This is a brilliant all-purpose lens that offers sharp corners, excellent balance and optical stabilisation. We did find the tripod mount got in the way a little, but that’s something you could get used to.
Related: The best Fujifilm camera lenses
Photo: AmazonThis all-purpose Fujifilm zoom has a 35mm equivalent of 76-213mm, and features excellent build quality. Weighing in at a relatively compact 995g, it’s among the smallest in test.
The central sharpness here is outstanding at all lengths. Even at f/2.8 the corners are exceptional, though falter slightly at the 100mm length. However, at f/5.6 the whole image frame becomes tack-sharp once again.
Fujifilm has included O.I.S (optical stabilisation) in this lens, which will even work with the newly announced X-H1’s stabilisation system. We were able to get sharp shots at shutter speeds down to 1/30sec – a phenomenal feat.
The construction is as hardy as any in test, with a mix of metal and tough plastics resulting in a premium feel. It also packs in an impressive 23 elements in 16 groups, boasting 5 ED (Extra Low Dispersion) elements, as well as a Triple Linear motor for lightning-quick focusing, which is virtually noise free.
Pros
Sharp corners
Very well balanced
Optical stabilisation
Cons
Tripod mount can get in the way of zooming
Big fan of fast-aperture lenses? Us too. Read our round up of the best fast-aperture telephoto zoom lenses.
Spec
Min aperture: f/22
Max aperture: f/2.8
Elements: 23/16
Filter size: 72mm
Min focusing distance: 100cm
DxH: 83x176mm
Weight: 995g
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Kirk Schwarz is one of our resident tech experts. A tech-addicted photographer with more than a decade's experience, Kirk's used to putting new gear through extreme field-testing.
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