This is inevitable since now we got the Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II, which is smaller, lighter and optically even a bit better. And it costs the same as the older version.
You can still find the XF16-55mmF2.8 MKI in stock in USA, Canada and Europe, but I guess these will be the last samples available and honestly quite hard to sell for Fujifilm if they do not decide to offer it with a substantial price drop.
At least for those looking to purchase a standard f/2.8 zoom lens.
Because the two options we had, the Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 I and the Sigma 18-50mmF2.8 DC DN, were so different to each other that people did not have much to think about: if you want compactness, go for the Sigma. If you want a wider range and an aperture ring, go for the Fujinon.
But with the arrival of the new Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II, decision making has become a bit more complicated.
As shown in the size comparisons above, the new Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II falls between the older XF16-55 and the Sigma 18-50 in terms of size. So, if your primary reason for choosing the Sigma was compactness, the decision between the two lenses has now become a bit more challenging.
While the Sigma is still a bit smaller, the new Fujinon will give you a wider range (16-55 instead of 18-50), an aperture ring (which can be de-clicked), likely better weather sealing (as the one of the Sigma is rather basic), and something that is often overlooked: Fujifilm colors.
Look, I own third party autofocus and manual focus lenses. They are some fantastic offerings out there. But one of the main reasons I prefer my Fujinon’s, is that I get consistent Fujifilm colors. That’s for example also why I bought the Fujinon XF10-24mmF4. I did love my Samyang 12mmF2, but the colors just did not look like the ones I was used to when using my Fujinon glass.
However, there is still one huge argument for the Sigma 18-50mmF2.8: the price! If you look for best value for money, the Sigma might be the best option.
I guess the question these days for those, who already own the “old” XF16-55mmF2.8 is: should I upgrade the new XF16-55mmF2.8 II or stick with the old one?
In order to try to help you to find the right answer, I’ve searched for comparisons, but I was surprised to find that this particular comparison hasn’t been adequately addressed by reviewers at launch. If I missed them, please let me know in the comments, so I can add them to this article.
But now a new video has been released by FujiFanBoys that provides a quick comparison between the new Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II and the previous XF16-55mmF2.8.
I will sum it up in bullet points for you, but if you want to see the sample images and get a few more details, check out the video above.
the new XF16-55mmF2.8 II is a bit sharper and has a bit more contrast
the new XF16-55mmF2.8 has a bit better bokeh
the new XF16-55mmF2.8 has a bit better autofocus
the new XF16-55mmF2.8 as virtually no focus breathing (the old one was good there too, but not as good as the new one)
the new XF16-55mmF2.8 is lighter and smaller
the new XF16-55mmF2.8 has a de-clickable aperture ring
So who is this lens for?
Well, if that’s your first XF16-55mmF2.8 lens, then go for the new one. It’s a lot lighter and smaller, it’s a bit better optically, and costs the same as the old one.
Things get more complicated if you already own the old XF16-55mmF2.8.
In this case, FujiFanBoys says that if you shoot mainly primes and already own the old XF16-55mmF2.8, then there is no need to upgrade. But if you rely a lot on the XF16-55 for your work, then size and weight alone are a good reason to upgrade.
And what was your decision? Feel free to let us know by voting the survey:
And look, I know it sucks to have to wait months to get your gear shipped, which has sadly become a standard with Fujifilm.
But since pre-orders just launched, Amazon likely has a short waiting list for now. So, if you’re interested in this lens and place your order on Amazon soon, you could secure a higher spot in the waiting list and potentially receive your lens sooner.
However, the list is bound to fill up quickly.
Also, it’s worth giving your local store a call to ask about their waiting list. Unfortunately, I can’t do that for you—I can’t check every store’s backlog worldwide. Instead, I try to provide the best info by comparing larger online retailers.
But if you work at a local store, feel free to inform our readers in the comments to this post on how the situation is at your store.
Fujifilm Launches “FUJINON Lens XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II” – The new large-aperture standard zoom lens offers improved descriptive performance – 37% lighter than its predecessor – New function “Smooth aperture control” suited for movie recording
TOKYO, October 14, 2024 – FUJIFILM Corporation announces the launch of the “FUJINON Lens XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II” (XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II) globally from end of November 2024. The lens is a new lineup of the “XF lens” interchangeable lens lineup for the mirrorless digital camera X Series that offers outstanding image quality and compact size and weight.
this is a rendered page, not real page. The real product page will be online Oct.14 at 10AM New York time
Some are contacting me and ask me: when exactly will it be possible to preorder the gear that will be announced on soon?
Well, in the Fujifilm world it usually works like this: there is the X summit and 1 hour after the X summit started pre-orders are open.
This means:
X Summit starts at 9AM New York time
Pre-orders start at 10AM New York time
Down below you’ll find the links to several stores in which you can pre-order the gear on October 14 at 10AM New York time. But of course there is always also your local store to check out, too.
And no, these are not real product pages of BHphoto, just renderings I did of what you’ll very soon see there. But they serve as a reminder of the prices in USD we expect for each new gear. We also have the price in € and £ here.
this is a rendered page, not real page. The real product page will be online Oct.14 at 10AM New York timethis is a rendered page, not real page. The real product page will be online Oct.14 at 10AM New York time
But unlike many feared, this size and weight reduction will not come at the expense of image quality.
On the contrary: I have been told that the image quality of the upcoming Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 MKII will be overall better to the one of the MK I version.
ATTENTION: what does “overall better” mean? Sharper? Better handling of backlight situations? Less flares? More beautiful sunstars? Less fringing? I don’t have the answer to this. Nor do I know how big (or small) the improvement will be, and which areas they will eventually affect. Just because the new XF16-55 will be overall “better” it does not mean it will be better in every single aspect.
Stay tuned on FujiRumors… we have more stuff to talk about ;). I mean lots more stuff.
We leaked the price for the Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II and the Fujinon XF500mmF5.6 in £ and € already in this article.
Well, I have received information about the price in US Dollar, which is not yet multiple checked but I share it anyway, because the announcement is close and I don’t know if I’ll be able to get it multiple confirmed. So take it with a grain of salt for now.
If accurate, then the price of the new Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II in USA will remain identical to the one of its predeccessor. That’s not the case in Europe, where we will get a €/£ 50 price jump.
As far as the XF500mmF5.6, it should cost $500 less than it’s sibiling, the Fujinon GF500mmF5.6. That’s more or less in line with the pricing in Europe, where we have about the same price gap between the two lenses.
I have no information about the Fujifilm X-M5 price, but I’d say it’s likely to cost around $799, considering it costs €899 in Europe. But that’s just an educated guess, not a rumor.
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