XF16-80mm. This is an interesting lens. I believe the top reason is it focal length. In 35mm format that equate to 24mm to 120mm. This makes the XF16-80mm a very versatile lens if you are looking at one lens for your everyday needs. From holiday that you have been planning to a hiking trip up your local mountain ranges, covering family events to almost everything!
Secondly is the size; it’s rather compact. Weighting at just 440 grams and less than 9cm in length. Next, it has OIS and it’s also a WR lens. With all these plus points the XF16-80mm lens is a very attractive lens.
There is never a perfect lens. The main drawback is F4 is it widest. I personally don’t like zoom lenses that extend out when its being zoom. Sharpness is good but not to be compare with XF16-55mm F2.8.
Since moving camp to the wonderful world of Fujifilm; Prime lenses have always been my weapon of choice. I am not a fan of zoom lenses even though I still own a XF18-55, XF10-24mm, XF16-55mm and XF50-140mm. To be fair I decided to spend a week plus trying this lens out. Push this lens and see how much juice I could actually get out from this USD$799 lens. At $799 its sandwich between XF18-55mm F2.8-4 at USD$699 and USD $899 for the very versatile XF18-135mm F3.5-F5.6.
Below are shots taken in the last 1 week. I actually kind of like using this lens. I have overlook the F4 disadvantage and try to push the lens to its limit and was pleasantly happy with the result. I will let the below photos do the talking.
Final thoughts,
If you are looking for a zoom lens; this could be it. Of course there is the XF18-135mm lens but I would go for the XF16-80mm. I would prefer a wider advantage than a tele. I would not use this lens professionally as the optically on a different level when compare with XF16-55mm F2.8. Don’t get me wrong that XF16-80mm is inferior. It’s not, as you could see from the above photos, it performs well. Just that XF16-55mm is optically more superior and hence the premium price tag. It’s not rocket science. XF16-80mm is a lens in the happy middle ground.
Truly a versatile lens. If I am traveling the globe this lens will certainly have it place in the set-up.
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