Fujifilm announces new weather-resistant XF16-55mm f/2.8 lens for X-series cameras
posted Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 1:01 AM EDT
With a classic zoom range of 24-84mm eq., a constant f/2.8 aperture and promising Fuji's outstanding weather-resistance, the new Fujinon XF16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR lens is beckoning photojournalists to take a closer look. Promising a professional grade pairing with the award-winning Fuji X-T1 camera, this new zoom offering is sure to turn some heads in the enthusiast and professional camera world.
Joining an already impressive line of XF lenses, the 16-55mm f/2.8 sports 14 weather-sealing points and a dust-proof design intended to be taken out into the elements without compromise. Fuji also promises edge-to-edge sharpness even wide open and "stunning bokeh" -- two items we'll be sure to take a deeper look at once we get a sample in for testing at SLRGear.com.
Additional specs list a Twin Linear Motor for high-speed and "whisper-quiet" AF as fast as a reported 0.06 seconds -- fast indeed if we're able to replicate this in our lab. And given the relatively low noise made by the X-T1 shutter, performance is listed as being optimal for quiet locations.
The Fujinon 16-55 f/2.8 employs 17 lens elements in 12 groups, including three aspherical elements to control aberration and distortion, as well as three ED glass elements to reduce lateral and axial chromatic aberration. The aperture consists of a 9-bladed configuration for smooth background blur, and a "Nano-GI" coating is applied to reduce ghosting and lens flare.
This lens will be available in February of 2015 for a suggested retail price of ~US$1200. Stay tuned for more from us at SLRGear.com when we get this promising offering into our lens test lab.