What’s New with the FUJINON XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR

With its improved resolving power, the FUJINON XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR can make full use of the 40-megapixel sensors of the latest X Series cameras – making it a standard zoom for the next generation.

That’s not the only improvement though. This article takes a detailed look at how the new lens stacks up against its predecessor, the FUJINON XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS.

Photo 2024 © Fujifilm | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR, 1/200 sec at F4.5, ISO 1600

An upgraded optical construction grants increased resolving power, allowing the XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR to make full use of the 40.2-megapixel X Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor found in X Series cameras like the FUJIFILM X-T5, X-H2 and X-T50.

The new lens consists of 11 elements in nine groups, including three aspherical and three extra-low dispersion (ED) elements, which suppress chromatic aberrations and maintain excellent high-resolution performance throughout the entire zoom range.

Photo 2024 © Fujifilm [no exif on file]

Like any good standard zoom lens, the XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR prioritises imaging versatility. With an expanded wide-angle setting of 16mm, the new lens offers improved utility when photographing landscapes and architecture.

A focal length of 50mm at the telephoto end (35mm equivalent of 76mm) offers excellent scope for portrait photography. Full integration with the new high-resolution X Series sensors also grants the ability to crop further during editing – or use the FUJIFILM X-T50’s in-camera digital teleconverter function – where additional reach is required.

Close-up photography is another area of improvement, with the new lens achieving a maximum magnification of 0.3x at the telephoto end (equivalent to 0.45x in 35mm format) compared to the 0.15x magnification of the XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS (0.225x in 35mm format).

This is facilitated by a close focusing distance of 24cm (measured from focal plane) across the entire focal range – allowing you to photograph subjects just 15cm from the front of the lens.

Photo 2024 © Fujifilm | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR, 1/100 sec at F6.4, ISO 1250

Thanks to its improved optical design that uses fewer elements, the new lens has shed significant weight. At just 240g compared to its predecessor’s 310g, the XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR is the lightest zoom lens in the XF lineup.

An internal zoom mechanism also means the lens keeps the same dimensions at all focal lengths. Where the XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS would go from 70.4mm in length at its wide setting to 97.9mm at its telephoto setting, the XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR stays just 71.4mm long at all times.

In addition to this, the new optic features a weather-resistant structure, with sealing applied to 13 different areas of the lens barrel. It can be used with confidence in dusty, rainy and freezing conditions down to temperatures of -10°C.

Photo 2024 © Fujifilm | FUJIFILM X-H2S and FUJINON XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR, 1/100 sec at F5, ISO 800

The result of all these improvements is a truly versatile, high-performance optic that is rugged yet discreet. Perfectly suited to travel, street and everyday photography, it excels in a wide range of applications while taking up next to no room in your kitbag.

Shop FUJINON XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR today, and read the full specifications here.

FUJINON XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR

Lens configuration 11 elements in 9 groups (includes 3 aspherical and 3 ED elements)

Focal length 16-50mm (35mm equivalent of 24-76mm)

Angle of view 83.2°-31.7°

Max. aperture F2.8-4.8

Min. aperture F22

Number of blades 9 (rounded diaphragm opening)

Stop size 1/3EV (19 stops)

Minimum focus distance 0.24m

Max. magnification 0.3x

Dimensions (DxL): 65x71.4mm

Weight 240g

Filter size 58mm

FUJINON XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS

Lens configuration 14 elements in 10 groups (includes 3 aspherical and 1 ED elements)

Focal length 18-55mm (35mm equivalent of 27-84mm)

Angle of view 76.5°-29°

Max. aperture F2.8-4

Min. aperture F22

Number of blades 7 (rounded diaphragm opening)

Stop size 1/3EV (19 stops)

Minimum focus distance 0.3m (wide), 0.4m (telephoto)

Max. magnification 0.15x

Dimensions (DxL): 65x70.4mm (wide), 65x97.9mm (telephoto)

Weight 310g

Filter size 58mm