Fujifilm XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II First Impressions

Summary Verdict

With its reduced weight, improved video features and weather-sealed build, the Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II looks set to be an excellent choice for photographers and videographers alike. Its versatility and robust design, combined with a fast and constant F2.8 maximum aperture, make it an attractive option a nice step up from a kit lens. Though it’s too soon to give a final verdict on image quality, the lens’s potential is promising for both stills and video shooting, particularly for those using high-resolution sensors.

Score: TBC

For

• Reduced size and weight in comparison to its predecessor

• Constant f/2.8 aperture

• Designed for 40MP sensors

Against

• TBC

Left: Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II, right: Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR. The difference in size between the Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II and the original Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR is immediately apparent.

What is the XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II?

Like its predecessor, the XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II is a standard zoom lens with an effective focal length range equivalent to 24mm to 84mm in full-frame terms. This makes it suitable for a range of photography, including landscapes, portraits, cityscapes and everyday photography. One of the most notable features of this new version is its lightweight build – at just 410g, it's approximately 37% lighter than its predecessor, which makes it much more portable. Furthermore, unlike the XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR that dates from 2015, it’s designed with 40MP sensors in mind.

Fujifilm has designed the lens for photographers and videographers, with a constant maximum aperture of F2.8 throughout its zoom range. This avoids exposure changes when adjust the focal negate, delivers better low-light performance and enables subject isolation through shallow depth of field.

The new XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II also features an Aperture Click Switch which enables seamless transitions between stepped aperture control for stills and smooth, continuous adjustments for video recording.

Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II Price and Availability

The Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II’s price is £1149 / $1199 / €1349 / Bus $ 2149and it will on go onsite on 28th November 2024.

Specifications

• Lens type: Standard zoom

• Announced: 14th October 2024

• Format: APS-C

• Construction: 21 elements in 14 groups with 5 ED and 2 Super ED elements elements

• Maximum aperture: f/2.8

• Minimum aperture: f/22

• Number of aperture blades: 9

• Minimum focusing distance 2.75,

• Maximum magnification ratio 0.2x

• Filter size: 72mm

• Dimensions (D x L): At 16 mm: 78.3 x 95 mm, at 55mm: 78.3 x 122 mm

• Weight: 410g

• Included accessories: lens caps, lens hood, wrapping cloth

While the Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II doesn't change length during focusing, it does when zooming through the focal length range.

Key Features

At the heart of the XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II is an 11-group, 16-element optical design that includes four aspherical elements, one Super ED element and three ED elements. This arrangement helps maintain edge-to-edge sharpness while reducing chromatic aberrations, even when the lens is wide open at F2.8. Fujifilm’s updated manufacturing techniques have also led to smoother and more refined bokeh, boosting the lens’s ability to render beautiful out-of-focus areas.

With a minimum focusing distance of 0.3m through the zoom range, and with a maximum magnification of 0.21x, the XF16-55mmF2.8 II allows for close-up shots. Meanwhile, the autofocus mechanism operates internally so the lens stays the same length when the focus distance changes. There’s also a high-speed linear motor, for quiet and fast focusing in as little as 0.02 seconds.

Videographers will appreciate that the lens has an Aperture Click Switch which enables the aperture ring to be toggled between click stops and a smooth, clickless action. That’s ideal for seamless exposure adjustments while recording video.

Focus breathing is also said to be minimised, which means the framing remains the same as you adjust zoom from one focal length to another.

Left: Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II, right: Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II. The lenses are at their longest extension here.

Build and Handling

The Fujifilm XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II is dramatically smaller and lighter than its predecessor. While Fujifilm has managed to shrink the total length by about 11mm, the volume has been reduced by around 37% compared to the original XF16-55mm. This has been made possible by advanced lens production technology that makes the individual lens elements thinner, without compromising on image quality. The result is a lens that’s easier to carry around.

Despite the reduction in size and weight, the XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II is weather-sealed, with 12 sealing points across the lens barrel, making it dust-resistant. Also, a fluorine coating on the front element repels water and dust, and makes it easier to clean.

The Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II takes a 72mm filter.

Performance

While I have handled the Fujifilm XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II, it was a non-shooting sample so its too early to comment on the performance of the lens. However, given the strides made in optical deigned and the fact the lens was designed to suit far higher sensor resolution, it looks likely to be a popular lens.

Early Verdict

The Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II builds on the success of its predecessor by offering a more lightweight and compact design, making it a better option for photographers and videographers on the go. Its versatile focal range, constant F2.8 aperture and weather-sealing ensure it can handle a wide variety of shooting conditions. The addition of features such as the Aperture Click Switch and improved focus breathing makes it particularly appealing for video. Although it’s too early to assess its optical performance, the upgrades in design and handling suggest this lens will be a popular choice, especially for those using Fujifilm's newer higher-resolution cameras.