p.1 #1 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
I recently had the opportunity to purchase a mint used Fujifilm X-H2 here to pair with my recently purchase X-T5 and been looking at lenses to pair with it. The version II of the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR seems like a great choice but with recent price hikes is now pretty expensive. I’m wondering if any users here have experience with this body/lens pairing? It seams like a one and done pairing for almost any type of photography (not into video) and it’s new lighter 410 grams seems great.
When I used to shoot with Fuji I did own the older version 1 but haven’t had that lens for quite awhile.
Are there any negatives except the new price increase that makes it cost as much as some of my full frame lenses?
When I look at it paired with either my X-H2 or X-T5 it can give me a carry weight of as much as a pound lighter than my Sony A7RV and Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II. I know the Fuji’s AF is not the equivalent of Sony system but here my main interest is image quality for shooting things I know the Fuji can keep up with.
Curious if any one has experience with this Fuji lens paired with the 40.2 Mpixel sensor a Fuji IBIS. If so please share any concerns or experiences you have had. Thank you and take care.
p.1 #2 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
An XT5 with this lens is my typical setup for hiking and general use. Its an excellent lens and the size and weight pair well. I used to use the 16-80 over the original due to weight. The 2.8 is probably the biggest improvement but its also a little sharper. The mk ii focuses very quickly, better than most in the Fuji line. No hunting either. The build quality feels a little lesser than the original, likely due to weight saving plastics. The 16-80 is a great deal in comparison. I felt that based on how much I use this range it would be worth it to me and im happy with the decision.
p.1 #3 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
I shoot XH2’s. My main goto lens is the 16-55 f2.8 WR v1. I bought a v2 when they came out and my conclusion after comparing the two side by side was that the new one wasn’t worth the cost delta OR weight savings *for me.* The v2 was a tiny bit better in some cases and the older one was slightly better in others. IOW the only real difference is the weight savings; and the new aperture ring feels funky, but I don’t use them anyway preferring the command wheel for aperture. My only point here is if the weight isn’t an issue for you, a good copy of the v1 it might be a good answer
But yes it is sort of a one and done for about 90% of my normal imaging. For travel I add a wide zoom and a fast prime, and maybe the 70-300 which then mostly stays in the car until/if it’s wanted.
p.1 #4 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
I cannot comment on the performance of this specific lens, but since I have v.1 of the Fujifilm 16-55mm f/2.8, I think I can still offer some perspective on your question.
These lenses are, as you've figured out, Fujifilm’s approximate equivalents of the full frame 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses. They aren’t intended to be small, so you sort of accept greater size and weight when you use them, but you also get the performance pluses of such lenses if you need it. The fact that the newer version is somewhat smaller/lighter and equals or improves on the predecessor’s optical performance is encouraging. There’s no reason not to use a lens like this on the 40MP sensor either.
Will it equal that
I use that lens for various things, including occasional landscape photography. It is also a good lens for many kinds of even photography. I have backpacked with it, with the XPro2 and (more recently) the XT5, and I used it on a a weeklong walk on the Scotland’s Great Glen Way where I wanted the flexibility of a zoom for landscape photography.
If you are really concerned about weight and bulk, the XT5 may be your better option unless you actually need to additional features of the XH2 or prefer its PASM interface. (Yeah, that’s for you Jack… It is a more capable video tool (though you say that doesn’t mean a lot to you) and its deeper buffer for bust mode shooting could be useful for things like sports and some wildlife… ofyou do those.
The non-IS lenses work quite well with Fujifilm’s IBIS, so that’s not a concern. Will it equal the performance of that somewhat larger/heavier, 60MP FF system from Sony? There are two ways to look at that question — and maybe more angles to think about, too.
A 60MP FF system is capable of producing somewhat more detail resolution than a 40MP APS-C system. There’s no question that if you put the two systems on a test bench that you’ll get “better” measurements from the larger system.
Does that matter? What are you doing with your photographs? Are you making a lot of really large prints, say bigger than about 20” x 30”? If not, or if not reproducing your images is some equally challenging manner, the differences are largely moot.
Against that question, how much do you value the somewhat smaller size and weight of the Fujifilm system, and how much do you like Fujifilm’s lens system?
Sep 07, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #5 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
swldstn wrote:
I recently had the opportunity to purchase a mint used Fujifilm X-H2 here to pair with my recently purchase X-T5 and been looking at lenses to pair with it. The version II of the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR seems like a great choice but with recent price hikes is now pretty expensive. I’m wondering if any users here have experience with this body/lens pairing? It seams like a one and done pairing for almost any type of photography (not into video) and it’s new lighter 410 grams seems great.
When I used to shoot with Fuji I did own the older version 1 but haven’t had that lens for quite awhile.
Are there any negatives except the new price increase that makes it cost as much as some of my full frame lenses?
