Fujifilm XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ Lens (Black)

As most of you realize, when you purchase an entry level style of "kit" zoom lens, you wind up hoping that you get a good copy. It's a given that with most kit lenses, copy-to-copy variations do exist, and that can become a downer if you get a bad one.This new XC 15-45 is a remarkable lens. Yes, it has a fly by wire zooming mechanism that initially reminds you of the built-in lenses that come with enthusiast long zoom lenses. Once you get over that perception, you will be pleasantly surprised at how sharp optically this lens is. I now have two of these lenses (one silver and one black) and both are superb copies - with clarity levels being very sharp from corner to corner (not just in the center). I tend to shoot anywhere from F6.3 to F8 and you will find ... MoreAs most of you realize, when you purchase an entry level style of "kit" zoom lens, you wind up hoping that you get a good copy. It's a given that with most kit lenses, copy-to-copy variations do exist, and that can become a downer if you get a bad one.This new XC 15-45 is a remarkable lens. Yes, it has a fly by wire zooming mechanism that initially reminds you of the built-in lenses that come with enthusiast long zoom lenses. Once you get over that perception, you will be pleasantly surprised at how sharp optically this lens is. I now have two of these lenses (one silver and one black) and both are superb copies - with clarity levels being very sharp from corner to corner (not just in the center). I tend to shoot anywhere from F6.3 to F8 and you will find the sharpness levels to a cut above.Additionally, the biggest plus in my opinion is the 22.5 MM wide angle equivalent that this lens affords you. As you may or may not realize, even small additions to the wide end (even as low as just 1 MM), are easily noticeable and distinct. Additions on the long end of the telephoto range, however, are not that noticeable. Differences between a 120 MM focal reach and a 150 MM focal reach are not that pronounced at all. But adding just 1 MM or more to the wide end, makes a world of difference. Thus the 22.5 MM focal equivalent on this 15-45 really stands out when compared to the typical 24 MM and 28 MM wide ends that are standard for most kit zoom lenses.In fact, when using this lens to shoot scenics, architectural photography, and large group portraits of people, you'll find yourself "not" wishing you had a wide angle zoom. This 22.5 MM focal equivalent on the wide end really opens up so many additional opportunities.OK, so we know that lens is constructed of all plastic (to include the lens mount portion) - yet the optics are glass obviously - but again, this lens seemingly punches far above its weight in both optical qualities and wide angle reach. As it stands now, I would not hesitate to put this lens on any of my Fuji X bodies.In the end however, it all depends on the copy you receive. I purchased two and wound up with both great copies. Hopefully, the same will occur for you.All in all, among all of the kit lenses I own from Panasonic, Olympus, Canon EOS M, Samsung NX, and Fuji - this 15-45 XC is the sharpest among them all - not to mention adding even more on the wide end of things.Highly recommended and the reason I gave it 5 stars is that I was comparing this lens to other kit lenses within this genre. As a result, it easily stands out (in my opinion of course) from this crowded field.

New product, Still in unmarked factory box and sealed inner wrapper. I would guess it's a gray market item, a kit lens taken from a body and kit package. So no factory warranty, but it's Fuji quality, though their lowest lens product line. For a dirt cheap price for what it is, it's worth it to take this route. Normally, I wouldn't. Lens is just what I thought it would be, extremely light weight, compact, easy to carry around on a walk around set up that I won't care too much about what happens to it by my stupidity. Good, clean images, and zoom easier to use than mentioned in reviews. The smaller ring controls the lens almost in a manner that a manual zoom function would. Not too far off from conventional lens muscle memory. Overall very happy.

I may not be the typical buyer of this lens. Im an old retired professional photographer with decades of experience with pro-level lenses. I converted to Fuji X to reduce my carry weight and size. Considering all that, its amazing that I have found so much satisfaction with this lens. The image quality, especially at the wide end where I use it the most, is good. The lens is very lightweight and very compact when turned off. No, its not quite as sharp as my prime lenses, but more than acceptable. I highly recommend it for serious but non critical photography.