Fuji 16mm f/1.4 lens review: Another wide-angle prime joins the fray, brings fast aperture and weather sealing

posted Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 2:40 PM EDT

Fujifilm X-series users have no shortage of excellent prime lenses, with a whole set ranging from 14mm to 90mm. In April of this year, Fujifilm introduced a new member to their range of wide-angle prime lenses, the XF 16mm f/1.4R WR. Offering not only a much wider f/1.4 aperture than their 14mm and 18mm compatriots, the 16mm lens is also the first Fujifilm prime to feature weather sealing (the other being the recently announced 90mm macro).

Taking the lens for a spin, the new Fuji 16mm f/1.4 lens produces excellent results, with great sharpness -- especially stopped down a bit -- and its other optical qualities are top-notch. The build quality is also impressive and feels great in the hand just like other Fuji primes we've tested. And, as the "WR" in the name indicates, the lens is dust- and moisture-sealed and can operate down to -10 degrees C. For all the details from our thorough, hands-on review, including analysis of image quality as well as handling characteristics, and autofocus performance, head over to SLRgear for our Fuji 16mm f/1.4R WR review!

Being a high-end, professional-level lens, it comes with similarly high-end price tag of around $1,000. The lens just became available back in May of this year, and shops with a polycarbonate petal-shaped lens hood, though Fuji does plan to offer a premium metal lens hood in September. Check out Amazon, B&H or Adorama for more info on ordering. Buying this lens, or any other item, at one of these trusted affiliates helps support this site and keeps the reviews coming!

In the meantime, check out some sample photos below shot by our lens technician Rob Murray using our Fuji X-E1 test camera. You can view more sample photos, plus download the full-resolution files, over at our Flickr page.