XF16-55mm f/2.8
Given the amount of questions I have begun receiving about the Fujinon XF16-55mm lens. I feel it is time to have a breakdown, and discussion about why I love this lens, and how this lens may or may not be fitting for your needs. Let’s dig in!
X-T20 // XF35mmf2 | 1/35 • f/2.5 • ISO 3200
Specs
Kicking off this discussion with covering the technical specs of the lens. Will shed some light, and prevent unnecessary reading, if a must have specification for your needs is not present.
• Focal Length Equivalence: 24mm - 84mm
• Aperture Range: f/2.8 - f/22
• Weight: 1.44lbs or 653.17g
• Weather Sealed/Weather Resistant
• Pro-Grade Quality Glass
• No Optical Imaging Stabilization (OIS)
• Cost: $900 New & Used Starting At $700
I will admit that I struggled and toyed with the idea of spending almost $1,000 on a zoom lens. I have always shot with prime lenses; a true “prime snob” to be honest. Small primes have always provided a lightweight method of shooting. I also favor their shallow depth of field capability, and sharpness.
I’ve always felt there was something missing. I later realized the issue driving me to consider the XF16-55mm lens. Came from always feeling the need to carry multiple primes with me to fit any need I may encounter during a trip, or photo session. I needed versatility. Even more, I needed “reliable versatility”. Deciding to purchase a zoom lens was not an easy decision. My prior use of zoom lenses had poor image quality, and focusing ability was not as consistent, or fast enough for my liking.
The anxiety of purchasing the lens grew more and more with remembrance of each conflict in past use of a zoom lens. Or the fact that my entire methodology of shooting would be compromised. However, I finally gave in and made the purchase. I will note that taking a leap of faith, or participating in a trust fall from time to time. Can bring great change to your life. I have no regrets after making the decision to purchase this lens.
Focus & Sharpness
Since purchasing the lens. It’s used in a large portion of my shooting, and fits most of my shooting needs. This lens is one of three Fujinon lenses classified as “Pro-Grade”, and carries the red XF | Zoom badge that indicates the Pro-Grade classification.
Due to the glass quality, images are very sharp, and in my opinion matches a prime lens for quality. The Auto Focus (AF) is FAST! I have never had an abnormal delay or pause in tracking when attempting to focus on a subject. This is also true for video. Which shocks a lot of people when considering the lens was released in August of 2015.
Because of the image quality, and quick Auto Focus of this lens. I always have it in my camera bag, and it covers many aspects of my shooting style or needs. Including portraiture & landscape photography.
Aperture
One of the most noted concerns of anyone asking me about the lens, and maybe considering making the purchase, is Aperture. The 2.8 minimum Aperture stays constant for all available focal lengths. A quality not present for all zoom lenses. Depending on someone’s needs, a lower aperture may be desired. In some instances, portrait photography sessions may call for a nice creamy bokeh behind the subject.
I took polls recently on social media; questioning “as a portrait photographer, do you find yourself shooting at or above f/2.8? Or do you shoot at a lower Aperture?”. Percentage wise, more people were shooting at f/2 or lower.
I find shooting at f/2.8 to fit nicely with my portraiture needs. When working a portrait session, I carry a second camera body with me (Fujifilm X-T20). This camera will usually have the XF50mmf2, and is a great transition for a shot that may call for a shallower depth of field. Therefore, if your plan is to shoot portraits, and heavily rely on bokeh or low light shooting. This may not be a good choice if you only have one camera body, and will be expecting frequent changes in lenses.
If you’re toying with the thought of the lens, and unsure if you will need a shallower depth of field. I have provided some images below that start at f/1.6, then f/2, and the last at f/2.8 for better reference.
Photo By: Tim Johnston | X-E3 // XF23mmf1.4 | 1/150 • f/1.6 • ISO 2500
X-H1 // XF50mmf2 | 1/800 • f/2 • ISO 200
X-H1 // XF16-55mmf2.8 | 1/250 • f/2.8 • ISO 1600
Weight & Size
Anyone that consistently shoots with prime lens, are generally accustomed to a lighter camera set up. With the XF16-55mm weighing in at 1.44lbs or 653.17g, this lens can be quite straining on its user. Even more, if your camera body is small (i.e. X-T30). This lens is going to eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Provided these odds, this lens is worth the investment pending your gear, or personal resolve to make it work for you.
I primarily shoot with the Fujifilm X-H1, a camera known for its bulkiness. Being more of a stockier build, I have no personal problems adding additional weight to my camera. The camera does come with some great perks for this lens though.
