Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is my favorite lens
If there were a lens to rule them all, I would choose the Fujinon XF 16-55 mm f/2.8 R LM WR that debuted in early 2015. It comes with exceptional optics, solid construction, and amazing image quality. This is my most used lens. I’ve lost count of the number of pictures I’ve taken with it between 2017 and 2025. Many photos on this blog were taken with it. While not perfect, it comes close. Let’s look at it.
One thing, though, I’m reviewing this lens as a non-technical shooter. I’ve learned by doing, not by studying. And I also shoot RAW only, and I cannot remember the last time I took a JPEG. Have I ever taken one of those? No, not for many years.
Let’s get into it. In early 2017, after reading about the Fujinon XF 16-55mm and seeing images from it on various websites, I knew it was for me. What I had learned impressed me. With its nice focal range that would suit a wide variety of situations – it is a real workhorse.
The image quality that the 16-55 mm produces is beyond amazing. I’m in love with it. When you look at pictures created by it, you realize why the lens is so heavy. Fujifilm put everything it could into this lens. There (seems) to have been no compromises in getting the best quality image possible. If they had made a lighter lens, there might have been some compromises with the optics. That would have resulted in not-so-stunning pictures.
Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR Technical Specs:
- Mount Type: Fujifilm X
- Focal Length: 16-55 mm
- Lens construction (elements/groups): 17/12
- Angle of view: 83.2 – 29°
- Number of diaphragm blades: 9
- Maximum aperture: f/2.8
- Minimum aperture: f/22
- Minimum focus distance: 30 cm
- Max magnification: 0.16 x (telephoto)
- Weight (with no cap): 655 g
- Dimensions: 83.3 mm x 106.0 mm (wide) / 129.5 mm (telephoto)
- Filter size: 77 mm
- Stabilization: No
- Weather resistant: Yes
This lens will last. It contains a lot of metal. Some parts, though, like the zoom ring and the front part of the barrel, are high-quality plastic. It feels very solid. The lens feels good in the hand and is very attractive.
Turning the aperture ring also feels solid, and there are hard stops at each third of an exposure stop from f/2.8 until f/22. From f/22 to the A (Auto/Aperture Priority), where it stops, is completely smooth. And when you zoom in completely, the front part extends, revealing the lens barrel’s plastic part.
Like other Fuji X mount lenses, it is fly-by-wire. This means that the focus ring is electronically controlled, not mechanical. There is no focus scale on the lens. The ring will rotate in either direction. If you want to focus manually, the focus scale is inside the viewfinder or on the rear display.
The 16-55 has a twin linear motor, which is fast and quiet when autofocusing. It’s been reported that there might be some noise in continuous focus when the lens is scanning a scene, but I haven’t heard it on mine (maybe I need a hearing aid?).
Focusing is good in both bright and low-light conditions. I’ve used it for night-time street photography and have found it handles very well. It’s a Fujifilm lens, so the contrast and color rendition are superb.
If I had to talk about sharpness, pictures taken at 16 mm seem slightly better than 55 mm. The difference is minimal, though. But, generally speaking, this lens is sharp. If it were any sharper, it might cut your eyeballs!
Vignetting? At worst, it is minimal, and what is there can be controlled in post-processing. If you worry about ghosting and flaring, the Fujinon XF 16-55mm comes with advanced coating technologies. They reduce ghosting and flaring by a large amount. That’s not to say there is none, because you can get it, but it is kept under control. Chromatic aberration levels are also very, very good.
Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 cons
Does it have flaws? I’ve seen comments on the web that bokeh from this lens isn’t so great, and I agree. At times it looks like onions, but it isn’t a big problem. There is a weight issue, which might bother some on smaller cameras.
There is no stabilization, which might worry some. With the advent of the X-H1 and X-T4, that is less of a problem for many. And even though it is expensive, I recommend it without any reservations. It is that good.
Some people might be concerned about the price. A new Fujinon XF 16-55mm will set you back over US$1000. That is expensive. It is something to think about if you are on a budget.
It is heavy at 655 grams. When combined with the booster grip, my little Fujifilm X-T2 became huge. It sounds childish, but I felt like a pro shooter because the setup looked great. But after my first session with it, I didn’t mind. After I saw the quality of the first pictures I took with it, I knew it was a keeper.
Conclusion
The Fujinon XF 16-55mm has a few flaws, but it is an excellent lens. It is expensive, but it produces incredible image quality. That is what photography is about, making great pictures. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
For more review articles, look at:
External Fujinon XF 16-55mm reviews
2 thoughts on “Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 is my favorite lens”
It must be tempting to pair it with the soon to be released Fujifilm X-T5.
Sorry for the slow reply David. I didn’t see your comment until tonight. If I could afford the X-T5 I’d buy it with no hesitation. That seems to be a nice camera. If I can find a little extra work, that might happen. But if it doesn’t that’s okay because the X-T3 is still good enough.