benherrmann

Yes, I'm definitely with you with regards to the 16-50 XC lens.  All too often we become influenced by appearances - that is, feel and build quality - and that tends to cloud our perceptions (in advance) as to how a lens may perform.
 
I received the 16-50 XC as part of both the XA-1 and X-M1 kits (yes, have 2 of 'em - one black and one in silver).  I was not prepared for the optical results I was achieving with this particular lens model.  And other than the plastic lens mount, the lens doesn't feel (look) bad at all.  It certainly is one of the finest kit lenses out there and the welcomed 24 MM equivalent wide end makes a world of difference.
 
The best way to describe the IQ capabilities of this 16-50 XC lens is to first visit some of the other typical "cheaper" kit lenses. Their IQ capabilities may seem pleasant overall, but there often is something missing - that is, the ability to look through to the image and experience that certain (often elusive), "you are there" gut feeling.  Great glass, on the other hand, allows for the viewer to experience that palpable "you are there" feeling as you look at the images.  In a way, the 16-50 XC lens also allows for this - it's uncanny at times. It's kind of like lifting the last remaining veil between you and the image.  And that to me that is one measure of a great lens (regardless of cost).  A few other really nice entry level zoom lenses (great optical quality) are made by Panasonic (14-45 IS, 14-42 II IS, and the 12-32 IS), and by Samsung (their 16-50 PZ).
 
Would I consider using this entry-evel 16-50 XC lens on higher end Fuji X cameras?  Hell yes, I would!  Without hesitation...
 
I sooooooo wanted the more expensive 16-55 XF to have OIS, but when Fuji released it without that feature, I balked.  I need OS (plus great optical qualities of course), so the 16-50 XC will serve as the go-to lens within this genre.  I still don't understand how Fuji could justify putting IS on their high end wide angle XF zoom lens - but rationalized that having it on the 16-55 XF would hurt IQ or make it too large.
 
I'd love to see Fuji release some other XC lenses to fill that gap, but I doubt that will happen.
 
 
 

Hello all...
 
My name is Bernd Werner Herrmann (quite a mouthful, eh), and I go by "Ben."  I've been posting on a vairety of forums around the net since around 2002 and have been activie in digital photography since 1998.  You'll often see me quite active on DPReview on various forums there.
 
As a matter of background information, I was born in Germany - the town of Moosburg in Bavaria to be more specific.  I was born in 1949 - my father being originally from Preussen (Prussia), and my mother being from Karnten-Villach ,Osterreich (Austria).  My father was a Wehrmacht Panzer officer during WW II and following the war, both he and my mother came to conclusion to emigrate to the USA eventually.  So he came to the USA first, working for the US Army and eventually he sent for us, with us emigrating to the US in the mid 50's.  We settled in Philadelphia, Pa - which was a nice place (then) - a far cry what it is now.
 
Keeping with our family history (all of my family on my father's side served in the Germany Army), I entered the US Marine Corps in 1966 and wound up making it a career, retiring from the Corps in 1993 as a Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9).  I served in Vietnam from Feb 1968 through September 1969.  I also served as Marine Corps Drill Instructor with L Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at MCRD San Diego, training recruits there for 3 years. 
 
My education is a BS in Tourism, Recreation, and Parks Management from North Carolina State University (summa cum laude).  Upon retiring from the Marines I worked as a Park Manager and Lake Warden for 8 years.  I then got the itch to get into real estate, obtained my North Carolina Brokers license and specialized in new home construction sales.  I am now fully retired - but quite active in conservative politics, mentoring the mentally disabled, volunteering in assisting the homeless, heavy physical fitness and weight training, gardening, and gourmet dining and wine tasting.
 
I'm currently shooting with a variety of brands - specifically, the Fuji X system, Micro four thirds system (both Panny and Olympus), Canon EOS-M system, the Samsung NX system, and the Nikon system.  So my attitude is not one of "fanboyism" towards any one brand - rather, I can appreciate them all for what they bring to the table.
 
We reside in the town of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina and live in a small, but quaint 4 BR home.  I've been married to my wife Jane for 36 years now and have a son, Erik who resides with us.
 
And that's it in a nutshell - glad to be aboard since I really enjoy the Fuji X Trans system.
 

