Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

I came of age in the '90s and took up photography as a young adult. I've been seriously shooting now, off-and-on professionally, for about 20 years—precisely over the period during which the world made the shift from film to digital. As a result, I've shot with a lot of gear. Olympus OM system. Canon EF. Nikon F-mount. Four Thirds. Micro Four Thirds. And of course Fuji X-mount. I've had occasion to own some very good wide aperture "standard zoom" lenses, from Olympus, Nikon, Canon, Sigma, and Fuji. In terms of image quality and focus performance and accuracy, this is probably the best all-around lens I've ever owned. It is an impressive, impressive piece of equipment in every way. I'm currently using it with Fuji X-T2 bodies. THE GOOD - Amazing sharpness at every focal length all the way open - Blink-of-eye focus lock apparently limited only by the body you shoot with - Rugged all-metal build construction - Actual, mechanical, notched aperture ring, not a fly-by-wire imitation - Smooth-as-silk zoom and focus action - Very sound weather sealing that I've had several occasions to depend on It is pure, rock-solid competence in every way, utterly dependable and predictable in terms of durability, in terms of handling, and in terms of output. I wouldn't be without it. THE BAD - It is very long and heavy for a dedicated APS-C lens, essentially double the size of its other direct competitors - The front element is huge - All of this makes it vulnerable to damage but also requiring of very large filters and cases for protection It would appear that the basic trade-off that enabled Fuji to come up with such a technically brilliant lens is that it's an APS-C lens that's the size of a full-frame f/2.8 zoom. Whether or not this works for you will depend on your own circumstances. IN COMPARISON vs. Olympus 12.40mm f/2.8 Pro: The Fuji 16-55mm has more pleasing and more effective DOF control/bokeh, even at what should be equivalently adjusted settings that compensate for the smaller sensor size of the MFT system. The Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 lens is a fine lens that matches this one for build quality, sharpness, and focus speed, yet design compromises mean that it the Olympus 12-40mm is lacking in the DOF control department in comparison to the Fuji 16-55mm, or even in comparison to Olympus non-pro offerings like the 14-54mm zoom. vs. Canon L and Nikon f/2.8 pro standard zooms: I only ever used the versions of these lenses that predate the advent of "designed during the APS-C era" equipment, but nonetheless, the Fuji 16-55mm is far sharper across the frame—especially at corners—and far less prone to distortion and chromatic aberration than either Canon or Nikon versions of an f/2.8 standard zoom that I shout with during the '00s. It is also noticeably faster to focus. The Fuji 16-55mm is admittedly somewhat smaller than the Canon and Nikon f/2.8 offerings for full-frame, but if you sit it down next to these on the one side and an Olympus 12-40mm or Sigma 18-50mm on the other side, the Fuji is clearly closer in size to the former (full-frame f/2.8 zooms) than the latter (other mirrorless or DX f/2.8 zooms). It really can't claim to have a tremendous size advantage vs. full-frame fixed-aperture zooms. You're not going to go Fuji XF with this lens for the weight savings. vs. Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX: Immensely better build quality, with better sharpness both at edge and center—as well as immensely faster focus. Don't get me wrong, the Sigma is in an entirely different price class and about half the size, an amazing lens in its own right for the cost, but when the output and build quality of the two is compared, the Fuji 16-55mm simply destroys the Sigma. It's like comparing a Honda Accord, which is a fine car in its own right, to a Tesla Roadster. If you can put up with the size and cost and have a body like the X-T2 that can take advantage of what this lens is able to offer, you'll find that this lens is really at the top of what photography currently has (or probably ever will have) to offer. It's really just a fully achieved product in every way. Hats off to Fuji for making a lens with few obvious compromises, and none in the image quality department.