The weight of the XF16-55mm distributes well on the X-H1; even better with a battery grip. The weight distribution is manageable, and the camera makes it easy to stabilize the lens (aside from IBIS). I do on occasion (rarely) shoot with the lens on my Fujifilm X-T20. Shooting in this manner causes a lot of needed support on the lens hand, as the camera body is easily out weighed by the lens, and the entire system is front heavy.
If I did not own the X-H1 or a larger X-T body. I personally would not have made the purchase. Moral of this story, is to ask yourself if you’re okay adding an extra pound & a half of weight to your current setup?
X-H1 // XF50mmf2 | 1/13 • f/3.2 • ISO 3200
X-H1 // XF50mmf2 | 1/30 • f2.8 • ISO 3200
X-T20 // XF35mmf2 | 1/50 • f/4 • ISO 3200
Optical Image Stabilization
Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), is a major drawback of this lens, and I personally would have expected a “Pro-Grade” lens to have been designed with this feature. Fujifilm has done a great job with their two camera bodies that have In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS). The X-H1 & X-T4.
My personal use with the X-H1 & the XF16-55mm lens work well in unison, and I have easily made handheld shots at 1/15 without distortion. Many photographers with later X-T models, or other Fujifilm bodies without IBIS. Make great use of this lens. Don’t let IBIS be the only reason to not consider the purchase.
My Personal Use & Thoughts
Given all of the above information, I would like to explain its application to my shooting style, and why the XF16-55mm is my most used lens. Therefore, if you have made it this far in the discussion. You may still be considering making the purchase, and further detail may help.
The main reason why I bought this lens, and why this lens is used so much in my photography work, always comes back to versatility. My trade off in learning how to comfortably shoot at f/2.8. Allows for A LOT of versatility when on a photo session that is potentially crowded; like a park. This lens will provide enough ability to get close to my subject when needed, and when there is room to breath. A quick twist of my hand, and I am shooting at 55mm.
From a professional point of view, this lens is tried and true by many working photographers. I personally put it to the test when attending my sister-in-law’s wedding not too long ago. I only used my XF16-55mm for the entire day, and shot the ceremony & reception with ease. I personally feel the working professional at events can find a lot of use with this lens system, due to quality and versatility.
X-H1 // XF16-55mmf2.8 | 1/750 • f/2.8 • ISO 100
X-H1 // XF16-55mmf2.8 | 1/500 • f/2.8 • ISO 100
X-H1 // XF16-55mmf2.8 | 1/100 • f/2.8 • ISO 1600
Though I highly recommend the lens for the working professional. The same qualities run hand in hand when making personal trips to Disney World. My camera bag for a typical trip to Disney consists of my X-H1, XF16-55mm lens, battery grip or spare batteries, and a camera strap. That’s it. This lens literally accomplishes everything I need for the day.
X-H1 // XF16-55mmf2.8 | 1/125 • f/8 • ISO 400
Like portraits. Landscape, nature, and wildlife photography require a fair amount of versatility. A nice open focal length, such as 16mm is very handy. Being able to easily increase your focal length to properly compose your shot when movement is limited, is very helpful.
Do note that shooting at 16mm & 55mm does come with some barrel distortion. This can easily be corrected in post processing.
X-H1 // XF16-55mmf2.8 | 3sec • f/16 • ISO 100
X-H1 // XF16-55mmf2.8 | 1/56 • f/2.8 • ISO 3200
In conclusion, I hope that this post has been useful in making your decision to either buy this lens, or walk away from it. In my personal experience, this lens has never let me down, and has provided some of the best pictures I have ever taken. Therefore, I will encourage anyone who is really leaning toward taking the plunge. To just do it. I promise you will not regret it!
If you have further questions or concerns, I am more than willing to dive into deeper discussions. Just throw a comment down below, and I will answer your questions to the best of my knowledge.
I have placed a few extra photos below that I have taken with this lens, and hope they better assist with making your decision. Also feel free to check out my Instagram profile for more photos taken with this lens - @willstephensphoto
X-H1 // XF16-55mmf2.8 | 1/200 • f/2.8 • ISO 500
X-H1 // XF16-55mmf2.8 | 1/1,400 • f/2.8 • ISO 200
X-H1 // XF16-55mmf2.8 | 1/56 • f/2.8 • ISO 250
X-H1 // XF16-55mmf2.8 | 1/28 • f/2.8 • ISO 3200
X-H1 // XF16-55mmf2.8 | 1/90 • f/2.8 • ISO 250
Weekend Landscapes
Capturing people in candid or posed moments is the cornerstone to my love of photography. However, there are other areas of the art that I thoroughly enjoy. Landscapes being one of them. Having grown up in a rural area and spending a lot of time around the countryside of Florida. I have an innate love for landscape photography.
