Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR vs Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Fujifilm X)

The bottom line

Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Fujifilm X) 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 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 80mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.

Choose the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Fujifilm X) if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You shoot wide — it starts at 11mm vs 16mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You value portability — at 335g (11.8 oz) it's lighter than the 440g (15.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Fujifilm X) 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 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR is 16-80mm, Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Fujifilm X) is 11-20mm — 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 Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Fujifilm X) is 335g (11.8 oz) vs 440g (15.5 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR or the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Fujifilm X) better?

Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Fujifilm X) 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 16-80mm 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 20mm 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.

Who should choose the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Fujifilm X)?

Choose the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Fujifilm X) 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 shoot wide — it starts at 11mm vs 16mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 335g (11.8 oz) it's lighter than the 440g (15.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR and the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Fujifilm X)?

Aperture: the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Fujifilm X) 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 Length16-80mm11-20mm
Lens TypeZoomZoom
Optical Elements1712
Optical Groups1310
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum Aperturef/22f/22
Aperture Blades79
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CAPS-C
Lens MountFujifilm XFujifilm X
Angle of View83° – 20°104° – 71°
35mm Equivalent24-122mm18-32mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorLinearRXD
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoNo
Min Focus Distance35 cm15 cm
Max Magnification0.25x0.26x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationYesNo
Aperture RingYesNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$799$799
Filter Size72mm67mm
Diameter78.3mm74mm
Length88.9mm86.2mm
Weight440g (15.5 oz)335g (11.8 oz)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo