Performance:excellentBest Feature(s):-Value For Money:more on the expensive sideThis is a legendary lens, known amongst Fuji users as the “bag of primes”, due to its pixel performance being on par with prime lenses of its respective range. The new linear motor and weather resistance is a welcome addition for videography too. Paired with the xt5, AF is almost instant, pretty ridiculously good especially coming from prime lenses that uses the slower, noisy DC motors.Kinda pricy, but well worth it for those looking for a one camera one lens setup. Only downside is its size and weight.Arrived within two days from seller. Will be buying more.

Excellent zoom lens

I've shot with primes only for too long. It feels good to have a capable zoom in my hands. I've also used the XF 18-55 f/2.8-4 R LM OIS and have to say this lens despite being heavier and bulkier is much preferred. The 24-84mm full frame equivalent focal range is quite useful. Images are tack sharp at many different focal lengths. I thought the lens extending would annoy me but so far not an issue. The build quality is quite good. I don't expect this lens to perform as well as FujiFilm's top primes, but in daylight this lens is a suitable replacement in exchange for the versatility of the zoom. OIS would be a welcome improvement, but I won't fault the lens for not having it, especially if it would compromise the lens formula.Overall I am quite impressed.

Favorite X-mount offering

I bought this lens with my XT-3 back in December of 2018. It was originally supposed to be a stopgap until the lighter, stabilized and more versatile 16-80 arrived on the scene. If I had waited and dove into Fuji once the 16-80 was released, I would've been undoubtedly content with the 16-80. Comparing the resolution of the 16-80 (two copies) to the 16-55 at the wide end of the zoom range, left me, a stickler for optics, with no choice but to return the otherwise fine 16-80. The 16-55 has a decided resolution advantage around 16-20mm. The 16-55 does suffer from barrel distortion at the wide end and I suppose pincushion distortion at the long end, but otherwise the images are clear and contrasty with punchy colors. The build quality is top notch and the aperture ring ... MoreI bought this lens with my XT-3 back in December of 2018. It was originally supposed to be a stopgap until the lighter, stabilized and more versatile 16-80 arrived on the scene. If I had waited and dove into Fuji once the 16-80 was released, I would've been undoubtedly content with the 16-80. Comparing the resolution of the 16-80 (two copies) to the 16-55 at the wide end of the zoom range, left me, a stickler for optics, with no choice but to return the otherwise fine 16-80. The 16-55 has a decided resolution advantage around 16-20mm. The 16-55 does suffer from barrel distortion at the wide end and I suppose pincushion distortion at the long end, but otherwise the images are clear and contrasty with punchy colors. The build quality is top notch and the aperture ring feels better than some other x-mount lenses I've tried. I once pulled the leave-your-camera-on-the-top-of-the-car-and-drive-off trick. The top plate for my XT-3 needed to be replaced, but the 16-55, which was attached to the camera, was all but unscathed. The lens hood feels looser but that's about it. That said, this lens is probably more of a 4.5 out of 5 or 9 out of 10 than a 5 out of 5. Given it does not have stabilization (which is becoming a moot point with the release of more IBIS bodies) and that it is rather large (front heavy) for those who have chosen APS-C for the purpose of portability. I use this lens primarily for landscape.

