Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR vs Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR

The bottom line

Similar coverage, different speed: the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR opens to f/2.8 versus the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Choose the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You value portability — at 240g (8.5 oz) it's lighter than the 440g (15.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 80mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR opens to f/2.8 vs the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is 16-50mm, Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR is 16-80mm — different framing and reach.
  • Stabilisation: only the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
  • Weight: the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is 240g (8.5 oz) vs 440g (15.5 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR or the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR better?

Similar coverage, different speed: the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR opens to f/2.8 versus the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR?

Choose the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you value portability — at 240g (8.5 oz) it's lighter than the 440g (15.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR?

Choose the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR if you need more reach — it goes to 80mm vs 50mm 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.

What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR and the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR?

Aperture: the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR opens to f/2.8 vs the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length16-50mm16-80mm
Lens TypeZoomZoom
Optical Elements1417
Optical Groups1113
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2.8f/4
Minimum Aperturef/22f/22
Aperture Blades97
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CAPS-C
Lens MountFujifilm XFujifilm X
Angle of View83° – 32°83° – 20°
35mm Equivalent24-76mm24-122mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorLinearLinear
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoNo
Min Focus Distance15 cm35 cm
Max Magnification0.27x0.25x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoYes
Aperture RingYesYes
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$799$799
Filter Size62mm72mm
Diameter63mm78.3mm
Length74.9mm88.9mm
Weight240g (8.5 oz)440g (15.5 oz)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo