The 50-230mm is a very different story. The lens is simply insane. Blew my mind completely. Up there with the XF and Zeiss glass that I own. I'm talking about image quality here, which as a still photography is my primary concern.
I know this is an old video, but I'm just seeing it. I wanted to comment on your mention of not being able to use this lens if the weather is less than optimal. I have the XC 50-230mm lens, and I shoot it on rainy days and have no problems with it. I haven't used the 15-45 yet (though I will be trying it out this weekend, as I'm considering it along with the X-T200 for vlogging and as my "always with me" kit), but my assumption as of today is that its characteristics would be similar to the longer lens and the earlier XC16-50). Your comments about the XF18-55 are spot on, though -- probably the best "kit lens" on the market.
Just an FYI about a couple of issues raised, the copy of this lens that I've just bought used doesn't revert to the 15mm focal length when my camera goes to sleep or when I turn it off. It did set itself to aperture priority by default when I first put it on, but it also set the aperture control to the front face control wheel on my X-T20 so it was really easy for me to just scroll out of that mode and set the aperture manually without digging through menus to enable that. I guess just another example of Fuji updating their firmware (I'm currently using version 2.10 for the X-T20) and listening to complaints like this when they do.
I bought one last year and returned it as it was faulty. I also disliked the power zoom and build quality but loved the 15mm. I ended up getting a second hand 18-55mm for less money, a much better buy imo.
@@TheBanjoShowOfficial ha ha, very possible! It's a great price for what it is, especially on the used market but wasn't one for me. All Fuji lenses are better than most of us really need.
I don't think this is a weird focal length range. If you switch the general 24-70 focal length into apsc range, becomes 16-46.6mm. It is actually closer to 15-45mm focal length than the kit lens 18-55mm.
As someone who mostly shoots primes, 24-70mm (equivalent) is a huge range to have in just one lens. Nothing weird about it, I agree. Any photographer who has trouble shooting in that large range, better examine their skills. :-)
I shoot with two Sony cameras, and they are doing fine, but I have to agree. The A6000 series (which I don't own) are the ugliest cameras out there in my opinion. Greetings from Brazil.
I got the 16 - 55mm f2.8 recently. Not sure I really deserve it at this point in my photography journey, but it is really incredible, and it fit the bill for my final budgeted tax write-off of 2018.
I end up having this lens on all the time. With the zoom in, it's really, so it's great for traveling. I also find the 15 to be great for a lot of things, and the zoom as a bonus makes it pretty versatile. Just miss the f2 aperture of my 23.
I tried this lens from my wife's XA5 kit on my X-E2. It did OK. I set to manual focus~wide for street. The focus ring is very touchy and moves easily. Wide open 3.5 and wide angle was ok but zoom in a bit and it became a problem. Focus was slow; older camera and less expensive lens combo didn't help. I shot bright daylight and it did OK on the street. I sold my 18-55mm. That was a mistake. I may borrow this lens from her again but I think I'll stick to the 27mm f2.8 and 35mm f2 for street and family shots. I do have to say the XA5 combo does a pretty good job for my wife. Full auto she's getting some really great shots. Plenty of camera for her to hang out with me and not get bored as I "capture the moments".
nice to see a review about lenses and it not mainly be aimed at a vlogger audience, seems like most RUclipsrs are reviewing cameras and lenses these days and assuming all their audience are vloggers just being we're watching via RUclips. Solid review man, 1 new sub for you :)
It's not so much about being shallow (and I know you know this), it's about the (esthetic) design and how good design changes the way we go about everyday life. Functional design gets the job done, functional and beautiful design is next level.
Just discovered your channel, andI really like your unpretentious approach. I have a XC 16-50, which came with a secondhand XPro-1 body I bought. The lens is really not bad at all and the 16mm end is really useful, but the plastic lens mount is going to be the death of this lens. I find myself getting in and out of various vehicles, boats and small aircraft when shooting, and my lenses often get a little clonk here and there, this lens would probably get hurt quite easily.
The price seems a bit steep. Down here (Australia) The 15-45 isn't sold separately. But the XC 55-230 can be had new for $200 (150 US) a bargain for the hobbyist looking for extra reach.
Greetings from Florida USA Jamie. I will add that the XC 50-230mm is an insanely good lens as far as image quality. Rivaling some of the best pro glass that I own. But yes, you get the plastic build, it's not well suited for low light, and the AF hunts a bit. Even considering those negatives, I still consider it one of Fuji's best lenses. A crazy value considering the image quality.
My lens remembers were it was when the camera is powered off. The opposite of what you found. And it actually really bugs me. I wish it would reset back to 15mm when powered on. I wonder if a firmware update changed things or if there is a menu setting or if it depends on the camera (X-T100 in my case)
Search "Fujifilm rope" on Amazon/ Google and they pop up. If it's quick release will be getting one because the stock one is pretty much a nightmare to take on an off the camera lol
Size is the key aspect. Checking reviews the lens is supposed to be sharper at the wider end but not so good at 45mm. It is also relatively close focusing. You need to stop down for sharpness and contrast. To me even though the 18-55 is much better it is perhaps 3x larger to carry, especially with the hood fitted. If you look at stopping down and using the wide end. Using it baring in mind it’s limitations then it could be a good choice. If you are going for documentary shots, landscape and compositions it would be reasonable offering. Not so good for low light and shallow DOF. Personally I will be using this as my keep in the car kit with an XE1 to double up as my take everywhere camera. Smallness is important. Though I accept that many Fuji lenses are extremely large even relative to FF systems, compactness is an issue and I’m not sure Fuji the company have really accommodated users who are looking for small kit. You have the 18 and 27mm pancakes but the 18mm isn’t really that sharp though it does have a big following. Even the whole host of new primes that have been brought out recently aren’t that small with hood. I think “small” might be a bit of a disregarded concept at Fuji because they’re going for quality, not compactness. They could do more in this area because a lot of folks do want compactness. It’s not a niche market.
