At the Fujifilm X Summit 2024, Fujifilm officially unveiled the Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II, an upgraded version of the highly popular standard zoom lens. Known for its versatility, the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 II has been a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals alike, and this new iteration brings significant improvements in both performance and durability, making it an essential addition to the Fujifilm X-series lineup.
The XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II retains the constant f/2.8 aperture throughout its zoom range, delivering excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh, making it a perfect option for portrait, landscape, and general photography. This new version, however, comes with improved weather resistance, enhanced to better withstand tough conditions, ensuring reliable use in challenging environments. The design features 16 elements in 11 groups, including four aspheric elements, three ED lenses and one Super ED element, to help minimize chromatic aberration.
The new lens is significantly smaller and lighter than the original XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR ( $898 at Amazon). Whereas the original lens looked like a slightly shorter 24-70mm zoom, the new version looks like modern 24-70mm that’s been reduced by around 1/3rd, which is in keeping with what you might hope for, given the smaller image circle of APS-C.
With its robust build and significant upgrades, the new Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II is expected to become a go-to choice for Fujifilm X-series users, offering an outstanding balance between performance, reliability, and image quality. The lens will be available soon, with more details to follow regarding pricing and availability. The new lens will be sold for the same $1199 recommended price as its predecessor, and will be available in December.
- XF 16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama - XF 500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama
Press Release:
Prime Performance, Zoom Versatility: Fujifilm Announces FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II
Latest Iteration of Popular Lens Brings New Features for Photo and Video Creation
VALHALLA, N.Y., October 14, 2024 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announces the release of its new FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II lens (XF16-55mm II), the next generation of the company’s venerable XF16-55mm zoom lens that debuted in 2015.
“XF16-55mm has always been known as a workhorse; a must have everyday carry lens for professionals and enthusiasts alike,” said Victor Ha, vice president, Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “XF16-55mm II takes everything our fans loved about the original lens and elevates it to the next level by combining new lens optics, smooth aperture control, and enhanced autofocus, with nods to the reliable go-anywhere form factor that made the original lens such a hit.”
Product Features
Large-Aperture Standard Zoom Lens with Superior Imaging Performance
- Capable of content creation at a bright F2.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range, from wide-angle 16mm (equivalent 35mm focal length of 24mm) to mid-telephoto 55mm (equivalent 35mm focal length of 84mm), XF16-55mm II supports a wide range of still photography genres, including nature, landscape, and portraits, leveraging its high resolution and beautiful, smooth bokeh.
- Featuring an 11-group, 16-element configuration that includes 4 aspherical lenses, 1 Super Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lens, and 3 ED lenses, XF16-55mm II maintains image clarity and sharpness from the center to the edges while controlling chromatic aberrations, even when a large aperture of F2.8 is used.
- Enhanced ultra-precision manufacturing technology of aspherical lenses reduces ring patterns compared to ring patterns produced by the prior model. This results in smooth, beautiful bokeh that is uniquely different from the original XF16-55mmF2.8 lens.
- Achieving a minimum focusing distance of 11.81 inches (0.3m) across the entire zoom range, allowing for close-up photography with a maximum magnification of 0.21x.
Compact and Lightweight Design for Enhanced Mobility
- Utilizing the latest lens processing technologies, the size of the lens elements in XF16-55mm II are thinner, resulting in a reduction of the total lens length by approximately 0.433in (11mm) and a volumetric reduction by approximately 37.8% compared to the previous model. The weight has also been reduced by approximately 37.4% to about 14 ounces (410g), ensuring excellent mobility.
- Features a dust-resistant, weather-resistant, and low-temperature-resistant construction with 12 sealing points throughout the lens body, along with a fluorine coating on the front element for superior water and smudge resistance. When combined with Fujifilm’s weather-resistant mirrorless X Series digital cameras, it provides reliable performance even during extended image-making in nearly all weather conditions.
Enhanced Design for Video Recording
- The introduction of an “Aperture De-Click Switch” allows users to toggle between a stepped aperture control for still photography and a smooth, continuous aperture control for video recording, ensuring seamless and intuitive operation1.
- Minimizes focus breathing to provide more consistent framing during focusing.
High-Speed, High-Precision AF with Near-Silent Operation
- The adoption of an inner focusing system and lightweight focusing lens elements, combined with a high-speed linear motor, enables rapid and precise autofocus, achieving speeds as fast as 0.02 seconds2.
Pricing and Availability
FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II lens will be available in December 2024 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $1,199.95 USD and $1,619.99 CAD.
For more information, visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/lenses/xf16-55mmf28-r-lm-wr-ii/.
1 The “Aperture Click Switch” functionality requires a firmware update for compatible camera bodies. Future firmware updates are planned for current models including the FUJIFILM X-H2S, FUJIFILM X-H2, FUJIFILM X-T5, FUJIFILM X-S20, and FUJIFILM X-T50.
2 Based on CIPA guidelines, measured internally using the FUJIFILM X-T4 mirrorless digital camera in phase-detection AF mode with High-Performance Mode enabled, at the wide-angle end.
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