The X-Systen | Fast or Slow ?

Today was a first in my X-System Journey.

I felt like testing the XF 18-135mm F3.5 - 5.6

Look at that maximum and minimum Aperture - this Lens is a fantastic all in one versatile optical piece of magic.

Take a look at this collection of XF Lens; these are all single focal length with a maximum Aperture from 1.4 up to 2.8.

These Prime Lens are hands down magnificent. I feel privileged to own them.

However, The XF 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 is something a bit special. Even though this is considered to be a slow variable Aperture Lens, it delivers stunning images.

Today, I paired it with my X-Pro 1 just to see how the images rendered.

Allow me to share my technique in getting the best out of this Lens.

I think of this as seven Lens in one.

18mm, 23mm 35mm, 55mm 70mm, 100mm & 135mm.

Now don’t forget, the crop factor of 1.5; in 35mm FF terms that 27mm - 202.5mm. This is an extremely versatile focal range.

I never zoom in on a subject; I set my focal Length to the subject and zoom with my feet.

I set my Aperture at 5.6 and leave it for most subjects.

My Shutter Speed for this Lens is set 1/500 sec.

This Lens has Stabilisation which I turn on.

Here’s the best part, on my X-Pro 1, I have set my FN Button ISO.

This Lens operates at its best when there is plenty of good quality Light - today was decent.

This meant I could adjust my ISO to match my Aperture and Shutter Speed. I keep a high Shutter Speed primarily to avoid camera shake.

My Shutter Speed didn’t go lower the 1/125th.

All images shot in Raw and edited in Lightroom.

If I need to zoom I do only when I cannot walk physically close to my subject. Yes, I would take this to Africa - although a slightly longer focal length would ideal.

Living in London at this time of year, my shooting hours are from around 10:00 am - 16:00pm. If I am still out, I change to a Fast Prime Lens of 16mm 1.4

It’s that simple.

If I Travel with this Lens, I would also take a second body fitted with either my XF23mm or 16mm 1.4 and a speed-light with magmod modifier.

Fast Last Lens are fantastic.

Slower Lens sacrifice light gathering capabilities for convenience. This doesn’t mean it’s ineffective. It simply means knowing how to get the best out of it.

Let’s face it, a fast Lens can be ineffective in a country like India with blazing sun shine.

In that situation I read about photographers doing everything possible to control how much light impacts the sensor. ND Filters and god know what else.

I would Travel to India fully confident and full of faith in the XF18-135mm 3.5-5.6.

India is on my Bucket List.

Thanks for reading x