Nine years after Fujifilm launched the award-winning Fujinon XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR lens, the company has announced its successor, the Fujifilm Fujinon XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II. The company says that the new lens delivers prime lens performance with zoom lens versatility in a smaller and lighter form factor. It’s compatible with APS-C format Fujifilm X Mount mirrorless cameras.
Compact design
Fujifilm says that advances in lens manufacturing techniques have allowed them to reduce the size and weight of the Fujinon XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II. The company says that it has used improved polishing and machining, as well as advanced assembly techniques. As a result, the new zoom lens is nearly half an inch (11 mm) shorter than the previous version. It’s also around 37% lighter than its predecessor, which is a big drop in weight. In addition, the filter thread size has decreased from 77mm to 72mm, to match Fujifilm’s XF50-140mm F2.8 lens.
Optical design

The zoom lens is designed with 16 lens elements in 11 groups. These include four aspherical lens elements, three ED (extra-low dispersion) lens elements and one super ED lens element. This includes an additional ED lens element compared to the previous model. Fujifilm says that the optical design of the new lens enhances edge sharpness and minimizes chromatic aberration while retaining the sharpness of its predecessor.
Constant F2.8 aperture
This zoom lens has a constant maximum aperture of F2.8. This is ideal for video use as it means that your exposure won’t alter when you change focal length. The lens also has an iris with 11 blades which should deliver a smooth, circular bokeh in out-of-focus parts of your image. In addition, the lens has a physical switch to disable the aperture ring’s click stops. This means that you change exposure smoothly while shooting which is essential for video.
Autofocus
The Fujinon XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II zoom lens features a specially designed linear motor. Fujifilm says that this delivers fast, accurate, and near-silent autofocus performance. In addition, the close focus distance is only 11.8 inches (30 cm).
Weather resistant
Despite its compact size, the zoom lens is ready for use in adverse conditions. When used with a weather-resistant X Series camera body, the new lens is dust and moisture resistant. Fujifilm says that you can use the lens in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C) without worrying about water droplets, sand or dust.
What we think
Fujifilm has improved the optical performance of the new this new Fujinon zoom lens. The company has also achieved this while dramatically decreasing the weight and size of the lens which is no mean feat. In addition, Fujifilm has thought about video shooters by adding the option to de-click the manual aperture ring. If you use an APS-C X-Mount camera, the Fujinon XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II is a great choice for a standard zoom.
Pricing and availability
The new Fujifilm Fujinon XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II zoom lens will be available in December and will retail for $1,199.