Not one, but two exciting new lenses are on the horizon for FUJIFILM shooters, announced today. First, introducing a new and improved FUJINON 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II, designed to improve the ever-popular original 16-55mm lens. Second, a new FUJIFILM lens that is set to become the new standard for wildlife and sports shooters. The new XF500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens is the longest prime lens in the X Series lineup. Further, it promises excellent autofocus performance with incredible optical quality. Let’s dive in and look at these two intriguing new lenses.
Key Features of the FUJINON XF16-55mm f/2.8 Lens
- 410g/0.9lbs (37% lighter than predecessor)
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- Excellent aberration control and image clarity
- Rugged weather resistance
Key Features of the XF500mm f/5.6 Lens
- 762mm full-frame equivalent
- 1335g/2.94lbs
- Fast, accurate linear autofocus motor
- 5.5 stops image stabilization
- Rugged weather resistance
What’s New About the FUJIFILM 16-55mm and FUJIFILM 500mm?
These two new lenses aim to fill a substantial role in the FUJIFILM lineup. The 16-55mm is the updated version of the ever-popular 16-55mm, a lens that serves as a staple in the kit of many Fuji shooters. The latest version of this lens is packed with numerous excellent features, headlined by reduced weight and improved video features. On the other hand, the 500mm f/5.6 fills a gap that was previously vacant in the Fuji lineup. While there have been zoom lenses spanning the super-telephoto range, this is now the longest prime lens offered by Fujifilm, promising excellent image quality and light transmission at f/5.6.
New and Improved FUJIFILM 16-55mm Lens
At just 410g or 0.90 lbs, the new 16-55mm has been reduced in weight by a shocking 37%. The reduced weight perfectly complements the lens’s walk-around nature, as its excellent focal range is suitable for nearly any kind of photography. This new lens is widely regarded as the “do-it-all” lens, and FUJIFILM has further pushed that agenda with new and improved video features. Precision autofocus will help you keep your videos in focus at all times, and a new smooth aperture control option is a well-received quality-of-life feature for video shooters. Finally, the lens has been updated for even better aberration control and higher clarity and can render the 40.2 megapixels of detail from the latest X Series bodies.
Incredible Reach on the New FUJIFILM 500mm f/5.6 Lens
Offering the 35mm equivalent of 762mm, the new XF500mm f/5.6 is perfect for wildlife and sports shooters who demand the greatest focal lengths. With the fixed f/5.6 aperture, this lens will excel in low light and create beautiful background bokeh. This lens offers the longest focal length in a prime lens in the X series lineup, which should make it an instant hit amongst anyone who needs exceptionally long focal lengths for their work. Additionally, the f/5.6 aperture is sharp and capable of capturing stunning bokeh and better images in low-light situations than its zoom-lens counterparts.
A Lighter Weight Super Telephoto
Lightweight and super telephoto are typically not words you can use together to describe a lens. However, considering the long 500mm focal length and f/5.6 maximum aperture, the 1335g or 2.94 lbs is incredibly light compared to similar lenses from different manufacturers. If you’re a photographer who carries their equipment for long periods, you’ll know how much this reduced weight can help fatigue over longer days of shooting. FUJIFILM has also used a 5.5-stop Optical Image Stabilizer to pair with the lighter weight, making it possible to capture handheld images with this super telephoto.
Fast, Accurate Autofocus
While both new lenses contain a fast and accurate autofocus system, we wanted to focus on the new 500mm. Autofocus is a crucial component of a super telephoto lens, and FUJIFILM has equipped this lens with a linear autofocus motor with presets designed to minimize focusing times. Often, this can be the difference between capturing and missing the moment altogether. If you demand the fastest focusing time on a lens with excellent optics, you can rest assured that the FUJIFILM XF500mm f/5.6 Lens has you covered.
Who Should Buy These Lenses?
The new and improved 16-55mm lens is truly a lens that any FUJIFILM shooter should have. With its compact size and weight and excellent focal length coverage, it works perfectly as a “walk-around” lens. With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, it will also excel in low light. As well as, any images needing buttery smooth bokeh. Regarding the new 500mm, this lens will be a staple in the kit of any wildlife or sports shooters. This lens has been optimized for those who demand the highest quality images in a lens with incredible autofocus performance and a lightweight body.
Comparable FUJIFILM Lenses
One of the best FUJIFILM lenses to pair with these new lenses is the XF55-200mm f/3.5-4.8. This lens covers the midrange, allowing you to capture both midrange images and telephoto shots with the same lens. It is perfect for situations where you need more range than the 16-55mm or less telephoto than the 500mm. Finally, with a variable aperture of f/3.5-4.8, this lens provides fantastic bokeh for portraits, sports, and low-light images.
Final Thoughts
No matter what kind of content you capture, one of these new lenses can be of excellent use to you. Everyone can get excited about improvements to one of the most popular X series lenses. Indeed, the reduced weight will help any shooter who travels with their equipment. For wildlife and sports shooters, a new standard in focal length is here. Surely, The 500mm promises to help you capture some incredible images. Don’t overlook these excellent new lenses, no matter what you shoot or where you do it!
