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OFFICIAL SAMPLES & PRODUCT PAGE
Fujifilm XF 16-55 Product Page / Official Fuji Samples / Specs /
FIRST LOOKS and SAMPLES
– Shooting Jodi with the 16-55mm f2.8 Fuji at ideasandimages / The XF 16-55mm f2.8 – King of the Mid-Zooms at ideasandimages / FUJI XF16-55mm F2.8 WR, the new PRIME zoom? at ivanjoshualoh / First Look at the XF 16-55mmF2.8 at thedigitaltrekker / Fujinon XF16-55mm F2.8 lens at Zouk Singapore: My first impressions at flemmingbojensen / Promo Movie at charlenewinfred / First Look at bjornmoerman / preview at photomadd /
PRESS RELEASES
Fujifilm press release / Spanish Presentation at dslrmagazine /
Fujifilm launches the FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) is proud to announce that a new FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR will be added to the X Series interchangeable lens line-up in February 2015.
A weather-resistant zoom lens with a constant aperture of F2.8 across the focal lengths equivalent to 24mm at wide-angle through to 84mm at medium-telephoto, the XF16-55mm delivers ultra-sharp images even at wide open apertures across the entire zoom range!
The “FUJINON XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR” is a flagship “XF standard zoom lens” with a focal length equivalent to 24mm – 84mm (in 35mm format equivalent), 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. The use of a newly-developed Nano-GI* (Gradient Index) coating technology effectively inhibits ghosting and flare, producing clear images. This is a convenient standard zoom lens that covers a wide range of shooting scenes from the wide-angle 24mm equivalent suitable for landscape photography, to the medium-telephoto 84mm equivalent, ideal for portraiture.
The XF16-55mm lens is driven with a linear motor, allowing comfortable shooting with fast, quiet autofocusing. Featuring a weather resistant and dust-resistant finish that can work in temperatures as low as -10°C and can be paired with the “FUJIFILM X-T1” premium mirrorless camera to take advantage of the fully weather-resistant system.
- * Technology for forming a nano-sized irregular surface structure on the lens to reduce its surface reflection
1. Main Features
- (1) Optically designed to draw out the maximum image quality as a flagship standard zoom lens
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- In 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.
- Applying 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 coating technology, which alters the refractive index between glass and air, ghosting and flare are effectively reduced for diagonal incident light.
- 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.
- By combining this lens with an X Series camera body** with Lens Modulation Optimiser*** (LMO) technology, the performance from the lens is improved even further. LMO corrects for diffraction*4 to produce images with edge-to-edge sharpness and create a realistic three-dimensional effect, even at small apertures.
- ** Supported by the “FUJIFILM X-T1”, “FUJIFILM X-T1GS” and “FUJIFILM X-E2” as of January, 2015.
- *** Fujifilm’s own image processing function that corrects the optical effects of diffraction, based on the optical performance of each lens.
- *4 Phenomenon that occurs when the shooting with a narrow aperture in which fine images that should originally be sharp become blurred.
- (2) High-speed, quiet auto focus thanks to the Linear Motor
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- An Inner Focusing System*5 is used for high-speed AF. By 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.
- As AF operates using a signal from the imaging sensor, extremely high-precision focusing is possible.
- *5 Method for moving the small lenses in the middle and rear sections of the lens, without moving the large lenses composing the front of the lens.
- (3) Weather resistant, dust-resistant and -10°C low-temperature operation
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- With weather-sealing at 14 locations, the lens is weather-resistant, dust-resistant and -10°C low-temperature operation, making it the perfect companion for the X-T1, which has the same levels of protection.
- (4) High build quality and comfortable operation
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- Both the focus and aperture rings are metal, plus metal is also used on the exterior of the lens body for a high-quality finish. Thanks to long-term experience and broaden knowhow for other top-end professional lens fields such as Broadcasting and Cinema Scope, the texture and torque on the rings makes for comfortable shooting even for delicate manual focusing. The lens mount is made from brass for improved strength.
- Combined with a camera body, the lens is approximately 60% of the weight of a full-size system*6, considerably reducing the burden on the photographer for astonishing ease of use.
- The AF+MF function enables seamless manual focusing. After pressing the shutter to autofocus on the subject, fine adjustments can then be made using the manual focus ring.*7
- *6 Fujifilm research.
- *7 A function allowing seamless manual focusing by rotating the focus ring while pressing the shutter halfway during AF lock. A firmware upgrade is required for the camera body in order to use this function.
