Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR vs Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is 100-400mm, the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR is 8-16mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR for super-telephoto, the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR for wide-angle.

Choose the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.27x magnification vs 0.1x.

Choose the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You shoot wide — it starts at 8mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You value portability — at 805g (1.77 lb) it's lighter than the 1375g (3.03 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR opens to f/2.8 vs the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is 100-400mm, Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR is 8-16mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is $1,899, $100 under the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR.
  • Stabilisation: only the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
  • Weight: the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR is 805g (1.77 lb) vs 1375g (3.03 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR or the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is 100-400mm, the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR is 8-16mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR for super-telephoto, the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR for wide-angle.

Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR?

Choose the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR if you need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.27x magnification vs 0.1x.

Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR?

Choose the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 8mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 805g (1.77 lb) it's lighter than the 1375g (3.03 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR and the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR?

Aperture: the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR opens to f/2.8 vs the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length100-400mm8-16mm
Lens TypeZoomZoom
Optical Elements2120
Optical Groups1413
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/4.5f/2.8
Minimum Aperturef/22f/22
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CAPS-C
Lens MountFujifilm XFujifilm X
Angle of View16° – 4°121° – 83°
35mm Equivalent152-609mm12-24mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorLinearLinear
Focus LimiterYesNo
AF/MF SwitchNoNo
Min Focus Distance175 cm25 cm
Max Magnification0.27x0.1x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationYesNo
Aperture RingNoYes
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$1,899$1,999
Filter Size77mm
Diameter95.4mm88mm
Length210mm121.5mm
Weight1375g (3.03 lb)805g (1.77 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarYesNo