Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR vs Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is 16-50mm, the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR is 8mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR for standard zoom, the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR for wide-angle.
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/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 8mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 16-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 8mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.27x magnification vs 0.07x.
Choose the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 8mm vs 16mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 8mm prime over a zoom.
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 8mm f/3.5 R WR's f/3.5 — 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 8mm f/3.5 R WR is 8mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is a zoom (flexible framing), the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Close-up: the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR reaches 0.27x magnification vs 0.07x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR or the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is 16-50mm, the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR is 8mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR for standard zoom, the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR for wide-angle.
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/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 8mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 16-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 8mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.27x magnification vs 0.07x.
Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR?
Choose the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR if you shoot wide — it starts at 8mm vs 16mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 8mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR and the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR?
Aperture: the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR opens to f/2.8 vs the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16-50mm | 8mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X |
| Angle of View | 83° – 32° | 121° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-76mm | 12-12mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Linear | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 18 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.27x | 0.07x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 63mm | 68mm |
| Length | 74.9mm | 52.8mm |
| Weight | 240g (8.5 oz) | 215g (7.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
