Fujifilm 16-55mm vs Fujifilm 16-55mm II for Landscape Photography
Introduction
How much difference is there between the original Fujifilm 16-55mm and the newer Fujifilm 16-55mm II when it comes to image quality for landscape photography?
To find out, I compared a series of real-world landscape images captured side by side using both lenses on the 40 megapixel Fujifilm X-T5 to evaluate center sharpness, edge sharpness, sunstar rendering, and overall image quality across multiple focal lengths. While the original Fujifilm 16-55mm has long been regarded as one of the best standard zoom lenses for the X mount system, the version II lens introduces a smaller and lighter design along with improved optics, autofocus, focus breathing, and aperture control. The big question is whether those changes translate into meaningfully better landscape image quality.
For this comparison, all images were captured in RAW format on the Fujifilm X-T5, with a few focus-stacked TIFF examples included to evaluate sharpness across the frame. Most images were captured at f/8 for landscape photography, though additional examples at f/5.6 and f/11 were also examined to evaluate sharpness and diffraction behavior across the focal range. Minor exposure and white balance adjustments were applied where needed, but no sharpness, clarity, or texture adjustments were used.
Watch the Full Comparison
Watch the full side-by-side comparison below, including sharpness testing at multiple focal lengths, edge performance comparisons, focus-stacked examples, and sunstar comparisons.
Key Takeaways
Overall Image Quality: Both lenses delivered excellent image quality overall, but the Fujifilm 16-55mm II consistently produced slightly sharper results with improved clarity, particularly near the edges of the frame. The difference is noticeable, though not dramatic.
16mm Performance: At 16mm, center sharpness was very close between the two lenses, though the version II lens consistently showed stronger edge sharpness and better rendering of distant detail. At f/5.6, the newer lens also showed a small center sharpness advantage.
23mm & 35mm Performance: Across the midrange focal lengths, the Fujifilm 16-55mm II maintained an advantage in both center and edge sharpness, with stronger overall clarity and crisper rendering of fine detail. The difference remained especially visible near image edges.
55mm Performance: Unfortunately, the original lens image at 55mm missed focus, preventing a fair side-by-side comparison at the long end. However, the newer lens performed extremely well at 55mm with strong sharpness across the frame.
Sunstar Rendering: One notable difference is sunstar rendering. The original lens uses a 9-blade aperture and produces an 18-point sunstar, while the version II lens uses 11 aperture blades and produces a 22-point sunstar. The newer lens also showed somewhat more lens flare in this test.
Bottom Line: The Fujifilm 16-55mm II is the stronger performer overall, offering modest but meaningful improvements in sharpness, particularly near the edges, while also reducing size and weight. If you have the budget, the version II lens is worth considering, especially for landscape photographers prioritizing image quality.
RAW Files
Download the original RAW files from this comparison to inspect the images yourself, test your own editing workflow, and evaluate image quality in Lightroom, Photoshop, or your preferred RAW editor.
Check Current Pricing
Check current pricing and availability below:
Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II
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Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR
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Fujifilm X-T5
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