When I look at it paired with either my X-H2 or X-T5 it can give me a carry weight of as much as a pound lighter than my Sony A7RV and Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II. I know the Fuji’s AF is not the equivalent of Sony system but here my main interest is image quality for shooting things I know the Fuji can keep up with.
Curious if any one has experience with this Fuji lens paired with the 40.2 Mpixel sensor a Fuji IBIS. If so please share any concerns or experiences you have had. Thank you and take care....Show more →
The 16-55 f/2.8 II should pair really well with the X-H2 and it should be a very strong combination. It isn't really comparable to the A7r V and the 24-70 f/2.8 GM II, however. The Fuji lens has the depth of field of an f/4 lens on FF 35mm not an f/2.8 lens. So it is probably closer to the Sony 20-70 f/4 G, than the 24-70 f/2.8 GM II. The Sony would be a bit wider of course, but not have quite the reach of the Fuji lens.
Personally, I think the wider perspective is nice if you don't have a lens wider than 24mm on Sony (or 16mm on Fuji), but if you do then I think the extra reach of the Fuji lens is quite handy.
Having two cameras even from different brands can also come in handy. I think the Fuji lens pairs really nicely with something like the Sony 16-25 f/2.8 G and one of the Sony 70-200 lenses. It fits really nicely in the middle and fulfills a very useful role in a small package. You could fill that role with the Sony 20-70 f/4 G, but sometimes it is nice to have two cameras with a different lens on each.
p.1 #6 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
Thank you to all for the feedback. Keep it coming.
I guess the 655g of the Version 1 XF 16-55mm originally turned me off when comparing it to the 410g of the Version 2 where version 1 is as heavy as a full frame lens. Overall image quality difference was not my biggest concern. Focal range of 16-55/2.8on APS-C does make it a little more general purpose than a 24-70/2.8 full frame but not really by much. If I really need a mid range zoom the Fujifilm XF 16-50/2.8-4.8 is one I currently have that I have used on the X-T5 and it’s a very light 240g but it’s very slow aperture for me is problematic.
I admit I bought the X-H2 on a whim after continuously hearing about it in very review of the X-T5. So when I wanted a second body if I wanted to travel with two cameras with the same battery system it just kept coming up in all the discussions I was having. Also, it’s great EVF and other class leading features have made it interesting. It’s larger size, for APS-C, is the only issue but it does feel very good in the hand due to grip design. Maybe one of the best feeling APS-C bodies I have used.
p.1 #7 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
Steve Spencer wrote:
The 16-55 f/2.8 II should pair really well with the X-H2 and it should be a very strong combination. It isn't really comparable to the A7r V and the 24-70 f/2.8 GM II, however. The Fuji lens has the depth of field of an f/4 lens on FF 35mm not an f/2.8 lens. So it is probably closer to the Sony 20-70 f/4 G, than the 24-70 f/2.8 GM II. The Sony would be a bit wider of course, but not have quite the reach of the Fuji lens.
Personally, I think the wider perspective is nice if you don't have a lens wider than 24mm on Sony (or 16mm on Fuji), but if you do then I think the extra reach of the Fuji lens is quite handy.
Having two cameras even from different brands can also come in handy. I think the Fuji lens pairs really nicely with something like the Sony 16-25 f/2.8 G and one of the Sony 70-200 lenses. It fits really nicely in the middle and fulfills a very useful role in a small package. You could fill that role with the Sony 20-70 f/4 G, but sometimes it is nice to have two cameras with a different lens on each....Show more →
While I love my Sony full frame bodies I never plan to travel and use Sony and Fujifilm at the same time primarily due to the different lens mounts and battery system’s. Also I’m not comparing image quality of a Sony A7RV to the Fuji X-H2. I happen to own both so I compared them just based on size. Maybe buying the larger X-H2 was a mistake but figured I would give it a try since has a great grip and EVF and typically small set of lenses.(Compared with the X-T5).
p.1 #8 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
The X-H bodies are ideal for using larger and heavier lenses like the pro zooms.
An X-H2 with the XF 16-55/2.8 II would be a great all-round photographic tool.
p.1 #9 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
pw-pix wrote:
The X-H bodies are ideal for using larger and heavier lenses like the pro zooms.
An X-H2 with the XF 16-55/2.8 II would be a great all-round photographic tool.
Been away from Fuji’s XF lenses for awhile. What is considered a “Pro” zoom in the XF family.
Sep 07, 2025 at 07:27 PM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #10 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
swldstn wrote:
Been away from Fuji’s XF lenses for awhile. What is considered a “Pro” zoom in the XF family.
