Fujifilm have always known how to make high quality cameras and lenses. The Fujifilm X system has a wide selection of options, although not so much in terms of third party offerings. The system now expands into new territory with an ultra-wide 8-16mm f/2.8 zoom, joining two other f/2.8 zooms of 16-55mm f/2.8 and 50-140mm f/2.8, designed for the APS-C format. This gives us a field of view equivalent, in 35mm-format terms, of 12-24mm and the widest so far for the system. Let's have a close look at the new lens, using the Fujifilm X-T3 26MP body, and see how an intrinsically large and heavy optic gels with the compact cropped format X system camera.

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Fujifilm Fujinon XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR Handling and Features

First impression is of a stocky, quite large and heavy lens, weighing in at a hefty 805g. This is quite front heavy when mounted on the Fujifilm X-T3, but it still fits the hands well and has a reassuring feel of quality about it. Starting our tour of the lens at the front, there is a fixed petal lens hood that is part of the outer body of the lens. This does not move and the overall length of the lens is the same regardless of zoom position. What does move is the inner barrel, and this changes length as we use the zoom control. There is no possibility of using filters. The zoom ring is actually the second ring in from the front and is clearly marked in focal lengths of 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and 16mm. The zoom action is quite firm, but certainly smooth enough. Going back to the manual focus ring, which lies closest to the front of the lens, this is electronic in operation and has quite a loose feel. Focusing is internal and AF locks on very reliably, quickly and silently. Focusing is down to 0.25m, or 9.84 inches, a maximum magnification of 0.1x or 1:10. This is usefully close for an ultra-wide lens.

Behind the zoom ring, moving closer to the camera body, the aperture ring is large, magnificent and seems over-engineered compared to the rest of the lens. There is an A setting and a delightful smooth transition between A and through all the apertures settings, with very slick third of a stop détentes. Having the option to use the aperture ring instead of the camera setting can be quite useful as the camera dial is quite fiddly and pressing it slightly too hard results in us moving into manual focus magnification mode, which can be slightly inconvenient. The aperture ring on the lens could be the better option for many photographers.

Optical construction is 20 elements in 13 groups, including 4 Aspherical, 3 ED (Extra Low Dispersion) and 3 Super ED. Fujifilm's Nano-GI coating technology is there to suppress flare and the 9 bladed electronically driven aperture, with its rounded blades, takes care of the bokeh effects.

There is also the added reassurance of Weather Resistance, something that has become more or less an essential for lenses that are likely to be taken out on location.

Handling is absolutely fine, despite the weight and relatively large size of the lens. The lack of ability to use filters may not be too much of a problem as using a polariser would have tended to result in uneven darkening across the frame, as it does with all very wide optics. Very often the natural vignetting makes for a pleasing effect anyway.

In summary, a good lens to use that behaves well in every respect.