Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR Mark II

Fujifilm’s XF 16-55mm F2.8 has long been a staple in many X-series photographers’ bags, known for its versatility and image quality. With the Mark II version, Fujifilm aims to address the primary criticism of the original – its weight – while maintaining or improving its optical performance. This review will examine how successful they’ve been in this endeavour.

Design and Build:

The most immediately noticeable change in the Mark II is its size and weight. At 410g, it’s a remarkable 37% lighter than the original’s 655g. This significant weight reduction transforms the lens from an occasional-use heavyweight to an everyday workhorse. The length has also been reduced by 11mm, contributing to a 37.8% reduction in volume.

Despite this dramatic weight loss, Fujifilm has maintained the lens’s weather-resistant construction. The Mark II features 12 sealing points and a fluorine coating on the front element, ensuring durability in challenging conditions.

Optical Performance:

Surprisingly, Fujifilm has managed to improve the optical formula while reducing size and weight. The Mark II features 16 elements in 11 groups, including 4 aspherical, 3 ED, and 1 super ED element. This is a refinement of the original’s 17 elements in 12 groups (3 aspherical, 3 ED).

In practice, this new design delivers excellent sharpness across the frame, even wide open at F2.8. Chromatic aberrations are well-controlled, and the lens produces beautiful, smooth bokeh. The improvement in edge-to-edge sharpness is particularly noticeable compared to the original version.

Autofocus:

The Mark II retains the fast, quiet autofocus of the original, utilising a linear motor. Fujifilm claims focus speeds as fast as 0.02 seconds, and in real-world use, the lens focuses quickly and accurately in a variety of situations.

Video Performance:

One of the most significant upgrades in the Mark II is its enhanced video capabilities. The new “Aperture Click Switch” allows users to toggle between clicked aperture adjustments for stills and smooth, de-clicked adjustments for video. This feature, along with reduced focus breathing, makes the Mark II much more suitable for video work than its predecessor.

Close Focus and Magnification:

The Mark II improves on the original’s close-focus capabilities. It now offers a minimum focus distance of 0.3m throughout the zoom range, compared to the original’s 0.3m at wide-angle and 0.4m at telephoto. This results in a higher maximum magnification of 0.21x, up from 0.16x in the original.

Comparison to the Original:

While the original XF 16-55mm F2.8 was known for its optical quality, its weight often made photographers think twice before packing it for a shoot. The Mark II addresses this issue head-on, delivering a lens that’s significantly more portable without compromising image quality. In fact, the optical performance seems to have improved, particularly in terms of edge sharpness and close-focus capabilities.

The addition of video-centric features like the Aperture Click Switch and reduced focus breathing make the Mark II a much more versatile tool for hybrid shooters. These were areas where the original lens showed its age, particularly as more Fujifilm users began to incorporate video into their workflows.

Who Is It For? The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR Mark II is ideal for:

Professional and enthusiast photographers who need a versatile, high-quality zoom for everyday use
Hybrid shooters who frequently switch between stills and video
Travel and event photographers who value reduced weight without sacrificing image quality
Existing owners of the original XF 16-55mm F2.8 were deterred by its weight

The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR Mark II is a remarkable achievement in lens design. It addresses the main criticism of its predecessor – weight – while maintaining and even improving upon its strengths. The dramatic weight reduction makes it a much more attractive option for everyday use, while the improved optics and added video features expand its versatility.

For owners of the original lens, the upgrade is compelling, particularly if the weight was a deterrent to regular use. For those new to the Fujifilm system or considering this focal range, the Mark II offers a near-perfect balance of performance, versatility, and portability.

While it comes at a premium price point, the XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR Mark II justifies its cost through its exceptional performance and versatility. It’s a lens that you’ll likely find yourself reaching for time and time again, whether for professional work or personal projects.