I have some nice XF lenses for my Fuji cameras but I bought my teenage son an X-T200 to get him started with his own camera and it came with this XC 15-45mm. I expected it to be rubbish and would never have considered it (I had been teaching him for years as a kid to start with a standard prime to learn to zoom with his feed) but I’m surprised how good it is. I’m not a fan of the power zoom but it’s also not as bad as I expected and he’s appreciating that it parks itself at the last zoom setting when turned off so if you were at - say - 30mm when you turn the camera off, that’s where you are when turfed back on. That is much better than the Olympus 12-42mm power zoom which collapses also. It always parks itself at 12mm
I've seen a couple of reviews of this lens and none of the reviewers linked this lens along side the XC 50 - 230mm. The longer zoom has many of the same attributes of the shorter one but more importantly they are both very light and take up little room in a camera bag. If I was doing an around the world trip, there are the two lenses I would take along with my Godox TT350 flash. Oh, and maybe a circular polarizer for each lens. These two lenses are the perfect travel lenses. By the way I do own all prime lenses except for the XC 50 - 230 in my Fuji collections, but I still love my XC long zoom.
Some “reviewers” never actually shoot and instead are just “dry labbing” manufacturers’ specs and features. Always look at someone’s portfolio and make sure they actually shoot before taking advice from them. See www.kenrockwell.com/tech/2-kinds-of-photographers.htm and my portfolio is at www.kenrockwell.com/gallery.htm thanks!
Wonderful to see you on YT, Ken. Your website is literally my go-to and first stop whenever I'm looking for in-depth info on cameras and lenses. When I was researching the Fuji X100F, it was your review that convinced me to take the plunge and get a used one in a good deal. As I'm sure you know, most people doing their research on YT are beginners and amateurs (like me) so it's great to have this as a bonus in addition to your website. P.S. - Now that I'm looking to get into an interchangeable lens setup, I'm eyeing the Fuji X-S10 and I eagerly await your review. Cheers from India!
You are right Ken, this lens is super sharp. This week I tested it with the new XF16-80 and the 15-45 is clearly better especially in the corners. Only the power zoom is a pain for me. Ciao !
Ken is the man, doesn't take shit from anyone just does his thing with expertise. Its weird, actually I thought he was the old guy in one of his website reviews sample pictures :D
I have this lens. No doubt the optics are superb. While I am not a great fan of its implementation, I am learning to live with it. My main concern though is the amount of battery juice the motor consumes specially during travel where the camera is constantly switched on/off during the day
All these kit type lenses focus much faster on the T-2 body and later. And try boost mode on the earlier ones if they have it to see AF improvement. I like my 16-50 3.5 OIS, even though it sits in a drawer with the 90mm 2.0 amd 16mm 1.4.
had this lens when i bought my first ever fujifilm x-m1 almost 10 years ago Looking back at some of the photos i took with this lens back then ,i have decided to buy this lens again.
I have this lens. I had to run through your video several times to assure myself that you said (at about 00:30) that the front ring works as a zoom ring like a regular zoom lens. As far as my lens is concerned, this is not the case. The front ring is purely a manual focus ring like every other Fuji lens. I can't get used to the power zoom ring (the rear one). It seems to be all or nothing., and it is very difficult to set intermediate settings. I would also like to see some sort of indication of the focal length it is set on, maybe a scale in the viewfinder like the depth of field scale. Meanwhile, I prefer my 18-55.
Love mine. Bought it to have in the camera bag when using the 18 or 35mm(also the XC) lenses as a 'just in case' lens but find myself with this on the camera and the primes in the bag!
Excellent video again and good to hear the content. This is the set up I use and everyone I know and all the videos say how you must have tip top lenses from fujifilm for best results, but I agree this is an excellent lens and a stunning camera which I shall continue to enjoy for the foreseeable future. Thanks again from rural Lincolnshire
Fuji doesn't make any bad lenses. The only few bad lenses still sold today are the early Sony E APS-C lenses from around 2010, like the awful 20mm pancake lens. Thanks!
It's great value when part of a kit. One thing that annoys me is that if you rotate the end ring slowly, it zooms in or out in sudden and noisy jumps rather than following the motion smoothly. This is so stupid. Fortunately there is the slow position for the power zoom. But why, Fuji, why.... Also, I would have liked a continuous spectrum of zoom speeds rather than just slow and fast. And for video, the power zoom is loud and harsh.
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for the "heart". Have you gone back and tried it again? I just tested it again and I get a jerky video (I have it left on AF-S, since manual would switch the ring to focusing, but def not AF-C) and get a loud jih-jih-jih-jih-jih-jih-jih throughout on the soundtrack. Basically, rather than moving smoothly it waits until you have turned the ring sufficiently and then it jumps quickly to the new position. This is on a brand new X-T30 so I'm sure there is no weird setting I've left on, but I guess it could behave differently on different body models.
I would love more Fuji reviews on your TH-cam! I like them on your website but I really do prefer when you go in depth in video and show closeup footage of the product! 👍🏻
My online Fuji reviews at www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/index.htm are actually far more detailed, complete and loaded with my own detailed studio images of the products from every angle. My website is the reference; my videos are simply abbreviated versions due to time. You can see and learn more faster at KenRockwell.com than at TH-cam; I just do TH-cam for fun as I used to work in real TV. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV well thank you anyways, your website reviews are awesome and well constructed! I'm sure to look at them any time I want to know if a lens or camera is right for me.
Howdy Ken, thanks for the video review on this lens! I go to music festivals, and they've become a lot stricter on the "no professional equipment / no big zooms" policy on entry, but I was looking for something that's going to get me better low-light shots while having the same versatility as the ultrawide, wide, and telephoto cameras on my smartphone. I was originally going to go with the little 18mm pancake prime and just crop, but this looks like it'll tick all the boxes. Cheap as chips bought used, really wide focal length that lets me stay nice and close to the music but still get lightshow and stage shots, useful zoom for getting DJ closeups, and when paired with an X-E body in silver, it looks like a discreet little rangefinder point and shoot so security'll let it through more easily. Image stabilization too, which'll help in the dark and it'll be interesting to see how it works for short video clips. Such a versatile little package!
Thanks for the video! It may sound stupid but I'm looking for an inexpensive 4k vlogging camera and this kit lens on the Fuji X-A7 might just above the Sony A6400 or other more (too) expensive alternative. If the Fuji just had more recording time!
Hello, Ken. Great review. I'm getting a new XS-10 body only. Was thinking of getting either this one or the older 16-50mm to go with it. What would you suggest, keeping in mind that I do occasionally take videos too?
Both lenses work great. Do you want a sold metal mechanical lens, or a lightweight plastic one with power zoom? Optics are great all around; which package and speed and zoom methods do you prefer? Thanks!
Hey Ken, great review. If I'm getting this lens at $180 used and 18-55 f2.8 at $400 used. Both in decent shape. Which one will you prefer for handheld video and filmmaking in general ? I'm not into photography that much. I bought a Fujifilm XT-30 used so have no kit lens with it. It will be great if you can compare these two or give suggestions based on your past experiences with them. Cheers. 🍻
I only use iPhones for video. My XT30 is pretty bad for video, especially 4K which kills the batteries in minutes. The 18-55 is a much better lens, but the results should be about the same.
Yes, try it yourself. The dynamics and highlights are worlds better on iPhone and then battery lasts so much longer. For handholding the Fuji has little to no stabilization, while the iPhone is so stable it looks like it’s shot on rails when half held.
I needed help to decide, which one to buy, i am buying one of these, both comes in similar price here in Thailand : 1. Fujifilm xt20 with kit lens 18-55mm f 2.8-4 2. Fujiflim xt30 with kit lens 15-45mm f 3.5-5. Both are around 750$ i am not sure which one to buy.
Hi Ken, did you notice this kit len 15-45 have focusing problem at 45mm, some time you miss focus (or get blurry image) at 45mm (due to mechanics shutter ?)
Works great on XE-1. Difference is size and weight and f/stops; optics are as good. 15-45 is ultralight dinky plastic, other lens is a lot of metal and much bigger.
Bit of a late reply but may be useful for others; I find on my X-E1 the front dial does not function with zoom so I have to rely on the main zoom. My firmware is up to date. The only lens I use and I am selling my 18-55mm as it does not seem to be so flexible enough to justify its narrow field of view and bulk.even with extra f stop speed.
@@KenRockwellTV 👍. I had read that before buying! It would be a rare day I didn't look up your site for info before making a purchase.😊. What I needed was a firmware update on my xt1. Everything working properly now.
Ken, this 15-45 is to much better than 16-50 OIS II? I am choosing between 15-45 and 16--50, I prefer the 16-50 body and I hate power zoom, but I see that optic quality of 15-45 is better..
Hi Ken....did you mean you can manual focus with your pinky? (instead of zoom with your pinky as stated in your video...)...I can't zoom with the front ring on mine coupled with a XE1, unless I miss something in my settings...?
Thank you for taking the time to review a non XF zoom! I'm debating purchasing to take as my only lens on a family Disney trip in January of '22. My goal it to keep weight down on my X-T4. The lack of weather sealing may be an issue on some rides and Florida climate, but I think some common sense can help with that. I was going to take only my X100v, but I would like a bit wider angle along with some zoom. Any thoughts? Thank you again! Have been following your for years via your website, and now also on TH-cam.
