the full quote is : a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one. I always see content creators only use the 1st part as a negative side, but the full quote is actually a compliment.

This was a very good real world review Andrew. Keep up the great work. I would like to give m y 2 cents on the zooming and focusing issue you mentioned. As a background, most traditional broadcast cameramen in the '70s and '80s avoided zooming. That's because the British Broadcast Corp (which is their model) consider zooming "unprofessional" and to be used only "as needed". This is also why you will NOT find a lot of zooming in movies, feature films and documentaries. The "preferred" way to shoot video (or film) is to frame a scene, focus and shoot; cut, repeat the same in varying alternate field of views, then edited for flow. In your style of shooting, a vari-focal lens will work in a manual "pre-focused" mode as long as there is sufficient depth of field and not a lot of shifting from the subjects. This problem you mentioned, while it might not be a "par-focal' issue, will happen with lenses designed primarily for photos. The other thing that needs to be understood is you are shooting with a "large sensor" camera. So, the processing it takes to down-scale a large image to video and maintaining focus at the same time is asking a lot from the processor. I mean c'mon, the people that shoot Red, Arriflex, Canon and Sony Cinema cameras don't expect their systems to do this much less do any zooming at all (only for effect), why are we so spoiled to think our measly full-frame and crop sensor cameras will perform better than theirs? If I wanted to capture video scenes with my kids, my iPhone 11 Pro Max will be more consistent focus wise. This not a criticism. I'm just pointing something out that I think needs to be considered. Again, no offense. Peace!

Have had it over a month, I think it's the ultimate getter of shots. Zoom range, close-up, low light, portraits, bokeh, inclement weather, video. I'm honestly thinking about selling all my other lens and keeping this plus the Samyang 12mm f2 and maybe the 50-230.

I'd love to see a side by side with the Xf18-135mm

Got this lens a month ago and used it for a whole Haute Couture shoot and it was outstanding.

Thank you for the review! Would love to see side by side comparison photos between the 18-55 and the 16-80. Would make a fantastic "part 2" video. I've seen a bunch of negative comments on the 16-80, but as far as I can tell it's more than good enough for travel and doing reasonably sized prints. I haven't seen anyone show off print quality when using the two lenses at their extremes.

I love your reviews so much, Andrew. Really a big fan of your style, the way you talk and present information. Thank you for your hard work, I really appreciate it!

As always I need to say it, CUTE KIDS! 💕 And this lens seems to be perfect for travels and for those hobbyists that just need one lens. This and the 18-135mm seem to be the most versatile.

Looks like a very versatile lens - Good point about weather resistance- huge bonus for a travel lens

I recently picked up the 18-135 (new, since I heard quality control was poor in some of the old copies) for around $615 AUD after Fuji cashback (~$430 USD). It's also weather resistant with good OIS, but has an unmarked aperture ring. Weighs 50g more than the 16-80, but looks to be a similar size. At 80mm the min aperture is around f/5.3 (worse), but at the wide end f/3.5 (slightly better). Yet to really go travelling with it so hope it works out well... Great video as usual, keep it up :)

Had mine for 2 months now . Absolutely love it . Sold my 18-55mm as I couldn’t see me using it anymore . I found they were similar IQ and with the xtra reach the 16-80 was the one for me .

Wonderful review. Your comments were relevant and clear. But the footage of your family really was the icing on this lens review cake! Sweetness.

Been using this lens for over a month on my day hikes and am very happy to have it. I especially plan to use it on long backpacking trips. It’s been an excellent compromise for my need, despite its shortcomings.

I fully agree with your review. Even if I don’t shoot video, so the wobbling is no issue for me. The conclusion in my own review is the same: Best Fuji lens for travel so far because of its versatility, size and IQ. By the way: I also like it for portraits, if my 56 1.2 is not around. 😉 Keep up your great work! Always a pleasure.

Great review 👌I only have two lenses.16-80 and 35mm f2.Prime for streetphotos and zoom for everything else 👍

One point I feel is important for people like myself (who haven't shot on anything but smartphones), is that, I don't know which focal lengths I prefer. I'm saving up to buy into the fuji system, and fully intend on getting the 16, 56, and 90 mm lenses, but in which order is beyond me. So something like this sounds wonderful to be able to discover what my preferences are, and buy accordingly.

Hi Andrew, it is interesting to see how the 16-80 works on the X-T5 which I have had for a while. I have both the 16-80 & the 16-55 at the moment. The 16-80 seems to work well with the 40mp sensor and appears sharper than on the X-T4. The 16-55 looks the same on both cameras. After testing in various circumstances I am keeping the 16-80. It was great on the earlier XT bodies but is super on the T5. The 16-55 seems a great deal heavier, not just because of the physical weight but it doesn’t balance well on the XT even with the battery grip which makes things feel even heavier. So now just using 10-24, 16-80 and fabulous 75-30O which is stunning on the T5. Keep well.

Im going to get this lens with my X-T4 especially with the weather resistance.

Got it yesterday and it will be the only lens I will take with me for holidays

Well done review, Andrew. Nicely comprehensive. Looks like you guys had a great time in Hawaii. Glad you’re back safely.

I enjoyed this review more than most that I've watched because it was centered on actual use, not on pixel-peeping. One of the reviews I watched had this comment: If someone is complaining that your photos aren't sharp in the corners, there is probably something that isn't very good in the center. I think sharpness is overrated. If you're a professional photographer that makes a living on your photos, I can see that you would have requirements that include super-sharpness. For prosumers who are striving for interesting photos and lots of options for photo editing, my guess is that the 16-80 have be more than enough sharpness. I previously had the Red Badge 16-55 and replaced it with the 16-80. It sacrifices the f/2.8 for the benefit of longer zoom range and being perceptibly lighter and better balanced on my X-T5. I tried the 18-55 kit lens for a while and was really disappointed in it. The color that comes through the 16-80 is excellent vs. muddiness with the 18-55.

