FUJINON XF16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR Lens Announced

FUJINON XF16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR lens

The new lens covers a standard zoom range (24-76mm full-frame equivalent) while offering a variable aperture of f/2.8 on the wide end and f/4.8 on the telephoto end (up to f/22). The aperture features 9 rounded diaphragm blades to help achieve a rounded bokeh.

It is a very small and lightweight lens – weighing 240g/8.5oz, the lens has a diameter of 65mm and is 71.4mm/2.8in long. In fact, FUJIFILM says this is the lightest zoom lens in the XF lens series up to date.

The minimum focusing distance (from the sensor plane) is 24cm/9.4in. The XF16-50mm offers a 58mm front filter thread.

When it comes to the optical structure of the lens, it includes 11 elements in 9 groups. There are 3 aspherical lenses and 3 extra-low dispersion (ED) lenses. FUJIFILM claims the lens suppresses chromatic aberration and maintains high-resolution performance throughout the zoom range. This is important with FUJIFILM’s latest 40.2MP cameras as the pixel density is very high, so the lens must be able to render high resolution.

FUJIFILM X-T50 with the new FUJINON 16-50mm lens. Credit: FUJIFILM

The XF16-50mm features a weather-resistant structure with weather sealing applied to 13 areas of the lens barrel. It is also tested to withstand temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F). Zooming and focusing are done completely internally, so the lens does not extend when changing the focal length.

The AF system is powered by a linear motor. FUJIFILM claims the lens achieves fast and accurate autofocus (as fast as 0.015s) thanks to the lightweight design of the focus lens group.

The XF16-50mm does not have any optical stabilization, so it will perform best on FUJIFILM camera bodies that have a built-in IBIS. Thankfully, almost all new X-mount cameras have it already.

FUJINON XF16-50mm lens. Credit: FUJIFILM

Price and availability

The FUJINON XF16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR lens is expected to be available in June 2024 and the suggested retail price is $699.95. On top of selling the lens as a standalone product, FUJIFILM also plans to offer it in a kit with selected X-mount cameras (with IBIS to compensate for the lack of the lens’ OIS):

FUJIFILM X-T50 with XF16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR lens kit will cost $1,799.95

FUJIFILM X-T5 with XF16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR lens kit will cost $2,099.95

FUJIFILM X-S20 with XF16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR lens kit will cost $1,699.95

Which zoom lenses do you use for your FUJIFILM camera? What do you think about the new FUJINON XF16-50mm lens? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.