Fujifilm's latest lens adds a 24mm equivalent wide-angle to the X series line-up
(Image credit: James Artaius / Digital Camera World)
Fujifilm has announced the Fujinon XF 16mm f/2.8 R WR, a 24mm equivalent lens that adds a wide-angle optic to the current line-up of X-series prime lenses. Fittingly enough, it's a perfect partner for the Fujifilm X-T30 that has also just been unveiled by the company.
We got to take the lens for a quick test drive ahead of our full review, and found it to be a very pleasing piece of glass. As you'd expect of a Fujifilm optic it is gloriously designed, remaining lightweight at just 155g despite the robust metal exterior, and boasts weather resistance and operability down to -10°C/14°F.
The Fujinon XF16mmF2.8 R WR is a perfect partner for the Fujifilm X-T30
1/2000 sec, f/2.8, ISO125 (Taken on a pre-production Fujifilm X-T30)
1/30 sec, f/2.8, ISO800 (Taken on a pre-production Fujifilm X-T30)
It's not just dripping with style, though – the aperture and focus rings are pleasingly tactile and and well damped, feeling suitably slick to operate, while the inner stepping motor provides autofocus that's near-silent yet nice and snappy.
The bright f/2.8 aperture (consisting of nine blades) makes it a versatile performer in less than ideal light. When combined with the X-T30 or X-T3, it benefits from the improved low light AF performance that goes down to -3EV.
The XF 16mm will retail for £349, with the silver version being available from late March and the black edition coming in May/June.
The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.
