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Fujifilm

XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR

Fujifilm X Mount

The pro-grade standard zoom for X-mount camera bodies, delivering prime-like performance.

$1,199

Launch price

Released Jan 2015

vs

Fujifilm

XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR

Fujifilm X Mount

XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR — 70–300mm f/4-5.6 for Fujifilm X, a popular choice in the fujifilm lineup.

$799

Launch price

Released Mar 2021

XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR is 6.2 years newer.

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Wins

4categories

XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR

LandscapeSports & Action

Wins

4categories

XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR

WildlifeSports & Action

TL;DR — Key differences

XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR wins 3 categories·XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR wins 2 categories
  • BXF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
  • AXF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/5.6)
  • BXF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.16 ×)
  • AXF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
  • AXF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR has lower Min focus distance (30 cm vs 38 cm)

Key specs at a glance

XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WRXF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Focal Length16-55 mm70-300 mm
Max Aperturef/2.8f/4-5.6
MountFujifilm XFujifilm X
CoverageAPS-CAPS-C
StabilizationNo5 stops
Weight655 g580 g
Min Focus30 cm38 cm
Filter Size77 mm67 mm

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseXF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WRXF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Portrait
4.5Fair
5.5Fair
Sports & Action
6.5Good
6.5Good
Video & Hybrid
4.0Fair
6.0Good
Landscape
8.0Excellent
3.0Limited
Travel
5.5Fair
6.5Good
Wildlife
3.0Limited
8.5Excellent
Macro & Close-up
1.5Limited
3.5Limited

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose the XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR

  • Special elements

    Adds 3 Aspherical, 3 ED

  • Max aperture (Tele)

    f/2.8 vs f/5.6 — lower is better

  • Max aperture (Wide)

    f/2.8 vs f/4 — lower is better

  • Min focus distance

    30 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better

  • Length

    106 mm vs 131 mm — lower is better

Reasons to choose the XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR

  • Special elements

    Adds Aspherical

  • OIS effectiveness

    5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better

  • Optical stabilization

    Only XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR supports it

  • Diameter

    70 mm vs 83 mm — lower is better

  • Weight

    580 g vs 655 g — lower is better

  • Max magnification

    0.25 × vs 0.16 × — higher is better

Shared specifications

Internal focus

Both support internal focus

Weather sealing

Both support weather sealing

Pros & cons at a glance

Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.

XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR

Pros

  • Incredible center-to-corner sharpness across the range
  • Professional weather-resistant build quality
  • Twin Linear Motors deliver rapid, near-silent autofocus
  • Dedicated physical aperture ring

Cons

  • No optical image stabilization
  • Relatively heavy and bulky for an APS-C lens (655g)
  • Filter size of 77mm is large for X-series accessories

XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR

Pros

  • Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
  • Built-in optical image stabilization
  • Native Fujifilm X mount compatibility

Cons

  • Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
  • Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR and XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR at major authorized retailers.

Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR

Fujifilm XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Full specifications

= category winner

XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Focal length (Min)
16 mm
70 mm
Focal length (Max)
55 mm
300 mm
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8+1 stop wider
f/4
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8+2 stops wider
f/5.6
Elements
17
23
Groups
12
17
Special elements
3 Aspherical, 3 ED
Aspherical
XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Min focus distance
30 cm−8 cm less
38 cm
Max magnification
0.16 ×
0.25 ×+56%
Autofocus motor
Twin Linear Motors
Linear / Stepping Motor
Internal focus
Yes
Yes
XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Optical stabilization
No
Yes
OIS effectiveness
0 stops
5 stops
XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Weight
655 g
580 g−75 g less
Length
106 mm−25 mm less
131 mm
Diameter
83 mm
70 mm−13 mm less
Filter thread size
77 mm
67 mm
Weather sealing
Yes
Yes
Diaphragm blades
9
9
XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Lens mount
Fujifilm X
Fujifilm X
Format coverage
APS-C
APS-C

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.