 

Yes, I'm definitely with you with regards to the 16-50 XC lens.  All too often we become influenced by appearances - that is, feel and build quality - and that tends to cloud our perceptions (in advance) as to how a lens may perform.
 
I received the 16-50 XC as part of both the XA-1 and X-M1 kits (yes, have 2 of 'em - one black and one in silver).  I was not prepared for the optical results I was achieving with this particular lens model.  And other than the plastic lens mount, the lens doesn't feel (look) bad at all.  It certainly is one of the finest kit lenses out there and the welcomed 24 MM equivalent wide end makes a world of difference.
 
The best way to describe the IQ capabilities of this 16-50 XC lens is to first visit some of the other typical "cheaper" kit lenses. Their IQ capabilities may seem pleasant overall, but there often is something missing - that is, the ability to look through to the image and experience that certain (often elusive), "you are there" gut feeling.  Great glass, on the other hand, allows for the viewer to experience that palpable "you are there" feeling as you look at the images.  In a way, the 16-50 XC lens also allows for this - it's uncanny at times. It's kind of like lifting the last remaining veil between you and the image.  And that to me that is one measure of a great lens (regardless of cost).  A few other really nice entry level zoom lenses (great optical quality) are made by Panasonic (14-45 IS, 14-42 II IS, and the 12-32 IS), and by Samsung (their 16-50 PZ).
 
Would I consider using this entry-evel 16-50 XC lens on higher end Fuji X cameras?  Hell yes, I would!  Without hesitation...
 
I sooooooo wanted the more expensive 16-55 XF to have OIS, but when Fuji released it without that feature, I balked.  I need OS (plus great optical qualities of course), so the 16-50 XC will serve as the go-to lens within this genre.  I still don't understand how Fuji could justify putting IS on their high end wide angle XF zoom lens - but rationalized that having it on the 16-55 XF would hurt IQ or make it too large.
 
I'd love to see Fuji release some other XC lenses to fill that gap, but I doubt that will happen.
 
 
 

Hello all...
 
My name is Bernd Werner Herrmann (quite a mouthful, eh), and I go by "Ben."  I've been posting on a vairety of forums around the net since around 2002 and have been activie in digital photography since 1998.  You'll often see me quite active on DPReview on various forums there.
 
As a matter of background information, I was born in Germany - the town of Moosburg in Bavaria to be more specific.  I was born in 1949 - my father being originally from Preussen (Prussia), and my mother being from Karnten-Villach ,Osterreich (Austria).  My father was a Wehrmacht Panzer officer during WW II and following the war, both he and my mother came to conclusion to emigrate to the USA eventually.  So he came to the USA first, working for the US Army and eventually he sent for us, with us emigrating to the US in the mid 50's.  We settled in Philadelphia, Pa - which was a nice place (then) - a far cry what it is now.
 
Keeping with our family history (all of my family on my father's side served in the Germany Army), I entered the US Marine Corps in 1966 and wound up making it a career, retiring from the Corps in 1993 as a Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9).  I served in Vietnam from Feb 1968 through September 1969.  I also served as Marine Corps Drill Instructor with L Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at MCRD San Diego, training recruits there for 3 years. 
 
My education is a BS in Tourism, Recreation, and Parks Management from North Carolina State University (summa cum laude).  Upon retiring from the Marines I worked as a Park Manager and Lake Warden for 8 years.  I then got the itch to get into real estate, obtained my North Carolina Brokers license and specialized in new home construction sales.  I am now fully retired - but quite active in conservative politics, mentoring the mentally disabled, volunteering in assisting the homeless, heavy physical fitness and weight training, gardening, and gourmet dining and wine tasting.
 
I'm currently shooting with a variety of brands - specifically, the Fuji X system, Micro four thirds system (both Panny and Olympus), Canon EOS-M system, the Samsung NX system, and the Nikon system.  So my attitude is not one of "fanboyism" towards any one brand - rather, I can appreciate them all for what they bring to the table.
 
We reside in the town of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina and live in a small, but quaint 4 BR home.  I've been married to my wife Jane for 36 years now and have a son, Erik who resides with us.
 
And that's it in a nutshell - glad to be aboard since I really enjoy the Fuji X Trans system.