Fuji doesn't really define them this way, but I would say the 8-16 f/2.8 R LM WR, the 16-55 f/2.8 R LM WR II, the 50-140 f/2.8 R LM OIS WR, and the 150-600 f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR are all "Pro" level lenses.
p.1 #11 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
I did consider the second camera option prior to popping for the 16-55 mkII. From a dollars perspective, I could have bought a used X-T5 and used the two of them with 18 and 33 lenses which I already have. The thing is, this is my lightweight kit, if anything, I'll have a wider and a longer lens in my backpack. But the two camera option is just too much bulk and weight. I carry the X-T5/16-55 combo on a strap around my neck all day for up to 15 miles and don't really notice the weight.
p.1 #12 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
As noted by steve, the red badge f2.8 zooms that match the typical full frame trio of wide, standard, and tele.
XF 8-16/2.8, XF 16-55/2.8, and XF 50-140/2.8
p.1 #13 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
SGinNorcal wrote:
An XT5 with this lens is my typical setup for hiking and general use. Its an excellent lens and the size and weight pair well.
This is exactly my setup and use case. My X-T5 with the 16-55 mark ii rides on the Peak Design Capture Clip on my hiking pack. The combo is small, light, sharp, and capable of terrific images. I had the original 16-55/2.8, and sold it when I retired in favor of the much lighter 16-80. I made some very nice photos with that rig, but when the 16-55 mark ii came out, and it is smaller and lighter than the 16-80, I was sold. As an added bonus, the new mark ii is noticeably sharper especially in the corners than the 16-80.
Edit to add: I generally carry the Sigma 10-18/2.8 and the Fuji 70-300/5.6 for landscape use. I had the Fuji 10-24/4, and the Sigma is much smaller, a stop faster, and very sharp. No aperture ring, though, but I am getting used to it. I do have the "more professional" 50-140/2.8, which I used all the time when working, though now that I am retired I find the 70-300 more useful. But I carry the 50-140 along with the Fuji 500mm for birds, on an X-H2s.
p.1 #14 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
kenbennett wrote:
This is exactly my setup and use case. My X-T5 with the 16-55 mark ii rides on the Peak Design Capture Clip on my hiking pack. The combo is small, light, sharp, and capable of terrific images. I had the original 16-55/2.8, and sold it when I retired in favor of the much lighter 16-80. I made some very nice photos with that rig, but when the 16-55 mark ii came out, and it is smaller and lighter than the 16-80, I was sold. As an added bonus, the new mark ii is noticeably sharper especially in the corners than the 16-80.
Edit to add: I generally carry the Sigma 10-18/2.8 and the Fuji 70-300/5.6 for landscape use. I had the Fuji 10-24/4, and the Sigma is much smaller, a stop faster, and very sharp. No aperture ring, though, but I am getting used to it. I do have the "more professional" 50-140/2.8, which I used all the time when working, though now that I am retired I find the 70-300 more useful. But I carry the 50-140 along with the Fuji 500mm for birds, on an X-H2s. ...Show more →
Very similar, I also often take the 70-300 and/or a wider lens. That's been a moving target, the Fuji 10-24, Fuji 8mm, Viltrox 13mm, latest is Sigma 12/1.4 which might take over the job.
I thought I would miss the 55-80 range from the 16-80 but rarely do. I used it for wildflowers the most and the 16-55 has a shorter MFD and of course the 2.8 for a nicer background.
p.1 #15 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
Originally bought a used XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II but the deal fell through. Still haven’t found another copy but wondering if the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DG Art is a better alternative even though its range is not the same and it’s a heavier option. Is it worth considering? Share your thoughts.
p.1 #16 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
Just an update. Had another response to my Want To Buy posting on the Buy and Sell forum and purchase an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II and will have it next week. Really looking forward to try it out on both my X-T5 and X-H2. I’m still amazed that it only weighs 410 grams. So with this lens and the X-T5 I get a full range of 24-82.5 mm weighing only 967 grams compared to my Sony A7CR + FE 24-70mm f/2.8 which weighs 1210 grams.
p.1 #18 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
I have the version 1 and it’s an absolute monster of a lens. I have been using it since the xt2 and i am on the xt5. I would consider looking for a version 1 copy if you don’t mind the extra weight.
p.1 #19 · Pairing an XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II with the X-H2
osa713 wrote:
I have the version 1 and it’s an absolute monster of a lens. I have been using it since the xt2 and i am on the xt5. I would consider looking for a version 1 copy if you don’t mind the extra weight.
I think I found a version II. It was the weight savings of only 410 grams vs. the 655 grams for the Mark I that attracted me. I have an excellent Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II that is only 695 grams and fill frame so really looking for the weight savings. FYI - The SonY E mount 16-55mm f/2.8 G is only 495 grams as a point of reference.
It is a more capable video tool (though you say that doesn’t mean a lot to you) and its deeper buffer for bust mode shooting could be useful for things like sports and some wildlife… ofyou do those.
