Unleashing the Power of Fuji XF 18-120mm F/4 PZ WR Zoom Lens for Photography

I have this lens on loan from Fuji - so thanks to Fuji for the experience with the PZ 18-120mm lens! It's got incredible autofocus response, and great image quality. Is it for you? I'd say the smooth zoom features make it a better win for video, and I will be testing it for video in an upcoming video on this channel.

I'm working on a full video on creating timelapses with the Fuji X-S10 but this short has essential tips for creating effective timelapses with any camera.

Help support the channel by purchasing the items below (the ones I talk about in this video) through these Amazon links:

#fujifilm #fujix100v #fujixh2s

[WesKriesel]

Would you be interested in a lens like this? Lightweight, powerful zoom, and fairly affordable for the features? Leave me a comment and let me know why or why not?

[mariusmocanrealestatephoto]

This is my favorite Fuji video lens. Shooting Fuji exclusively since 2013 for photography in the beginning and later for hybrid photo/video shooting later when the X-T3 launched (longer than anyone I know). If you're a photographer DO NOT buy this lens. Hence why Fuji launched it along side the X-H2s, which I own and love as well. Photographers were so butt hurt with the X-H2s release as well because they didn't understand it wasn't made for photographers. They were crying because their hipster dials weren't there and were afraid that was the direction Fuji was headed with all their cameras. I love that I can zoom in and out while shooting video without getting nearly as much of that exposure stepping flickering in the image (hopefully they'll fix it completely in the future) as you get with other Fuji lenses. Fuji joined forces with their broadcast team to develop this lens and you can tell they optimized it for the size, weight and price to make something that Fuji has been missing in their lens lineup for video shooters, NOT photography. Hopefully this is the beginning of an amazing video lens lineup Fuji will be building on in the future.

[CharlesTay]

I am considering to get this lens for videography paired to my new XT5.

[sigurdrille]

Thx for the short review. This lens has not gotten a lot of good reviews for photography … having said this, I find it YouTube-underrated in that aspect. I am very satisfied with it, the powerzoom being my biggest struggle with the handling. It is extremely versatile and really light and small to carry. I even used it for portrait shootings (with blacked out background), the softness in the corners being no issue there of course. I use my camera for stills only.
I have the XH-2s, so things may be different on the 40MP bodies of course. It’s definitely a good enough lens for me just being an amateur photographer.

[markjsc]

Hi Wes, thanks for another great video! As we chatted via comments on an earlier video a few months back, I have the 18-120 (f/4 PZ WR) lens paired with the X-H2s. I do mostly photography and I'm generally happy with it, particularly for its wide zoom range. I don't mind the characteristics of Power Zoom (compared to most other non-powered manual zoom lenses). And I agree that it's quite light considering the features and zoom range.
My only issue is that I haven't quite managed to get the same image quality from this combo that I used to get with my Canon 5D IV and "L" lenses. I definitely expect some tradeoffs - lighter, cheaper, smaller sensor, etc. But I haven't quite managed to dial in what it takes to get the quality I want yet. I'm sure there are still a few adjustments I can make to my technique to help a bit - particularly around autofocus.
I'm considering also adding the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 to pair with the 18-120 as a travel kit for when I need a bit faster aperture and less zoom range.
Keep up the great work on your channel!

Edit: I should have also mentioned, the lack of an aperture ring may be a deal breaker for some. I come from the DSLR side, so I’m thrown off when there IS an aperture ring!

[RVNmedic]

Hi Wes. First time I've been on your channel. Love your enthusiasm. I shoot BIF with an X-T5 and 100-400. My issue is sketchy auto focus. I am considering moving to Canon or Sony for that reason. How is the XH2s with fast moving objects and tracking? Thanks.

[derJackistweg]

I agree that this is a linse lens with a nice haptic (NOT quality, as noone can really judge that!)

BUT: I do not feel the lens as "light" nor that it feels nice on a Fuji body! I have this here since 2 days, on a H2 = a big grip.
It feels heavy and it feels front heavy, especially.

I have a GH6 as well. And combines with a 100-300 F4-5.6 (= a big and heavy lens!) the GH6 feels way better in the hands.

[areapictures]

The exposure stepping (on all X zoom lenses) SUCKS. God, I hope it changes. Because yes, it does change levels as you zoom in and out in a shot. Nightmare.