Good Results, Needs some additional features

I've done three shoots with the lens since receiving it this past week. One music video, one interview and one portrait shoot. I used it on an X-T4. Right out of the box, it has a very nice feel to it. The difference in grip materials on the zoom ring and focus ring is a nice touch that makes it very clear what you're about to turn when you're looking through the viewfinder. The aperture ring has a rather soft click to it, which is not my preference. My Fujifilm 35mm 1.4 and X100F have a more substantial feel that confirm your movements with a tactile response that this lens just doesn't match. The lens hood is fine, but the mounting system doesn't inspire me with confidence that I'm not miss threading it during installation.Like most of my lenses, this doesn't ... MoreI've done three shoots with the lens since receiving it this past week. One music video, one interview and one portrait shoot. I used it on an X-T4. Right out of the box, it has a very nice feel to it. The difference in grip materials on the zoom ring and focus ring is a nice touch that makes it very clear what you're about to turn when you're looking through the viewfinder. The aperture ring has a rather soft click to it, which is not my preference. My Fujifilm 35mm 1.4 and X100F have a more substantial feel that confirm your movements with a tactile response that this lens just doesn't match. The lens hood is fine, but the mounting system doesn't inspire me with confidence that I'm not miss threading it during installation.Like most of my lenses, this doesn't mount to the body easily unless my aperture ring was set to A (auto) prior to mounting. For the uninitiated, as you rotate the lens into place on the body, you'll often end up only rotating the Aperture ring until it stops and then the rest of the lens will rotate before locking in place. I wish there were more distance between the flange and the aperture ring, but I wish that about all of my Fuji lenses.Optically, I'm enjoying this lens a lot. I'm really happy with how sharp it is wide open, and it looks optically perfect at f/4 and 40mm in my portraits. This is my first zoom lens on Fuji's system, and I've noticed some things that could be improved on the camera's optical correction. Mostly, it's just slow. You can really see the corrections taking effect if you make a quick adjustment from 23mm to 55mm for example. It's honestly close to nauseating if you're looking through the viewfinder. I'm used to DSLR cameras and looking through mirrors where this effect doesn't exist. Just another trade off of moving to a mirrorless system I suppose.What I would like to see changed in future iterations is an internal zoom function like Canon's 24-70mm. Earlier today I was framing up a shot at 55mm with a jewelry stand in the foreground to create some sparkling bokeh, but I kept bumping into it because the lens is so long at that focal length. It would also improve the look of the lens and make it useable in a matte box with filters.To wrap it up, it's a solid lens optically, but not my favorite functionally. And to me that's a disappointment since it is designed to be a function forward lens. Will it stay in my camera bag? Absolutely, at least until there's a new an improved version. For now, I'm making do.

Great Lens...but.., no buts, it's great.

I rented this at the same time renting the XH-2 (also reviewed). This lens is great. When tested against the 18-55 / 2.8-4, this lens for sure beat out the smaller kit lens. I would say though, as a tribute to Fuji glass, this high-end lens does not stomp the Fuji kit lens, like a Canon L or Nikon 2.8 would against a similar non-L or F4 kit lens.This lens is worth the investment of the money, but it is also ok to wait a bit. If you are upgrading lenses, I would recommend the 50-140 / 2.8 over this lens. I find it a touch more useful, albeit much bigger.Also, this lens doesn't make up for the MP difference between the old X-Tran sensors and the new 40MP sensor. In that case I found the camera had a bigger effect on final image quality.So to close, great, great ... MoreI rented this at the same time renting the XH-2 (also reviewed). This lens is great. When tested against the 18-55 / 2.8-4, this lens for sure beat out the smaller kit lens. I would say though, as a tribute to Fuji glass, this high-end lens does not stomp the Fuji kit lens, like a Canon L or Nikon 2.8 would against a similar non-L or F4 kit lens.This lens is worth the investment of the money, but it is also ok to wait a bit. If you are upgrading lenses, I would recommend the 50-140 / 2.8 over this lens. I find it a touch more useful, albeit much bigger.Also, this lens doesn't make up for the MP difference between the old X-Tran sensors and the new 40MP sensor. In that case I found the camera had a bigger effect on final image quality.So to close, great, great lens. But not a life changer over the Kit lens (this only applies to Fuji kit lenses). Unless you need weather sealing, then yeah go for this lens.

Great lens to replace vintage 18-55

After 10 years of working with the 18-55 kit lens which I love for its portability (and was my most used Fuji lens) I have found the 16-55 to be a big step up in quality. Three reasons: 1) The edges and corners on this lens are a noticeably better than the 18-55 (which was darn good); 2) I'm mainly a landscape shooter and the extra stop is very useful in low light; 3) The extra 2 mm at the wide end are nice to have. It is both much heavier and bulkier than the 18-55, but the better edge/corner quality is worth it.

