The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR Lens is a great all-rounder, offering a focal length equivalent to 24-84mm in 35mm format and with a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the focal range. With this combination, myriad possibilities open up. Use this lens in street and documentary photography, to capture beautiful portraits and food shots. It's so versatile. You’ll find yourself photographing a wide range of subjects with this one great lens – and enjoying the ease of zero lens switching.
Fast f/2.8 constant aperture
A constant f/2.8 aperture makes the Fujifilm 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR lens a great performer in low light conditions, as it’s able to let lots of light into the camera. So not only can you create gorgeous shots in difficult lighting conditions, but you can also continue shooting handheld for longer as you’ll be able to maintain faster shutter speeds too. From gorgeous portraits to wider street shots that capture the atmosphere as the sun goes down, the Fuji 16-55mm lens delivers top-quality images you will love.
Beautiful bokeh
If you want to play around with your photos to create beautiful bokeh that puts your subject in crisp focus while adding soft blurry surrounds, you’ll love the Fuji 16-55mm. Thanks to a rounded nine-blade diaphragm and the f/2.8 aperture available throughout the focal length range, smooth bokeh comes naturally. Simply adjust the aperture to create a depth of field as deep or shallow as you wish. Whether it’s a cute photo of your dog with just its nose in sharp focus or a single rose standing in focus against a broader garden setting, bring it to life with this lens.
Lens Handling and Build
Fuji certainly did not cheap out when making the XF 16-55mm f/2.8, as its build quality is truly superb. The metal mount is bolted on the metal shell, with rubber gaskets on the side to prevent dust from making its way into the camera body. The rear of the lens is protected with a single glass element, so there is little chance of dust getting into the lens. The lens barrel is made from metal, but there are some components such as the zoom ring and the front part of the lens that extends when zoomed in, which are made from hard plastic. The aperture ring has a solid feel to it when turning and has hard stops at each third of exposure stop from f/2.8 until f/22 and from there it is smooth again till you get to A (Auto / Aperture Priority), at which point you cannot turn the ring anymore.
The zoom ring is nice and smooth. When zoomed in to 55mm, the front part of the lens extends a bit, by another 5 cm or so, which reveals the plastic part of the front lens barrel. This plastic sub-barrel is bolted to the metal piece on the front of the lens, which both holds the front lens element and provides the 77mm filter thread for screw-on filters. The sub-barrel seems to be securely attached to the lens barrel and does not wobble like some of the lower-end lenses do. Just like all other Fuji X mount lenses, the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 uses the fly-by-wire system, which means that the focus ring is not mechanically tied to any of the lens elements, but rather controlled electronically. As a result, there is no focus scale on the lens and the ring will rotate in either direction with any hard stops or extra resistance. If you choose to manually focus with the lens, a focus scale is provided inside the viewfinder or on the rear LCD of Fuji cameras.
At 655 grams, the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 is a heavy lens. When mounted on the Fuji X-T1 camera body, it certainly makes the setup quite front-heavy. To balance the lens a little better, I mounted the VG-XT1 battery grip on the X-T1. It certainly did make a difference, but it made it feel like I was carrying a medium size DSLR, practically taking away the weight advantages of the mirrorless camera. So keep this in mind when looking at this lens, as the heft and bulk that come with it should not be underestimated.
My biggest complaint with the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 is its hood. In this day and age, I cannot understand how Fuji can succeed in making such a great lens and at the same time miserably fail at designing one of the simplest mechanical components of the lens. The provided plastic petal-shaped lens hood feels flimsy and easily bends. Because of this, you might find yourself applying too much force when mounting or dismounting it. You will naturally rotate the hood using the two protruding pieces of plastic, which bend the hood around the base and create additional resistance. And if the hood is not properly aligned, a part of it can go over the lens, making it even more difficult to mount or dismount. What a pain!
No compromise
This lens manages to strike the perfect balance of sharpness with smooth bokeh. It delivers true-to-life colors never seen before in a zoom lens.
