I think the 16-55 F2.8.... and use my 55-200mm for for the long end . The 16-80 just falls that bit short at the long end ..The Fujifilm XF 16-80 F4 is a "Jack of all trades, master of none"
I bought the 16-55 along with my XT-3 because along with the IQ, with that combo I also got the battery grip with 2 batteries free. If 16-80 was available a year earlier, would have gone with that as I do miss OIS on that lens for a lot of video work, where carrying a gimbal for long hours really tire me. Not resenting my 16-55 purchase though as the extra batteries with grip have been a saver. Saving for 50-140 now.
I brought the 16-55mm F2.8, it's a bit front heavy like you say with my X-T2 but it sort my style love the quality don't really shot any video bar the odd family clip. But I got it for under £600 in mint condition, thinking about get the Viltrox 33mm F1.4 heard lots of good things about it. I need to get the Samyang 12mm F2 at some point.
Great review :) I got the X-H1 and the 16-55 F 2.8. Great combo! Would keep the 16-55 as I do concert photography. Thinking about getting the 55-140 though, instead of my 55-200.
I own the 16-55 2.8 and the X-T4. Lack of OIS on the lens doesn't matter to me since the camera has it. The 16-55 an amazing travel option because you don't need to bring a bunch of other lenses. It's a great travel lens, but it's not a great walking lens. I really do start feeling the weight of the thing after awhile. It gets tiring to carry and hold after awhile. It's not unbearable but it's not pleasant. I think for me the 16-80 might be my answer for a personal travel lens. It's got the range I want. I think f/4 is still plenty wide enough considering you've got a OIS to help with low light. It's also lighter, by a good amount. It's it optically the same to the 16-55? No not at all imo, but if someone's picking apart corner sharpness then your subject was boring or the viewer is an a--hole.
Spot on! As Ansel Adams--he knew a bit about photography, IIRC--wrote, "Photographs are meant to be looked at, not looked into." I've just watched, not for the first time, Otto Preminger's _Anatomy of a Murder._ Even when Lee Remick wasn't on screen, I didn't find myself checking corner sharpness or analyzing Preminger's bokeh. For me, I think the 16-80 wins. The camera's always in my hand, I walk a lot, and I can see how the X-Tx bodies would feel unbalanced with the 16-55. But the 16mm f1.4 is on order, so I'll probably stick with the 18-55 for now. The way I think of variable aperture zooms, I see the 18-55 as an f4 lens that sometimes can go as wide as f2.8. I returned to Fujifilm last year, with a used X-T3 and 18-55. I bought the 16mm 1.4 because I learned to enjoy the 24mm perspective on a Nikon F100 with a 24mm f2.8D Nikkor lens: the first image I ever licensed came out of that combo, shot on Kodak Tri-X 400 pushed to ISO 1200. My family and I drove out to South Lake Tahoe in July, and I kept seeing compositions for the 24mm angle of view. I also can make good use of the 1.4's close focus ability, which, at 6", is half the minimum focus distance of the 24mm Nikkor.
I own 2 18-55’s and the 16-55. I love them all. I own all Fuji 1.4 primes the 55-200 and the 50-140. In addition I own the 50r medium format and several lenses. When I went to Iceland for a couple of weeks the 16-55 was glued on my XH1 and the 50-140 on my XT2. Those two were my go to machines. Now I also spent 3 weeks in Costa Rica and I took my 18-55 and my 55-200 ad I knew that trip included lots of jungle trekking and wanted to keep my pack light. I gave up weather sealing for weight and had no regrets.
I own and love the 16-80 mm f/4 for its weight, image quality and versatility. I use my camera and lens array primarily for travel and the 16-80 is my new all-rounder. I have not considered the 16-55 because of weight and lack of a longer focal length. I am sure it is a fine lens.
I bought the 16-80 a little over a month ago after going back and forth between it and the 16-55. Your comments are spot on regarding the 16-80; It is fantastic in every way.