This past weekend presented a great opportunity to capture some landscape shots. My wife was planned to take part in a bachelorette cruise for her sister, in celebration of her upcoming wedding. The cruise was destined for a weekend in the Bahamas, and the voyage began at Port Canaveral, FL.
I planned to drop my wife off at the port, and return to pick her up when the ship returned. I wanted to make the most out of the return home. As the drive is over an hour from our home. There are lots of open landscapes, waterfronts, and vessels throughout the drive. I ensured to take mental note of areas that caught my eye on the way to the port. My return trip home was going to be some one on one time with my camera, and I.
Fujifilm X-T20 // XF35mmF2 - 10sec • ISO 500 • f/5.6
First landscape of interest was an open plot of land with very large power poles running parallel for quite some distance. This area was immediately checked off in my train of thought. I have been looking for a shot like this, and had finally found it. This would be my last stop of the day for photos, but was well worth the wait.
Fujifilm X-H1 // XF50mmF2 - 1/100 • ISO 100 • f/8
Once reaching Port Canaveral, I spotted quite a few areas that would make for great photos. There are many sail boats to be seen around the area, and multiple places to pull over right next to the water. The coast was a little cloudy, and provided a little extra “mood” to the shots I captured. This turned a one hour trip home into three.
Fujifilm X-H1 // XF16-55mm - 1/200 • ISO 100 • f/10
Fujifilm X-H1 // XF50mmF2 - 1/140 • ISO 100 • f/11
After spending some time around the area, and knowing that I would be back to pick up my wife in the early morning. I made the decision to begin planning some more photo opportunities for early sunrise on the return trip.
The “Photo Pills” app has been one of the best investments I have made. I first learned about the app from Bryan Minear. An official Fujifilm X-Photographer. Known for his beautiful landscape shots that encompass the Sun, and hold vibrant colors. Bryan has been a guest on a few Podcast episodes, and also has his own Podcast; "We The Creators”. Where he has named dropped this app. He isn’t lying. It’s a great tool to have on your belt.
With the “Photo Pills” app, you can track the movement of the Sun, and changes in light throughout the day. Following the mapping of the Sun’s angle when rising, provided enough information to know where I needed to be on the island to capture the perfect sunrise. Some searching on Google Maps found a park right on the water and had free parking.
On the day of my return, I arrived 15 minutes before sunrise, and setup right on the water. Capturing some of my favorite photos yet.
Fujifilm X-H1 // XF50mmF2 - 1/170 • ISO 400 • f/8
Fujifilm X-H1 // XF50mmF2 - 1/170 • ISO 500 • f/8
Fujifilm X-H1 // XF50mmF2 - 1/170 • ISO 500 • f/8
In conclusion, I am grateful for taking the time to really look for something new, and get some wonderful photos in the process. I plan to begin taking the extra time out of my commutes, and photographing places or items of interest. Allowing for more variability and challenges in my work.
Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Camera Talk
Due to my love of ranting about new equipment, techniques, travels, and social media. I have decided to make my first blog, cover the cameras and lenses I am currently using. This helps answer a couple of the most asked questions in photography; “What’s your camera brand, and model of choice?”.
I am currently shooting with the Fujifilm X-H1 camera body. Fujifilm’s first camera to have In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS). With added weather resistance, two SD Card slots, and a battery grip. This camera handles most of my shooting, and is a pure joy. I have never had a feeling of “buyer’s remorse”.
X-H1 With XF16-55mm
The X-H1 is accompanied by two prime lenses; XF35mmF2 & XF50mmF2. Though I prefer prime lenses, I make great use of my XF16-55mm. As it is the best zoom lens I have shot with, and having the versatility is amazing when randomly shooting on hikes.
For a back up, and or more “compact” camera body. I use the Fujifilm X-T20. This was my first Fujifilm camera, and really cemented my desire to shoot with only Fujifilm cameras. The X-T20 is the pocket sized version of the X-T2. It carries all the bang of its parent model, but lacks weather resistance, LCD monitor maneuverability, an ISO dial, focusing joystick, and second card slot.
X-T20 With XF35mmF2
The X-T20 is also X-Mount like the X-H1, and uses all of the same lenses. I primarily shoot at 35mm focal length (50mm equivalent) with this camera. I use it now for street photography, a stepping out camera, and general back up. If you’re ever considering an entry level camera that will not break the budget. The X-T20 is a great option.
If you enjoy my work. Know that it is a product of these two cameras, and their sophisticated craftsmanship. For anyone on the market for a new camera, or thinking of switching brands. I highly recommend spending time looking at Fujifilm’s line of cameras. You will not regret the purchase.