Last Updated on 03/19/2026 by Chris Gampat
For years, the Phoblographer has been reporting on tech specs of lenses when they’re announced. And often we’ll see something like, “7 elements in 5 groups.” But like, really, what the hell does that mean? Why is it important when all these lenses have such similar image quality? It’s easy to be new to photography and not know a whole lot about the tech specs that the manufacturers blurt out. So in this case, we asked Fujifilm what they’re talking about exactly.
All answers can be attributed to Justin Stailey, Senior Product Development Manager, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging Division.
As even more of a resource, check this out.
Phoblographer: Fujifilm has a lot of lenses that have the moniker, WR. We’ve understood this to mean weather resistance, yes? Can you talk to us about how Fujifilm categorizes that for themselves and what makes a lens weather resistant from a design point?
Fujifilm: Weather resistant (WR) means the lens is resistant against moisture, dust particles, and temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius/14 degrees Fahrenheit. The design is intended to absorb/neutralize the temperature difference between the outer and inner parts of the lens to maximize the operation of the components of the lens without being affected by temperature.
Phoblographer: Why can’t all lenses be made weather resistant? Elaborate on this, please?
Fujifilm: Almost all XF lenses produced since 2015 are weather-resistant. Exceptions may occur in situations where the specific typical use case for the lens doesn’t apply, or perhaps a lens is in more of a value price range, and weather resistance would affect product cost. It may also not be added in instances where it would significantly change the look/feel/size of the lens due to its internal focus system components. XF18-135xmmf3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR, announced in June 2014, was the first WR X Series Lens. From there, X Series lenses started featuring weather resistance with the XF16mmf1.4 R WR, announced in April 2015.
Phoblographer: Talk to us about what the “R” means in your lenses, for example the 23mm f1.4 R WR. Elaborate on this nomenclature, please. Why would someone need this?
Fujifilm: R means that the lens has an aperture ring, adjustable in increments of 1/3 exposure value (EV). We have found that our users tend to like a more tactile experience so we include the aperture ring where possible. It gives many users an added sense of confirmation and control to adjust the ring manually, and this also allows them to keep their eye on the viewfinder. However, if a user decides they prefer not to use the ring, they can utilize the command dial on the camera to adjust aperture.
Phoblographer: LM is another piece of nomenclature that Fujifilm uses. We’ve understood this to be a linear motor, yes? Can you explain to us why this is so much better than other motors that it needs its own designation please? And why would someone necessarily need this?
Fujifilm: The linear motor (LM) drives the lens’s autofocus system, delivering higher speed and less noise than other motor types, including DC motors, stepper motors, etc. Linear motors are especially useful in shooting situations that require constant, rapid lens movements. For larger diameter lenses, it is not uncommon to find triple or even quad linear motors for superior focus capabilities.
Phoblographer: OIS means optical image stabilization, yes? Why doesn’t Fujifilm put this in every single lens that they make? Why is it only with the longer focal lengths?
Fujifilm: OIS is more efficient than IBIS in long focal length lenses. For wide angle lenses, however, IBIS is more efficient. To add OIS to wide angle lenses adds weight and cost without increased efficiency. However, there are a few examples in which OIS is not reserved for just long focal lengths. In fact, we include OIS on our XF10-24mm lens, for example.
For the few cameras without IBIS, the OIS is integrated into the lenses to provide image stabilization.
Phoblographer: How is Fujifilm defining the word, “Macro?” And what must a lens do in order to be considered a macro lens of some sort? Why would someone need or want this?
Fujifilm: Macro means the lens can focus closer than regular lenses, enabling highly detailed close-up photography. Macro lenses typically allow a reproduction ratio of at least half of life-size (1:2/0.5x). People rely on Macro lenses for super sharp, close-up photography – ideal for photographing the smallest of details.