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.
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From the manufacturer
Product Overview
The weather-resistant zoom lens XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR is a flagship "XF standard zoom lens" with a focal length equivalent to 24mm* to 84mm*, and a constant F2.8 aperture throughout the range. The advanced optical design controls various forms of aberration to achieve edge-to-edge sharpness across the entire zoom range.
Feature Flagship Standard Zoom
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Optically designed to draw out the maximum image qualityIn order to achieve the best-in-class image quality, the fast standard zoom lens with a constant aperture of F2.8 consists of 17 elements in 12 groups. This includes three aspherical lens elements to control spherical aberration and distortion, and three ED glass lens elements to reduce lateral chromatic aberration (wide-angle) and axial chromatic aberration (telephoto), thereby achieving edge-to-edge sharpness across the entire zoom range. Nine rounded aperture blades create a smooth, circular bokeh. The suppression of spherical aberration to the ultimate extent contributes to produce beautiful bokeh at both the front and back. |
Nano-GI (Gradient Index) Coating TechnologyApplying Fujifilm''s unique HT-EBC (High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating) to the entire area of the lens surface ensures ghosting and flare are controlled for sharp, clear images. Also, using the newly developed Nano-GI (Gradient Index) coating technology, which alters the refractive index between glass and air, ghosting and flare are effectively reduced for diagonal incident light. |
High-speed, quiet auto focus thanks to the Linear MotorBy reducing the weight of the focus lens and mounting the Twin Linear Motor, high-speed, quiet AF is possible. The fastest AF speed of 0.06 seconds brings comfort to your photo-shoot when by combining this lens with an X Series camera body* offering Phase Detection AF. Combined with the near-silent shutter sound, photos can be taken unnoticed in quiet locations. |
Weather resistant, dust-resistant and -10°C low-temperature operation
By applying seals to each portion of the barrel, the lens is weather-resistant, dust-resistant and -10°C low-temperature operation, making it the perfect companion for the FUJIFILM X-T1, which has the same levels of protection.
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This Item  Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | -8% $1,099.00 List: $1,199.95 | -11% $799.00 List: $899.95 | -13% $699.00 List: $799.95 | $799.00 | -10% $899.00 List: $999.95 | $494.00 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 15 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it May 14 - 16 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 15 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Picture quality | ||||||
| Image stabilization | ||||||
| Auto focus | ||||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Adorama | Focus Camera LLC | Amazon.com | Adorama | RAD Savings |
| lens type | Standard | Wide Angle | Standard | Wide Angle | Telephoto | Standard |
| compatible mountings | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X |
| lens design | Zoom | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Zoom |
| focus type | Auto Focus | Auto Focus, Manual Focus | Manual Focus, Auto Focus | — | Manual Focus, Auto Focus | Auto Focus |
| minimum focal length | 16 millimeters | 23 millimeters | 33 millimeters | 8 millimeters | 56 millimeters | 18 millimeters |
| max focal length | 55 millimeters | — | — | 8 millimeters | 56 millimeters | 50 millimeters |
| fixed focal length | 55 millimeters | 23 millimeters | 33 millimeters | 8 millimeters | 56 millimeters | 50 millimeters |
| real angle of view | — | 63.4 degrees | 46.9 degrees | 12 degrees | — | — |
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DPReview: Fujinon XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR Fujifilm camera lens
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Reviews with images
An Awesome Sharp Lens for my Fuji X-T1
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.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2015
*: BlackVerified Purchase
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.
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.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
AM
Sharp, quick AF, and overall awesome
Reviewed in Canada on March 16, 2019*: BlackVerified Purchase
Matthias
Relativ groß und schwer - aber auch ein schwergewicht in Sachen Qualität!
Reviewed in Germany on May 31, 2016*: BlackVerified Purchase
Rishabh Aggarwal
It's a gem and must have for any Fuji X camera owner in their arsenal.
Reviewed in India on October 2, 2022*: BlackVerified Purchase
