Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR vs Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary (Fuji X)
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR opens to f/2.8 versus the Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary (Fuji X)'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary (Fuji X) gives that up to stay lighter (615g (1.36 lb)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 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 the Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary (Fuji X) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 55mm 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 — 0.5x magnification vs 0.16x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR opens to f/2.8 vs the Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary (Fuji X)'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is 16-55mm, Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary (Fuji X) is 16-300mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary (Fuji X) has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary (Fuji X) reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.16x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR or the Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary (Fuji X) better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR opens to f/2.8 versus the Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary (Fuji X)'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary (Fuji X) gives that up to stay lighter (615g (1.36 lb)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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 want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
Who should choose the Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary (Fuji X)?
Choose the Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary (Fuji X) if you need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 55mm 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 — 0.5x magnification vs 0.16x.
What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR and the Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary (Fuji X)?
Aperture: the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR opens to f/2.8 vs the Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary (Fuji X)'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16-55mm | 16-300mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 20 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 14 |
| 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 | 83.2° – 29° | 83.2° – 5.4° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-84mm | 24-450mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Linear | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 17 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.16x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,199 | − |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 83.3mm | 73.8mm |
| Length | 106mm | 123.7mm |
| Weight | 655g (1.44 lb) | 615g (1.36 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
