Fujifilm's latest X Series lens features the company's highest amount of image stabilization yet
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
Fujifilm has announced the latest addition to its APS-C range of XF lenses, the 5x optical zoom Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR.
While the lens had been prematurely revealed to the public thanks to an earlier leak by the usual online sources, there are a number of tasty features and that still provided some nice surprises.
Chief among them is the awesome amount of optical image stabilization built into the lens. The Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR features a whopping six stops of stabilization, which makes the optic a great performer in low light or at the long end where camera shake would otherwise be problematic.
It's also a useful comeback to the criticism that cameras like the Fujifilm X-T3 and Fujifilm X-T30 don't possess in-body image stabilization.
The Fujifilm X-T3 doesn't have IBIS, but the XF 16-80mm f/4 gives it 6 stops of OIS (Image credit: Fujifilm)
With the crop factor of Fujifilm's X-series cameras, the XF 16-80mm f/4 has an effective 24-120mm focal range in full-frame terms, with an effective depth of field of f/6 (though in terms of light transmission, it still performs to its f/4 specification).
It's a constant aperture, too, meaning that you don't lose any performance as you go from wide-angle to telephoto shooting. In addition the lens also has a minimum shooting distance of 35 cm over the entire zoom range, which gives a maximum magnification of 0.25x.
At just 440g and 78.3mm x 88.9mm, the XF 16-80mm is a light and compact lens that pairs with the X range cameras perfectly. It features 16 elements (including 3 aspherical elements and 1 ED aspherical element) in 12 groups and is weather-sealed, remaining operable down to -10°C / 14°F.
Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter
The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!
The Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR is set for release in mid-September, and will carry a price tag of £769 / $799.95.
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.