I needed help to decide, which one to buy, i am buying one of these, both comes in similar price here in Thailand : 1. Fujifilm xt20 with kit lens 18-55mm f 2.8-4 2. Fujiflim xt30 with kit lens 15-45mm f 3.5-5. Both are around 750$ i am not sure which one to buy.
Great review & pictures on this lens. It sounds like a good walk-around lens. Here is the dilemma, would you buy X-T20 w/ XF18-55mm F2.8-4 over X-T30 w/ XC15-45mm 3.5-5.6 consider they are both priced similarly? Thanks again for the review.
When I got my X-T20, it came with the XC16-50mm and that's overall a pretty good lens for the price: very verstaile focal length range, decent image quality (although soft at times) and extremely lightweight ... but there was this one time I shot a contrasty picture and OMG that chromatic aberration was absolutely disgusting :( Still good to get started if you need to go cheap, but I wish I had gone for the 18-55mm from the very beginning. I would still miss that 16mm, though ... I'm looking forward for that 16-80mmF4 that Fuji should be releasing this year :)
I liked the wider view of this lens for walkaround and travel than the 18-55, among the copies I used head to head, the 15-45 was actually sharper, which surprised me. It is a fiddly thing though..I'm really used to 24 equiv FOV as a midrange zoom, that has been normal for well over a decade now, so going back to 28 at the wide end feels really awkward to me. I've got multiple primes when I want the best IQ anyway and wouldn't do those kind of shots with any zoom.
I get the wanting your gear to look good. I have the G2 version of the Tamron 24-70 and 70-200. I love how the G2 version look and feel, in addition to the improvements that they made to the G1 version. I'm tempted to upgrade my 15-30 G1 Tamron partially because of the looks and that it'll match the other two lenses of my Tamronian Trinity (also the build quality and optics and focusing improvements wouldn't be too shabby).
I have both the XF 18-55 and XC15-45 but i prefer using the 15-45 when i travel, its small and light, i travel with both 15-45 and 50-230. My only con with this is the zoom, i consume more battery as compared with the xf18-50
I got this thrown in with my X-T100. I had previously tried it on the X-A5 and didn’t like it. But... I’ve found it makes a great studio/video lens. That being said power zooms just don’t make sense to me.
@@ryans_life I will just add the XC 50-230mm is a killer lens regarding image quality. The one factor I am primarily concerned with. I love that lens for its image quality. I can work around any other shortcomings.
Snagged it open box at a camera store for 140.99 and I know some others that have gotten it for around 120 on eBay. I solely use it at 15mm for that selfie vlogging style. It seems I'm not alone in this as a few people in here have said they use this for video. It being wideeee I can snap my camera on my SwitchPod and not even have to hold it out an arms length away to get solid angles. So yeah, you can grab these thinks super cheap if you hunt and like the vid says - that 15mm is interesting so for that cheap, it may just be worth it.
Hmmm, interesting review. Funny that you think it is so wide, fuji lists it as a 23mm-69mm (35mm eqv), so basically a 24-70. Pretty much the standard. The 16-50mm is basically a 24-75mm. To me, that makes it a really nice walk around lens.
One thing you didn't mention annoyed me most. The lens kept turning off when I press the playback button to review photos. It only happens on my X-T3, and the lens works much better on my mom's X-T20. I hope fuji will address this issue with firmware update.
The 16-50 can focus close too ( even a little bit closer ) and don’t have power zoom and it’s cheaper because it’s the old one now :) and it provides a lens hood, which can be good to have a small protection too
@@AndrewGoodCamera XC 15-45mm min focus is 15cm. (5.9 inches). XC 16-50mm is 30cm. ~12 inches) I own the 16-50mm. A decent kit lens at best. Not too impressed, but I own some really fine glass so perhaps I am jaded. The 50-230mm however, blows my mind as far as image quality.
Denae & Andrew oh I still have X gear, I use mostly the GF, but the X series is nice for the reasons you mentioned above, great image quality in a small light package. The GFX just works for 80% of my needs
I love the 16mm f2.8, it's the lens I leave on my XT30 most of the time. It's so sharp that I can shoot wide angle with my subject being smaller than I would shoot it normally, but I can crop 50-60% and still have a good clear image to work with. I love this focal length and it gets more versatile the more I use it, contrast and colors are great, and the tiny size is another plus. Grab it!
Great video as always! 😆 So what's the actual difference between this and the 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 kit Fuji X kit lens? Is it optical quality? Oh man San Francisco looks great. Your pictures look great!
One critical factor is the 16-50mm is not power zoom, it is a manual zoom. I own it. It is decent for what it is. The image quality never really satisfied me though. Then again, I have a collection of some of the finest glass.
Great review 🥺 But can you help me to choose between XC 15-45mm and XC 35mmf2 ? Which one is better for newbie ? I just want to take random moments, mostly traveling shots and sometimes streets. The body is XT20
I have exactly those 3, XT20 + XC 35f2 and 15-45. Thing with 35 is, since the body has a crop sensor, the focal equivalent will be around 50 ish. It is really great for street and I mainly only use it for street but for travelling, trust me there will be times (more often than not) you gonna wish you had a wider lens. Plus 15-45 has OIS which is good enough for video in case you want to vlog where as 35 doesn't. So starting out with 15-45 won't be a bad idea at all.
I'm thinking to get this for RUclips videos of me chatting in the room, and I don't usually do wide angle shooting for my photography so wondering if it will suit to just buy this for the 15mm and doing RUclips video of me reviewing some camera gears that I use for my work.
My wife likes to take pics on my cameras, but is really still at the stage where she's flying full auto. She uses my back-up body (X-S10) and xf18-55 at the moment. I feel like this would be a good lens to get her second hand, so I can use the 18-55 from time to time, and she won't be lacking anything with the XC other than the extra reach...
Well, as many photographers will tell you lenses are perhaps more important than the camera. Brutal honesty but pretty fair in my opinion. I get the look and feel thing. I love Fuji gear. It just sings to me. I love it.