I switched from the 18-55 to the 16-55 when I moved from X-T2 to X-H1, since I didn't want to buy it before I had a stabilized body. I do mostly landscape-ish kind of photos - but the 16-80 seems really interesting as a walk-around lens. I often feel that I lack some reach when I use the 16-55 on walks in the forest and similar :)
To be honest, I have never used the 16-55, so no criticism of it from me but I would say that 90% of the time the 16-80 is on my XT-3 and I love using it. I travel with 3 lenses, this one, the 10-24 and the 55-200 and I have never looked back. It really boils down to your style of shooting.
UPDATE (12-2021) The 16-80 is made in the Phillipines, not Japan, and there are quality control issues. In case you get a bad one, make sure the retailer has a good returns policy. If you don't need OIS or the extra reach, go with the made in Japan 16-55. It's worth the extra money.
I shouldn’t make any difference, because they wouldn’t take more or less care on every copy. If you expect your lens is completely checked by a employee, you better switch to Leica or Hassleblad. Some of the most advanced tech will be made in China and not every of this company came from Europe, Japan, Korea or US.
no one disputes zooms are versatile. i’ve got quite lots of experience traveling with big cameras and zooms and i’ll tell you it’s not fun. nowadays i run a two small body two small prime lens setup.
I am rewatching this video after my initial decision to stick with the 18-55. The price tags for both of these lenses were considerable at the release date of the video. Now, two years later, the market situations for both the 16-55 and the 16-80 have changed and both can be acquired second hand at a very good price point. Now that the 16-80 can be acquired in kits with the recent cameras, the second hand markets are flooded with copies of it. Most of the copies are in “like new” conditions available at around 500EUR, while the 16-55 has dropped to between 600-850. This makes this video and the whole debate about which of the two lenses to get very relevant again! I just upgrade my gear to overcome visible limitations with my current gear. In my case it’s the lack of weather sealing on the 18-55. The focal length versatility of the 16-80 allows me to fill the gap between my 10-24 and the 70-300. Great and still very relevant video today!
Good review. Picked up the 16 to 80, even though the 16 to 55 was on sale. Versatility, range OIS and light weight. No contest. Will post samples on my channel soon.
I have an X-H1 so I have the OIS covered. Picked up a clean 16-55 2.8 WR for $600 on Offerup. I use it for everything from landscape and portraiture to street and architecture. It's a beast of a setup.
Good summary review, thanks. Both lenses have their place. Both are great for their design purpose. In December 2019, I went with the 16-55/f2.8 for IQ. Yes, the 16-80 was available, but the 16-55 was in the Black Friday sale and had an additional Fuji cashback, making is far cheaper than the 16-80. Furthermore, I was anticipating the XT4 with IBIS. Yes, the XT4/16-55 will be a tad heavier than a XT3, which I currently use, and a 16-80, but not materially so for my hiking and travelling. Now that the XT4 with IBIS is out, I am looking forward to receiving mine and having a play.
I bought the TX-4 kit with the 16-80mm and it has been a fantastic lens. I recently bought the much hyped 23mm f/2 and honestly can't see much difference when I use the 16-80 in open position. This lens will cover you well.
I have the XS10 with IBS and the 23f2 as well and it is very versatile takes excellent photos. Now looking to purchase the 16-80 because of that extra reach makes me think it will be on the camera 80% of the time until I get the 10-24 also.
@@wesleylow3632 "Open" meaning fully opened wide at 16mm. I nearly forgot about this comment. I have since bought the 23mm 1.4 (older version) and dig it. It has more character than the newer model that I returned. The 16-80 is still finding good use in my arsenal. What do you mean by "crip". You mean "creeping"?
Recently there was a 5,5 R magnitude earthquake in my city. After the initial shaking stopped, the first things I grabbed is my dog in one hand and the X-H1 with the 16-55/2,8 in the other, and run out. Enough said...
I started out with the kit lens. Then I quickly realized I needed a boost in IQ. Got the 16-55 and will never go back. It rivals the primes in its rendering. I'll get an xt4 eventually for the IBIS.
