The Fujifilm X Summit was a time when loyalists were both overjoyed and excited about the company’s present and future. While they launched new devices, they also hinted at two more cameras, which many can’t wait to see. While we believe it could be the E, X, or GFX series model, we will only know for sure next year. However, it now seems that as we wait for the lineup in the future, the company is already discontinuing one of its famous lenses.
The report was first announced by Asobinet, who spotted the discontinued tag for the XF 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR. This was marked on Map Camera, one of Japan’s leading camera stores. A screenshot of the same is attached below, translated with the help of Google Translate.
As seen above, the company states that they have the stock as long as the supply lasts. In the United States, Fujifilm’s official website shows only one 16-55mm lens in stock, and the same applies to Amazon. In addition, the XF 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR II has not yet started taking pre-orders. Plus, considering the supply issue at Fujifilm, we aren’t sure how long it may take for shipping to begin in full swing.
The cessation of production came right after the announcement of the XF 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR II, which was released in October. When the lens was announced, our editor, Chris Gampat, opined: “Fujifilm made it lighter and smaller. They should be commended for that. But why didn’t they try to do something innovative here? APS-C cameras need fast aperture zooms like f1.8 or something like that. As it is, I don’t know many people who use a lens like this. Tamron’s zooms seem so much more versatile instead.”
And he is right. Tamron already has a great 17-70mm, which we tested. While it lacks an aperture ring, it still is a great choice for anyone looking to purchase a lens under $1000. “Does it feel large? Yes. But it surely makes the X Pro 3 more capable and adds extra value to the camera,” we stated.
When you look at the innovation third-party lens manufacturers have done since 2015, you will be amazed. Their lenses are not only compact and lighter, have fast autofocus, and have great image quality, but all at a much cheaper price. In some cases, you miss out on weather sealing, but then those lenses are 1/3rd the price of a Fujifilm lens. So, perhaps, if the company had taken that into consideration, they could have worked on something that APS-C camera users would genuinely enjoy.
When we reviewed the original 16-55mm lens, we liked its performance. The colors, sharpness, and image quality were excellent. But the weight was an issue. So, while we think Fujifilm has corrected its mistake, they have announced the lens a bit too late. Perhaps if the second version was launched in 2018 (which is a good enough gap), the chances of the lens finding its niche would be higher than they are now.
Fujifilm discontinuing a lens so fast is commendable, considering they want to invest their energies in places where they can reap better benefits. If that had been the case, then a faster aperture or a more innovative lens could have helped. However, it remains to be seen how quickly the XF 16-55mm f2.8 R LM WR II replaces the original lineup.