I would argue that every piece of gear has this limitations but I know a guy that went to a photo event and out shot a guy who had a canon 1DX while he had a canon rebel. Gear does matter I know a lot of people get upset about that statement it does matter but to a point. Right tool right job but even then if you don’t have the skills to use the tools at that point it doesn’t really matter.
Quirky is right. On my xa3 it resets to 15. On my xt100 it come back to where i left it. Prob something I have set in the menus. The little ring seems to do nothing.
Lens resetting is determined by camera body firmware. I updated my X-T20 and it remembers focal length now. The A3 may have a firmware update that includes new settings for the XC 15-45mm lens. They may not have updated the firmware!
I can say I much rather prefer manual lens that you turn with your hand. Think of it as an automatic vs manual car, manual is just so much more fun and you feel like youre a part of the apparatus.
Few will admit it, but that's a huge part of the rangefinder vs slr-style argument. I still have my Oly em5-m2 (despite having bought a newer fuji body), mostly because it has that (IMO) gorgeous vintage look in that tiny weather sealed Mag body. Rangefinder "is more discreet for street" or "fits better in a bag" although may also be true, those are justifications in the end, for most folks. The real motivation (when honestly examined) is aesthetic. And there ain't nothin' wrong with that.
Superb review. Liked the way you explained it - straight and clear. I'm in the market for an X-T200 mostly for occasional videos and have been offered the 18-55 in place of the 15-45 for an additional $250. Should I go ahead or pick the 18-55 for the versatility it offers or a fast prime (23F2) for a further $100 more? Appreciate insights.
@@seed157 Well! I actually went with the Fuji X-S10 paired with the 18-55 stock lens. Have also added a Tokina 23mm F1.4 to my kit. And yes, very pleased with the setup
I just bought this lens and returned it almost straight away. Your experience was with the XT3, well try it with an older body, like mine, I have the XA2 and the XE2S. The XC 15-45 does not work well with these "older" bodies. The outer ring does not work as a zoom, if you take a photograph, then decide to look at it, the lens will zoom back in and switch off, after you look at the image and want to take another photo you have to wait while it wakes up again. It seems Fuji only fully support this lens in some of the very new bodies, but not the older ones even though mine have the latest firmware. Shame because I was looking forward to the wide view and the weight and size was so good.
I'm sure the lens isn't awful, but personally I wouldn't touch it with a stick. I've never liked power zooms, for one. But it's also the fact that I have no need for such a lens and I'm spoiled by the ones I own. 😁
An avid photographer is going to have a better experience manually focusing vintage lenses. This is for budget photographer who has to have AF. Definitely a different market than most of us.
One question- Why would one turn off image stabilization on a lens? I have heard that when doing long exposures on a tripod, it is best to turn lens stabilization off. Another case might be if the the camera has IBIS, perhaps they would not play well together? Although I just learned that the new X-H1 firmware update allows lens stabilization and IBIS to "play nice together" when both are enabled.
Hi Andrew thank you for doing such a great review video. I plan on using this lens for shooting video do you know if it does Continuous AF mode? I have a Fuji X-T2. Thank you
I also like the way my gear looks and I feel it is important! Fuji has a lot going for it in this aspect. I actually really do not like how my xf 23mm f2 looks on my x-t3. :D Thinking of picking up the 1.4 version to fix that. :D
I’m about to pounce on a Black Friday sale on a X-T100. Went to the camera shop this weekend and tried the cam and lens and was really disappointed. I’ll obvs study the manual when I get it but I couldn’t figure out how to zoom by hand in the shop and I really hate the electronic zoom. Haven’t had a camera in years but I want something that feels like my old canon film cam used to. So even though the kit with this lens is only like $70 more expensive than the camera on its own I’m going to rather add the money to my lens fund where I hope to eventually have a kit of - 23mm f2 for everyday lightweight travel - the 18-55 kit one for all day single lens versatility out and about And with more dollar the more specialty type primes - 16mm f1.4 for fun angles and quirky shots - 56mm f1.2 for portraits and blurrrr
Hey Andrew! First thanks you so much for helping me with your videos on get my new T20 :) but now.. I have borrowed a 50 230 and love it! But to have my own lens i have a tight budget... You, as a X t20 Lover haha you recommend this setup to start on photograhpy? X T20 + THIS LENS?? Will help a lot. Thanks!
when you say not good for printing large, what do you mean by large? I'd love to get the 10-24 but I'm not a pro and can't justify it and the 18-55 range is annoying, neither here nor there (for me).
Thank you for this nice review. Just checking which lens to get rid of for my vlogging to save some money: XF16-80, or the XC 15-45... Still not sure. But if you only enjoy the 15mm in the XC15-45, then I will probably sell the XC 15-45 again. Or do you have another recommendation? :-D
I got the lens with a camera that I bought, the 15mm end is just great to have, in good light the lens is useful, walking around town that kind of thing grab shots, the zoom is not the best in use it can be difficult to get right. but thinking about it the lens as a place in my kit bag because of the 15mm view which is my widest lens at the moment.
Love your reviews man! Just a question: do you think my wide angle itch would be satisfied with this instead of opting to go for a more expensive 16mm 2.8?
No, you can go to 8, 11, 16 etc. But in term of aperture, bigger number is smaller aperture, example, like if this lens 3.5 to 5.6, 3.5 is max aperture or wide open.
Hithere. I just recently purchased a T100 and came with this lenses as a kit. I’m a beginner and I want this camera for travel, you know, portraits with buildings an monuments as a background and in general traveling pictures. Do you recommend to buy a 50 f2 or a 35 f2 as a second lenses? I like your channel, It’s easy to understand when you are not an expert. 👍
If you are going to shoot portraits with heavy focus on the person, go with the 50. If you are going to shoot more environmental portraits go 35, if you are never going to see a rainy day go 35 f1.4. that lense has magic in it but lacks weatherproofing. Hope this is helpful *edit the 35 F2 is almost always on my xt3 and definitely always in my bag*
Most zoom shooters usually use only the 18 or the 55. Even Andrew mentions it. I would go for the Fuji 18mm and 50mm primes. Just something to think about. You will get better performance and faster aperture speeds.
Baruch Cohen I never got the 18-55 because I actually went with the primes 35 f2 and 56 f1.2. I love these lenses as well as my slow 10-24 f4 but I always feel like I’m missing out with the 18-55; everyone is always speaking wonders about it!
@@barrycohen311 well, then you have to carry two lenses. If you wanna travel as light as you can, I'd rather just get one lens that covers both focal length.
nice; I am actually tempted to pick up a copy of this lens for travel / video now. If you are looking for another recommendation you should check out the 50-230 XC lens which has amazing bang for the buck, and paired with the 15-45 could make a simple, light travel kit.
@@AndrewGoodCamera I wrote a very brief review of the lens with some shots ( ankhphotography.net/blog/2017/11/16/fujifilm-xc-50-230m-f45-67-ois-lens-brief-review ) . I have since bought 2 more copies of the lens so I now have 2 Mk I versions and 1 Mk II version....just in case :)
No menu digging needed for manual aperture: just use front control wheel. Also, if AF/MF is turned off in the menus, the FOCUS ring can be used to precisely control the zoom. I have a dozen XF lenses, but this little guy is one of m6 favorites.
I def see your point on all the issues. I ended up buying an X-T100 (already had an X-T3) for a hiking holiday walking 225 miles in Northern Spain. When ounces counted, this lens and the smaller body made a world of difference and I really liked the wider view. Thanks for the vid!
Hey Don, I'm planning on buying the X-T3 shortly as well, and am looking for a little brother for it in the fuji line like the X-T100 for a b camera second video angle. The specs show that both these cameras can do 30min of video recording, where as most of the other fuji cameras are limited in record length. Since my interviews are about 30 min in length unedited the X-T100 looks like a possibility - if I buy the X-T100 I'm wondering if I should just get this kit lens for the $100 more. Do you have any suggestions? Interviews are mainly indoors on tripod less than 10' from subject with studio lights.
I'm interested in Fuji xt100!. As a beginner does it satisfy my need? What about AF? Also is it worth oveR Sony 6000a?
Owned this lens as a temporary body cap for my X-Pro3. Put its build quality aside, the image quality is absolutely impressive!
Hai, i have xpro 3 also and want to buy this lens. XC 15-45mm. Is it worth to buy? Is there any lack of image? Or any problem? Please give me a review. Thanks a lot :)
DUDE, What a pleasure it is to see a lens reviewer who takes good pictures, not just good but 10X what virtually other lens reviewer shows us. Just goes to show you, it really doesn’t matter how good or bad your lens is...if you cant compose good pictures to start with. Thanks!
Thanks for your kind words Michael. That's really all that matters to me in the end, so I appreciate that. Reviewing gear has always just been an excuse to document, and to share that documentation.
Great lens to use as a 15mm prime. The zoom is not fun at all, best to think of that as an added bonus along with OIS. It is as sharp as the 18-55mm and 23mm f2 in the center. Edges are OK. It will be perfectly good for landscapes at 15mm f4 ish, for $100-120 split from a kit.
Right, I pretty much only use the 15mm and it’s super sharp. It’s dope.
Right, I pretty much only use the 15mm and it’s super sharp. It’s dope.
Detailed, honest and realistic review of the lens. Thank-you for your detail.
Interesting. The 'imperfection' of the XC lenses adds some character to the photos.
If you have to vlog on an X-E4 with the flip up screen and no IBIS, this lens is perfect. It's super light, keep it set at 15mm with OIS on and don't do anything else with it and it will work better than pretty much anything else in the Fuji catalog. The introduction of the S10 changes the equation with IBIS but again if you love everything about the X-E4 (the budget Pro3) and need to vlog this is the ticket.
Just spreading positive vibes! Soooo glad you did a review on this lens, i was always wondering about this lens for vlogging format. I think I'm gonna stick to my 18-55 Kit lens.
I have never tried the 15-45mm. However I do own the 16-50mm and the 50-230mm XCs. I am not impressed with the image quality of the 16-50mm. The 50-230mm is a very different story. The lens is simply insane. Blew my mind completely. Up there with the XF and Zeiss glass that I own. I'm talking about image quality here, which as a still photography is my primary concern.
I know this is an old video, but I'm just seeing it. I wanted to comment on your mention of not being able to use this lens if the weather is less than optimal. I have the XC 50-230mm lens, and I shoot it on rainy days and have no problems with it. I haven't used the 15-45 yet (though I will be trying it out this weekend, as I'm considering it along with the X-T200 for vlogging and as my "always with me" kit), but my assumption as of today is that its characteristics would be similar to the longer lens and the earlier XC16-50).
Your comments about the XF18-55 are spot on, though -- probably the best "kit lens" on the market.
Just an FYI about a couple of issues raised, the copy of this lens that I've just bought used doesn't revert to the 15mm focal length when my camera goes to sleep or when I turn it off. It did set itself to aperture priority by default when I first put it on, but it also set the aperture control to the front face control wheel on my X-T20 so it was really easy for me to just scroll out of that mode and set the aperture manually without digging through menus to enable that. I guess just another example of Fuji updating their firmware (I'm currently using version 2.10 for the X-T20) and listening to complaints like this when they do.
I bought one last year and returned it as it was faulty. I also disliked the power zoom and build quality but loved the 15mm. I ended up getting a second hand 18-55mm for less money, a much better buy imo.
What was faulty about it?
It was the front ring, it didn't do anything.
@@suehodnett6911 or you had the camera on AF-S/C and thats why it didn't do anything. It only does something on AF-M. Lol.