(Applicable models: X-Pro1 / X-E1 / X-E2 / X-T1 / X-T1GS)
2. Main Specification
| Type | FUJINON LENS XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR | |
|---|---|---|
| Lens construction | 17 elements 12 groups (includes 3 aspherical and 3 extra low dispersion elements) | |
| Focal length (35mm format equivalent) | f=16-55mm (24-84mm) | |
| Angle of view | 83.2°～29° | |
| Max. aperture | F2.8 | |
| Min. aperture | F22 | |
| Aperture control | Number of blades | 9(rounded diaphragm opening) 1/3EV (19 steps) |
| Step size | ||
| Focus range | Normal：0.6m～∞ (whole zoom position) Macro： 30cm～10m(Wide), 40cm～10m (Telephoto) |
|
| Max. magnification | 0.16× (Telephoto) | |
| External dimensions: Diameter × Length (approx.) (distance from camera lens mount flange) |
φ83.3mm × 106.0mm (Wide) / 129.5mm(Telephoto) | |
| Weight (approx.) (excluding caps and hoods) |
655g | |
| Filter size | φ77mm | |
39 Responses
Oops. B&H states OIS for the lens.
B&H wishful thinking
1. Preorder.
2. Find out that it has no OIS.
3. Sue the heck out of B&H.
4. Profit!
Hello, gorgeous!
I just pre-ordered this baby (using your link to B&H) and was wondering if anyone had a guess when the ship date will be for it? I’ll be going on a trip next month and it would be nice to use it then.
check out Rico’s first look, and you will find the answer 😉
btw, thanks a lot for your support. Without people like you, I could close FR tomorrow morning
Patrick I can’t find it, Maybe it got pulled?
quote: “The lens is supposed to be in stores as soon as mid-January.”
Knowing Fuji, this means mid-February 😉
Thats ok as I await a new Credit Card and can’t order for now. LOL thats my luck.
It’s sharp and the bokeh is nicely rounded, but I don’t like the distracting union shaped bokeh rings in this example: https://www.flickr.com/photos/25805910@N05/16078450946/sizes/k/
Yeah, that clearly has nothing to do with the Christmas lights.
Jesus.
Put in my order for it following your link to Adorama, thanks for all the info hunting! PS: I just did a post of my experience with the XF50-140 for concert work here: http://www.blog.adamkingphoto.com/concert-shooting-with-the-fujifilm-xf50-140f2-8/
thanks for your support Adam. And I won’t miss to share your article in the next miXed zone under the 50-140 section.
Looks impressive. Excellent range (24-85mm ‘equivalent’) for a fixed aperture f/2.8 lens, which is the smaller sensor advantage. I can’t think of anything else that’s this wide. So an f/2.8 ‘portrait’ lens at the longest end, nice. 655g isn’t bad for weight either and the weather sealing is useful.
No OIS? Well for a lot of uses, including most social, portrait and wedding photography, slow shutter speeds aren’t that useful anyway. (people have this irritating habit of not standing perfectly still when being photographed!) With the high ISO capability of the cameras and the fast aperture, it’s still going to work well in low light. And as Fuji rightly say, built in OIS does impact on size, weight, price and image quality.
I’m sure it will be up to Fuji’s high standard and one more step to establishing a ‘pro’ orientation.
Looking forward to a real-world comparison to the 18-55mm. I got the 18-55 as a temporary measure until this lens was released, but given its size and the fact I’m using primes more I wonder if I even need the 16-55. Unless there is a marked improvement in IQ I think I’ll save my dollars (and my shoulders.
I’m getting concerned about the true future of the X-series. What to think about a company that has only one new (very DSLR-alike – be honest this is the Fuji-revamp of the holy trinity) lens on the roadmap for next quarters, possibly two others with a marginal sales potential towards the end of 2015 and a very mysterious X-Pro2, that will/can again get only marginal sales? While even the X-T1 is aging now rapidly with its 5 yrs old 16 MP Sony sensor? What remains is a range of cameras that will hardly be able to convince anyone in 2015. Beyond the sales-boys covering this release anyone else awake at Fuji in Tokyo? How is Fuji going to anticipate to what competition has in the pipeline? Is the release of this zoom a bit like the orchestra that was still playing on the sinking Titanic? Or is this a very artificial silence before a storm of new, compelling camera releases? If not, it’s looking pretty bad for Fuji.
Oh noes, the sky is falling!
“Is the release of this zoom a bit like the orchestra that was still playing on the sinking Titanic? ”
LOL, have faith in FUJI !
Good to have faith, I’d like to have it too, but I can’t forget Fuji record to abandon even the most promising series. Some were indeed like the sky that was falling, like the S Pro range. The portfolio of expected products for 2015 is extremely thin while competition is only increasingly present with better and more advanced products, more than this over-heavy zoom completely pointing to the DSLR-market. Do we see 5-axis stabilized hi-res sensors here? A superfast, market standard AF? Full Frame? Increased DR and ISO-competences? Smaller, more effective bodies? A professional flash line? Where is it all?
FUJI is niche and can’t drive that fast like SONY and some other brands. The competition gets tough, I agree, but nevertheless I believe in FUJI.
I think the X-PRO2 will surprise us positively, but I agree time is short.
Imaging is only a small part of Fuji. Medical and document management are much stronger sellers and even within the imaging dept, the X-series only get a limited focus. When a challenging product range like this doesn’t bring in enough money, Fuji could indeed abandon it like happened before. This is different versus Nikon & Canon, they have imaging as a core competence in their business lines. LCN is right – seen competition and also the increasing rumors that Nikon and Canon will enter the MLIC arena, I’m also starting to think… what’s next now? I don’t see a lot of (bright) light, the true X-series product strategy has been weird from the very start. The X-Pro1 was apparently not a big sales success and I really doubt the X-Pro2 will do a lot better or it should put Sony, Olympus & Samsung in the corner, what I don’t believe!
But what will Nikon and Canon offer? Canon use their ageinig sensor technology that cannot compete anymore with the Sony ones. Nikon has never made a digital camera that I really loved. Plus, both have a huuuuge lens heritage (read: 50-100mio sold SLR lenses) and they do not want to loose their customers. Use them with an adapter? –> too heavy. Build a new lens line alltogether –> cannibalise their DSLR sales (which are already shrinking) and having to invest heavily. Economically not a convincing strategy in the camera market that is already saturated and will no longer know any groth worth mentioning.
F/2.8 normal zoom is must, but after 90 mm all you need more is fast 300 mm prime.
x-trans sensor is three years old, the sensor inside new nikon d5500 has the same quality or more and cost less. I’m a fujifilm fans, but I’m not blind to see the reality
The underlying Sony sensor technology is about 5 years old, including the ISO and DR competences. The D5500 will be a 24MP camera, not only with a much better, low pass filter-less sensor, but with a lot more features than any Fuji has. And be built around a fully reliable, fast AF-system. The rumors that Nikon & Canon will enter the MLIC arena this year increase by the day now. I’m not defending the major ones over here, but as I already say a while, it has gotten extremely urgent for Fujifilm to release a compelling new camera & sensor line for the X-series – or they will loose momentum versus competition and undergo the same faith as the S Pro range by 2016.
I am puzzled — why is this lens so large and heavy? If Fuji were to reverse engineer the Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II USM by reducing all dimensions in the ratio of the sensors (1.5:1) the Fuji lens should weigh only 30% as much as the Canon lens instead of 80% of the Canon lens (volume, and hence weight vary as the cube of the linear dimensions). And the Canon has image stabilization which adds some weight. What am I missing? This looks like a full frame lens to me. Is it possible that Fuji is planning a new camera with a full frame sensor and intends to use this lens with a larger flange?
I agree with you about size and weight. But the advantage against Canon and others, is the combi lens + camera. In Canon a 6D is about 750 g and the 24-70 II is 800 g; total: about 1550-1600 g. In Fuji, is about 1100 g. The difference in a journey is noticiable. One comment more: the 24-70 2,8 II is not OIS. Is possible a future stabilized version but the weigth probably will be > 900-950 g as the previous version I. Regards.
In a journey you’d just choose the 18-55 2,8-4 which is very sharp and stabilized. It weighs 300g. With an X-E1 or X-E2 it is 600g all in all….
The NIkon 17-55mm (similar focal length and also crop sensor) is 755g. So I don’t think it’s that simple.
Fuji 16-55 – 1199 USD. With a couple of best manual lenses M42 with an adaptor, u can get for 500 USD, very good lenses – like Jupiter 85 or 135, Helios 44M-2 58 f2, CZ 35 Flektogon and a wide lens. 1199 USD is mean u can achieve another 2x Fuji X-E1 with 2 manual lens, and are in business if u like manual focus. I work only in MF, take time, need patience but results are impressive!
