Fujifilm 16-50mm Lens Review: This lightweight and budget-friendly Fujinon kit zoom shows impressive image quality

 

 

We've just published our review for the Fujinon XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS, the kit lens paired with the Fujifilm X-M1 and X-A1, and we were thoroughly impressed with the results from this lightweight and well-built wide-to-medium-tele zoom lens.

Despite the "kit lens" connotation, this Fujinon lens is another one to break the traditional mold of a mediocre optic. With excellent sharpness, even wide-open, as well as minimal CA, and low vignetting and distortion, the Fujinon XC 16-50mm is a very solid performer that produces excellent images. It feels solid, despite its all-plastic construction, and well-balanced on Fuji's lightweight mirrorless cameras.

A fairly straightforward lens, it does feature 3 aspherical elements and 1 ED element like it's more expensive sibling, the XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens, as well as Fuji's EBC coatings for reduced flare and ghosting. Plus, it has built-in Optical Image Stabilization to help with those slower shutter speed shots. It's an all-around great choice for Fuji shooters looking for a high-quality and affordable everyday lens for things like landscapes, travel and portraiture.

Jump on over to SLRgear to read our full Fujinon XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS lens review to see our test results and read our final verdict.

This light, solid-feeling and compact zoom lens is currently available, not only as a kit lens with the Fuji X-M1 and X-A1 cameras, but also as a standalone lens in either a black or silver finish for around $399 --Adorama, Amazon (black, silver), B&H (silver) -- and includes front and rear lens caps.  By purchasing this lens, or any other product, by clicking on one of our trusted affiliates, you help keep these reviews coming!

In the meantime, check out some sample photos shot by our senior lens technician Rob Murray. You can view more sample photos, plus download the full-resolution files, over at our Flickr page.