@@TheBanjoShowOfficial ha ha, very possible! It's a great price for what it is, especially on the used market but wasn't one for me. All Fuji lenses are better than most of us really need.
I don't think this is a weird focal length range. If you switch the general 24-70 focal length into apsc range, becomes 16-46.6mm. It is actually closer to 15-45mm focal length than the kit lens 18-55mm.
As someone who mostly shoots primes, 24-70mm (equivalent) is a huge range to have in just one lens. Nothing weird about it, I agree. Any photographer who has trouble shooting in that large range, better examine their skills. :-)
100% Agree on the auto-aperture issue. Super frustrating for a while when I picked this up.
Well, if we didn't care what our camera looked like, we'd just buy Sony :-)
🔥😉
I shoot with two Sony cameras, and they are doing fine, but I have to agree. The A6000 series (which I don't own) are the ugliest cameras out there in my opinion. Greetings from Brazil.
I dont know if i would. I god damn love the fuji look.
@@dangernba you serious? I thought they looked compact and slim. What are some of the best looking in your opinion then?
I had a NEX 6 but returned it soon. Not small enough for my pockets, not comfortable in my hands. I like how Fuji look, but not how they handle.
I got the 16 - 55mm f2.8 recently. Not sure I really deserve it at this point in my photography journey, but it is really incredible, and it fit the bill for my final budgeted tax write-off of 2018.
I end up having this lens on all the time. With the zoom in, it's really, so it's great for traveling. I also find the 15 to be great for a lot of things, and the zoom as a bonus makes it pretty versatile. Just miss the f2 aperture of my 23.
I tried this lens from my wife's XA5 kit on my X-E2. It did OK. I set to manual focus~wide for street. The focus ring is very touchy and moves easily. Wide open 3.5 and wide angle was ok but zoom in a bit and it became a problem. Focus was slow; older camera and less expensive lens combo didn't help. I shot bright daylight and it did OK on the street. I sold my 18-55mm. That was a mistake. I may borrow this lens from her again but I think I'll stick to the 27mm f2.8 and 35mm f2 for street and family shots. I do have to say the XA5 combo does a pretty good job for my wife. Full auto she's getting some really great shots. Plenty of camera for her to hang out with me and not get bored as I "capture the moments".
nice to see a review about lenses and it not mainly be aimed at a vlogger audience, seems like most RUclipsrs are reviewing cameras and lenses these days and assuming all their audience are vloggers just being we're watching via RUclips.
Solid review man, 1 new sub for you :)
It's not so much about being shallow (and I know you know this), it's about the (esthetic) design and how good design changes the way we go about everyday life. Functional design gets the job done, functional and beautiful design is next level.
I tested this lens on a Fujifilm XT3. The aperture can be set in auto or manual. Slow or fast Shift focus via touch screen is also possible.
Just discovered your channel, andI really like your unpretentious approach. I have a XC 16-50, which came with a secondhand XPro-1 body I bought. The lens is really not bad at all and the 16mm end is really useful, but the plastic lens mount is going to be the death of this lens. I find myself getting in and out of various vehicles, boats and small aircraft when shooting, and my lenses often get a little clonk here and there, this lens would probably get hurt quite easily.
The price seems a bit steep. Down here (Australia) The 15-45 isn't sold separately. But the XC 55-230 can be had new for $200 (150 US) a bargain for the hobbyist looking for extra reach.
Greetings from Florida USA Jamie. I will add that the XC 50-230mm is an insanely good lens as far as image quality. Rivaling some of the best pro glass that I own. But yes, you get the plastic build, it's not well suited for low light, and the AF hunts a bit. Even considering those negatives, I still consider it one of Fuji's best lenses. A crazy value considering the image quality.
My lens remembers were it was when the camera is powered off. The opposite of what you found. And it actually really bugs me. I wish it would reset back to 15mm when powered on. I wonder if a firmware update changed things or if there is a menu setting or if it depends on the camera (X-T100 in my case)
Ok, I've wanted to say this before ... that is a crazy camera strap! I love its chunky look.
Search "Fujifilm rope" on Amazon/ Google and they pop up. If it's quick release will be getting one because the stock one is pretty much a nightmare to take on an off the camera lol
Size is the key aspect. Checking reviews the lens is supposed to be sharper at the wider end but not so good at 45mm. It is also relatively close focusing. You need to stop down for sharpness and contrast. To me even though the 18-55 is much better it is perhaps 3x larger to carry, especially with the hood fitted. If you look at stopping down and using the wide end. Using it baring in mind it’s limitations then it could be a good choice. If you are going for documentary shots, landscape and compositions it would be reasonable offering. Not so good for low light and shallow DOF. Personally I will be using this as my keep in the car kit with an XE1 to double up as my take everywhere camera. Smallness is important. Though I accept that many Fuji lenses are extremely large even relative to FF systems, compactness is an issue and I’m not sure Fuji the company have really accommodated users who are looking for small kit. You have the 18 and 27mm pancakes but the 18mm isn’t really that sharp though it does have a big following. Even the whole host of new primes that have been brought out recently aren’t that small with hood. I think “small” might be a bit of a disregarded concept at Fuji because they’re going for quality, not compactness. They could do more in this area because a lot of folks do want compactness. It’s not a niche market.
Thank you for this review..... on my X-E3 this lense will make a killer setup!!!!
It's the best kit lens compared to other brands so far, and costs lower than 100 USD, very good!
have you ever used m43 kit lenses? Like panasonic 12-32mm
@@pizzasaurolophus this can fit on fuji x-t range?
Many of the XF lenses are also now made in the Philippines, such as the 18-55
I didn't know that. Thanks for letting me know
Yes mine is too. Recently noticed 2 spec of dust on rear element. Not good.
My X-T20 is made in Thailand.
i'm on a low budget, and just ordered this lense. thank you for this review. I'm really looking forward to take some cool shots...
