FUJIFILM XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

[Zoom] Wide-zoom | Standard-zoom | Tele-zoom | High-zoom  
[Fixed-focal] Wide angle | Standard | Telephoto | Macro

Even since the X-mount lenses made their debut with the prime lenses, they have been famous for the high level of image quality. And, it has expanded with additional zoom lenses. And, now it's joined by the first F2.8 constant flagship standard zoom, which covers the angle of view equivalent to 24-84mm in 35mm format. The beautiful bokeh created by the rounded aperture blades urges photographers to shoot wide open regardless of the focal length. Other flagship features are the latest Nano GI coating minimizing flares even in the backlit condition and the tough weather-resistant design including cold resistance up to minus 10 degrees Celsius. This is one of the most spirited piece of work by Fujifilm and I couldn't wait to test it.

( Photography & Text : T.Nakanishi )

It perfectly captured the light and the shadow even in the indoor condition with a dim light from the window. I can feel the tonal gradation even in the shadow. In other words, it reproduces the difference of blackness.

Immediately after I started using this lens, I wanted to shoot wide open. The round aperture blades worked to generate the round and beautiful bokeh.

Let's check how it draws the tonal gradation between highlight and shadow. Because I shot way under, the deep shadow is painted in black. But, it reproduced the smooth transition from the highlight at the window to the deep shadow at the stairs. This lens makes me want to shoot under more aggressively.

I shot the window of a tall church wide open. Of course, the back bokeh is beautiful, but the color reproduction of the decoration is just perfect because it's neither too vivid nor too shallow. And, I believe this is the distinctive characteristic of a Fujifilm lens.

I raised the ISO to deal with the dark situation, but it wonderfully reproduced the tones even under this dim light. Together with the camera's excellent high sensitivity performance, this lens enhances shooting opportunity.

There was no light other than the incandescent lamp. This realistic rendering even makes me remember the sound of the steamers.

While the regular minimum focus distance is 0.6m, it's shortened to 0.3m at the wide end and 0.4m at the tele-end in the macro mode. I shot the curry udon before I started eating. Can you feel the density of the curry which is almost running from the bowl? By the way, the waiter/waitress bringing it to the table without spilling is just wonderful.

This lens makes me to see things differently even if they are on the plain table. Enjoy the top class bokeh smoothly developing before and behind the focal point.

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For landscape/nature photographers, the cold-resistance up to 10 degree Celsius is more than welcome, let alone the dust/weather proof design. Because I trust this lens, I can focus on my shooting and of course this enhances the quality of the outputs.

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Because the past X-mount lenses were designed for the X series with an APS-C sensor, many X lenses are comparatively compact. But, undoubtedly, they never made them compact to the point that the image quality is sacrificed. This lens is bigger compared to other X lenses, but this is because their top priority was the image quality which rivals prime lenses. And, this lens will withstand the use with camera bodies whose image quality keeps improving.

( 10.04.2015 )