Fuji X-E2 + Fuji XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 Sample Images
Some photos sit quietly in your Lightroom catalog for years until something pulls you back to them. That is exactly what happened with these images from Downtown San Antonio during Christmas time.
I recently started researching more versatile zoom lenses for events and travel. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my Viltrox 25mm f1.7. It is easily one of my favorite lenses I own. I have been secretly hoping Viltrox releases a zoom lens someday, but until that happens, I started exploring other options currently on the market.
While searching for recommendations, I posted a thread on Reddit asking for advice on versatile Fuji zoom lenses. Someone mentioned the Fuji XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4. Their suggestion made me laugh a little because:
- I already own this lens
- Some of my favorite photos I have ever taken were captured with it
That realization led me back into my archives, where I rediscovered this Downtown San Antonio night photography session.
Revisiting the Fuji X-E2 for Photography
These photos were taken using my Fuji X-E2 paired with the Fuji XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4, and they honestly reminded me why this camera still holds such a special place in my heart.
If you found this post because you are searching for Fuji X-E2 sample images, you are in the right place. This camera might not have all the modern upgrades found in newer Fuji bodies, but it consistently produces beautiful, usable images.
There is something about older Fuji sensors that I genuinely love. The colors feel natural, the files are easy to work with, and the camera simply encourages me to focus on composition and storytelling instead of overthinking technical settings.
Using the Fuji X-E2 feels like going back to basics in the best possible way. It strips photography down to what really matters. Even today, many of my favorite images were taken with this camera, and this Downtown San Antonio Christmas walk is a perfect example of that.
Photographing Downtown San Antonio During Christmas
Downtown San Antonio transforms during the holidays. The Riverwalk fills with lights, the Tower of the Americas glows against the night sky, and landmarks like La Antorcha de la Amistad become even more visually striking.
One of my favorite parts of this session was experimenting with framing and reflections throughout the city. Night photography always challenges me creatively because it forces me to slow down and look for light in a different way.
Most of these photos were actually captured in JPEG format, except for my Riverwalk image. To my surprise, the JPEG files looked incredible straight out of the camera. I made very small adjustments during editing, mostly out of habit, but the colors and tones were already very strong.
If you are searching for Fuji X-E2 low light photography examples, this setup performs better than many people might expect, especially when paired with the versatile XF 18-55mm lens.
Why the Fuji XF 18-55mm Still Impresses Me
When I first entered the Fuji ecosystem, choosing a lens felt overwhelming. There were so many strong options available, but the Fuji XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 consistently received positive feedback. After owning and using it extensively, I completely understand why.
This lens produces sharp images, beautiful color rendering, and extremely useful focal range flexibility. Looking through these Fuji XF 18-55mm sample photos, it is easy to see how well the lens performs across multiple situations.
During this Downtown San Antonio photography session, I was able to capture wide environmental cityscapes, mid-range compositions of landmarks, and tighter framing moments without ever needing to switch lenses. That type of versatility makes this lens an excellent choice for travel and event photography.
I actually used this lens on a recent shoot and was immediately reminded why I purchased it in the first place. It performs consistently and produces reliable results.
Why I Explored Other Lenses (And Came Full Circle)
Over time, I became very focused on building an extremely compact photography setup. I noticed that I often shot at the wider end of my zoom range, which eventually led me to purchase the Fuji XF 18mm f2 prime lens. That lens is fantastic in its own way and extremely compact.
Later, I found myself wanting more subject separation and bokeh, which pushed me toward the Viltrox 25mm f1.7. That lens quickly became one of my favorites due to its image quality and affordability.
Now, I find myself coming full circle and wanting more versatility again. That journey led me back to revisiting this lens and these Fuji XF 18-55mm sample images, which reminded me how balanced and capable this zoom lens really is.
Is the Fuji XF 18-55mm Good for Travel and Events?
In my experience, the answer is absolutely yes.
If you are looking for a travel lens that provides flexibility without sacrificing image quality, this lens is extremely hard to beat. It covers a very useful focal range while remaining relatively lightweight and compact.
These Fuji travel photography images from Downtown San Antonio highlight how well the lens performs in real-world situations, including night environments with mixed lighting conditions.
My Honest Verdict on the XF 18-55mm
The Fuji XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 is a phenomenal budget-friendly lens for everyday photography and travel. It produces sharp images, handles a wide range of situations, and pairs beautifully with cameras like the Fuji X-E2.
At this stage in my photography journey, the only reason I am exploring upgrades is to find a zoom lens that performs slightly better in very low light conditions. Outside of that, this lens continues to prove why it has remained such a popular option among Fuji shooters.
If you are researching Fuji X-E2 sample photos or looking for honest feedback about the Fuji XF 18-55mm lens, I hope these sample images help show just how capable this setup still is today.
Final Thoughts
Revisiting these photos reminded me how important it is to go back through older work. Sometimes the gear we already own is more capable than we remember.
The Fuji X-E2 and XF 18-55mm combination continues to produce images that I am proud of years later. That alone says a lot about both the camera and the lens.
And if this post encourages someone to pick up an older Fuji camera or give their kit lens another chance, then I would consider that a huge win.
Philip Adcock 
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