I needed help to decide, which one to buy, i am buying one of these, both comes in similar price here in Thailand :
1. Fujifilm xt20 with kit lens 18-55mm f 2.8-4
2. Fujiflim xt30 with kit lens 15-45mm f 3.5-5.
Both are around 750$ i am not sure which one to buy.
x-t20
Great review & pictures on this lens. It sounds like a good walk-around lens. Here is the dilemma, would you buy X-T20 w/ XF18-55mm F2.8-4 over X-T30 w/ XC15-45mm 3.5-5.6 consider they are both priced similarly? Thanks again for the review.
When I got my X-T20, it came with the XC16-50mm and that's overall a pretty good lens for the price: very verstaile focal length range, decent image quality (although soft at times) and extremely lightweight ... but there was this one time I shot a contrasty picture and OMG that chromatic aberration was absolutely disgusting :(
Still good to get started if you need to go cheap, but I wish I had gone for the 18-55mm from the very beginning. I would still miss that 16mm, though ... I'm looking forward for that 16-80mmF4 that Fuji should be releasing this year :)
I liked the wider view of this lens for walkaround and travel than the 18-55, among the copies I used head to head, the 15-45 was actually sharper, which surprised me. It is a fiddly thing though..I'm really used to 24 equiv FOV as a midrange zoom, that has been normal for well over a decade now, so going back to 28 at the wide end feels really awkward to me. I've got multiple primes when I want the best IQ anyway and wouldn't do those kind of shots with any zoom.
28 at the wide end? Wouldn't this lens have a 22.5mm FOV at the wide end?
I’m referring to the 18-55...
I get the wanting your gear to look good. I have the G2 version of the Tamron 24-70 and 70-200. I love how the G2 version look and feel, in addition to the improvements that they made to the G1 version. I'm tempted to upgrade my 15-30 G1 Tamron partially because of the looks and that it'll match the other two lenses of my Tamronian Trinity (also the build quality and optics and focusing improvements wouldn't be too shabby).
I have both the XF 18-55 and XC15-45 but i prefer using the 15-45 when i travel, its small and light, i travel with both 15-45 and 50-230. My only con with this is the zoom, i consume more battery as compared with the xf18-50
I got this thrown in with my X-T100. I had previously tried it on the X-A5 and didn’t like it. But... I’ve found it makes a great studio/video lens. That being said power zooms just don’t make sense to me.
Yeah I'd use it without hesitation for vlogging.
What do you think of X-A5 (and X-T100 ) sensors?
Thanks for the video.
I bought this XC and I am thinking give it back to the shop and change to a XF.
your pictures are really stunning!!
Thank you!
Yeah it is a cute little guy. Man we are spoiled for choice with Fuji. Love the little 27mm and even the 5-230. Have a great day Andrew
50-230
@@andrecruz100 Yeah typo. 5 would be rad though, can you imagine the size of that lens though? :P
@@ryans_life I will just add the XC 50-230mm is a killer lens regarding image quality. The one factor I am primarily concerned with. I love that lens for its image quality. I can work around any other shortcomings.
@@barrycohen311 Amen to that. Was shocked at how good this lens was after I had my expectations lowered going in. Man does Fuji know how to make glass
Snagged it open box at a camera store for 140.99 and I know some others that have gotten it for around 120 on eBay. I solely use it at 15mm for that selfie vlogging style. It seems I'm not alone in this as a few people in here have said they use this for video. It being wideeee I can snap my camera on my SwitchPod and not even have to hold it out an arms length away to get solid angles. So yeah, you can grab these thinks super cheap if you hunt and like the vid says - that 15mm is interesting so for that cheap, it may just be worth it.
Hmmm, interesting review. Funny that you think it is so wide, fuji lists it as a 23mm-69mm (35mm eqv), so basically a 24-70. Pretty much the standard. The 16-50mm is basically a 24-75mm. To me, that makes it a really nice walk around lens.
Just wider compared to other kit lenses I'm used to.
One thing you didn't mention annoyed me most. The lens kept turning off when I press the playback button to review photos. It only happens on my X-T3, and the lens works much better on my mom's X-T20. I hope fuji will address this issue with firmware update.
Ohh. I don't often review photos until I've got them on my computer, so didn't notice that. That would be extremely annoying. :/ Bummer
Yeah, it is ultra annoying constantly resetting to 15mm.
The 16-50 can focus close too ( even a little bit closer ) and don’t have power zoom and it’s cheaper because it’s the old one now :) and it provides a lens hood, which can be good to have a small protection too
No. It's like 8 inches as opposed to the 15-45's 1.8 inches. At the tele end, yes, they are close to the same. But not the wide end.
@@AndrewGoodCamera XC 15-45mm min focus is 15cm. (5.9 inches). XC 16-50mm is 30cm. ~12 inches) I own the 16-50mm. A decent kit lens at best. Not too impressed, but I own some really fine glass so perhaps I am jaded. The 50-230mm however, blows my mind as far as image quality.
Great tip at 8:05 re manual control - cheers for that :-)
I hope that the upcoming fuji 16mm f2.8 is a good performer, its probably the lens I'm most interested in.
Yeah, I'm definitely excited to give it a spin. I didn't think you had any X gear.
Denae & Andrew oh I still have X gear, I use mostly the GF, but the X series is nice for the reasons you mentioned above, great image quality in a small light package. The GFX just works for 80% of my needs
I love the 16mm f2.8, it's the lens I leave on my XT30 most of the time. It's so sharp that I can shoot wide angle with my subject being smaller than I would shoot it normally, but I can crop 50-60% and still have a good clear image to work with. I love this focal length and it gets more versatile the more I use it, contrast and colors are great, and the tiny size is another plus. Grab it!
Great video as always! 😆 So what's the actual difference between this and the 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 kit Fuji X kit lens? Is it optical quality?
Oh man San Francisco looks great. Your pictures look great!
No idea. I haven't shot with that one yet. :)
both utilising multiple apherical and ED lens elements in complex way inside,should be on par.probaly
One critical factor is the 16-50mm is not power zoom, it is a manual zoom. I own it. It is decent for what it is. The image quality never really satisfied me though. Then again, I have a collection of some of the finest glass.
