RUMOR: Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 MKII is About 30% Smaller and Lighter than Original XF16-55mmF2.8

I have been told (THANKS!!!) that the new Fujinon XF16-55mm f/2.8 MKII will be about 30% smaller and lighter than the original version.

BE AWARE: Our sources said ABOUT 30% and not EXACTLY 30%! So don’t sh*tstorm too hard on me if it ends up being 34% or 26% smaller. ;)

I guess (not rumor) that in terms of size the new XF16-55mmF2.8 will be getting a step closer to the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN, which at this point is probably also its closest competitor.

Now, this is not a rumor (!!!) but a speculated list on which lens will be the better pick:

• PROS of Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 MKII (vs Sigma 18-50mmF2.8 DC DN)
  – 2mm wider
  – 5mm longer on the telephoto end
  – aperture ring
  – probably better weather sealing (the one of the Sigma has been reviewed as being “rather basic” by reputable review sites like photozone here)
• PROS Sigma 18-50mmF2.8 DC DN (vs Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 MKII)
  – price
  – probably still a bit more compact

And then there are of course lots of things we still don’t know, so this is just a very approximate and rough list that is far from being any recommendation to go for one lens or the other.

Oh, and the image you see above is just a rendering I quickly made of the XF16-55mmF2.8 MKII.