Over the last month, I’ve been testing the Fujifilm 16mm f/1.4 WR lens alongside the recently released Fujinon XF 16–55mm f/2.8 R LM WR. I set out to decide which of the two lenses I would add to my kit, but it quickly became clear that this was a far more difficult decision than I had initially expected.
Although I began my photography journey shooting mostly with zoom lenses, I’ve gradually developed a strong preference for primes, not just because of their exceptional image quality, but also for their purist simplicity. Using a prime removes one variable from the photographic process: if I need to “zoom,” I move my feet. When I do use a zoom lens for landscape photography, I tend to shoot at the extremes anyway either at 16mm or 55mm.
Choosing between the 16mm prime and the 16–55mm zoom proved almost impossible. Whichever lens was mounted on the camera, I found myself missing the other. In short, both lenses come very close to perfection.
Getting to Know the Fujifilm 16mm
I had the opportunity to familiarise myself with the Fujifilm 16mm f/1.4 during a family holiday, and its unquestionable image quality, beautiful depth of field, and overall versatility only heightened my excitement to put it through its paces in a landscape setting.
Some may question the need for a wide-angle lens with an f/1.4 aperture, but the speed is invaluable—not only for shallow depth-of-field work, but also for astrophotography, where the additional light-gathering ability really comes into its own.
Fujifilm 16mm Weather Resistance
The Fujinon 16mm f/1.4 was Fujifilm’s first weather-sealed prime lens. Ironically, my gear rarely gets soaked, but it’s something I’m constantly aware of when shooting in the mountains.
In Northern Ireland, even a promising forecast and a sunny start offer no guarantees. Pairing the Fujinon 16mm with the Fujifilm X-T1 creates a fully weather-resistant setup, and the 24mm full-frame equivalent focal length happens to be one of my favourites for landscape photography.
Build and Handling
The XF 16mm feels reassuringly solid thanks to its all-metal construction. Weighing 375g and measuring 73mm in length, it balances beautifully on the X-T1 and remains light enough for full-day hikes without any discomfort.
Conveniently, the 16mm shares the same filter thread size as the 18–135mm, allowing me to use my Lee Filters Seven5 system while shooting in the Mourne Mountains. I didn’t carry a tripod on either outing, so all images were captured handheld.
In the Field
The X-T1’s in-camera panorama feature pairs beautifully with the 16mm. While I enjoy capturing panoramas with the X100T, the wider field of view offered by the 16mm really enhances the sense of scale and space.
Although most of these images focus on landscape use, I also found the XF 16mm to be an excellent documentary and travel lens. While it’s not ideal for close-up portraits, it excels at capturing action, environment, and small groups, perfect for holiday photography.
The lens impresses across the board. Autofocus is fast, accurate, and virtually silent, and image sharpness is excellent from centre to edge even wide open. The aperture ring is smooth and well damped, and the overall shooting experience on the X-T1 feels intuitive and refined. Quite simply, the Fujifilm 16mm is a lens that’s very difficult to fault.
Conclusion
If you shoot landscapes, documentary, or street photography, the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 WR is an outstanding lens. The fast aperture makes it ideal for low-light and night photography, while also allowing for creative control over depth of field. For me, the weather sealing is the standout feature, no more worrying about mist, drizzle, or unexpected rain showers.
Combine that with exceptional optical performance and solid build quality, and you have the perfect wide-angle companion for the Fujifilm X-T1. It’s an exceptional lens that represents excellent value for money and earns a permanent place in my kit.
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