I own both. I use the 16-80mm f4 along with the 10-24mm f4 (WR) on the X-T1 while hiking and travelling because they are lighter than other comparable lenses and use the same filters. I use the 16-55 mm f/2.8 when I want a better lens for landscapes and weight isn't an issue (I hope to get an X-T4 soon so they lack of OIS isn't an issue with the 16-55 mm f2.8).
Thanks Mathew for a beautifully done review!! You did a fantastic job of including red video arrows and other ID markings pointed toward each lens as you spoke about them!! That made it so easy for me to follow you verbally and visually on each point you made without having to guess. Your arguments for each lens were enormously well articulated, fair, and objective. I was captivated with all the possible scenarios you described for each lens. Given all the info, I feel that any well motivated photographer could easily find very practical ways to work with the F 4 lens and enjoy the advantages of better balance, stabilization, weight, and reach!!! Especially when traveling near or far or just in the neighborhood. You hit a grand slam review that will help thousands of us to make more informed and smarter decisions about how to assemble the best gear for our needs!!! Thanks again for your amazing efforts!!
I went from the 18-55 (got it as a kit with the X-T2) to the 16-80 and I am very satisfied with the performance, I’m still holding on to the 18-55, it’s not worth selling it.
The 16-55 is the best choice, provided you can pair it with the IBIS provided cameras XT4 or XS10 to compensate for the lack of stabilization, and where extra weight is not an issue for you… extra range can be easily offset with a slight crop…
Have used both extensively on every XT body including my xT5 and have come to the same conclusion every time. That if I could justify the cost I would keep both but having a £1000+ lens in my bag and using it for about 20% of the time can it be justified? Also the 16-55 is not only very heavy but also is unbalanced on the X-T bodies. As for sharpness I have found despite the 16-80 not being on the 40mp list by Fuji. It performs better with the new sensor whereas I can see no improvement in the 16-55! When comparing identical shots with each lens for most situations I have to check the exif file to see which one is which. Regarding the softness at the extremities then use the lens like the majority of zooms and use it from 17mm to 75mm. Still a fantastic range and with the crop-ability of the 40mp sensor it can even look fantastic when heavily cropped then you have a 17mm to 150mm or more. The comments regarding corner sharpness annoy me as if someone else examines your enlarged print and mentions this then your composition is not very good. So learn to be a better photographer and blow them a way with the story that is in your picture. Just a thought😃
Great comparison Matthew- I recently just purchased the 16-80 f4. I mainly shoot seascapes so I opted for the 16-80 for the range and image stabilization for hand holding and video. Great Work
Really helpful review. I am about to upgrade from XT2/18-55. Very happy to bring in the 16-80 based on what I see here. I have the 16f1.4 and 23f2.0 for low light situations. The XT4 body will also be a big step forward.
After watching this and some of your videos about the X-T3 and 16-55 f2.8 I have decided to buy them. I'm only planning on doing photography, so I think they are the best combination for capturing sharp images with weather sealing. Thank you for your awesome videos.
Hi Hydra dont discount the XH1. The body is a better balance with the lens and you get IBIS so you gain a stop in lower light conditions making the most of the 16-55. The newer XT3 offers very little over the XH1 and the XH1 has better build quality and it's now far cheaper new!
@@jward3622 yes you have a good point. I actually considered the XH1 because of its build quality. I just like the new processor and the dials of the X-T3.😁
@@brianfitzrealty it's not just you, I too also prefer the older sensor. I am a RAW only stills shooter and the XT3 offers no real extra benefit. I never shoot fast action and shoot in a lot of lower light. The stability the XH1s IBIS and amazing shutter provide is key to keeping the ISO lower. I did try using a sony FF but found the camera kept getting in the way, I just couldn't find a flow as I can with the XH1. I literally never think about the camera when shooting with it.
XT4 solves that lack of OIS on the 16-55 😉 - But yeah, I considered both options for the XT4. Trust me it was tough deciding. Both are fantastic lenses. However, after using the faster 1.4 glass, the 18-55 and the 16-80, just don't have that kind of color rendition of the primes. They are very different, the 16-55 does have that "prime" look. I'm not 100 percent sure why it is, maybe something to do with the coatings? But regardless, they call the 16-55 a bag of primes for a reason. I was frustrated switching between the 16, 35 and 56 one time at an event so I decided to get the 16-55 instead to make my life easier. Yeah its bigger, heavier...whatever. It's a compromise. Still WAY lighter than the full frame counterparts and probably better made too. I believe its actually lighter than all three of those primes together. So its all about perspective. Great video Matt!
