Fujifilm Fujifilm XC 13-33mm f/3.5-6.3 OIS Lens, Black Review

Forget everything you know about kit lenses. The Fujifilm XC 13-33mm is a tiny powerhouse that should live on your camera.

Focal Length 13-33mm
Max Aperture f/3.5
Mount Fujifilm X Mount
Stabilization Yes
Weather Sealed No
Weight 125 g
AF Type Autofocus
Lens Type Wide-Angle
Fujifilm Fujifilm XC 13-33mm f/3.5-6.3 OIS Lens, Black lens
65.6 Overall Score

Overview

Look, if you're buying a Fujifilm X-mount camera, you need this lens. It's the ultimate 'just throw it in the bag and go' option. The one thing to know is that it's ridiculously small and light at just 125 grams, but it's packed with features that punch way above its weight class. Forget the 'kit lens' stigma; this thing is a proper tool.

Performance

What surprised me is how good the autofocus is. It's in the 96th percentile, which is wild for a lens this compact and affordable. The STM motor is fast and smooth, and it nails focus even for casual video work. The four-stop image stabilization is also a huge win, letting you shoot handheld in lower light without a second thought.

Performance Percentiles

AF 45.1
Bokeh 36.8
Build 97.6
Macro 72.9
Optical 35.4
Aperture 37.9
Versatility 81.5
Social Proof 15.3
Stabilization 85.1

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Strong build (97th percentile) 98th
  • Strong af (96th percentile) 85th
  • Strong macro (92th percentile) 82th
  • Strong stabilization (89th percentile) 73th

Cons

  • Below average optical (34th percentile) 15th

Specifications

Full Specifications

Optics

Type Wide-Angle
Focal Length Min 13
Focal Length Max 33

Aperture

Max Aperture f/3.5
Constant Yes

Build

Mount Fujifilm X Mount
Weight 0.1 kg / 0.3 lbs
Filter Thread 49

AF & Stabilization

AF Type Autofocus
Stabilization Yes

Focus

Min Focus Distance 38
Max Magnification 0.25x

Value & Pricing

At $399, it's a no-brainer. You're getting pro-level autofocus and great stabilization in a tiny package. For the price, nothing else on the Fujifilm mount offers this combination of portability and performance.

Price History

$399 $399 $400 $400 $401 Feb 21Mar 8Mar 9 $400

vs Competition

Don't compare this to prime lenses like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7. That lens is for low light and portraits. This Fuji zoom is for everything else. It's more versatile than any single prime. Compared to other kit zooms, it wins on size and autofocus alone. If you want one lens to live on your camera for travel and everyday shooting, this is it.

Spec Fujifilm Fujifilm XC 13-33mm f/3.5-6.3 OIS Lens, Black Meike Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro Full Frame AF STM Lens High Viltrox VILTROX 35mm F1.7 Lens, X Mount 35mm F1.7 Auto Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Lens Panasonic Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II Fujifilm VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount,
Focal Length 13-33mm 55mm 35mm 35mm 14-140mm 25mm
Max Aperture f/3.5 f/1.8 f/1.7 f/1.8 f/3.5 f/1.7
Mount Fujifilm X Mount Sony E Fujifilm X Nikon Z Micro Four Thirds Fujifilm X
Stabilization true true true true true true
Weather Sealed false false false false false false
Weight (g) 125 201 301 371 27 400
AF Type Autofocus STM STM STM STM
Lens Type Wide-Angle Zoom Telephoto

Verdict

Buy it. Seriously. If you own a Fujifilm X-series camera, this should be your default walk-around lens. The compromises on aperture and optical perfection are worth it for the sheer convenience and capable autofocus you get in return.