Fujifilm Fujinon XF 16mm F2.8 R WR Review
If you love compact, prime lenses, there is no better camera system than Fujifilm's APS-C X series. Its mirrorless line debuted along with a trio of primes—zooms would come later—and the company has continued to build out its system. The Fujinon XF 16mm F2.8 R WR ($399) is another excellent performer, delivering solid results for its price. It's not quite the optical equal of the $1,000 XF 16mm F1.4 R WR, which is our Editors' Choice, but it's a fine alternative for photographers on a budget, or those who simply want a smaller, lighter lens.
An F2.8 Addition to the F2 Trio
The XF 16mm F2.8 follows the design paradigm set by the company's trio of f/2 primes, which come in at 23mm, 35mm, and 50mm focal lengths. The 16mm captures about half the light as those optics when shot wide open, but just about matches them in size and weight. It measures 2.4 by 1.8 inches (HD) and weighs 5.5 ounces—compare that with the XF 23mm F2, which comes in at 2.4 by 2.0 inches and 6.4 ounces.
The 1...
The Fujifilm XF 16mm F2.8 R WR is a lightweight, wide-angle prime lens for the X system. It's an excellent value, but not an optical match for the pricier XF 16mm F1.4.
Compact; Sharp images; All-weather build; Even illumination; Aperture ring; Minimal distortion
Loss of clarity at edges of frame; Not stabilized; Omits fluorine coat