Thanks so much Nichoas for the feedback. I just ordered the X-T4 so happy to see what happens with the 16-55 now attached to the front of that lens. I love the look out for the glass also so really excited but still do love the 16-80mm for the videeo aspect from Fujifilm. Thanks for the feedback :D
@@matthewstorerphotography I guess it depends what kind of videos. I also like making RU-vid videos, having that 2.8 is more useful haha. But with the twin linear motors and the new firmware update for the XT4, its very very smooth autofocus so I'm excited to see how it performs once i get it.
@@matthewstorerphotography I just got the X-T4, replacing my X-T1, and already have the 16-55. I'll be curious you're reaction, because the X-T4 with the 16-55 now seems way too big and heavy for me. Big difference. So much so I'm debating trading my 16-55 for the smaller and lighter 16-80. I've been using my 16-55 for 2 yrs now and love the image quality. It's fantastic. But based on your review, it seems I'd have a hard time seeing any drop in image quality with the 16-80, would get a little better reach with it, and much better match with the X-T4 for carrying around. Size and portability is why I went mirrorless over DSLR in the first place.
Fuji knows how to sell lenses. No lens can match all you needs. So we keep both of them :-). Right now I prefer for landscape: XF 10 - 24, XF 16 - 80, XF TC 1.4 & XF 100 - 400. Not very light but the results of this combo is incredible.
Just changed to fuji from m43, this lens was what convinced me - the 12-60 2.8-4 pana leica is a tough lens to beat, and there’s great ibis in most m43 now. I know this is a bit soft in corners, but ois and the range, weather sealing and the close focus convinced me (as well as the deals on it bundled with the XT3). Glad it takes same filters as 10-24 as I plan to get that and a 35 f2 to make a nice travel kit, possibly with the samyang for astro/night photos
Thank you for the informative video! I'm about to buy the X-T4 and was wondering which of these two lenses to get. The camera with the 16-80 is actually $100 more expensive but I'm going with that one anyway.
If you shoot movement and low light, get 16-55/2.8 for everything other than that, get 16-80/4 obviously! I shoot real estate, so I'd go 16-80/4 or something similar. II'd get primes for low light.
Great review Matthew! Personally I don't mind a little blur in the corners and I usually add some vignetting, so Im all over the 16-80. I love your videos but I need to use close captions and the space bar to watch them. Any chance you could leave one second between paragraphs? (Yes, everyone's a critic.)
Great tip! Sorry about that is it me speaking to fast or my accent thats really hard to understand. Sorry about this blame the bloody Aussie in me! hahaha
I’ve had the 16-55f2.8 for years and it pairs well with my XH2 but not so much on the XT3. I love my XT3 a hell of a lot more than the XH2 and am reluctant to go to the XT5 so now I’m considering the 16-80 to go with the XT3 for a lighter weight travel lens. If only the XT3 had ibis, it would be perfect.
Thanks for sharing your experience. 95 % of the time i'll never use f:2,8 because i like my subjects to be part of the scene. Not just a blink of sharpness in an ocean of blur.
You know you can get a mostly sharp image with 2.8 right? There should be plenty of occasions where your subject is in the same focus range with its surroundings.
Thanks for the comparison! I've been debating on selling my 23, 35, and 55 F2 lenses since I've been looking at OIS lenses. My right wrist hasn't been the greatest these days for run and gun so the OIS should help with shaky and/or slightly blurred photos. I mostly shoot in daylight so F4 would be more than enough with the 16-80. I still have an X-T1 so no need to spend the money on a new camera when this one still works great. I do plan to get an X-T4 in the future and maybe go with primes again or just the 16-55 F2.8.
Yes, this 16-55mm is a little heavier for run and gun style especially lacking the OIS. I love the 16-80mm. Can becoming annoying for low light, but with the OIS is ideal for photography, its mainly low light video. If you dont do that, no issue for you really.
Great honest review Matt. Moving from Nikon to Fuji and totally agree with your assessment of the lenses. Hybrid. Versatile. Stills. Video. We need tools that get it all and are cost effective while doing a professional job.
the 16-80 is a no brainer when you get it with a camera body. I ordered the 16-80 with my XT4, but I don;t know if I'd buy it full price as a stand alone lens, but I'm sure it will be perfect choice for many fuji shooters who have had a camera body for a few years and want some of that new fuji mojo. I do have the samyang/rokinon 12mm on my sony and am thinking about getting that version for the XT4 however I may really want that 10-24 instead!!!!
Great video and while I agree with you about the 16-80mm being more versatile due the increased focal range and OIS, in my copy of the lens unless in good light, the images have a tendency to be a little soft and very soft at the 80mm end. In fact, I have decided to purchase a 16-55mm to replace it and thankfully found one on offer for £539. I know it will be heavier and have a reduced range without OIS but I am also confident that the images produced will be noticeably sharper.
please!! Where did you get that price for 16-55, I guess it's in the UK, for the £ sign, right now I'm trying to buy one in London, but I don't see those offers
The 16-55 is also good for portraits. I wouldn’t even think about doing a portrait shoot with a f4 which is a 5.6 on full frame. That’s the difference! It’s way more versatile than the 16-80
Portraits don't always require super shallow depth of field, especially at wider focal lengths where you probably want to include some of the environment. Studio portrait shots are regularly shot at f5.6 to ensure nice sharp images. At the longer focal lengths you can actually get quite a shallow depth of field even at f4, just zoom in and get close. Have a look dofsimulator.net/en/?x=EMgBQQDNIAAIJEwgw9jDhzw
I wouldn't say one it's better than the other for portraits. I'd say it depends on your like, in terms of subject separation I think 55mm f/2.8 should be near to equal to 80mm f/4
I have a Fuji X-T4 and use the 16-80 a lot....about 75% of the time. I also have a Zeiss 12mm 2.8 , the Mitakon 35mm .095 and the Fuji 16mm 1.4 along with all the Viltrox X mount lenses. The one that is on the camera the most is the 16-80. I did own the 16-55 but sold it because I wanted a better video lens that was newer as far as auto focus goes and the 16-80 has that and also covers a wider range.
I’ve had both and used both and for weddings in the image quality of the 16 to 55 mm F2.8 is far superior. No problem I had with the 16 to 80 mm is that at 80 mm f4 it’s just too soft. For a general purpose lens, it would be great, but I need it for weddings, and it just won’t do.
Remember the Fuji XC, 16-50mm has image stabilization, but the more expensive XF 16-55mm does not. Around 11:27 you make a combo statement about it AND the XT in regards to image stabilization, which kinda sounds like you're saying the lens has I.S. It's a little hard to hear right, and I played it back five times.
I'm lucky enough to own both. You are right Matthew, there is overlap, but I can't bring myself to sell either. The 16-80mm has become my everyday walkabout lens. The versatility is excellent, covering most random opportunities, both photo and video. The 16-55mm is more specialised and the lens I chose for say, wedding day guest or social event stills photography. I have X-T4 and X-H1 bodies, so image stabilization on the 16-55mm is not an issue. However, my favorite combination is the 16-55mm F/2.8 on the X-H1. I feel comfortable, the ergonomics are perfect and the camera feels part of me. With this combo I always feel confident that my images will meet expectations. The X-T4 with the 16-80mm f/4 is the run and gun, day out, opportunity shooter. In truth, I love both and will be buried with them, one in each pocket.