Ken, until today I had no idea you did videos. Not sure why you don't include your videos on the same page as you review the equipment on your website. I've been to your website several times in the last year, and never saw anywhere where videos were mentioned. Stumbled on your video channel totally by chance. Given you're so well established as a website, cannot fathom why.
Great review! I've been reading that some lenses aren't able to "fully utilize" the 40mp of resolution in the X-H2. Sounds suspiciously like a load of marketing hype, but wondering about your thoughts on this. Would there be any reason to hesitate on using this lens with such a high-resolution sensor?
Know of course this is a dinky plastic lens for portability; if you get a fancy camera it may feel better with a more solid lens. I’m no fan of Fuji anymore since their ergonomics and menu system are unimproved, but the one thing they still have going for them is many lenses and cameras feel pretty solid. I wouldn’t out a plastic lens on a great camera just for the feel.
I do, if your want tiny. The 18-55/2.8-4 is a nice metal lens, but at least twice as long and heavy. Real question is how much do you want to carry, and do you prefer the wider (15-18mm) end of the 15-45 over the longer (45-55mm) end of the 18-55? Thanks!
Thanks for this great walkthrough on this lens Ken! I'm thinking of picking up the new Fuji X-T200 with this as the kit lens. But I shoot around 50% video and I've read that this lens isn't so great for that. What is your view? I may also invest in the 18-55 for its versitility but if the 15-45 can cover most of my photo and video needs (travel, street, architecture) than I might be able to stick with that and have the bonus of a compact, light package - which is important to me. Also, I'm coming from bridge cameras to date where I love the simplicity of a T-W toggle on the camera. I'm less keen on manually zooming in video with my hands on the lens. Is it possible to assign control over the power zoom on Fuji lenses to function buttons on the camera body instead? (I tried an Olympus E-M5 II a couple of years back and pretty sure that was possible on that camera.) Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV If I don't want to use my 'pinkie' to control the zoom on the lens (nice technique BTW!) is it possible to assign control over the power zoom on Fuji lenses to function buttons on the camera body instead?
Basically there is NOTHING you can't do with this lens. It's just a pure definition of a 'good enough thing'. Well maybe you gonna need some kindof a portrait prime - apart from that I only use my 15-45. Will never give it up for 18-55 because of that 15 mm wide end.
hi Ken i have a question: how can you see how many mm you are zoomed in when using the camera? Say i want to shoot in 35mm, how can i know how much i need to zoom in or can i see it on screen? thanks in advance
Look at the zoom ring while shooting - can’t see in finder - or - look in the files data on playback. In camera, press the DISP and up or down buttons and you’ll find it. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV A quick update, I decided to give this lens a go after seeing a couple of comments around the internet regarding it's IR ability. I can confirm (in my case at least) that it's an excellent IR performer with no hotspots noticable throughout the zoom range at any aperture values and focuses nice and sharp on a 720nm converted camera (X-E1).
@@curtis6861 No problem, IR information on this lens is hard to find. The only thing I struggle with is the electronic zoom, I'm sure I'll get used to it after a while though. The lens has some glitches on older camera bodies (I'm using it on an X-E1). When you preview an image the lens retracts and it doesn't remember the last focal length. If it's set to auto focus the focus ring is just disabled (you can't use it for zooming like you can on newer bodies). Other than this it works fine on the older bodies.
@@jamesvalentine925 I'll be using it on the X-T2. I shoot landscapes, it's a slow process anyways so I don't think the camera not remembering the focal length will bother me too much.
I was happy to hear these were shot with X-E3 because that is what I'm looking at getting a lens for. I bought my camera and an XF 35 2.0. I have been trying to decide if I want something in the 16 or 23 or 50 range so I was thinking about picking this or the 16-50 OIS II up to get an idea of which lenses will be in the range I want. But now I'm wondering if I could get away with just one of the two zooms and a 50-230...I mean the whole reason of switching from my Canon 70D is smaller/lighter/less bulky especially for trips.
Why is nobody else talking about this little marvel??? I just looked at some images on Flickr and Instagram and even at that resolution it looks awesome.
Aren't the xf 27 f/2.8 and xf 18 f/2 smaller and lighter? Smallest and lightest x zoom lens, absolutely. Pair this with the xc 50-230 and it's only 70g more than the 16-80, and probably costs less too!
You're right, I forgot about that little guy. Thank for catching that! I weigh each lens I review on a laboratory balance and put the exact weights in each review.
I immediately dismissed this lens due to the power zoom-you didn't mind it? Does it increase the time between off and being able to take a photo by much?
