Fujifilm Fujinon XF 16-80mm F4 R OIS WR Evaluation

The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 16-80mm F4 R OIS WR ($799.95) is available in between the elemental starter zoom lenses for entry-level cameras and high-end f/2.8 choices in each pricing and lines. It has got an extended zoom vary than the corporate’s first lens of this sort, the XF 18-55mm F2.8-4, however prices simply $100 extra. It is just right sufficient for present device homeowners to mull it over as an improve to switch their present zoom, and will have to be the primary selection for many photographers purchasing into the Fujifilm X digicam device.

A Strong, Climate-Safe Construct

The XF 16-80mm is set reasonable length for the standard zoom with its protection vary. It measures 3.5 by way of 3.1 inches (HD) and weighs 15.5 oz. As with maximum zooms of this sort, the lens includes a telescoping design, extending out further from the digicam physique as you zoom in.

It is purpose-built for Fujifilm’s APS-C digicam device, the place it covers the large finish of a typical attitude via a brief telephoto focal vary. Its attitude of view fits a 24-120mm zoom fixed to a full-frame digicam.

The barrel is a mixture of polycarbonate and steel, and lines inner seals to give protection to in opposition to mud and splashes. They paintings neatly to stay the weather clear of the sophisticated electronics inside of your digicam, however you wish to have to pair it with a sealed type, just like the X-T3 or X-Pro3.

Fujifilm X-T4, 63mm, f/14, 1/90-second, ISO 500

Regardless of together with remarkable climate coverage, Fujifilm does not use a fluorine or identical anti-smudge coating at the entrance component. Should you do get it rainy, you will have to take care to wash it with a microfiber material. If you do not, you’ll be able to have a tougher time putting off the marks dried water drops go away in the back of.

The usage of the incorporated lens hood will assist stay the glass dry within the rain, assuming you might be now not angling it as much as get a shot. The hood is plastic and may also be fixed in opposite for garage. The entrance component helps 72mm threaded filters.

Fujifilm X-T4, 80mm, f/4, 1/125-second, ISO 640

There are a complete of 3 regulate rings, all with raised ridges so you’ll be able to to find them by way of really feel and switch them simply, even though you might be operating in chilly climate and dressed in gloves. The aperture ring sits closest to the mount. It is completed in steel and reasonably slender. It helps third-stop precision from f/4 via f/22, and likewise comprises an A place for computerized aperture adjustment.

The zoom ring is somewhat wider than the aperture regulate, and completed in rubber. It turns with ease, with about 90 levels of rotation had to zoom from the 16 to 80mm place. The guide focal point ring is the farthest ahead, on the entrance of the outer portion of the barrel, the section that does not prolong.

Fujifilm X-T4, 78.1mm, f/4, 1/110-second, ISO 1250

The guide focal point enjoy is not impressive. The focal point ring turns with none resistance, so it is tougher to dial in minute, exact changes. At the plus aspect, autofocus is fast and silent, and the attitude of view could be very stable when converting focal point. The minimum quantity of the focal point respiring impact will make videographers glad, even though guide focal point reaction does not.

The minimal focal point distance is 13.8 inches, a determine measured from the picture sensor. For wide-angle pictures chances are you’ll to find your self having to lean or step again to get a shot, however you’ll be able to get macro effects when zoomed the entire method in. On the minimal focal point distance it nets 1:4 life-size magnification on the 80mm focal period.

Fujifilm X-T4, 16mm, f/8, 1-second, ISO 320

Optical stabilization is incorporated too. A stabilized lens turns out to be useful for video, in addition to for lengthy publicity images with no tripod. Maximum of Fujifilm’s cameras do not come with in-body stabilization, however the lens works together with fashions that come with IBIS, these days simply the X-H1 and X-T4.

Within the Lab

Our labs-based answer exams are carried out the use of Imatest tool and an X-T4 digicam physique. At 16mm f/4, the lens nets superb answer on reasonable (2,650 strains), the results of remarkable central answer that drops as you progress off heart. Edge readability right here is not nice—you will want to use a slender f-stop for landscapes and different pictures the place peripheral readability is a priority. Solution ticks up at f/5.6 (2,765 strains), and edges are slightly higher, however you will want to use f/8 or f/16 to get the clearest main points from heart to edge.

Fujifilm X-T4, 37.6mm, f/5.6, 1-240-second, ISO 320

See How We Check Lenses

You’ll be able to use f/22 if you would like, however you’ll be able to see a large drop in symbol high quality because of diffraction. That is true in any respect focal lengths. Preventing a lens down the entire method can web pointed sunstars when the solar is visual within the body, and does the similar for boulevard lamps in city landscapes, Christmas lighting fixtures in interiors, and identical vivid circles of sunshine, however the XF 16-80mm does a just right process making them at f/16.

Symbol high quality is somewhat higher when the lens is zoomed to its mid issues. I examined it at 35mm and 50mm and famous that answer is very good at f/4, with no important drop from heart to edge. Symbol high quality holds up neatly via f/11 and drops off slightly bit at f/16.

Fujifilm X-T4, 16mm, f/16, 1/20-second, ISO 400

Efficiency at 80mm is very similar to what you get at 16mm. At f/4 the lens has remarkable central sharpness, and superb answer via many of the body, however the edges are reasonably comfortable. The 80mm focal period is extra suited to portraits with background blur, now not conventional panorama or architectural paintings, so it isn’t worrisome.

Edges tick up at smaller f-stops, as does the entire answer. At f/5.6 and f/8 you’ll be able to web superb efficiency via many of the body, and at f/11 the outer edge is very good and the entire answer is exceptional.

Fujifilm X-T4, 20.2mm, f/4, 1/125-second, ISO 400

Distortion is managed—it isn’t obvious in JPG or Uncooked pictures processed the use of Adobe Lightroom tool. The similar is correct for vignetting—there is principally none—and chromatic aberrations. I wasn’t in a position to identify any unnatural colour fringing in pictures.

The Best possible Zoom for Maximum X Gadget Photogs

Fujifilm device homeowners have a just right vary of alternatives when buying groceries for the standard zoom. On the low finish, the XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 and XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 be offering a large number of high quality given their value and length, however their variable aperture designs and loss of climate coverage cause them to much less interesting to extra critical photographers.

Fujifilm X-T4, 30.8mm, f/4, 1/320-second, ISO 320

We give desire to the XF 16-80mm as opposed to its closest competition within the lineup, the XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 and the XF 18-135mm F3.5-5.6. All 3 come with optical stabilization, however the 16-80mm gives the most productive steadiness of zoom vary, most aperture, and optical high quality, and nets our Editors’ Selection advice within the procedure.

It is price its complete value, and is a fair higher worth when purchased together with a digicam—Fujifilm these days gives a $300 bargain when getting it in a equipment with an X-T3 or X-T4.

Fujifilm X-T4, 16mm, f/4, 1/2-second, ISO 320

Professional customers will nonetheless need to believe the top class XF 16-55mm F2.8 instead. Its brighter aperture is a greater have compatibility for photographers protecting occasions, and it additionally sports activities climate coverage and a robust construct, although it omits optical stabilization.