Verdict

For over a decade, the Fujifilm XF 18-55 f2.8-4 has proven to be one of the classiest kit zooms around, delivering excellent quality with a brighter than average aperture. As such its successor, the XF 16-50 f2.8-4.8 has big boots to fill, but succeeds to become the desirable kit zoom for the next generation of X-series cameras.

It may not reach quite as far as its predecessor, but most will find the wider start at 24mm equivalent more useful, and while it doesn’t have the optical stabilisation, Fujifilm is now equipping all of its new bodies with IBIS.

The aperture may start at the same f2.8 as before, but becomes dimmer sooner in the range, ending at a slightly slower f4.8, but the new lens enjoys weather-sealing that was absent on the old model, along with internal zooming that keeps the barrel compact. It’s a little lighter too.

When bought in a kit with one of the recent bodies, the lens becomes particularly good value, costing as little as half of its standalone price. I’d say it’s a no-brainer when buying a new body even if you intend to sell it on sooner rather than later.

But as a standalone purchase, it looks expensive compared to Sigma’s 18-50 f2.8 DC DN, which may not zoom quite as wide, but boasts a constant f2.8 aperture throughout the range and costs roughly two thirds the price. 

Until the new Fujifilm zoom enjoys some discounting, I’d say the Sigma makes more sense for anyone looking to buy a separate general-purpose zoom for an X-series body, but again when subsidised in a kit, the XF 16-50 is a tough act to beat.