I've been looking for a "bread and butter" lens to add to my Fujifilm X-T1 system. I already have the Fujinon 18-135mm that came as a lens kit and purchased at a really good price earlier this year. It does a great job in average to bright light settings, but struggles indoors and low light situations. I was looking for a special lens that had the "wow" factor where the end results in a picture just take your breath away. I found it in this lens. I still have my full frame Nikon system that I do not plan on leaving anytime soon. My Nikon is my workhorse for my "bread and butter" events. There is still something special to me in using a full frame DSLR that I will still fall back to using. While I long to have the Nikon 24-70mm lens, I could no justify the price as well as the weight of the lens. I started my research and reading for the next wide/zoom lens. Along the way, I added the Fujinon 27mm pancake lens as well as the 35mm lens. These two primes did a remarkable job in low light. Carrying this Fuji system was still lighter than carrying my Nikon system. Switching between zoom and prime lens did not bother me as I felt there's a creative and fun factor with this system. Still, a good walk around and all purpose lens was waiting to be found. For months, I kept my eye on the 16-55mm red badge lens. It's an equivalent to the full frame ~24-70mm lens. I read a lot of reviews and looked at the beautiful pictures this lens was producing. My gut feeling was telling me to get this lens. I waited for a sale and finally made a purchase. I had no buyer's remorse. Oh my! What a beautiful lens! In my hands, was a solid piece of beautiful glass. It's slightly heavier than my 18-135mm lens and a bit longer and a bit wider. I immediately swapped lens and started my wonderful relationship/journey with my new lens. My first adventure was to my local garden center. I always take a photo trip there to test out new lenses. The first thing I noticed was how quick this lens is. No focus hunting at all. My second photo adventure was to an annual trade show. Now, we all know how crazy the lighting can be at an event like this. My Nikon system would usually handle this quite well. I have to say that my Fuji system did a better job, especially with this lens. This lens is sharp! At first, I wasn't too sure how much I would miss using my 18-135mm lens as it's a great all-purpose walk-around-lens. I did not miss it when I went to the trade show. I did not miss it when I captured/shot other events. I briefly mentioned the size and weight in comparison to my 18-135mm lens. I do not notice the extra weight and extra length. I'm using my lens without a grip. It's that comfortable in my hands. Have I mentioned it's a joy to use? Right now, this lens is permanently attached to my X-T1. A winning combination. Have I found my "bread and butter" lens? I sure did! ** February 2016 ** For the first time, I went on vacation without my Nikon system. Instead I took my Fujifilm X-T1 and this wonderful lens. Spent two weeks on a cruise ship and was able to capture some incredible pictures of our adventure. This camera/lens combination did not hesitate in low-light situations. I was able to take pictures of a production show inside a dark theater. This is a great combination for my needs. Also, enjoyed traveling with a lighter backpack. Don't get me wrong, I still love my Nikon system. For this trip it was about letting go for two weeks and see what my Fuji could do. It did remarkably well. I will be back to add additional thoughts/comments/usage.

The only thing I wish this lens had is OIS. That being said, it's already pretty heavy if you're using the x-t2 like I am, so it really doesn't need extra weight. I can't wait to get an x-h1, because as Tony Northrup suggests, and I agree, this lens is the perfect mate for the x-h1 because of the larger grip and built in image stabilization. I am now starting to assist shooting weddings and when I am done taking portraits with my 56f1.2, this lens is typically what I use next. It's simply too versatile not to use it for everything else. The weight and size makes me want to use my fantastic fuji primes (16f1.4, 23f2, 35f2) but I get frustrated at not getting the shot I want at the right focal length when the moment passes. In these moments I say, that's it- I'm putting on the 16-55, and I sigh in relief. Simply put, it is a wonderful lens. The zoom is often compared to 24-70mm f4 full frame zoom- and rightfully so- it's the closest equivalent. But the 16-55 is even better than that- it's a 24-84mm! You get an extra bit of zoom! It's great for getting candid wedding shots from across the room. The quality of the build is fantastic, along with the IQ (image quality). The internal barrel extends the total length of the lens as you zoom- it isn't very long and it only starts really expanding after 23mm, but it does extend. This is important because as the internal volume of the lens expands, it wants to stay at a constant pressure, so, air gets sucked inside. This is an issue for dust/moisture/humidity, especially when temperature changes a lot. Now, many reading this might already know that, but I'm mentioning it specifically because I took this lens on a two week trip, with 4 day trek through the jungle in Colombia, South America. For those that are curious, I went to see the Ciudad Perdida, among other places. It was dusty, hot, humid, and I (not the camera) definitely got rained on- hard. With the exception of the one downpour I experienced and a small handful of times that I used other lenses, this lens was deployed during the entire trek, *light* rain or no. Lens cap was off (read tony northrups "Stunning Digital Photography", he elaborates on why lens caps don't matter), and I was using the peak design capture clip to secure my fuji x-t2 and this 16-55mm to my pack strap. At no point did this lens let me down. It put up with much more movement, dust, rain, and humidity than I would ever expose any of my other sensitive electronics to. Honestly, I am completely amazed by it. Believe me when I say, this was no ordinary stroll through the woods. The terrain was extremely steep at times, the conditions were very trying/primitive, and I was on foot the whole time. And I also routinely take this lens out backpacking in the Appalachian region. The fact that this lens easily shrugged off everything I put it through and took great photos while doing it, is a testament to it's durability, craftsmanship, and engineering- well done Fuji.

This is an amazing lens, especially for a zoom. It feels like walking around with a 16, a 23, a 35, and a 55 mm prime lens. F2.8 wouldn’t be an amazing prime lens but it would be a pretty good one, and with this lens you have 4 of those in one body. Pros - Constant 2.8 aperture and this lens maintains good sharpness at 2.8 through the entire zoom range - Excellent sharpness all the way out to f8 and still very usable all the way to f16 - The lens has markings for those common focal lengths so it’s quick to switch - Amazing build quality and feel - Dedicated aperture ring - OUTSTANDING Image quality - Weather resistant - Fast autofocus Cons - it’s pretty heavy - No image stabilization built in, combined with the weight this can be an issue unless you have a Fiji body with IBIS, it’s not an issue on my X-T5 - Focus by wire isn’t for everyone - It’s not well suited for macro work