A professional, large-aperture zoom lens must produce stunning images and the XF16-55mm uses a nine-blade diaphragm to help minimize spherical aberrations. The lens is made of 17 elements in 12 groups, which include three aspherical elements to reduce any distortion and spherical aberrations. In order to maintain edge-to-edge sharpness across the entire zoom range, three extra-low dispersion elements are also used which help to control chromatic aberrations.
Control the light
FUJIFILM's proprietary multilayer coating HT-EBC (High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating) is used to control ghosting and flares. Nano GI Coating is also used to reduce ghosting and flare from light coming at diagonal angles.
Cover every angle
You would need to carry four XF prime lenses to replicate the focal range of this zoom lens. However, with the XF16-55mmF2.8, you get every mm in between 16mm and 55mm to fine-tune your composition even more. This convenience while maintaining amazing image quality gives you an extra advantage versus carrying four fixed focal length lenses.
Capture every detail
The AF system is based on a high-speed linear motor that can focus as fast as 0.02 seconds. It's impossible to know when something dramatic is going to happen but you want to be ready when it does. This lens reacts as quickly as you do when those precious moments occur.
Specification
Mount Type: Fujifilm X
Focal Length (35mm format equivalent): 16-55mm (24-84mm)
Lens construction (elements/groups): 17/12
The angle of view: 83.2°- 29°
Number of diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm opening)
Dia. x length (approx): 83.3mm x 106.0mm (Wide) / 129.5mm (Telephoto)
Filter size: 77mm
Tips for protecting your children online
In today's digital age, ensuring your children's safety while they browse the internet is paramount. As they explore the vast online world through smartphones, gaming consoles, laptops, and other devices, it's essential to implement measures to shield them from potentially harmful content and interactions. Here are some tips to help you safeguard your children online:
1. Communication is Key
Open and ongoing communication with your children about online safety is crucial. Discuss the potential dangers they may encounter online, such as pornography, cyberbullying, and violent content. Encourage them to come to you with any concerns or questions they may have.
2. Set Clear Boundaries
Establish clear rules and boundaries regarding internet usage. Define appropriate time limits for browsing and specify which websites and apps are off-limits. Make sure your children understand the consequences of violating these rules. You can also restrict some of these apps or online content utilizing device level parental controls explained below.
3. Utilize Parental Controls
Take advantage of the parental control features available on devices and internet browsers. These controls allow you to block access to specific websites, set age-appropriate content filters, and monitor your children's online activities. Familiarize yourself with the parental control options on smartphones, gaming consoles, and laptops to effectively manage your children's online experiences.
4. Educate Yourself
Stay informed about the latest trends and technologies related to online safety. Familiarize yourself with popular social media platforms, gaming communities, and messaging apps that your children may use, including the functions they provide. This knowledge will help you understand the potential risks and take appropriate action to protect your children.
5. Monitor Their Online Activities
Regularly monitor your children's online activities to ensure they are adhering to the rules and staying safe. Keep an eye on their browsing history, social media interactions, and messaging apps. Be vigilant for any signs of cyberbullying or exposure to inappropriate content.
6. Encourage Safe Online Behavior
Teach your children about the importance of practicing safe online behavior. Remind them never to share personal information, such as their full name, address, or phone number, with strangers online. Encourage them to think critically about the content they encounter and to report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
7. Lead by Example
Be a positive role model for your children by demonstrating responsible and respectful online behavior yourself. Show them how to navigate the internet safely and responsibly, and emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness and empathy online.
8. Reporting abuse, making complaints and finding more information
For additional resources and guidance on online safety, visit the Australian e-Safety Commissioner's website at www.esafety.gov.au. Here, you'll find a wealth of information, including tips for parents, educational resources for children, and tools for reporting online abuse and harassment.
You can also report abuse through the website’s online form.
By following these tips and utilizing available resources, you can help keep your children safe from pornography, cyberbullying, violent content, and other unsafe material while they navigate the internet. Remember, proactive measures and open communication are key to fostering a safe and positive online environment for your family.