Dear Ken, I watched this video and I went ahead and bought the lens because of your enthusiasm and experience in using it. However there are problems, on my XA2 and XE2S bodies the 15-45 does not work like it does in your video. The fine manual zoom does not work as a zoom, if I take a photograph and review it, the zoom goes to sleep and has to wake up again to take the next photograph. It would appear your experience will only be achieved on a very few of the Fuji camera bodies, even though I have the latest firmware updates my two bodies are not supported. Shame I really loved your video. I bought through Amazon so there should be no problem getting my money back. But it makes me think, if I buy any other Fuji lens will I find them not fully supported because my Fuji bodies are considered "too old"
The focus ring works like a zoom only when the camera is in AF-C mode. In MF it serves as focus ring. Does't look to be doing anything in AF-S mode though.
I have some nice XF lenses for my Fuji cameras but I bought my teenage son an X-T200 to get him started with his own camera and it came with this XC 15-45mm. I expected it to be rubbish and would never have considered it (I had been teaching him for years as a kid to start with a standard prime to learn to zoom with his feed) but I’m surprised how good it is. I’m not a fan of the power zoom but it’s also not as bad as I expected and he’s appreciating that it parks itself at the last zoom setting when turned off so if you were at - say - 30mm when you turn the camera off, that’s where you are when turfed back on. That is much better than the Olympus 12-42mm power zoom which collapses also. It always parks itself at 12mm
Thanks!
At last Mr Rockwell on TH-cam! Your open-minded reviews are the best!
Thanks, Howard, your comments are the best! Thanks for watching.
I've seen a couple of reviews of this lens and none of the reviewers linked this lens along side the XC 50 - 230mm. The longer zoom has many of the same attributes of the shorter one but more importantly they are both very light and take up little room in a camera bag. If I was doing an around the world trip, there are the two lenses I would take along with my Godox TT350 flash. Oh, and maybe a circular polarizer for each lens. These two lenses are the perfect travel lenses. By the way I do own all prime lenses except for the XC 50 - 230 in my Fuji collections, but I still love my XC long zoom.
Some “reviewers” never actually shoot and instead are just “dry labbing” manufacturers’ specs and features. Always look at someone’s portfolio and make sure they actually shoot before taking advice from them. See www.kenrockwell.com/tech/2-kinds-of-photographers.htm and my portfolio is at www.kenrockwell.com/gallery.htm thanks!
Wonderful to see you on YT, Ken. Your website is literally my go-to and first stop whenever I'm looking for in-depth info on cameras and lenses. When I was researching the Fuji X100F, it was your review that convinced me to take the plunge and get a used one in a good deal. As I'm sure you know, most people doing their research on YT are beginners and amateurs (like me) so it's great to have this as a bonus in addition to your website.
P.S. - Now that I'm looking to get into an interchangeable lens setup, I'm eyeing the Fuji X-S10 and I eagerly await your review. Cheers from India!
I dislike Fuji's interchangable lens cameras. I prefer to stick with Canon for that. The X100 has little to do with the interchangeable lens fujis.
@@KenRockwellTV what do you dislike about their interchangeable lens cameras?
You are right Ken, this lens is super sharp. This week I tested it with the new XF16-80 and the 15-45 is clearly better especially in the corners. Only the power zoom is a pain for me. Ciao !
GRAZIE!!!
Ken please if you will review the new 16-80mm compare it with the cheap 15-45mm. Thanks
hi If you switch off the AF/MF mode in your menu you can use the focus ring as a manual zoom and its then very easy to make very small zoom movements
Mr. Rockwell, thank you for the great and down-to-earth reviews, wihtout the snobbishness of the pixel-peepers and gear addicts : )
Hey, when you shoot every day there’s no time to read manufacturers data. You Just shoot it and see things for that they actually are. Thanks’
Just great having Ken content on youtube :-)
Ken is the man, doesn't take shit from anyone just does his thing with expertise. Its weird, actually I thought he was the old guy in one of his website reviews sample pictures :D
I wonder which old guy? FaceApp scared the crap out of me when I made myself into that old guy! Thanks!
THANK YOU!!!!
Ken, love your website! Cant believe its taken me this long to find your videos. Wonderful and very informative! Thank you!
me too!! I love his reviews and advice! ( other photography reviews are all gear snobs. ken gives us useful normal people advice! )
THANK YOU!!!
I just got this lens and I am loving ❤️ it. I own many Fujifilm XF lenses but this one really surprised me. I was not expecting it to be this good.
Exactly! That's what makes it such a find. Thanks!
I have this lens. No doubt the optics are superb. While I am not a great fan of its implementation, I am learning to live with it. My main concern though is the amount of battery juice the motor consumes specially during travel where the camera is constantly switched on/off during the day
Never had any difference in battery\ life. Thanks!
All these kit type lenses focus much faster on the T-2 body and later. And try boost mode on the earlier ones if they have it to see AF improvement. I like my 16-50 3.5 OIS, even though it sits in a drawer with the 90mm 2.0 amd 16mm 1.4.
Thanks!
had this lens when i bought my first ever fujifilm x-m1 almost 10 years ago Looking back at some of the photos i took with this lens back then ,i have decided to buy this lens again.
Thanks!
I have this lens. I had to run through your video several times to assure myself that you said (at about 00:30) that the front ring works as a zoom ring like a regular zoom lens. As far as my lens is concerned, this is not the case. The front ring is purely a manual focus ring like every other Fuji lens. I can't get used to the power zoom ring (the rear one). It seems to be all or nothing., and it is very difficult to set intermediate settings. I would also like to see some sort of indication of the focal length it is set on, maybe a scale in the viewfinder like the depth of field scale. Meanwhile, I prefer my 18-55.
You can reprogram some of this in some cameras.
Got this lens used for travel photography, along with a used fuji X-E2
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Nice, eh? Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Yup, I love it! Just need a fast prime now for bokeh 🤤
I got this lens as a kit with my x-t100 and I love it. Super portable great for street shooting and landscapes. No complaints from me 😊
Bingo! Tiny lens for a tiny camera. Doesn’t get better than this. Thanks!
Love mine. Bought it to have in the camera bag when using the 18 or 35mm(also the XC) lenses as a 'just in case' lens but find myself with this on the camera and the primes in the bag!
Thanks!
Bought one for my x-t4 for videography and I think I made the right choice! Thanks for the review.
Great little lightweight lens. Thanks!
I agree with all comments. Ken is an “independent-professional-knowledgeable-trustable” man in photography era worldwide!
Thank you!!!
What a great helpful review!
Competent and informative to the tiniest detail ! 👌👌
Thank you!!!
Excellent video again and good to hear the content. This is the set up I use and everyone I know and all the videos say how you must have tip top lenses from fujifilm for best results, but I agree this is an excellent lens and a stunning camera which I shall continue to enjoy for the foreseeable future. Thanks again from rural Lincolnshire
Fuji doesn't make any bad lenses. The only few bad lenses still sold today are the early Sony E APS-C lenses from around 2010, like the awful 20mm pancake lens. Thanks!
It's great value when part of a kit. One thing that annoys me is that if you rotate the end ring slowly, it zooms in or out in sudden and noisy jumps rather than following the motion smoothly. This is so stupid. Fortunately there is the slow position for the power zoom. But why, Fuji, why....
Also, I would have liked a continuous spectrum of zoom speeds rather than just slow and fast.
And for video, the power zoom is loud and harsh.
Odd, I really like the way mine works. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for the "heart". Have you gone back and tried it again? I just tested it again and I get a jerky video (I have it left on AF-S, since manual would switch the ring to focusing, but def not AF-C) and get a loud jih-jih-jih-jih-jih-jih-jih throughout on the soundtrack. Basically, rather than moving smoothly it waits until you have turned the ring sufficiently and then it jumps quickly to the new position. This is on a brand new X-T30 so I'm sure there is no weird setting I've left on, but I guess it could behave differently on different body models.
As ever real, and great, work to back up your findings. Thanks as ever.
Thanks!
Great overview! Would love to see some video samples especially using the power zoom
Fuji is pretty awful for video. I use my iPhone.
I would love more Fuji reviews on your TH-cam! I like them on your website but I really do prefer when you go in depth in video and show closeup footage of the product! 👍🏻
My online Fuji reviews at www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/index.htm are actually far more detailed, complete and loaded with my own detailed studio images of the products from every angle. My website is the reference; my videos are simply abbreviated versions due to time. You can see and learn more faster at KenRockwell.com than at TH-cam; I just do TH-cam for fun as I used to work in real TV. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV well thank you anyways, your website reviews are awesome and well constructed! I'm sure to look at them any time I want to know if a lens or camera is right for me.
Howdy Ken, thanks for the video review on this lens! I go to music festivals, and they've become a lot stricter on the "no professional equipment / no big zooms" policy on entry, but I was looking for something that's going to get me better low-light shots while having the same versatility as the ultrawide, wide, and telephoto cameras on my smartphone. I was originally going to go with the little 18mm pancake prime and just crop, but this looks like it'll tick all the boxes.
Cheap as chips bought used, really wide focal length that lets me stay nice and close to the music but still get lightshow and stage shots, useful zoom for getting DJ closeups, and when paired with an X-E body in silver, it looks like a discreet little rangefinder point and shoot so security'll let it through more easily. Image stabilization too, which'll help in the dark and it'll be interesting to see how it works for short video clips. Such a versatile little package!
Thanks and good luck!
