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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 over the last four two years. The majority of photos on this blog were taken with it. While not perfect, it comes very close. To be honest, if it could cook, I’d marry 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.
So, 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. As it is, the company has earned my eternal loyalty.
Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR Technical specifications:
- Mount Type – Fujifilm X
- Focal Length – 16-55 mm (in the 35 mm format 24-84 mm)
- Lens construction (elements/groups) – 17/12
- Angle of view – 83.2 – 29°
- Number of diaphragm blades – 9 (rounded diaphragm opening)
- 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, and 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 comes with 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 a lot of night-time street photography and have found it handles very well, with no complaints at all. And it’s a Fujifilm lens, so 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 any flaws? I’ve seen comments on the web that bokeh from this lens isn’t so great, and I’d have to agree. At times it looks like onions, but it isn’t a big problem. And as mentioned, there is a weight issue, which might bother some on a smaller camera. Plus, it isn’t stabilized, 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 pretty expensive. If you are on a budget, it is something you need to think about.
At 655 grams, it is heavy. When I combined it with the booster grip, my little camera (a Fujifilm X-T2) became huge. But after my first session with it, I didn’t mind at all. Maybe it sounds childish, but I felt like a pro shooter because the setup looked great. After I saw the quality of the first pictures I took with it, I knew it was a keeper.
Conclusion
That is pretty much it. The Fujinon XF 16-55mm does have a few flaws, but it is an excellent lens. It is expensive, but it produces incredible image quality. And that is what photography is about for many people, it makes for great pictures.
For more lens reviews, look at:
External websites reviewing the Fujinon XF 16-55mm
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.