FUJINON XF 8-16mm F2.8 – New Ultra-Wide Zoom From FUJIFILM

NewsIndustry

by Olaf von VossAugust 3^rd, 2018

FUJIFILM is in the process of significantly expanding its range of interchangeable lenses for mirrorless cameras. Next up is the FUJINON XF 8-16mm f/2.8 zoom lens. It is due in November, but some specifications have already been published. Let’s take a quick look at it!

The new FUJINON XF lens seems to be a pretty impressive ultra-wide zoom with a consistent f/2.8 aperture throughout its zoom range. Apart from this lens there’s another yet to be released lens: The FUJINON XF 200mm f/2 along with a new 1.4x teleconverter.

FUJINON XF 8-16mm f/2.8

This  lens is not quite ready for shipping, yet. But, and that’s part of this post’s purpose: We have a prototype of the lens at the office and certainly will put it through its paces. Until then, let’s look at the specs of this upcoming ultra-wide zoom.

First up, this lens sports a FUJIFILM X-mount, obviously. If we want to convert the focal length range to the “normal” 35mm equivalent, we have a zoom range of 12mm to 24mm. The FUJINON XF 8-16mm f/2.8 zoom consists of 20 elements in 13 groups and that includes 4 Aspherical elements, 3 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and 3 super ED elements. The whole thing weights 805g and is 121.5mm long while the lens diameter measures 88mm.

Lens elements and rubber weather sealings (shown in green).

The iris is made out of 9 rounded blades which can be adjusted in 1/3 EV steps. Minimum focus distance is 25cm, measured from the film plane, so don’t expect a macro lens here. Auto focus is also available, of course and, according to FUJIFILM, it’s high-speed and quiet. Let’s hope it is! There’s also a decent amount of weather sealing going in in this lens, so it seems to be a perfect companion for some serious outdoor shooting. FUJIFILM claims it will be fully operational down to -10°C/+14°F.

Pricing

This lens is already listed on B&H and as we approach this years November you can get the FUJINON XF 8-16mm zoom for about $2.000. The other new lens, the FUJINON XF 200mm f/2.0, a 200mm prime with an impressive f/2 aperture will be available in November, too. The kit with the lens and the 1.4x teleconverter won’t be cheap: almost $6.000 need to be spend.

If you are into video shooting, the perfect companion for these lenses, the FUJIFILM X-H1 mirrorless camera, sells for about $1,650.

Links: FUJIFILM Blog | Lens Roadmap

Are you a FUJIFILM shooter? Let us know what you think about the addition of this new wide angle lens in the comments below!