Thanks for the video! It may sound stupid but I'm looking for an inexpensive 4k vlogging camera and this kit lens on the Fuji X-A7 might just above the Sony A6400 or other more (too) expensive alternative.
If the Fuji just had more recording time!
I use my iPhone. Better looking video, focus and stabilization.
Glad I saw this video, I’ve been considering this lens for the wide end. Adorama will be getting my $ 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
AWESOME!!! Thanks!
Hello, Ken. Great review. I'm getting a new XS-10 body only. Was thinking of getting either this one or the older 16-50mm to go with it. What would you suggest, keeping in mind that I do occasionally take videos too?
Both lenses work great. Do you want a sold metal mechanical lens, or a lightweight plastic one with power zoom? Optics are great all around; which package and speed and zoom methods do you prefer? Thanks!
Hey Ken, great review. If I'm getting this lens at $180 used and 18-55 f2.8 at $400 used. Both in decent shape. Which one will you prefer for handheld video and filmmaking in general ? I'm not into photography that much.
I bought a Fujifilm XT-30 used so have no kit lens with it. It will be great if you can compare these two or give suggestions based on your past experiences with them. Cheers. 🍻
I only use iPhones for video. My XT30 is pretty bad for video, especially 4K which kills the batteries in minutes. The 18-55 is a much better lens, but the results should be about the same.
@@KenRockwellTV iPhone ? does iPhone has better quality video than XT30 ? Thank you for suggestion over lens btw. 😄
Yes, try it yourself. The dynamics and highlights are worlds better on iPhone and then battery lasts so much longer. For handholding the Fuji has little to no stabilization, while the iPhone is so stable it looks like it’s shot on rails when half held.
@@KenRockwellTV Great , thanks. 😄
I needed help to decide, which one to buy, i am buying one of these, both comes in similar price here in Thailand :
1. Fujifilm xt20 with kit lens 18-55mm f 2.8-4
2. Fujiflim xt30 with kit lens 15-45mm f 3.5-5.
Both are around 750$ i am not sure which one to buy.
I’d go xt20 if you want a nicer, bigger and tougher lens. Also consider xt20 with 15-45.
Hi Ken, did you notice this kit len 15-45 have focusing problem at 45mm, some time you miss focus (or get blurry image) at 45mm (due to mechanics shutter ?)
Never had that problem. Thanks for asking!
thank you Ken for your detailed review. Would that lens work fine on my XE1? Tossing between this one and the 16-50mm….
Works great on XE-1. Difference is size and weight and f/stops; optics are as good. 15-45 is ultralight dinky plastic, other lens is a lot of metal and much bigger.
@@KenRockwellTV thank you Ken…. looks like I am going to get one for my xe1… the 18-55 looks a bit big on that small camera☺️
Bit of a late reply but may be useful for others; I find on my X-E1 the front dial does not function with zoom so I have to rely on the main zoom. My firmware is up to date. The only lens I use and I am selling my 18-55mm as it does not seem to be so flexible enough to justify its narrow field of view and bulk.even with extra f stop speed.
Nice to see you on TH-cam!!
Thanks!
Don't know if I'm missing something somewhere but just got one of these and the front ring only seems to do manual focus, not manual zoom.
I explain all this in my written review at www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/x-mount-lenses/15-45mm.htm#ergo thanks!
Details at www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/x-mount-lenses/15-45mm.htm#ergo Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV 👍. I had read that before buying! It would be a rare day I didn't look up your site for info before making a purchase.😊. What I needed was a firmware update on my xt1. Everything working properly now.
Ken, this 15-45 is to much better than 16-50 OIS II? I am choosing between 15-45 and 16--50, I prefer the 16-50 body and I hate power zoom, but I see that optic quality of 15-45 is better..
Never used the 16-50, disappeared before I could try it. 15-45 is ultra compact; 16-50 wasn’t.
Can you adjust the zoom speed beside the two speeds you mentioned. I would love to have a super slow zoom speed for videos. Thank you!
I recall two speeds, but neither is super slow for when you zoom-in imperceptibly slowly to add depth and emphasis
@@KenRockwellTV What a pity. Thank you so much.
Hi Ken....did you mean you can manual focus with your pinky? (instead of zoom with your pinky as stated in your video...)...I can't zoom with the front ring on mine coupled with a XE1, unless I miss something in my settings...?
You can do either depending on other settings. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV I'll have to play around with it....maybe it's not available on the XE1?
Thank you for taking the time to review a non XF zoom! I'm debating purchasing to take as my only lens on a family Disney trip in January of '22. My goal it to keep weight down on my X-T4. The lack of weather sealing may be an issue on some rides and Florida climate, but I think some common sense can help with that. I was going to take only my X100v, but I would like a bit wider angle along with some zoom. Any thoughts? Thank you again! Have been following your for years via your website, and now also on TH-cam.