IQ That Rivals Many Primes

I’ll admit to having held onto the belief that prime lenses were always far superior to zoom lenses, and there was a time when this was pretty much universally true. But with advanced modern designs, better glass, and improved manufacturing methods, that oldtruth has outlived its usefulness in certain cases…and this is one of them.I’ve accumulated a number of the excellent Fuji primes for my X-series cameras over time and their IQ ranges from Outstanding toLegendary. And I only considered acquiring a zoom lens for two reasons. One: I got tired of having to carry a bunch of fixed focal length lenses and then having to swap out lenses in the field. No matter how hard I tried that process proved to be an invitation for a blast of sensor dust. Two: after listening ... MoreI’ll admit to having held onto the belief that prime lenses were always far superior to zoom lenses, and there was a time when this was pretty much universally true. But with advanced modern designs, better glass, and improved manufacturing methods, that oldtruth has outlived its usefulness in certain cases…and this is one of them.I’ve accumulated a number of the excellent Fuji primes for my X-series cameras over time and their IQ ranges from Outstanding toLegendary. And I only considered acquiring a zoom lens for two reasons. One: I got tired of having to carry a bunch of fixed focal length lenses and then having to swap out lenses in the field. No matter how hard I tried that process proved to be an invitation for a blast of sensor dust. Two: after listening to Hugh Brownstone’srecommendation on his “Three Blind Men and an Elephant” site I decided to give the Fuji 16-55mm f/2.8 a try. His recommendation was strong to the point of his declaring if he had to work withonly one lens, this would be it. After shooting with this lens for even a short while I can see why he said that.The lens arrived recently and it has more that lived up to Hugh’s evaluation. It is a beast! The level of detail it renders is incredibleand then some. Like the rest of Fuji’s Red Badge lenses it exudes a sturdiness that puts other manufacturers to shame. It’s pretty much taken up permanent residency on my X-T4 and I doubt that will be changing anytime soon.

It is focussing very fast on my X-H2. Smooth action of zoom and focusing rings. Excellent colours and very good sharpness of the image. Since I have b

It is focussing very fast on my X-H2. Smooth action of zoom and focusing rings. Excellent colours and very good sharpness of the image. Since I have big hands, this 16-55mm it is big but still a comfortable lens.

It's a great zoom, but still a zoom

I recently switched from Nikon D600 with Sigma 35 f1.4 to Fjuji X-T2 to save on the weight and size. This lens is pretty much the same weight and size as the Sigma, but I thought that the versatility of a zoom would make it worthwhile. The problem is I take most of my photos on backpacking trips, and on a 12 mile backpacking trip after a couple of hours, and definitely by the end of the day, I felt that as beautiful as it was, this lens felt too heavy. One extra pound does make a difference: I can carry my XT2 with a 23 f2 or 35 f1.4, or 18-55 all day long without even noticing it is there, but with the 16-55 I totally could feel it. I even had to take my old larger camera bag that I used to carry my D600-Sigma 35 f1.4.On top of it, at night when I tried to make ... MoreI recently switched from Nikon D600 with Sigma 35 f1.4 to Fjuji X-T2 to save on the weight and size. This lens is pretty much the same weight and size as the Sigma, but I thought that the versatility of a zoom would make it worthwhile. The problem is I take most of my photos on backpacking trips, and on a 12 mile backpacking trip after a couple of hours, and definitely by the end of the day, I felt that as beautiful as it was, this lens felt too heavy. One extra pound does make a difference: I can carry my XT2 with a 23 f2 or 35 f1.4, or 18-55 all day long without even noticing it is there, but with the 16-55 I totally could feel it. I even had to take my old larger camera bag that I used to carry my D600-Sigma 35 f1.4.On top of it, at night when I tried to make some portraits at the campfire, I realized that the 2.8 aperture is surely not the same thing as the 1.4 aperture.Also, when I came home and looked at my pictures I noticed that as sharp, as vivid, and as contrasty they were, they did not match those photos that I would get from my 56 f1.2. This lens indeed can be called a bag of primes, but mind you - those would be f2.8 primes.It is definitely a pro lens and I makes astounding pictures, but it's pluses do not justify its minuses to me. I'd rather have my 23 f2.0 or 35 f1.4 all day long on a trip and then attach my 56 mm f1.2 at night to make some portraits around the campfire.I am sure this lens would make a great tool for a wedding photographer who needs to take photos at different focal lengths with no delays. Probably, it would also work nicely if you are touring a city and do not want to bother changing lenses. And, I almost forgot - its AF is extremely fast and accurate. This lens delivers, but I guess I am a prime guy and as good as this lens is, it would not make me a zoom convert ))

Lensrentals has never failed me yet.

The lens arrived to my house, as expected. It was packed well and in perfect working condition. I used it for a job with no issues and sent it back as scheduled. I have no complaints and your rental process could not have been easier. I always recommend Lensrentals to my colleagues and people who ask me about cameras....I tell them if they are considering purchasing any camera system or lenses, they should rent them first and try them out to determine if they want to purchase, since it's often an expensive purchase.