Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR vs Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR

The bottom line

The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is a zoom (16-55mm) and the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR is a 16mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.4 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.

Choose the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 55mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You want one-lens flexibility — a 16-55mm zoom covers what the fixed 16mm can't reframe.

Choose the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 16mm prime over a zoom.
  • You value portability — at 375g (13.2 oz) it's lighter than the 655g (1.44 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR opens to f/1.4 vs the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is 16-55mm, Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR is 16mm — different framing and reach.
  • Type: the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is a zoom (flexible framing), the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
  • Price: the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR is $999, $200 under the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR.
  • Weight: the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR is 375g (13.2 oz) vs 655g (1.44 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR or the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR better?

The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is a zoom (16-55mm) and the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR is a 16mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.4 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.

Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR?

Choose the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR if you need more reach — it goes to 55mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 16-55mm zoom covers what the fixed 16mm can't reframe.

Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR?

Choose the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 16mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 375g (13.2 oz) it's lighter than the 655g (1.44 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR and the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR?

Aperture: the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR opens to f/1.4 vs the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR
Fujifilm
$999
Optical Design
Focal Length16-55mm16mm
Lens TypeZoomPrime
Optical Elements1713
Optical Groups1211
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2.8f/1.4
Minimum Aperturef/22f/16
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CAPS-C
Lens MountFujifilm XFujifilm X
Angle of View83.2° – 29°83.2° – 83.2°
35mm Equivalent24-84mm24-24mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorLinearDC
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoNo
Min Focus Distance30 cm15 cm
Max Magnification0.16x0.21x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesYes
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$1,199$999
Filter Size77mm67mm
Diameter83.3mm73.4mm
Length106mm73mm
Weight655g (1.44 lb)375g (13.2 oz)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo