Fujifilm has announced the FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II, an upgraded version of its popular standard zoom lens. Available from 28 November 2024, this lens offers significant improvements in portability and functionality, particularly for videographers. Weighing 37% less than its predecessor at just 410g, the XF16-55mmF2.8 II is ideal for photographers who need professional-level performance with enhanced mobility.
The lens covers a 16-55mm focal length (equivalent to 24-84mm on a full-frame sensor), making it versatile enough for a wide range of photography, including landscapes, portraits, and street photography. The constant F2.8 aperture allows for excellent performance in low-light situations and creates beautiful background blur (bokeh), enhancing the depth and character of images. This makes it perfect for both stills and video applications, from wide-angle landscapes to mid-telephoto portraits.
The updated lens features a re-engineered 11-group, 16-element configuration, including 4 aspherical elements, 1 Super ED lens, and 3 ED lenses. This optical design helps minimise chromatic aberration while maintaining high resolution from the centre to the edges, ensuring images are consistently sharp, even when shot wide open at F2.8. Fujifilm has also improved the ultra-precision manufacturing process of the aspherical lenses, resulting in smoother bokeh than the previous model.
Enhanced for videography
One of the standout features of the XF16-55mm F2.8 II is its new video capabilities, making it more versatile for hybrid shooters. Fujifilm has introduced an Aperture Click Switch, allowing users to toggle between a stepped aperture control for still photography and a smooth, continuous aperture adjustment for video recording. This ensures more seamless brightness transitions during filming, which is crucial for creating natural-looking video content.
Additionally, Fujifilm has minimised focus breathing, a common issue where the angle of view changes during focusing. The XF16-55mm F2.8 II provides consistent framing during focus shifts, making it highly effective for video production where smooth transitions are essential.
Superior autofocus and handling
The XF16-55mm F2.8 II is equipped with an inner focusing system powered by a linear motor, delivering high-speed and precise autofocus. The lens can lock focus in as little as 0.02 seconds, ensuring users can capture fleeting moments with ease. This makes it suitable for action photography or fast-paced environments, such as street scenes or events.
The lens also features a robust design that is weather-sealed at 12 points, making it dust-resistant, weather-resistant, and operational in temperatures as low as -10°C. A fluorine coating on the front element protects it from water and smudges, making it easy to clean and maintain during outdoor shoots.
Who is this lens for?
The XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II is aimed at professional and enthusiast photographers and videographers who require a versatile, high-performance standard zoom lens that can handle a range of shooting scenarios. With its constant F2.8 aperture, lightweight build, and video-friendly features, this lens is ideal for those working in fast-paced environments, whether capturing stills or videos. Its enhanced mobility makes it a perfect companion for travel, nature, and landscape photographers, while its improved handling of focus breathing and aperture control will appeal to hybrid shooters creating both visual and video content.
Fujifilm XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II – Specifications
Lens Type:
- Type: Standard zoom lens
- Mount: Fujifilm X-mount
- Focal Length: 16-55mm (equivalent to 24-84mm in 35mm format)
Aperture:
- Maximum Aperture: F2.8 (constant throughout the zoom range)
- Minimum Aperture: F22
- Aperture Control: Aperture Click Switch allows smooth transitions for video recording and stepped adjustments for photography
- Diaphragm Blades: Not specified (usually around 9 blades for smooth bokeh)
Optical Design:
- Elements: 16 elements in 11 groups
- Special Elements: 4 aspherical lenses, 1 Super ED lens, 3 ED lenses
- Coating: Fluorine coating on the front element for protection against water, dust, and smudges
Focus:
- Focus System: Inner focusing system
- Autofocus: Powered by a linear motor for fast and quiet focusing
- Focus Speed: 0.02 seconds (CIPA guidelines, with FUJIFILM X-T4 in phase detection AF mode)
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.3m across the zoom range
- Maximum Magnification: 0.21x
Build:
- Weight: 410g (approximately 37% lighter than its predecessor)
- Length: 11mm shorter than the previous model (exact length not specified)
- Weather Resistance: Dust, weather, and cold-resistant with 12 sealing points, operational down to -10°C
Performance:
- Image Quality: High resolution with minimal chromatic aberration, enhanced bokeh thanks to improved aspherical lens manufacturing
- Video Features: Minimised focus breathing for consistent framing during focus shifts
Handling:
- Zoom Mechanism: Standard rotary zoom
- Manual Focus Override: Available for precise focus adjustments
Video-Specific Features:
- Aperture Click Switch: Smooth aperture adjustments for video, preventing harsh changes in brightness during recording
- Focus Breathing: Minimized to maintain consistent framing when focusing during video recording
Fujifilm XF16-55mm Price and Availability
£1,149 (including VAT), availabile: 28 November 2024