Fujifilm's smaller, lighter and more affordable alternative to the XF16mm F1.4 R WR has arrived. Michael Topham offers his verdict
Fujinon XF16mm F2.8 R WR review: Image Quality
The lens was coupled to various X-series cameras during our testing, including the X-T3 and X-T10. With the XF 16mm F1.4 R WR in our possession we also took the opportunity to perform some comparisons. As you’d expect, the larger and more expensive XF 16mm F1.4 R WR is optically superior, but the XF 16mm F2.8 R WR delivers respectable image quality.

Fujifilm X-T3, 1/40sec at f/5.6, ISO 1600
Inspecting sharpness of both lenses at high magnification told us that the XF 16mm F1.4 R WR is indeed the sharper of the two, which justifies the £480 difference in price. Back to the lens in question, centre sharpness out-resolves corner sharpness at f/2.8 and the same is said right through the aperture range to f/11 where the effect of diffraction starts to soften overall sharpness.

Fujifilm X-T10, 1/500sec at f/2.8, ISO 800

Fujifilm X-T10, 1/60sec at f/22, ISO 640
- Price: £349
- Filter diameter: 49mm
- Lens elements: 10
- Lens groups: 8
- Aperture blades: 9
- Aperture: f/2.8-f/22
- Minimum focus distance: 17cm
- Dimensions: 60x45.4mm
- Weight: 155g
- Lens mount: Fujifilm X-mount
- Included accessories: Lens caps, lens hood, wrapping cloth