This lens is AMAZING
Great review 🥺 But can you help me to choose between XC 15-45mm and XC 35mmf2 ?
Which one is better for newbie ? I just want to take random moments, mostly traveling shots and sometimes streets. The body is XT20
I have exactly those 3, XT20 + XC 35f2 and 15-45. Thing with 35 is, since the body has a crop sensor, the focal equivalent will be around 50 ish. It is really great for street and I mainly only use it for street but for travelling, trust me there will be times (more often than not) you gonna wish you had a wider lens. Plus 15-45 has OIS which is good enough for video in case you want to vlog where as 35 doesn't. So starting out with 15-45 won't be a bad idea at all.
Great lens for landscape stills..Thank you!
I'm thinking to get this for RUclips videos of me chatting in the room, and I don't usually do wide angle shooting for my photography so wondering if it will suit to just buy this for the 15mm and doing RUclips video of me reviewing some camera gears that I use for my work.
Hi! I want it for the same... Did it work for you?
What film simulation or f-log processing did you use to create this? This is sooooo beautiful! 👍
My wife likes to take pics on my cameras, but is really still at the stage where she's flying full auto. She uses my back-up body (X-S10) and xf18-55 at the moment. I feel like this would be a good lens to get her second hand, so I can use the 18-55 from time to time, and she won't be lacking anything with the XC other than the extra reach...
Well, as many photographers will tell you lenses are perhaps more important than the camera. Brutal honesty but pretty fair in my opinion. I get the look and feel thing. I love Fuji gear. It just sings to me. I love it.
Hi, should I buy 18-55 mm or 18-135 model if given a choice. Is there any major changes in both of them?
Most of us are on Budget, for me its good enough. Nice video bro
I would argue that every piece of gear has this limitations but I know a guy that went to a photo event and out shot a guy who had a canon 1DX while he had a canon rebel. Gear does matter I know a lot of people get upset about that statement it does matter but to a point. Right tool right job but even then if you don’t have the skills to use the tools at that point it doesn’t really matter.
Deserve getting a like just for being able to discuss the lens for 17 minutes.
😂😂
Brutally honest review is what I was looking for, thank you for providing -- excellent video. Subscribed.
Quirky is right. On my xa3 it resets to 15. On my xt100 it come back to where i left it. Prob something I have set in the menus. The little ring seems to do nothing.
Lens resetting is determined by camera body firmware. I updated my X-T20 and it remembers focal length now. The A3 may have a firmware update that includes new settings for the XC 15-45mm lens. They may not have updated the firmware!
Will the xc15-45 be installed on the XA3, can both rings work normally? I'm worried if the small zoom ring can't be fine-tuned
Fujinon XF 18-55mm lenses are now also made in the Philippines, not just the cheap ones like the one you reviewed in this video. Just saying.
I can say I much rather prefer manual lens that you turn with your hand. Think of it as an automatic vs manual car, manual is just so much more fun and you feel like youre a part of the apparatus.
Gear aesthetic is far more important than we like to admit.
Few will admit it, but that's a huge part of the rangefinder vs slr-style argument. I still have my Oly em5-m2 (despite having bought a newer fuji body), mostly because it has that (IMO) gorgeous vintage look in that tiny weather sealed Mag body. Rangefinder "is more discreet for street" or "fits better in a bag" although may also be true, those are justifications in the end, for most folks. The real motivation (when honestly examined) is aesthetic. And there ain't nothin' wrong with that.
Superb review. Liked the way you explained it - straight and clear. I'm in the market for an X-T200 mostly for occasional videos and have been offered the 18-55 in place of the 15-45 for an additional $250. Should I go ahead or pick the 18-55 for the versatility it offers or a fast prime (23F2) for a further $100 more? Appreciate insights.
What did u chose in the end? And are u happy?
@@seed157 Well! I actually went with the Fuji X-S10 paired with the 18-55 stock lens. Have also added a Tokina 23mm F1.4 to my kit. And yes, very pleased with the setup
I just bought this lens and returned it almost straight away. Your experience was with the XT3, well try it with an older body, like mine, I have the XA2 and the XE2S. The XC 15-45 does not work well with these "older" bodies. The outer ring does not work as a zoom, if you take a photograph, then decide to look at it, the lens will zoom back in and switch off, after you look at the image and want to take another photo you have to wait while it wakes up again. It seems Fuji only fully support this lens in some of the very new bodies, but not the older ones even though mine have the latest firmware. Shame because I was looking forward to the wide view and the weight and size was so good.
Good to know
I'm sure the lens isn't awful, but personally I wouldn't touch it with a stick. I've never liked power zooms, for one. But it's also the fact that I have no need for such a lens and I'm spoiled by the ones I own. 😁
An avid photographer is going to have a better experience manually focusing vintage lenses. This is for budget photographer who has to have AF. Definitely a different market than most of us.
Your photos are just stunning. Is this color grading or fuji colors?
Thank you. Classic Chrome with small tweaks to contrast curves
I enjoyed your presentation. How did you gain control of the aperture function?
so...where is that menu item to turn off auto-aperture?
Maybe drive modes? Like aperture priority etc?
Sounds great but other reviews claim it is noisy when focusing and I know someone who owns this lens and has complained about this
One question- Why would one turn off image stabilization on a lens? I have heard that when doing long exposures on a tripod, it is best to turn lens stabilization off. Another case might be if the the camera has IBIS, perhaps they would not play well together? Although I just learned that the new X-H1 firmware update allows lens stabilization and IBIS to "play nice together" when both are enabled.
Exactly. On a tripod.
My preferite lens: it's incredible.
......like the 50-230 too.......
Very good video! What is the color profile you use in your camera for the color and b & w photos that appear in this video?
