Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8
Announced May 16, 2024
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 is a compact, weather-sealed standard zoom that delivers impressive sharpness and fast autofocus performance for modern high-resolution sensors. While it offers significant improvements in portability and build quality, it lacks optical image stabilization and exhibits some optical compromises at the wide end and telephoto range.
Weighted from 12 reviewer scores
Pros
- Compact, lightweight, and robust weather-sealed build
- High optical sharpness suitable for 40MP sensors
- Internal zoom mechanism and improved macro capability
- Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus
- Excellent value when purchased as part of a kit
Cons
- Variable aperture becomes slower at the telephoto end
- Unappealing bokeh and poor handling of high-contrast light
- Soft corner performance at wide focal lengths
- High standalone price and reliance on digital distortion correction
- Lack of optical image stabilization
- Launch price $699.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8
- Mount & coverage Fujifilm X APS-C
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 24 cm (0.3x)
- Filter thread 58mm
- Autofocus motor Linear motor
- Weight & size 240g · 65 x 71.4 mm (2.56 x 2.81 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 12 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 7/10
The performance of the new 16-50mm is admittedly a bit mixed. There are some compromises, such as the slower f/4.8 aperture at the telephoto end, which isn't ideal, and the lack of OIS, which may or may not impact you, is still worth pointing out.
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As such, its successor, the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8, has big boots to fill but succeeds to become the desirable kit zoom for the next generation of X Series cameras.
- OpticalLimits 7/10
Generally, we were pleased with the Fujinon XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR during our time with it - both with respect to the lab results and especially in the field.
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Fuji’s new XF 16-50mm F2.8-4.8 R LM WR has made a lot of positive strides. I particularly appreciate the internal zooming design, the addition of weather sealing, and the extra width on the wide end of the zoom range.
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[T]his is certainly Fuji's best kit lens and considering it can be had for $400 it's actually capable of impressive sharpness.
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If you are in the market for a compact zoom, then don't let the notion that this is "just a kit lens" put you off this fantastic option.
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An especially good purchase in a kit, the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 16-50mm F2.8-4.8 R LM WR has better build quality and optics than most starter zooms.
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The Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is a surprisingly compact yet robust standard zoom.
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The X-T50 should be at or near the top of your short list for street, travel, everyday carry, and/or general purpose photography or high-quality video, irrespective of sensor format.
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In my opinion, Fujifilm has really knocked this one out of the park.
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If you go back to my headline in the first paragraph, the main stories with the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR are, in fact, very good portability, flexibility, and weight blended with acceptable image quality at this price level.
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I think every Fujifilm X user should have this lens because it's really so versatile.