I am very disapointed with the size and weight of this lens. maybe would be better to stay with my Nikon gear. I was waiting a long time for a light combination of a XT-1 with a light good travel glass and what we get now ? 300 gr. weight reduction ? no, thanks.
And soon a Sony A5 Full Frame at 799$ and a real Pro A9 also in the pipeline. Also Nikon & Canon entering the arena this year and Samsung on the same APS/C doorstep with a much better sensor. I’m really anxious to see how Fuji will anticipate to this type of competition taking in account that the complete camera and MLIC-market is already under a severe pressure and forecast for 2015 is only… further downwards . As I expressed below, remembering the earlier S Pro-story, I’m considering seriously to sell all my Fuji stuff now there are still people prepared to buy it. After Fuji abandoned the S Pro, you could buy any of these (btw magnificent) cameras for pocket-money.
Thanks EJPB . Sony and Samsung are not brands I personaly trust.
But if I take your words about Nikon-Canon , it will worth the waiting.
What is the S Pro-story ?
The S*-Pro range was a Fuji’s first professional-oriented camera range. It was partly based upon Nikon DSLR-hardware (D200), but sensor & graphical electronics were developed by Fuji. Just like the X-range, the sensor was a bit unusual sensor (the SuperCCD), but providing an excellent IQ. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilms5pro . Though the system was praisen and hyped a lot for its DR, being extremely filmic and an excellent performer in portrait photography, Fuji left the adopters (a lot of wedding photographers!) completely in the cold on august, 2007 with a sudden announcement they would no further develop the system. It still surprises me that a lot of X-series adopters don’t know this history, I was very frightened this scenario could repeat itself when I first bought into Fuji X – at the end, it’s all about R&D ROI, margin and balance numbers. As I expressed, the outlook for 2015 of what Fuji has in the pipeline, is extremely, extremely thin, while competition is very sharp, I don’t like Sony & Samsung either, but they are what the are – they can own the complete MLIC market tomorrow if they want to, and when Nikon & Canon enter the arena, it won’t get easier for Fuji to keep this piece of the MLIC market. Btw, I’d like very much they could do. There are a lot of good things and ideas in this system.
This S- Fuji looks like my D200 .
I cannot understand the ingineers behind the new Fuji 16-55.
OK, they wanted a very good glass but, people want to move to smaller and lighter system. why build a heavy lens and attache it to a light body ?? I am tired of carrying loads all over the globe !
Because Fuji runs into the same kind of limitations than anyone else does. APS/C requires faster lenses to have the same kind of DOF as FF does. Faster lenses + zoom + perfect aspherical compensation of all distortions & CA + VR = big sized monster lenses, almost equal to what we see in FF. It’s as simple as that.
We already have these monster lenses. no big news from Fuji ! Thank you for the info
Interesting posting!
I know and use Fuji cameras since the S2pro, an oldish sluggish camera body that however delivered ridiculously beautiful files. Then S3 and S5. However I don’t agree with the claim that the system was hyped and praisen at any time. Many in the performance driven photo market look for high ISO, high speed, high MP, in all 3 areas the Fuji was mid range in the first years (2002-2004) and then quickly fell behind. Fujis huge problems at that time was that they only sold the body, no lenses or accessories. Possible maybe in 2002-2004 where the market was still small, but impossible to compete later. Even to modify the body bought by Nikon was probably much too expensive. Later on they failed to bring a higher MP body, or an FF version (read: 14MP FF in d700 body). I still use S3 and S5pro for the unique filmic look and incredible tonality control. No modern cmos camera comes close to that, included X-Pro1 or X-T1.
Bringing a huge and heavy lens is indeed problematic, because it takes away the first motivation to even buy into such a system. They should at least not stop to build small and excellent primes (23mm f2, 90mm but not fat like a bomb, maybe 16mm shift lens), parallel to the fat beasts.
But as you say: The X-T1 seems to get universal praise and awards. Not sure if that means anything really in terms of income, but Fuji must avoid the mistake not to fall behind in terms of technology (AF and sensor). They have been using the same 16MP sensor since day 1, something more advanced would have to come soon, like more DR and a bit better resolution, and in no case should they tinker around with their “signature color look”. Which they seemed to have done lately (X-E2 and X-T1).
very nice but expensive lens…I don’t know how sony are going to delivery a FF frame mirrorless camera …for 799 dollars only.
super cheap full frame beginner mirrorless is coming! 799 us for the kit.
http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr2-first-rumor-about-a-super-cheap-ff-e-mount-camera-costs-799-euro-with-lens/