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Review: Fujinon XF18-55mm F2.8-4 + X-E1

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image courtesy: Fujifilm (Fujinon XF18-55mm F2.8-4 and X-E1)

A few days ago we posted the first Chinese review about Fujinon 18-55mm (read it here). Now also flixelpix.com had the opportunity to shoot some pictures with this new lens (click here to see the review). Among other things, they say that “for a zoom lens the 18-55mm is still remarkably sharp… As for the new zoom lens, the 18-55mm combines versatility with image quality. With the lens hood attached it is only a little bigger lens to the 35mm XF prime lens… The 18mm-55mm scope means you have a quality lens capable of landscapes and vistas at the wide end right through to razor sharp portraits at the 84mm (full frame equivalent) telephoto end of the scale.

He tested the new lens also with long exposures settings, click here to see the images.

Apart from the lens, fixelpix makes also some considerations about the X-E1. They say that there is no doubt, Fuji is leading the way in mirrorless innovation. And what’s the main target group of this camera? “For the me the X-E1 is the perfect camera for all of those photographers out there looking at or upgrading an entry level DSLR. The X-E1 offers the same level of photographic quality but the package and user experience is just so much more enjoyable.”

And also this time the inevitable question couldn’t missX-PRO1 or X-E1? The X-PRO1 feels a bit more solid, but both are really well made cameras. The X-E1 is 30% smaller and has a built in flash. No OVF and smaller LCD for the X-E1. “The X-Pro1 offers a 1.44 million pixel LCD viewfinder, while the X-E1 features a 2.36 million pixel OLED viewfinder. The X-Pro1 is 100% magnesium alloy in construction whereas the back of the X-E1, like the X100 is actually made of strong, high quality plastic. It perhaps isn’t as strong but it is certainly lighter. The X-Pro1 has a locking shutter speed dial, the X-E1 doesn’t although I do think the exposure dial on the XE-1 is better and less prone to accidental adjustments.”

Here the conclusions of fixelpix: “Although I love shooting at a fixed focal length with the 35mm XF being my favourite lens I foresee the 18-55mm will see a large amount of use for general day to day shooting. The 18mm-55mm zoom lens offers my favourite 23mm and 35mm focal lengths at the twist of a lens barrel and with the added four stop Image Stablisation I am not sure you could ask for more. If you are currently an X-Pro1 owner and are looking at the X-E1 as a second body then the kit deal that includes 18-55mm lens might be worth considering…. As for the X-E1 it is everything you would expect from Fujifilm, a variation on a theme it offers an affordable version on the brilliant X-Pro1 with a slightly different specification perfect. Photographers looking for a good value, high quality replacement to their DSLR should look no further. Did I mention the photo output is stunning? Check the flickr set (click here) for larger versions of the photos in this post.”

have a great day

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