The One Fujifilm Lens I Said I’d NEVER Buy!
So, the Fujifilm 16-55mm f/2.8 has been on my radar since the day I got my hands on a Fujifilm camera. It's like this lens has been silently calling out to me, capturing not just my attention but the interest of many other photographers too. However, in the quiet corners of my mind, I weirdly pledged not to make it mine. Why, you might wonder? Well, the price tag is no joke, especially if you're eyeing it fresh out of the box. As a hybrid shooter, the absence of optical image stabilisation is a bit of a downer. And let's not overlook the fact that I'm already lugging around the Sigma 18-35mm, which, trust me, is no featherweight.
But as the sands of time trickled away, this lens continued to be a persistent presence. Whispers about it being a "big bag of primes" echoed from fellow photographers and online reviews, and the optical marvel it proved to be in the hands of others became hard to ignore. Fujifilm's prestigious red badge label only added to its allure.
Southwold, Suffolk
Then, the inevitable happened – I succumbed and decided to add it to my kit. What triggered this change of heart? A journey to South-East Asia. With my passion for photography reaching new heights, it was time to choose the right lens for this adventure. The 16-55mm f/2.8 emerged as the undisputed frontrunner, offering a perfect blend of focal length, it’s constant f/2.8 aperture, and the added bonus of being weather-resistant. The absence of OIS? Well, that didn't bother me much, given the much improved stabilisation capabilities of my XH2s, surpassing others in the Fuji lineup.
Bangkok, Thailand
This lens is undeniably crafted for photographers who mean business. As my love for photography deepens, the prospect of capturing moments with a lens of this caliber fills me with more excitement than ever. Sure, there are a few nitpicks I have, but they're not deal-breakers. And if you can snag this lens second-hand, like I did, you're in for a satisfying win. Here's to embracing the Fujifilm 16-55mm f/2.8 – where whispers of brilliance transform into a resounding invitation to capture extraordinary moments.
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