Introduction
The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II is a brand new skilled weather-resistant normal zoom lens for Fujifilm’s X-series interchangeable lens cameras. This lens has an angle-of-view vary just like that of a 24-84mm lens in a 35mm system and encompasses a fixed most aperture of f/2.8 all through the vary.Changing the unique Mark I model from 2015, the Mark II model that was launched in 2024 is 37% lighter than the unique, measuring 78.3x95mm and weighing 410g versus 655g.It has a conventional aperture ring on the lens barrel, which lets you set the aperture in 1/3 steps, and there’s a new aperture click on change for the primary time for the XF lens lineup.The optical formulation contains 16 parts in 11 teams, together with 4 aspherical lens parts to manage spherical aberration and distortion, and one Tremendous ED and three ED glass lens parts to scale back lateral chromatic aberration (wide-angle) and axial chromatic aberration (telephoto). Different highlights embrace an inside focusing system, a close-focus level of 30cm and 0.21x magnification throughout the complete zoom vary, an iris diaphragm with 11 rounded blades, weather-resistant building with 12 sealing factors all through the lens physique, a fluorine coating on the entrance ingredient for water and smudge resistance, and a high-speed linear AF motor that allows speedy and exact autofocus in speeds as quick as 0.02 seconds.The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II lens is priced at for £1149 / $1199 within the UK and the US, respectively and shall be obtainable from twenty eighth November 2024.
Ease of Use
Fujifilm have taken all the pieces that we appreciated in regards to the authentic 16-55mm F2.8 lens from 2015 and improved virtually each side, from dimension and weight to picture high quality and options, all at commendably the identical worth level.The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II remains to be a bit of bigger and heavier than a few of its major rivals, however at 410g it reasonably extremely weighs some 245g lower than the unique while being 11mm shorter in size and 37.8% much less in total quantity.So in case you had beforehand tried the Mark 1 model however have been postpone by its dimension, the brand new Mark II launch ought to be much more to your liking. It is now a significantly better match for a lot of the cameras within the Fujifilm vary, even feeling at house on the diminutive X-M5 mannequin, which is likely one of the smallest X-series our bodies presently obtainable.Regardless of this reasonably drastic discount in dimension and weight, the Mark II 16-55mm will get a brand new characteristic within the welcome addition of a de-click aperture change that makes it significantly better suited to make use of for video in addition to stills. Again in 2015 this wasn’t such an enormous consideration for a lens like this one, so kudos to Fujifilm for bringing it bang updated – hopefully they’re going to proceed including this characteristic to future lenses as nicely.Internally, Fujifilm has elevated the variety of aperture blades from 9 to 11, leading to smoother, extra stunning bokeh when the lens is stopped all the way down to its most aperture.The close-focus level of 30cm all through the zoom vary and 0.21x magnification additionally surpasses the unique, as does the autofocus velocity which is noticeably faster than the unique when utilizing them side-by facet.The motion of the zoom ring is a bit of “notchy”, although, not progressing by means of the vary fairly as easily because the Mark 1 model. Zoom creep shouldn’t be a problem. The main target ring is huge sufficient for simple use however has no “exhausting stops” at both finish of the main target vary.The general construct high quality is once more glorious, actually consistent with a high-end X-series physique just like the X-T5 that we examined it with. The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II lens boasts a brass mount, high-grade metallic barrel and non-rotating 72mm filter thread is is barely smaller and extra economical than the 77mm filter dimension of the unique.The zoom ring is generously huge and has a ridged, rubberised grip band. Zooming shouldn’t be inside, that means the size of the lens adjustments whilst you zoom by about 3cms. Bodily the lens is shortest at 16mm and longest on the 55mm setting.That is the most recent weatherproof XF lens to be launched, that includes a dust-proof and waterproof construction with climate resistant sealing utilized to 12 totally different areas of the lens, together with a fluorine coating on the entrance ingredient for water and smudge resistance, making it an ideal companion for the weatherproof X-T5 digicam.The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II lens has a conventional aperture ring on the lens barrel, which lets you set the aperture in 1/3 steps, and in contrast to a few of Fujifilm’s different variable-aperture zoom lenses, this one is clearly marked with the 7 full aperture settings that run from f/2.8 to f/22 plus the Auto setting, and it has a tough cease at both finish. The aperture ring is properly damped and makes a particular click on as you modify the setting (with the Aperture Click on Change change set to Click on).By way of equipment, the lens ships with a big plastic petal formed hood and the same old Fujifilm tender lens wrapping fabric – we would have appreciated a correct padded case for such a premium lens.
Focal RangeAt the 16mm finish of the zoom vary, the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II lens has a large angle of view of 83.2 levels.16mmAt the 55mm finish, the angle of view narrows to 29 levels, which might be described as quick telephoto.55mm
Chromatic AberrationsChromatic aberrations, usually seen as blue or purple fringes alongside contrasty edges, weren’t very obvious in our take a look at photographs, solely showing in very excessive distinction areas.16mm55mm
VignettingThere’s some apparent vignetting within the corners at each ends of the zoom vary when capturing at f/2.8, requiring you to cease down by 3 f-stops to utterly forestall it.16mm55mm
DistortionAt the broader finish, the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II has some barrel distortion, as you may see within the photograph under, but it surely’s no worse than you’ll count on from a typical 24mm lens.16mm55mm
MacroThe Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II gives a minimal focusing distance of 0.30m (0.98ft) and a most replica ratio of 0.21x.
BokehBokeh is a phrase used for the out-of-focus areas of {a photograph}, and is often described in qualitative phrases, corresponding to easy / creamy / harsh and so on.Within the XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II lens, Fujifilm employed an iris diaphragm with 11 rounded blades, which has resulted in very interesting bokeh.We do realise, nonetheless, that bokeh analysis is subjective, so we have included a number of examples in your perusal.
SharpnessIn order to point out you ways sharp the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II lens is, we’re offering 100% crops on the next pages.