I know exactly how you feel, I said that I would sell the 16-55 because of the 16-80. I still have it 16 months later haha. Both stunning lenses in their own way!
i think i need the 16-80 mate as well as my 16-55, so i have a one trick pony lens for long walks and the quality for local work. or when i take my camel
I so wish I had listened to you and bought the 16-80 when I first saw this video some time ago. I now have it and love it! Its going to be my carry around lens from now on replacing my 18-55, 18-135 and maybe even my 16-55,! Great video Matthew. Thank you! Jason
Thank you Matthew for this review. I recently tested both lensen myself. What i noticed; the 16-55 is sharper all over, 16-80 lacks same sharpness in the corners. But what is also noticed, and i can also see it in your comparison photos too, the 16-55 is quite 'darker', is it the contrast? in dark areas i'm missing some details and those areas almost turn to black, with the 16-80 i can see far more details in those areas. Is this an exposure thing and correctable?
I have owned the 16-55 for some time but it is now showing its true quality with the recently purchased X-T4's IBIS. It is a superb lens. Recent mobility problems led me to buy the 16-80mm, as a 'one lens only' solution. I have only found it "'OK' but it does not come near the 16-55mm for sharpness - although this might just be my particular example! Its performance is 'variable' but generally not up to ANY of my other Fuji lenses. I have decided to forego the convenience and 'travel' with the 16-55mm plus the 50-140mm - another superb performer.
Great review I completely agree with your review. I have both the 16 55 and 16 80 and had planned to sell the 16 55 but it is such a great lens I am going to keep it even though the 16 80 is on my xt3 70% of the time. As you know I use Freewell filters ( brilliant product ) ND64, CPL, Night Filter all 72mm so when I travel my bag has 16 80, 10 24 which are both 72mm and I usually chuck in 35 f2 if I want a light day with no camera bag. I have sold my 18 55 which came with my xt3 as it doesn't "cut the mustard" with either the 16 80 or 16 55.
@@matthewstorerphotography if only the extra reach came with the same image quality as the shorter focal lengths. I find the long end too soft to be of much use for me but I print a lot of my work for sale and I need the sharpness to be there.
I am looking to purchase my first 1 ( or 2 ) zoom lens. I want one lens for travel so the range of the 16-80 is a big advantage over the 15-55. Money is not the issue and neither is the aperture. I have a XS10 with IBIS so either lens will work in most situations. I really love the image quality of the 15-55 but will in the end buy the 16-80 along with a 10-24. When in the mountains I will consider renting the 55-140 to get more compression or the 55-200 for extended reach and lighter weight.
Just compared your raw images, thank you very much, very useful! Honestly, I didn't notice much difference.. 16-80 seems soft at 80mm, however at wide angle- only if pixel peeping can tell difference. I guess for high end professionals it is important, but for overall user- not much of a difference! Maybe different conditions would show different results. Probably will have to rent those and compare in real life. Thank you!
I have a video question for you! So I realize that pulling focus with the 16-80 is pretty fast (even at the lowest speed setting.) Is that because of the lack of Linear Motor? Would the 16-55 pull slower in a more cinematic way? Thanks again for the awesome video!
Nice detailed comparison Matthew! I was planning to buy the X-T200 as a replacement for my Sony A6000, but holding back because the X-S10 is just on the horizon. One of the reasons I'm choosing to go with the S10 is IBIS and the great choice of kits lenses. I usually do one video per month and occasionally shoot images. Would the 16-55 or 16-80 make a big difference over the 18-55 f2.8-4 for my use case? Appreciate insights. BTW, I have an option to pick the T200 with the 18-55 too for ~ $950
Yeah I 100% agree - I am informing many people to wait and purchase it, even after the new year when Fuji offer rebates for the cameras. Although it is crazy cheap right now!
I have the 16-80 which I bought as the kit lens when I bought my XT3. I also have the 10-24 and I am using my Canon 70-200 with the Fringer Pro II adaptor. All lenses at 72mm, one set of filters. I love the OIS and the lack of need for turning off the OIS when on a tripod, which I often do with other lenses! :)
I split my efforts into photo and video equally, which means I only have one lens, the 16-80mm F4. Fuji, for the love of god, create some stabilized primes.
I just saw your video and I've made a decision. I would choose 16-80mm because it has a very useful ois in terms of video capture usage. This choice was also made because I needed a lens that could accompany 56mm f / 1.2 in my work. Thank you for the very explaining video, greetings from Indonesia!
"If you're just after superior image quality..." I'm hoping that's what all photographers are aiming for. But often we trade image quality for our own convenience. Somebody should've told Ansel Adams he was lugging around the wrong camera.
My X-T4 came with the 16-80mm and I found the images were not as sharp as I am used to on other cameras. I picked up a 16-55 F2.8 intending to sell the 16-80 to get improve image quality and to be honest, even zoomed at 340% on my monitor I can't see any repeatable difference except for the corners. Sometimes the 80 looks a little sharper in the middle portion, sometimes the 55. Overall, I am quite disappointed with the 16-55 after seeing loads of people rave about it. Even compared to my Sony 24-105 "kit lens", it is pretty poor in terms of sharpness :( Now I need to decide which to keep - I was already disappointed with the 16-80 sharpness, but the 16-55 is really no better to my eye. PS I have a 100-400 and the 80mm macro for the X-T4 and they are both so much sharper
The XF 80mm Macro is designed for way more Megapixels on the sensor than the other lenses in Fujifilm's line-up (now we have the 56mm Mark II that is similar) It's hard to compare sharpness of anything to the 80mm Macro
I choose not to review them as people have already done a better job online than I ever will. But both are crazy good, they are so fast and silent throughout the entire focal range. I wouldnt have ANY complaints about either of the lenses with AF
Good comparison. Similar confusion when I had Sony A7III - Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 vs Sony 24-105 f4 😀. Just holding on for another couple of months if Sony's new camera matches this before deciding a camera system.
thanks for great review :D I was starting to do video picked up the 10-24mm first and realized the 16-55mm is a whooping 77mm filter thread which was a downer but realized the 16-80mm uses a 72mm filter thread so probably majority of video shooters will pick this lense instead with 10-24mm 16-80mm combo cheers
I just sold all my Canon gear, after using Canon cameras and lenses for over 20 years. I will probably re-equip myself with something by Fuji, and problaby the X-series rather than GFX, for versatility over ultimate image quality. You have summarized well the respective strengths of these two lenses, but I am still unable to decide which would suit me best! I also cannot decide between the X-H1 (IBIS, nicer placement of the shutter release, better grip) and the XT-3 or XT-4, lighter, more dials, more receent sensor. If it is this hard to decide, then it probably doesn't matter. Should I just toss a coin?
Personally I think the X-T4 is the best camera they have ever made! Ideal for versatile photographers and videographers. Nicer in hand and better battery life! That is my choice, when I have to choose just 1 camera
@@matthewstorerphotography I don't doubt your judgement. I have ruled out the XT-3. Obviously the X-T4 is more recent, with a more recent sensor and less weight as well as the improved battery life that you point out. The two things I greatly prefer on the X-H1 are the placement and angle of the shutter release and the substantial grip . As well as being closer in ergonomics and controls to the many Canon DSLRs I have gotten used to a second-hand X-H1 is about half the price of a slightly used X-T4 ... though I expect that difference would be forgotten in a month or two.
I just moved over to fujifilm from cannon B&H was having a 300$ off the body sale of the xt3 so i bundled it with the 16-80 and holy shit I wish I would of moved over lot sooner every picture I have taken looks so dam good so clear so crisp and the fujifilms colors on the jpegs are so dam good and having a 16-80 at f4 you just have some many ranges covered 35,50,85,100 what more do you need.
Hi Matthew, the finger hovers nervously over the buy it now button as the X-T4 stares back at me from the screen with a smirk that say's "you're hooked now - so what are you waiting for" ? Ok,don't be so impatient - i've spent aeons of time researching before i found you,i just want to be sure i'm getting you the right lens ! Not quite sure how the drama will play out Matthew but it was great to get some insight from you into Fuji gear and as i am jumping ship from the Nikon D7100 c/w 18-300 af vr and 200-500 af to the mirrorless world. Looks like i will buy the body,save up and buy the lens in a few years time ? Second hand lenses from a reputable supplier seems the route to go for me so i'll keep you posted - if that's ok ? I went to the bank to apply for a loan and the assistant asked if i could identify myself as it was an unusual transaction. I pulled a mirror from my pocket,looked in it and said "yep,that's definitely me" ! Great video.Thank you.
