Fujifilm's latest standard zoom lens fills the niche of an upgrade from the ubiquitous 18-55mm optics that are widely offered for the APS-C format. Going both wider and longer, with a constant maximum aperture of f/4, the XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR offers a focal length range equivalent to 24-122mm in 35mm equivalent terms. This is a very useful general-purpose range that could for many cover most if not all of their shooting requirements. Let's team it up with the 26MP Fujifilm X-T3 body and see what it can do.

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Fujifilm Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR Handling and Features

All Fujifilm lenses feel reassuringly solid and well made and we expect controls to be smooth and for the finish to be of a very high standard. This lens is no exception and looks very much the part when coupled with the X-T3. The slick, smooth black finish blends perfectly with the classy black of the camera body.

The lens weighs in at a reasonable 440g, nothing too onerous to carry around for extended periods. The provided petal lens hood fits cleanly and smoothly into the provided bayonet mount, showing no tendency to loosen in use. Within this bayonet is a standard 72mm filter thread.

The first control is the manual focus ring, which is electronic in operation and with quite a light action. Focusing is down to 35cm, for a maximum magnification of 0.25x, or 1:4. This increases the versatility of the lens immensely as although it is not as close as a proper macro lens, it is more than close enough to stretch the value of the optic for a variety of close-up applications.

Behind this, the zoom ring is much firmer as it does physically move the lens in and out. Again though, the action is smooth. There are clear focal length engravings at 16mm, 23mm, 35mm, 50mm and 80mm.

Closest to the camera body is the aperture ring, which can be used set on “A”, in which case the aperture is selected on the camera, or there is a full range of apertures at 1/3 stop intervals. Such is the nature of Fujifilm cameras that the aperture ring on the lens can be rather easier to use than the over-sensitive dial on the camera body that can be so easily pressed instead of turned. Previously I have described Fujifilm lens aperture rings as “over-engineered” and this is toned down a little on this lens. This is neither a good nor a bad thing, just an observation. However, the subtle click stops this time is perhaps just a little too subtle, with the click stops being not quite so positive. It is not a major point in any event.

Finally, the solid and well-made metal mount mates cleanly and firmly to the camera body. The usefulness of the lens is further enhanced by the WR sealing, enabling shooting in “light rain or dusty conditions” right down to a temperature of around -10C. This is definitely not to be underestimated and has rapidly become the norm.

Optical construction is 16 elements in 12 groups, including 3 Aspherical and 1 ED (Extra-Low Dispersion). The diaphragm comprises 9 rounded blades for improved bokeh. Fujifilm's Super EBC coating technology is well established and effective at suppressing flare.

This is one of those incredibly useful lenses in that the focal length range is wide enough to be useful in many situations and the weather sealing enables us to just keep shooting regardless (mainly) of the weather. The constant aperture values throughout the range are also useful, avoiding a large reduction of open aperture values at longer focal lengths with the resultant potential camera shake issues. The lens does boast 6-stop OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation), although on test 4 stops was found to be more realistic. To be fair this will depend on focal length, the distance of the subject, ambient air movement and of course the steadiness of the photographer. What can be said is that the OIS system is extremely valuable and will make a reliable difference of at least 4 stops and maybe more.