Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR Review

The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR shown on the Fujifilm X-Pro3. Fuji XF 16-55mm f/2.8 review. — The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR shown on the Fujifilm X-Pro3

Fuji XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR Review

Fujifilm’s Pro Level Standard Zoom Lens

Sooner or later most photographers find themselves packing their camera bags or preparing mentally for a larger event. It may be a corporate event, wedding, sporting event, or any event you can think of really. You are facing a full day on your feet encountering many different setups with little time to adjust.

I have found myself in that spot several times and have often been tempted to simplify my kit with a pro-grade standard zoom with a constant aperture of f/2.8.

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L Mark II was the closest I ever got and when Canon CPS let me borrow one for an event I was quite pleased with the results. My lenses in this range, however, were covered by primes and I also had an ultra-wide Canon EF 16-35mm.

The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR shown on a Fuji X-Pro3 — The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR shown on the Fujifilm X-Pro3

Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR - Introduction

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II was a marvel optically but also criticized for not having image stabilization, and many Fuji shooters complained about the same issue when the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR was released in early 2015.

OIS, optical image stabilization is, however, not the only crucial element in lens design, and at times priorities may be a fast f-stop, great-looking bokeh, or autofocus speed. Leaving OIS out of a lens design may also help in keeping the weight of the lens manageable.

Six years after the release of the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR this review is overdue but perhaps more interesting today given the fact that Fujifilm now has another excellent option in this focal length range and a few cameras with IBIS, built-in image stabilization.

At the time this article was written the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR retailed for $1,199.00.

Kids run toward and wave to the conductor of CN engine number 2918 as it passes by at Ambleside in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR — Ambleside, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR @ f/5, 20 mm

Fuji XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR - Handling and Specs

The XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is a robust piece of glass at 1.44 lb / 655 g but does not feel overly heavy on my Fujifilm X-Pro3. With its 77 mm filter diameter and dimensions of 3.28 x 4.17" / 83.3 x 106 mm, it would arguably be a better fit for the Fujifilm X-T4, Fujifilm X-H 1, or Fujifilm X-H2S and X-H2 announced in May of 2022.

I found it a tad on the bulky side of what I was comfortable with but also expected this in a lens with a constant f/2.8 f-stop throughout the zoom range.

The 9 rounded diaphragm blades and impressive 17 elements in 12 groups with 3 extra-low dispersion elements contribute to producing what I found to be sharp images with excellent bokeh. The minimum focusing distance is 11.81" / 30 cm.

The lens handles well and feels good in the hand. Only a couple of times did I have to just adjust to the fact that the lens barrel diameter was bigger than what I am used to as I normally use smaller prime lenses.

The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR shown on the Fujifilm X-Pro3

Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR in Action

I tested the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR on two bicycle rides over the weekend. We pedaled about 25 miles, 35 kilometers, around Vancouver on a beautiful spring weekend and it felt just like summer.

Most notably the real test for the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR were three boxers I stumbled upon by the Cambie Bridge as well as a couple of ping pong players, a skateboarder, and kids playing basketball.

A boxer is working out by the Cambie Bridge in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR — Beach Drive, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR @ f/4, 55 mm

The autofocus speed is fast and silent and the ability to change my focal length while keeping a constant aperture is a big plus.

Some of the other images I captured over the weekend would admittedly have been equally suitable for an f/4 zoom lens. Please see more sample images below also.

Fujifilm XF 16-55mm vs. XF 18-55mm

At $699.00, the XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS is an excellent alternative at a more affordable price point. While retaining a similar focal length range the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR has an edge going as wide as 16mm, a 24mm full-frame equivalent while maintaining the max f/2.8 f-stop throughout the entire zoom range.

The XF 18-55mm is significantly more compact at under half the weight which comes at the cost of a variable aperture design where the max aperture is f/4 at the longer range. It does, however, feature OIS but is not weather-resistant like the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR.

Without a side-by-side comparison, I feel the XF 16-55mm delivers better image quality overall. With that said the XF 18-55mm is a very fine lens which I really enjoyed.

You can read my review of the XF 18-55mm here:

Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS

A male performer sings a tune along False Creek. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR — False Creek, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR @ f/2.8, 55 mm

Fuji XF 16-55mm f/2.8 vs. XF 16-80mm f/4

The lines get more blurry when it comes to the choice between the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR and XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR.

At a slightly smaller footprint, lower weight, and priced at $799.00, the XF 16-80mm R OIS WR offers image stabilization, increased zoom range on the long end, and features a constant aperture of f/4 throughout the zoom range.

As an all-around and affordable standard zoom, the XF 16-80mm is hard to beat but if shooting at higher shutter speeds at lower ISO values is important to you the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R WR is the way to go.

Think of indoor venues, events, sports, fashion, or anywhere where you need the extra edge and ability to make your image stand out. It could mean the difference of having to shoot at 12800 ISO instead of 6400 ISO.

You can read my review of the XF 16-80mm f/4 here:

Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR

A girl runs along the beach, flying at kite, at Ambleside Beach in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Sample image from a Fuji XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR — Ambleside, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR @ f/3.6, 39 mm

Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR Image Quality

The XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is quite possibly the best Fujifilm XF zoom lens I have tested when it comes to sheer image quality. The quality is getting very close to what I see from my prime lenses in some instances. As soon as I downloaded the first batch of images I saw that this lens holds potential.

Being able to shoot at f/2.8 will help in separating your image from the background and to me, it is one of the strongest selling points for the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR.

The XF 18-55mm and XF 16-80mm lenses are both strong contenders but if optimal image quality is paramount I feel the XF 16-55mm is a notch above. And so it should be at a higher cost.

Below is a size comparison with four different lenses comparing the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR to an XF 35mm f/1.4 R, XF 23mm f/1.4 R, XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR, and XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR.

Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR - Conclusion

When I posted a story about the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR on Instagram one of my contacts said he had contemplated an upgrade from the XF 18-55mm but that he also normally is a dedicated prime shooter.

To him I would say, keep your 18-55mm for when you need the flexibility of a zoom lens and dig out your primes for when you need the best possible quality.

If you are trying to decide between the three zoom lenses mentioned in this article the decision will come down to budget and demands.

The best is the most expensive but also the heaviest and bulkiest so keep this in mind. If you are a pro and do not mind these factors the XF 16-55mm R LM WR could be an excellent choice for you.

A man is taking a break along the bike path at False Creek in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR — False Creek, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR @ f/8, 33 mm

With the introduction of cameras with IBIS, such as the Fujifilm X-H1, Fujifilm X-T4, Fujifilm X-S10, or Fujifilm X-H2 I can only imagine the XF 16-55mm being a stellar match. Especially for the latest X-T4, X-H2, and X-H2S.

The X-S10 may be a tad small for such a large lens. Having IBIS with a high-quality standard zoom would make for a great setup for handheld landscape or travel photography if you do not mind the weight.

If you mostly shoot your lenses stopped down for increased depth of field, ie. from f/5.6 to f/11, there would be little point in opting for a big and more expensive lens like the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 but if you anticipate encountering a variety of scenarios under challenging conditions the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is surely worth your consideration.

Pros

Excellent standard zoom with fast f/2.8 f-stop throughout the zoom range.
Great looking bokeh
Solid build quality

Cons

Some photographers would be looking for image stabilization and the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 does not have it

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

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Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR - Sample Images

Please see the sample images below. Editing was done in Capture One and I used Fujifilm film simulations for some of the photos, especially Classic Neg. and Acros.

Please click to view larger images.