The following chart presents the basic parameters of the Fujinon XF 16-50 mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR, the parameters of its predecessor, other Fujifilm X models, and the Sigma 18-50 mm f/2.8 also offered as X mount version.
It's interesting that the optical construction of the new model is simpler than the construction of its predecessor; still you have to remember that the new lens is devoid of image stabilization and the older one features it. The new Fujinon has more special elements for a change. Both lenses are similar when it comes to physical dimensions but only at the shortest focal length. The new model is noticeably lighter than the older one.
In the photo below the Fujinon XF 16-50 mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is positioned between the fixed focal Fujinon XF 56 mm f/1.2 R, and its 18-55 mm f/2.8-4.0 predecessor.
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The tested lens starts with a metal mount and embedded contacts – the mount surrounds an immobile rear element of the lens, 26 mm in diameter, that is hidden just several millimeters inside the casing, an important feature. The inner tube surrounding it is black and nicely matted. As a result the lens remains completely sealed, preventing dust and dirt from invading the interior of the construction.
The proper casing starts with a little red square that makes an alignment with a camera easier, and '16-50' numbers. A bit further to the left you find a plate with an inscription 'XF ZOOM', and an aperture mode switch. Then you see an inscription 'Weather resistant', the serial number and information that the lens was manufactured in the Philippines.
An aperture ring, as wide as 9 mm, the majority of its surface covered by ribbing, is the next part of the lens. The aperture moves every 1/3 EV step and it's a very comfortable process.
A zoom ring, as wide as 26 mm and mostly covered by rubber ribs, is one of the biggest parts of the lens. Under the ribbing you see focal length markings at 16, 23, 35, and 50 m. The ring moves evenly, smoothly, and is properly damped.
After that you get a manual focus ring. It's 11 mm wide, completely covered by ribbing. You won't find any kind of scale on it. It is a focus-by-wire construction and its performance is beyond reproach. If you turn it quickly you are able to cover the whole focal range with an angle of about 90-100 deg. Slower movements increase that value to near 300 deg and such an angle ensures you very precise settings.
Behind the focus ring you also find a rim with a hood mount. Inside you see a non-rotating filter thread, 58 mm in diameter, along with a welt that features inscriptions stating the name and parameters of the lens. This welt goes round the front element that is convex and 32 mm in diameter. The element moves but its movement doesn't increase the outer dimensions of the lens as it doesn't extend beyond the filter thread. The front element is positioned at its shallowest position at 16 mm focal length and is hidden the deepest inside the barrel near 33 mm.
It is a very interesting solution. Lack of a tube extending outside the proper barrel makes the lens more difficult to damage. What's more, a purchase of a high quality UV or protection filter improves its sealing properties even further and protects the whole instrument. The fact that the whole size of the instrument doesn't increase because the movement of the front element system is limited to the outer barrel also pays a role here – as a result the XF 16-50 mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is significantly smaller than the XF 18-55 mm f/2.8-4 R OIS set at the 55 mm focal length.
It's worth adding that the increase of the focal length makes the aperture of the lens slow down quite quickly. At the 23 mm you deal with a maximum relative aperture of f/3.3, at 35 mm it is already f/3.9. The predecessor performed here a tad better but you have to remember that its focal range is slightly different too. At the 23 mm focal length its aperture amounted to f/3.2, at 35 mm it changed into f/3.6, and at 50 mm it reached f/4.0.
When it comes to optical construction you deal here with 11 elements positioned in 9 groups. Among them you can find three aspherical elements and three made of low dispersion ED glass. Inside the lens there is also a round aperture with nine blades that can be closed down to a value of f/22 at the maximum.
It's worth noticing the fact that, according to the producer, the lens is properly sealed and resistant to harsh weather conditions. It's safe to shoot with that lens in a drizzle or in dusty environment, you can use it even if the temperature drops to −10°C.
Buyers get in the box with the lens: both caps, a petal-type hood and a soft pouch.