@@matthewstorerphotography Thanks Matthew - looks like the train is going to pull into the XF 18-135 station but the finger still hovers over the buy it now button for the X-T4. Oh the joys of youtube in lockdown - a revelation. Research in progress and if it was a cake i'd say it's on a slow bake ! Don't want to get my fingers burnt !
ALREADY OWE Fujifilm 16-55 F2.8 with xh1 and also have fuji 50-140mm and also have fuji 8-16mm. all holy trinity lens no need to buy anything alse???? and for night skies i use fuji 16mm.1.4 if i change it would be some prime maybe?? WITH MY FUJI XH1
Hey Matthew, Thank you for the great review! Which lense do you recommend on the XT3- 18-55mm F2.8-4 OR 16-80 F4 (in addition to the Samyang 12mm) ? mostly for stills (landscape, portrait, nature, street) does the 16-80 worth the price? what about the IQ differences between these two lenses? I would like to know what you're thinking.. thanks :)
Mhmm great question. I prefer the 16mm compared to the 18mm in the short end. But espically the extra reach on the long end. However the price as you said is a big thing! Image quaility is just slightly better on the 16-80mm espically on the long end (35mm+) but I use this lens for video and stills so I am a little bias. But I would rate it as one of Fujifilms best lenses for its versatility
It seems to me that the 16-80 lens reveals the resolution of the x-trans 4 matrix better. The 16-55 lens is already 8 years old, it is suitable for the XT 2, for example, this is my opinion, maybe I have a bad copy of the 16-55 f 2.8.
For landscapes i prefer the 16-80 cause I usually close down to f5-8. For regular travel I prefer the 16-55mm f/2.8 cause I need the lower light and bokeh. Thanks for the review!
Great review! Which of the two lenses has better autofocus for video? I read a review that the 16-80 wasn't great shooting video. I want to upgrade from the 18-55, so I'm trying to decide between these two lenses. As far as price, I don't see a lot of difference in the price of these two lenses (in the U.S.).
Hey Geoff, since the upgrade has come out for the 16-80mm I am very pleased with the AF. Admittedly when it first launched that was correct. Yeah pricing is not so much different, the 16-55mm is very pro photographer based or certain type of videos (tripod or gimbal use) the 16-80mm is super versatile which is the why it walks this earth :D
Great video Matthew, i thoroughly enjoyed the review of both lenses. I own the Fuji 16-55 F2.8 and it is used when travelling or as my one lens one camera options.I love the lens and although the 16-80 mm is lighter, smaller and comes with the OIS system i couldn't see me ever wanting to swap my 16-55 for it. I am looking forward to your other reviews. I would love you to do one on the Fujifilm XF 8-16 mm F2.8 lens. Take care mate and be safe.
Yeah I actually understand that Kevin, I think the big thing for me that changes my mind is the use of Video that i do, where the 16-80mm really shines through! I would love to review the 8-16mm but that would literally leave me -$$$ in my back account haha.
I personally "upgraded" from 16-80 to the 18-55. The lens is much smaller, lighter, faster, doesn't lose focus in video while zooming and just feels more balanced, it's also much nicer to bring or when travelling, you definitely feel the size difference. One thing to stress is F4 is full frame equivalent to F6, on the iPhone you now have F6.2 equiv, so the 16-80 is marginally better than an iPhone for many types of photography (e.g. indoors, low light, casual), for a comparatively much heavier lens than other options. Being able to get to F2.8 at 18mm on the 18-55 is literally double the light coming into the lens, it makes the difference between a blurry or noisy image in a restaurant, vs a really nice one. Sure 16mm is noticeably wider, but at the expense of flatter (and in my opinion cheaper) looking images and the extra 25mm on the zoom end really isn't much, it won't make it much more useful for sports or wildlife and with F4 it has limited portrait use (if you even want to be this far away at 80mm). For me, the 18-55 is a clear winner and I sold my 16-80.