Fujifilm Brings New Lenses

2018.07.20

Hot off the press, Fujifilm just unveiled two new lenses and a roadmap including several unique offerings. First off, the previously announced Fujinon XF8-16mm F/2.8R LM WR is now official. This is the widest constant-aperture rectilinear lens for APS-C cameras which is sure to turn owners of other systems envious. The only lens with such extreme wide-angle that is rectilinear is the Sigma 8-16mm F/4.5-5.6 which is significantly dimmer.

The new Fujifilm Fujinon XF8-16mm F/2.8R LM WR offers a constant F/2.8 maximum aperture with a 121° maximum angle-of-view. This state-of-the-art lens is weatherproof and freezeproof to -10C and comes in at a not-so-hefty 805g. Fujifilm uses linear focus motors for high precision this new lens.

Up next is the huge Fujifilm Fujinon XF200mm F/2R LM OIS WR. This sport photography lens is the brightest telephoto lens of this focal-length. The launch kit comes with a new 1.4X Teleconverter included, but not built-in, that turns it into a 280mm F/2.8 equivalent lens. This telephoto lens is fitted with a high-performance optical image-stabilization system good to 5-stops according to the CIPA standard. It is also both weatherproof and freezeproof to -10C.

Fujifilm also updated their roadmap of X-mount lenses with three new offerings. One is a lightweight XF16mm F/2.8 WR ultra-wide prime, the other two are unique on the market. The XF 33mm F/1R WR is the brightest lens on the market by a camera manufacturer, while the XF16-80mm F/4R LM OIS WR which gives the Fujifilm mirrorless system a unique medium-power general-purpose zoom-lens. All these new lenses will be weatherproof at least and the 16-80mm will also sport built-in image-stabilization.

The new Fujinon XF8-16mm F/2.8R LM WR is launching for a price of $2000 USD while the Fujinon XF200mm F/2R LM OIS WR is going to cost $6000 USD. The are expected to ship late this year. Those waiting for an F/1 prime lens must wait for 2020, while the other two roadmap lenses are scheduled for next year. As always, roadmaps are subject to change but Fujifilm in particular has a very good track record of keeping up.

• Lens