If we consider the zoom range and fixed f4 aperture in the FUJINON lenses in this segment, to me, the most reasonable option is XF16-80mm. From wide-angle to a medium telephoto zoom range makes this lens ideal especially for street and travel photographers. Even for general architectural shots (no ultra-wide angle), the lens has high-end features that will satisfy anyone who wants to work with a single lens. Let’s look at the other details.
Design / Ergonomics
The size and weight of the lens are ideal, between the size of 18-55mm f2.8-4 and 16-55mm f: 2.8 lenses.
The zoom ring is smooth enough so it is very easy to zoom from 16mm to 80mm. In some lenses, the zoom ring is so smooth that the zoom is released when you tilt the camera down. However, I have never experienced such a problem with FUJINON XF16-80mmF4 R OIS. The focus ring is also very smooth. It was very comfortable when shooting photos manually. Although F4 aperture seems to be a disadvantage compared to fixed F2.8 lenses, it works well in most of the light conditions. Especially when zoomed to 80mm and aperture set to F4, the bokeh effect is very good. The focus speed and accuracy are fine. Although the lens I use is a pre-production sample and is not perfectly compatible with Fujifilm bodies, I have achieved very successful results with X-Pro2. This lens is equipped with an aperture ring and we can see all the values between f4 and f22. In addition, the rigid clicky structure prevents the accidental change of the aperture.
OIS (Optic Image Stabilization)
The optical image stabilization system is not standard on every lens. The OIS on 16-80mm makes a real difference in especially at 80mm. Thanks to the 6-stop image stabilization, the image almost freezes in the viewfinder when you press the shutter button halfway. In addition, when shooting in low light conditions, it is possible to get sharp images as low as 1/15sec. shutter speeds without increasing ISO.
Sharpness
This is an all-round lens, not an absolute portrait lens, so we don’t look for a razor sharpness Nevertheless, this lens delivers really sharp images, especially at 80mm f4, which is sharp enough and satisfying. And again thanks to OIS that there is no shaking blur in low shutter speeds and we can shoot good quality images.
Weather Resistant
When buying photographic equipment one of the features that professional photographers are looking for is the ability of the camera or lens being able to work in poor weather conditions. If you are going to spend all day on the street and shooting photos like me, it is important that your lens has water and dust protection. Moreover, it has to be resistant to extreme cold and hot weather conditions. In my photographic training and trips, the temperature could change from -20 to above 40 degrees. I have never had a problem with the 16-80mm lens, which took hours of shooting in both heavy rain and temperatures above 40 degrees. Even in dusty conditions, both the exterior durability and operability of this lens is perfect. In addition, working with a single lens frees me from the difficulty of changing lenses in such harsh environments.
Street Photography
Street photography requires speed. The faces, light, and shade change rapidly at streets and this forces us to be faster. Therefore, the XF16-80mm zoom lens increases my speed and eliminates the need for changing the lens. When it comes to street photography there is a misconception that you can shoot the best photos with only prime lenses. To me, the best lens is the one I feel comfortable with. When shooting with a wide-angle, you can see a snapshot that requires a narrower angle. I have been working with Fujifilm for the last 5 years and I am very pleased. FUJINON XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR really suited my needs. The fixed F4 aperture shows that it is a truly remarkable lens with features such as WR and OIS. I think 16-80mm will be a very popular lens, especially for street and travel photographers to work on many subjects such as architecture, portrait, and street.