For people stick with x100 as it’s flash system is superior. I’d use my iPhone for everything else and skip the xt4.
@@KenRockwellTV Thank you! You're name is very fitting as you "Rock...."!!!
Ken, until today I had no idea you did videos. Not sure why you don't include your videos on the same page as you review the equipment on your website. I've been to your website several times in the last year, and never saw anywhere where videos were mentioned. Stumbled on your video channel totally by chance. Given you're so well established as a website, cannot fathom why.
I'm adding them. Ultimately my web pages are far better than the videos, which only have time to cover basics. Thanks for asking!
Great review! I've been reading that some lenses aren't able to "fully utilize" the 40mp of resolution in the X-H2. Sounds suspiciously like a load of marketing hype, but wondering about your thoughts on this. Would there be any reason to hesitate on using this lens with such a high-resolution sensor?
Nonsense. Should work fine; try it and see.
Know of course this is a dinky plastic lens for portability; if you get a fancy camera it may feel better with a more solid lens. I’m no fan of Fuji anymore since their ergonomics and menu system are unimproved, but the one thing they still have going for them is many lenses and cameras feel pretty solid. I wouldn’t out a plastic lens on a great camera just for the feel.
do you recommend this lens over 18-55mm as kit lens for new Xt30 ?
I do, if your want tiny. The 18-55/2.8-4 is a nice metal lens, but at least twice as long and heavy. Real question is how much do you want to carry, and do you prefer the wider (15-18mm) end of the 15-45 over the longer (45-55mm) end of the 18-55? Thanks!
That was a nice presentation. How did you adjust the aperture?
You adjust the 15-45’s aperture setting in your camera with the cameras control dials.
Is it safe to say that you "love it"?
Yes, George. When it works well and and costs little, I'm all over it. Thanks!
Thanks for this great walkthrough on this lens Ken!
I'm thinking of picking up the new Fuji X-T200 with this as the kit lens. But I shoot around 50% video and I've read that this lens isn't so great for that. What is your view?
I may also invest in the 18-55 for its versitility but if the 15-45 can cover most of my photo and video needs (travel, street, architecture) than I might be able to stick with that and have the bonus of a compact, light package - which is important to me.
Also, I'm coming from bridge cameras to date where I love the simplicity of a T-W toggle on the camera. I'm less keen on manually zooming in video with my hands on the lens. Is it possible to assign control over the power zoom on Fuji lenses to function buttons on the camera body instead?
(I tried an Olympus E-M5 II a couple of years back and pretty sure that was possible on that camera.)
Thanks!
I hate interchangeable still cameras for video. I prefer my iPhone, and a dedicated camcorder is probably a much better idea.
PS - only get the 15-45 or the 18-55; they duplicate each other. 15-45 is tiny and weightless for travel and 18-55/2.8-4 much tougher and heavier.
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks - you've saved me some good money with your suggestion here!
@@KenRockwellTV If I don't want to use my 'pinkie' to control the zoom on the lens (nice technique BTW!) is it possible to assign control over the power zoom on Fuji lenses to function buttons on the camera body instead?
Basically there is NOTHING you can't do with this lens. It's just a pure definition of a 'good enough thing'. Well maybe you gonna need some kindof a portrait prime - apart from that I only use my 15-45. Will never give it up for 18-55 because of that 15 mm wide end.
Exactly, oink. 🐷 thanks!
Fujifilm xt200 vs Fujifilm xA7, which one to go for, please help 😀
Neither. Why are you considering Fuji? Their basic cameras are pretty bad. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV any suggestions please
Depends on what you want to shoot. I prefer the Nikon d3500 or Canon RP www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3500.htm or www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/rp.htm
Great review!!. Thanks!!
Thanks!!!!!
hi Ken i have a question: how can you see how many mm you are zoomed in when using the camera? Say i want to shoot in 35mm, how can i know how much i need to zoom in or can i see it on screen? thanks in advance
Look at the zoom ring while shooting - can’t see in finder - or - look in the files data on playback. In camera, press the DISP and up or down buttons and you’ll find it. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV thankyou Ken! On the xc kitlens there is only a focusring but will look with disp then!
Good point. Just look on playback. You
Great review thanks 🙂
Thank you!
Just bought one for €110,-. Switch AF/MF off in camera and you can zoom with the focus ring. Correct?
I forget, I wrote this all down in the ergonomics section of my written review at www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/x-mount-lenses/15-45mm.htm#ergo thanks!
Hello, how about its bokeh effect on portrait shots on persons? Thank you!
Not much. Slow lens doesn’t get far out of focus. Shoot at 45mm and f/5,6 and get as close as you can. Thanks!
