Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR Review

The Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR shown on the Fujifilm X-Pro3

Fuji XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR Review

Thanks to Fujifilm Canada for lending me the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR for my review. I tested it for a couple of weeks in late June, and early July during a stretch of beautiful summer weather in Vancouver and Vernon in British Columbia, Canada.

I will admit that my expectations for the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 weren’t high. I had tested it briefly a couple of years ago and while the images looked great I was mainly worried about the larger size of the lens and the bulbous front element.

For my first digital SLR, a Canon D60, I had a Sigma 15-30mm which had a similar bulbous front element and Nikon shooters have lived with it for years for their 14-24mm f/2.8 lens so perhaps I was overly concerned.

The large bulbous front element of the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR

Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR - Introduction

The XF 8-16m f/2.8 R LM WR was released about three years ago on July 20th, 2018 with an introductory price of $1,995.00 which I found rather steep. As of February 2023, the price was dropped to $1,499.00.

While Fujifilm was praised for releasing a pro-grade wide-angle zoom lens it also received a somewhat lukewarm reception due to the high price point, especially considering that you could purchase the excellent XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS for about half the price.

Whether the current price is here to stay is anyone’s guess and I encourage you to check the price at the time you read this article as it probably will affect your purchasing decision.

Price aside, let’s see how I got along with the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR.

A woman walks along the Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park, Vancouver, under the big willow trees. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR — Lost Lagoon, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR @ f/7.1, 8 mm

Fuji XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR - Handling and Specs

With its 12-24mm full-frame equivalent focal length, the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR weighs 1.77 lb, 805 g, with dimensions of 3.46 x 4.78", 88 x 121.5 mm.

It is indeed a rather large lens for my X-Pro3 but I was surprised the balance was okay. It makes for a front-heavy combination but the rubberized focus ring gives you a good and solid grip.

Perhaps because the last camera I tested was the Canon EOS R5 and RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS the X-Pro3 and XF 8-16mm felt less like a burden.

As a combo, it is also 30% lighter. How the weight of your photography gear affects your decisions, of course, depends on what you are used to, what you compare it with, and how much you are willing to carry.

A couple leans up against a log taking in the view at English Bay Beach in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR — English Bay, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR @ f/8, 8.4 mm

The XF 8-16mm has a staggering 20 elements in 13 groups with 4 aspherical elements, 3 super ED, and 3 ED elements. It has Nano-GI coating, 9 diaphragm blades, features a linear motor, LM, for fast and silent autofocus, and is also weather-resistant.

The lens cap pulls down over the lens shade and snaps into place easily but it is bulky and takes up space in your pocket unless, of course, you carry a pack for your gear and it won’t be an issue.

I normally never use lens caps as I find they get in the way and slow me down but in the case of the XF 8-16mm, I feel it is worth using it to protect the large front element. Notably, the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR does not have optical image stabilization, OIS.

A size comparison between the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR and XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR. You can see the lens lens cap covering the lens shade on the XF 8-16mm.

Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R OIS WR in Action

The first reaction when putting the camera up to my eye with the XF 8-16mm set to 8mm was; Man… this is wide! But I found that I adapted fairly quickly.

With the XF 8-16mm, it was all about going wide for me, all the way. On average I shot the lens at 9mm for my keepers with the vast majority at 8mm, as wide as it goes.

In hindsight, I should have made a conscientious effort to try out the other focal lengths more so but it was as if it was stuck at 8mm :)

This could be a novelty thing but I really dug the images produced at this focal length and this is where the lens sets itself apart compared to any other XF lens.

A woman goes for a sunset swim at Second Beach in Vancouver on a beautiful summer evening. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR — Third Beach, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR @ f/2.8, 8 mm

Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR - Zoom Range

Below are four photos captured with the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR showing the zoom range. The first frame is at 8mm, then 10mm, 12mm, and finally 16mm. The photos were shot handheld meaning the level is slightly off but it should give you a pretty good idea of the zoom range. Click to view larger images.

Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 vs. XF 10-24mm f/4

At $999.00 the XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR is two-thirds of the cost of the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR and under half of the weight.

I enjoyed using the XF 10-24mm f/4 OIS WR when I reviewed it recently. The lower weight and the fact, the XF 10-24mm has image stabilization, are strong selling points.

Furthermore, if you like to shoot with filters such as a circular polarizer or ND filter for long exposures it is easier to do so with the XF 10-24mm which has a standard 72mm filter thread.

The tall trees in Stanley Park, Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR — Stanley Park, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR @ f/5.6, 8 mm

It is possible to use filters with the XF 8-16mm but you need a separate filter attachment and large filters adding cost and bulk to your setup. I suggest looking up filter systems from Fotodiox, NiSi, Lee, or Haida.

If the max f-stop of f/2.8 is important to you and you want to go wider (2mm makes a big difference on the wide end), it is hard to ignore the XF 8-16mm. It is the kind of lens that will make your images stand out.

You can read my review of the XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR here:

Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS - Review

Fuji XF 8-16mm R LM WR - Image Quality

The XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR produces excellent image quality rivaling prime lenses. It belongs in the “red badge” top tier of zoom lenses from Fujifilm and the photos captured are sharp, full of contrast, and come to life on your screen.

That last comment is so hard to define but I especially like the way the XF 8-16mm rendered at f/2.8, giving pro-grade results even when shot wide open.

There is some vignetting at f/2.8 but it wasn’t distracting and at times added to the character of the image.

The only thing missing is OIS, which leads me to a suggestion. I believe the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 would make a stellar combo with either Fujifilm X-T4, X-H2, or X-H2S with their larger grips, and built-in OIS, optical image stabilization.

The view from the Burrard Bridge in Vancouver towards English Bay, Vanier Park and the West End. Sample image from a Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR — English Bay, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR @ f/6.4, 9.4 mm

Conclusion

Without a doubt, the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR exceeded my expectations. It was not as cumbersome to lug around as I had feared and the bulbous front element didn’t bother me much. I rarely shoot with filters but if you do, make sure you budget for a filter attachment system and larger filters.

After the price drop, the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR is in a category where it represents good value for the money spent.

I predict that 8 out of 10 happily will choose the XF 10-24mm f/4 OIS WR and you can add me to this category. The lower price point, lower weight, less bulk, standard filter thread, and OIS, make this a winner for me.

With that said if my main camera was an X-T4, X-H2, or X-H2S and landscape, interior or architecture photography was my specialty I could change my tune, especially taking the current sales price into account.

Pros

Outstanding image quality
A unique look to your images at 8mm
Excellent build quality

Cons

Bulbous front element
Cost

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR - B&H Photo

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Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR - Sample Images

Please see the sample images below. Editing was done in Capture One and I used Fujifilm film simulations for some of the photos, especially Classic Neg. and Acros.

Please click to view larger images.