EXCLUSIVE: Fujinon XF16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II Press Release and Product Images Leaked
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Down below you can read the press release for the Fujinon XF16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II.
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Press Text
Fujifilm launches FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II
Approx. 37% Lighter than its Predecessor while Enhancing Imaging Performance and Adding New Video Capabilities
October 14, 2024
Tokyo, Japan – Fujifilm Corporation (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Teiichi Goto) is pleased to announce the release of the new FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II lens, an exciting addition to the lineup of interchangeable XF lenses designed for the X Series of mirrorless digital cameras. This new lens will be available starting from end of November, 2024.
The XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II lens is the successor to the popular large-aperture standard zoom lens, the FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR, and represents the flagship model in the XF lens lineup. This new version has achieved an approximate 37% reduction in weight compared to its predecessor, offering outstanding mobility despite its large aperture. The optimized lens configuration enhances imaging performance, delivering superior image quality across the zoom range. In addition, Fujifilm has introduced the “Aperture Click Switch” for the first time for the XF Lens lineup. This new feature allows for smooth brightness transitions during aperture adjustments, making video recording more natural and seamless.
The XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II is a large-aperture standard zoom lens that allows for bright F2.8 aperture shooting throughout the entire zoom range, from wide-angle 16mm (equivalent to 24mm in 35mm format) to mid-telephoto 55mm (equivalent to 84mm in 35mm format). It supports a wide range of still photography genres, including nature, landscape, and portraits, leveraging its high resolution and beautiful, smooth bokeh. Thanks to its lightweight design, weighing approximately 410g, and newly incorporated video-friendly features, the XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II expands the expressive possibilities of the XF lens lineup. The combination of high performance and portability broadens the scope of visual expression achievable with XF lenses for both photography and videography.
1. Product Features
1) Large-Aperture Standard Zoom Lens with Superior Imaging Performance
• Capable of shooting at a bright F2.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range, from wide-angle 16mm (equivalent to 24mm in 35mm format) to mid-telephoto 55mm (equivalent to 84mm in 35mm format).
• Featuring an 11-group, 16-element configuration that includes 4 aspherical lenses, 1 Super ED lens, and 3 ED lenses. This design maintains high-resolution from the center to the edges while minimizing chromatic aberrations, even with a large aperture.
• Enhanced ultra-precision manufacturing technology of aspherical lenses reduces ring patterns compared to previous models, resulting in smoother, more beautiful bokeh.
• Achieving a minimum focusing distance of 0.3m across the entire zoom range, allowing for close-up photography with a maximum magnification of 0.21x.
2) Compact and Lightweight Design for Enhanced Mobility
• Utilizing the latest lens processing technologies, the lens elements have been made thinner. This results in a reduction of the total lens length by approximately 11mm and a volumetric reduction by approximately 37.8% compared to the previous model. The weight has also been reduced by approximately 37.4% to about 410g, ensuring excellent mobility.
• Features a dust-resistant, weather-resistant, and low-temperature-resistant construction with 12 sealing points throughout the lens body, along with a fluorine coating on the front element for superior water and smudge resistance. When combined with Fujifilm’s weather-resistant digital cameras like the FUJIFILM X-H2S, it provides reliable performance even during extended shooting in adverse weather conditions.
3) Enhanced Design for Video Recording
• The introduction of the “Aperture Click Switch” allows users to toggle between a stepped aperture control for still photography and a smooth, continuous aperture control for video recording, ensuring seamless and intuitive operation*1
.• Minimizes focus breathing to provide more consistent framing during focusing.
*1 The “Aperture Click Switch” functionality requires a firmware update for compatible camera bodies. Future firmware updates are planned for current models including the FUJIFILM X-H2S, FUJIFILM X-H2, FUJIFILM X-T5, FUJIFILM X-S20, and FUJIFILM X-T50.
4) High-Speed, High-Precision AF with Quiet Operation
• The adoption of an inner focusing system and lightweight focusing lens elements, combined with a high-speed linear motor, enables rapid and precise autofocus, achieving speeds as fast as 0.02 seconds. This ensures that users can capture decisive moments effortlessly.
*2 Based on CIPA guidelines, measured internally using the FUJIFILM X-T4 mirrorless digital camera in phase-detection AF mode with High-Performance Mode enabled, at the wide-angle end.