Fuji XF 16mm f/2.8 R WR lens review with samples

Continuing on with reviews of baby-sized Fuji lenses, we come to their latest in a line of models ('Fujicron' lenses, to some people) - let's see if this 16mm version is any good.

Find it here (Amazon affiliate link):

Remember - Fuji lenses will /only/ work with Fuji cameras.

All pictures taken by me on a Fuji X-T20 camera.

Equipment I use to make my videos (Amazon affiliate links):

Music:
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

[ravinepz]

Photographer's half life goes choosing lenses and camera. 😂

[architecture.illustration]

Bought this lens for architecture photography about a month ago and I’ve taken hundreds of photos with it. I own all the f2 lenses which are all great but this lens won’t be coming off my camera anytime soon. I love it.

[FezDaStanza]

I appreciate your Fuji reviews! I find it difficult to find them from reviewers who aren’t only looking at Fuji gear and have a bias. Your videos really help me not only make informed purchase decisions but also teach me how to assess lens quality!

[Innovate-pqci]

Thanks for reviewing this lens. I don't understand what you are comparing this lens with. It's a tiny tiny prime and you expect more "fireworks" in terms of resolution in the corners, and seem to find the overall performance lackluster. I'm sorry, but what similarly small 16mm prime performs better? Of course, it will have vignetting, it's no "dirty secret" like you say and simply design reality. The other options from other manufacturers are miles behind in terms of performance (for example the Sony 16mm f2.8). I'd say this is actually an top performer, for its size. I think it's all relative and we always have to be very careful what we compare with. Hope we get more reviews, the 16mm f1.4 would be great! Compared to the Sigma 16mm f1.4 for example.

[poppop-ojby]

Thanks for doing the distortion test. Didn't expect to see so much distortion.

[salmonsmoothie]

The close-up sharpness test with the clock is always so satisfying.

[LuisMendez-txdn]

More fuji lenses please! This was absolutely brilliant.

[logical]

I love your reviews! Simple and to the point along with consistency in your approach. Keep it going.

[megansalt]

I really loved this lens for architecture in Japan where space is tight, however, I got some ultra shapr and very easy shots in low light, and so tiny, light and discreet, important for traveling in Japan. However, I ended up returning it because of what you see at minute 4:48. When I took photos of people they ended up looking a little bit like midgets, shorter than in real life, and I was standing a good deal back, about 8 feet back...

[jerry]

With lenses like these and all the f2 versions, Fuji is, in my opinion, the best camera for travel photographers. Those lenses are not only small (I mean really really small) but they also offer excellent image quality (ok, I have to admit the other f2 lenses are way better than this one) and the price is well placed. The weather sealing is essential for travel photographers especially for those who like harsh weather. But not only the f2 versions are good. The f1.4/f1.2 versions are also really small and offer stunning image quality (even though I would nearly always prefer the f2 versions). And if this lens is too big four you, you can still take the 28mm pancake which is perfect for street photography. If a compact camera with stunning image quality and a great and compact lens selection is important to you there is no way around a Fuji camera if you don't want to pay a fortune. Great review by the way I really enjoyed it as always :) keep the good work up.

[sloemo]

I’d love to see your review of the fuji 16mm f1.4 for comparison. thanks for the great reviews!

[Aksunkuvat]

Fun review, hope u get hands on 1.4 version soon :)

[alanstanway]

The way you present your tests is easily the best on YouTube Chris, da iawn!

[triteraerlangga]

You are the best lens reviewer that I've ever seen on YouTube right now. You make it so easy to understand, straight to the point, you have my subs man.. keep the good work..

[bobcunningham]

Chris, could you please continue to show lens performance with both in camera corrections turned off and on? I find it very interesting to see just how well engineered modern lenses are, and you are one of the few reviewers who does this. Thanks.

[StymyParsley]

Hope you get to review the 1.4 version too. Though I own the lens already lol I just like watching your videos

[emptyhandlife]

One would never buy a lens if he/she keeps reading reviews

[Nrdman]

Thank you for this Christopher, though I find this lens a whole lot better corrected than a vintage wide angle, that's mostly what I got.
I know you have done a lost of your ten sharpest lenses, but even though it is a stretch (there is a whole lot of lens ground to cover), it would be stellar if you have a list of recommended lenses in each category (wide, tele, normal, long tele) for each mount.
I know it takes a lot of work, but you have certainly covered a whole lot of ground already.
Looking at your video, generally I find the pictures you showed have a lot of contrast, vivid colours and I be a lot happier with that Fujifilm, although I don't have Fuji X mount, rather Sony E.

[paulboast]

I recently bought this lens and I shoot street photography on an xt2, love this combination.

[nekoneko]

great comprehensive review, still went with the purchase. used your affiliate link since i've been referring to all your lens reviews by now!