Lives on my XT-4. Super crisp. First and only lens I've had for a year and then I finally grabbed the 50-140 f2.8. Legendary combo, heavy combo. You will want the battery grip on an XT-4 if you have medium to bigger hands. Really good autofocus. You've likely read how this lens isn't great for video, the only reason is when the lens is zoomed in and out the exposure jumps a bit. When shooting a video just choose the focal length for the shot and you will be impressed by the optical quality in video. Wide open @ F2.8 you will need an nd filter. A 1-6 stop NISI Variable is really cool but it does not get dark enough for bright daylight shooting. Especially shooting F-LOG the base ISO is 640. Grab a 6 and 3 stop to stack on top of each other

I decide to post this review right now just in case fellow photographers want to read while the current Fuji sale is going on (sale started on May 22, 2016). It is a little bit on the heavy side and definitely it would be better if it has optical image stabilizer. However, because it is not very long, the balance on the X-T1 is fine. The lens focus fast both in bright light and in dim light. It focus quietly; there is just a little noise. Its minimum focus distance is about 1 foot (30 cm) from the sensor plane. This is very good. I'm very impressed. Perfect for things like flowers, etc. For subjects not too far (flowers, leaves, people portraits, etc.), the lens is very sharp. Color and contrast are very similar to other Fuji prime lenses. I am very impressed. For this kind of photos, this lens beats the 18-55 by a wide margin. 18-55 is a good lens. This lens is a VERY good one. It is not as GREAT as the Fuji primes (I have 35 mm f1.4, 56 mm f1.2, and 16 mm f1.4). The photos are sharp, great color and contrast, but it seems to feel "a little forced"; it lacks subtle, sublime, or something like that. For landscape and subjects that are near and far, the lens does a good job. The color and contrast is there. Sharpness seems to be fine. Compare to 18-55, this lens much sharper at wide aperture. It has better color and contrast. The weight is not too much an issue. Thus, the only two negatives are 1) no stabilizer and 2) price.

I’ve shot with the Canon 5D Mark II since 2010 and I have some of the more popular lenses with that: the 50 f1.4, 24-70 f2.8L II, 16-35 f2.8L II, and the 85 f1.8. I’ve gone thru phases where I’ve preferred each over all the others, but in general the 50 f1.4 is the default. Anyhow, I wanted to try something different and decided to switch to FujiFilm only a month back with the purchase of the X-Pro3 and this is the first lens I went with. It was rather difficult to choose which to get, especially because I prefer prime lenses. The deciding factor was the need for having something versatile for travel. The build quality is exceptional, as well as the low-light performance. The picture quality, on the whole, is extremely high - no complaints whatsoever. When compared to the other lenses from FujiFilm, it is a bit bulky and perhaps heavy. It’s just something to be aware of. The only real drawback for me is the lack of image stabilization - but I knew that from the start. Overall, I’ve no regrets with purchasing this as a first lens. The attached photos were taken from my trip to Amsterdam in December 2019. More shots are available on my Instagram: @a1ryang

Here’s the deal. This is a SUPER sharp zoom lens. With the 2.8 fixed aperture, you are able to achieve very pleasing, creamy bokeh including this ever important round bokeh balls. Basically, this is exactly what you would expect out of a professional level Fujifilm lens. This thing is built like an absolute tank, the zoom ring is super smooth and at an appropriate throw from wide to zoomed focal length. The clicky aperture ring is exactly what it should be. The manual focus ring has a good resistance on it. This lens is your perfect still photography lens. Now... if you’re a video shooter, here’s the scoop. This doesn’t have OIS on it so if you’re shooting video on an X-T2 or X-T3 or similar, you’re going to need a gimbal or buy an X-H1 body with the IBUS built in. For me, this is not at all a deal breaker because the photo quality of this lens is superior to the 18-55 in my opinion as well as the F/2 primes. It’s not until you get into the 56mm F/1.2 or the 35mm F/1.4 that the primes outshine this lens. I’ve tried them all. I’m telling you. If you’re thinking about buying this lens, do it. It’s a game changer!

Excellent picture quality, large lens, on the heavier side but with sturdy build quality and weather resistance.

Brilliant

Top! Einfach ein Traum in jedweder Hinsicht.

Es un lente muy útil ya que con el no es necesario estar cambiando de lente; lo utilizo en eventos sociales, su alcance, apertura y desempeño es excelente! Lo único que no me gusto es que cuando lo recibí lucia un poco sucio en el exterior, de ahí en fuera todo bien!

Purchased this lens for a gig I had, as soon as I got it didn't even have time to test it out before going to the location. I chose to have this lens, a 56 F1.2 and a a 90 f2. Honestly speaking for a good portion of the shoot the xf 16-55 stayed on my XT2. The only time I swapped lenses was for the 56mm when I needed specific shots. Overall, this is an amazing all around lens. AF is quick and silent, it's fast enough (although nothing can really stand to the thin depth of field and magic the 56 provides), and extremely sharp. Some issues people may find is that it is heavy. Heavy enough to notice shortly after mounting the lens. Also, no image stabilization. For the price point you would expect that. BUT if you have the XH1 you will have no problems. This is a fantastic lens! Would recommend!