Looks hot on the xpro2 too😀👍😎
Whew!
Does anybody know if this lens has hotspots in infrared photography? If it's good it'd make a great companion to an IR converted body.
No idea, thanks for asking.
@@KenRockwellTV A quick update, I decided to give this lens a go after seeing a couple of comments around the internet regarding it's IR ability. I can confirm (in my case at least) that it's an excellent IR performer with no hotspots noticable throughout the zoom range at any aperture values and focuses nice and sharp on a 720nm converted camera (X-E1).
@@jamesvalentine925 ooh nice thanks for this, been wanting this lens but was worried about IR performance as I shoot alot of B&W/infrared.
@@curtis6861 No problem, IR information on this lens is hard to find. The only thing I struggle with is the electronic zoom, I'm sure I'll get used to it after a while though. The lens has some glitches on older camera bodies (I'm using it on an X-E1). When you preview an image the lens retracts and it doesn't remember the last focal length. If it's set to auto focus the focus ring is just disabled (you can't use it for zooming like you can on newer bodies). Other than this it works fine on the older bodies.
@@jamesvalentine925 I'll be using it on the X-T2. I shoot landscapes, it's a slow process anyways so I don't think the camera not remembering the focal length will bother me too much.
I was happy to hear these were shot with X-E3 because that is what I'm looking at getting a lens for. I bought my camera and an XF 35 2.0. I have been trying to decide if I want something in the 16 or 23 or 50 range so I was thinking about picking this or the 16-50 OIS II up to get an idea of which lenses will be in the range I want. But now I'm wondering if I could get away with just one of the two zooms and a 50-230...I mean the whole reason of switching from my Canon 70D is smaller/lighter/less bulky especially for trips.
Get the 16-45 and 50-230 and you’re done. Thanks!
Why is nobody else talking about this little marvel??? I just looked at some images on Flickr and Instagram and even at that resolution it looks awesome.
Because some people confuse price with quality. Thanks!
Is this lens as good as the Nikon Z 16-50 pancake zoom? thanks!
Very similar. Both tiny and dinky plastic, but with great optics.
@@KenRockwellTV thank you! Appreciate your reviews! Greetings from Austria ...
Aren't the xf 27 f/2.8 and xf 18 f/2 smaller and lighter? Smallest and lightest x zoom lens, absolutely. Pair this with the xc 50-230 and it's only 70g more than the 16-80, and probably costs less too!
You're right, I forgot about that little guy. Thank for catching that! I weigh each lens I review on a laboratory balance and put the exact weights in each review.
Wow ken rockwell have youtube channel?! Instant subscribe!
You’re so awesome. Thank you!!!!!
I actually agree, this lens is very under rated, it is sharp and even sharper than my 23mm f2 when shooting wide open.
Yip. Thanks!
Got this little lens for €90 spanking new! Best €90 spend ever!
Yes! Thanks!
I immediately dismissed this lens due to the power zoom-you didn't mind it? Does it increase the time between off and being able to take a photo by much?
The power zoom is both fast and precise - not what I was expecting, which is why I try everything with an open mind.
Dear Ken, I watched this video and I went ahead and bought the lens because of your enthusiasm and experience in using it. However there are problems, on my XA2 and XE2S bodies the 15-45 does not work like it does in your video. The fine manual zoom does not work as a zoom, if I take a photograph and review it, the zoom goes to sleep and has to wake up again to take the next photograph. It would appear your experience will only be achieved on a very few of the Fuji camera bodies, even though I have the latest firmware updates my two bodies are not supported. Shame I really loved your video. I bought through Amazon so there should be no problem getting my money back. But it makes me think, if I buy any other Fuji lens will I find them not fully supported because my Fuji bodies are considered "too old"
Beats me; never tried it on those cameras. Be sure your firmware is up to date them ask Fuji in the USA at (800) 800-FUJI (-3854)
The focus ring works like a zoom only when the camera is in AF-C mode. In MF it serves as focus ring. Does't look to be doing anything in AF-S mode though.
Tks!
Yr Wlcm!
Oh u r the "Ken" 😀
Why ur subs is below 50k!!!
U should hv 5m at least. Ur website has been encyclopedia for me for ages.
Thanks; it’s because I’m a shooter rather than a TH-camr; the 1m club guys make TH-cam their life, they don’t actually shoot for a living.
@@KenRockwellTV Yeah that makes sense. Stay blessed and good wishes for u 🇧🇩
Sharp, light, cheap, but electronic zoom does not make it enjoyable to use imho
It is weird, but have you tried it? It’s unique in being a really fast variable speed system that works really well. Thanks!
At 45 mm this lens is just really poor.
Sorry about that. Mine was surprisingly good. Thanks!