Hi Andrew thank you for doing such a great review video. I plan on using this lens for shooting video do you know if it does Continuous AF mode? I have a Fuji X-T2. Thank you
I also like the way my gear looks and I feel it is important! Fuji has a lot going for it in this aspect. I actually really do not like how my xf 23mm f2 looks on my x-t3. :D Thinking of picking up the 1.4 version to fix that. :D
Your image quality is so good! Were you using eterna? Did u color grade?
Classic Chrome with only small tweaks to curves
Thanks for the video! I think is a good alternative for expensive wide primes. Do you use a polarized filter in your pics?
I’m about to pounce on a Black Friday sale on a X-T100. Went to the camera shop this weekend and tried the cam and lens and was really disappointed. I’ll obvs study the manual when I get it but I couldn’t figure out how to zoom by hand in the shop and I really hate the electronic zoom. Haven’t had a camera in years but I want something that feels like my old canon film cam used to. So even though the kit with this lens is only like $70 more expensive than the camera on its own I’m going to rather add the money to my lens fund where I hope to eventually have a kit of
- 23mm f2 for everyday lightweight travel
- the 18-55 kit one for all day single lens versatility out and about
And with more dollar the more specialty type primes
- 16mm f1.4 for fun angles and quirky shots
- 56mm f1.2 for portraits and blurrrr
Hey Andrew! First thanks you so much for helping me with your videos on get my new T20 :) but now.. I have borrowed a 50 230 and love it! But to have my own lens i have a tight budget... You, as a X t20 Lover haha you recommend this setup to start on photograhpy? X T20 + THIS LENS?? Will help a lot. Thanks!
when you say not good for printing large, what do you mean by large? I'd love to get the 10-24 but I'm not a pro and can't justify it and the 18-55 range is annoying, neither here nor there (for me).
Thank you for this nice review. Just checking which lens to get rid of for my vlogging to save some money: XF16-80, or the XC 15-45... Still not sure. But if you only enjoy the 15mm in the XC15-45, then I will probably sell the XC 15-45 again. Or do you have another recommendation? :-D
Bro those handwarmers are dope! Where are they from?
I got the lens with a camera that I bought, the 15mm end is just great to have, in good light the lens is useful, walking around town that kind of thing grab shots, the zoom is not the best in use it can be difficult to get right. but thinking about it the lens as a place in my kit bag because of the 15mm view which is my widest lens at the moment.
Love your reviews man! Just a question: do you think my wide angle itch would be satisfied with this instead of opting to go for a more expensive 16mm 2.8?
I think it would be
@@AndrewGoodCamera Gotcha. Appreciate your reply 🙏
Beginner question. If the lens has a 3.5-5.6 aperture that means that my aperture setting should never go above 5.6 ever?
No, you can go to 8, 11, 16 etc. But in term of aperture, bigger number is smaller aperture, example, like if this lens 3.5 to 5.6, 3.5 is max aperture or wide open.
Definitely not touching that lens but you still managed some sweet shots with it! What colour profile did you use? Loving the look!
Classic Chrome, with my slight color/curves tweaks.
@@AndrewGoodCamera awesome! Finally managed to sell my canon gear, ordering the X-T3 tonight, can't wait! Cheers!
Welcome to the fold
Denae & Andrew LR classic chrome? The photos look awesome
Do you edited your photo?
The larger power zoom ring is smoother when shooting videos.
Hithere. I just recently purchased a T100 and came with this lenses as a kit. I’m a beginner and I want this camera for travel, you know, portraits with buildings an monuments as a background and in general traveling pictures. Do you recommend to buy a 50 f2 or a 35 f2 as a second lenses?
I like your channel, It’s easy to understand when you are not an expert.
👍
If you are going to shoot portraits with heavy focus on the person, go with the 50. If you are going to shoot more environmental portraits go 35, if you are never going to see a rainy day go 35 f1.4. that lense has magic in it but lacks weatherproofing. Hope this is helpful *edit the 35 F2 is almost always on my xt3 and definitely always in my bag*
Did you edit the photo or this is the natural photo on when u took the photos
very helpful ....love the light and the color grading...(-:
Which one should i buy?
1.XC15-45&XC35
2.XF18-55 only
These two option' pirce is similar,and it's hard to decide😫
18-55
Excuse me, bro!!! which model that u actually use for this len?
Hi Andrew. Can you suggest your favorite movie simulations?
Interesting. Also, I still have not owned or ever used the 18-55! I should probably get on that! 🤔
Most zoom shooters usually use only the 18 or the 55. Even Andrew mentions it. I would go for the Fuji 18mm and 50mm primes. Just something to think about. You will get better performance and faster aperture speeds.
Baruch Cohen I never got the 18-55 because I actually went with the primes 35 f2 and 56 f1.2. I love these lenses as well as my slow 10-24 f4 but I always feel like I’m missing out with the 18-55; everyone is always speaking wonders about it!
@@barrycohen311 well, then you have to carry two lenses. If you wanna travel as light as you can, I'd rather just get one lens that covers both focal length.
Hey... where did you get that camera strap? :)
Hyperion straps
Denae & Andrew Thank you! :-)
Fun to play lens really!
Hi! Between xc 45 and xf 35 f/2 which one is better?
nice; I am actually tempted to pick up a copy of this lens for travel / video now. If you are looking for another recommendation you should check out the 50-230 XC lens which has amazing bang for the buck, and paired with the 15-45 could make a simple, light travel kit.
Based on Scott Graham's recommendation, it's definitely on the list to checkout.
@@AndrewGoodCamera I wrote a very brief review of the lens with some shots ( ankhphotography.net/blog/2017/11/16/fujifilm-xc-50-230m-f45-67-ois-lens-brief-review )
. I have since bought 2 more copies of the lens so I now have 2 Mk I versions and 1 Mk II version....just in case :)
Yeah but what if you're looking for dat 48mm look?
@@markhou 😆
I own 15+ lenses. And I consider the 50-230mm is one of the best lenses I have ever shot with.