Defo need this, coming from Canon where I used to own the 15-85. Just beautifully versatile and provides sufficient wide angle. Not digging Fuji's 18-55 that I bought used, unfortunately.

You think 16-80mm has focussing problems? Try to put 18-135mm on any given Fuji camera and then try either shoot burst while zooming in or out all the way while using continuous auto focus OR try the same while shooting video. Each time any combo I've been using lost focus completely; sometimes I even needed to restart the camera. Those issues on the other hand never appeared while using my 16-55mm f2,8...

Is this lens still your favourite? - I personally "upgraded" from 16-80 to the 18-55. The lens is much smaller, lighter, faster, doesn't lose focus in video while zooming and just feels more balanced, it's also much nicer to bring or when travelling, you definitely feel the size difference. One thing to stress is F4 is full frame equivalent to F6, on the iPhone you now have F6.2 equiv, so the 16-80 is marginally better than an iPhone for many types of photography (e.g. indoors, low light, casual), for a comparatively much heavier lens than other options. Being able to get to F2.8 at 18mm on the 18-55 is literally double the light coming into the lens, it makes the difference between a blurry or noisy image in a restaurant, vs a really nice one. Sure 16mm is noticeably wider, but at the expense of flatter (and in my opinion cheaper) looking images and the extra 25mm on the zoom end really isn't much, it won't make it much more useful for sports or wildlife and with F4 it has limited portrait use (if you even want to be this far away at 80mm). For me, the 18-55 is a clear winner and I sold my 16-80.

Thank you. I’m looking to pick up a used xt3 combo and to compliment my Sony, because of the heavier codec and 4K 60p. I bought a used 18-105 for my A6000. Again, not the sharpest but ois, unfortunately a power zoom but internally zoomed and no focus wobble...for video..Basically never comes off during the day..very useful.

that OIS sold me. I prefer optical image stabilisation than IBIS which tends to be wobbly most of the time

Thanks. The info about zooming in video was enlightening for me. It’s something I noticed especially on my 55-200 and thought it was a defect of my copy.

Great work. Love your calm yet thorough way of telling things

Glad to find your channel. I've always shot Canon but just started using an Xt-4 as well. Excited to see all your insights on the Fuji's and their lenses.

Spot on realistic real review about this lens . Happy 2020 all the best to you and family .

Thanks for the good info... and sharing a glimpse of your family vacation! Fun!!

Thank you for your review...fabulous! Great photos and videos...precious family

Firmware update 1.05 and still the focus issue with video zoom is present. ( September 2021) Using a Fuji X-T4 and all recent firmware updates for camera and lens. I use manual focus for video....but if you want or need auto focus: Better to get a linear motor lens that is made for video. The 16-80 is good if you do not zoom in or out using autofocus. If you want a great video lens, then the 16-55, 18-135 or the 55-200 is probably a better bet . Look for the LM designation. The 16-80 is an excellent still photography lens. Video zoom using auto focus....not so much.

Really like the Song

I've been using the 16-55mm as my travel lens. Its only flaw, for me, is the lack of OIS. I don't think the 16-80mm stacks up well against the 16-55mm for me personally.

Hi Andrew, you mentioned about ND filter somewhere in the video. Just thinking, would you be interested to have a dedicated video talking about lens filters? Would love to know more. Thanks! Love your channel.

Great review and not the least an efficient, entertaining and just pleasant presentation. As always 🙂 If every family's vacation photographs looked like this 😄

I was considering buying the 10-24mm as I have the 18-55mm but while watching reviews on Tube of You, I came to the realisation that this lens would serve me better. So I pulled the trigger after finding a used bargain on eBay, will go great with my X-T3, and play well with my X-E3, which I still love.

Nice, thanks man. I've been watching your videos for quite some time (helped me decide to get X-E3) and I've been checking your channel frequently to see if you've posted a review of the 16-80mm f/4! I trust your opinion and endorsement as I tend to agree with your views 99.99% of the time... so this is great to hear that you've settled on this as your travel lens (as I've been investigating heavily to find which one to get in advance of an upcoming trip)!! Cheers and keep on shooting! :)

Very useful, especially pointing out the video zoom issue, thank you!

Very nice review as always Andrew. This lens hits the sweet spot for me. I used to own 1655 but found it to be too bulky for traveling and not suitable for handheld travel documentary video. Nevertheless my travel combo was 1655 and couple fast primes. With the 1655 i always had to focus on keeping the footages steady with the means I have. With this lens getting stable footage even at 80mm is so easy. My recommendation for people who are considering this lens. if you have couple primes to pair it with 1680 definitely go 1680 If don’t care about video and dont own any other fuji lens and want to have all in one best zoom for photo choose 1655 If you are a hybrid shooter No question 1680.

You just convinced me to add this to my collection! Thank you so much!

The OIS of this lens is bizar, so good!

There are finally loads of these available second hand in the $400 range. My 16-55 2.8 soup can stays home too often, I'm hoping this more compact OIS lens gets more use.

Very informative as always, and you guys have such a cute family all together!

I like the music at the end

This is one of the kit lens that is bundled with the xs10 body. Giant shadow in any shots with the onboard flash :(

16-80 appears less sharp with IBIS on X-H1 compared to X-T3. Just something to note.

Great review. I've been using the 18-135 as my "vacation" lens for when photography isn't the main focus, travel and family are. It's worked quite well for that purpose but I've been intrigued by the newer 16-80. I like the constant aperture, but wonder if I'll miss the extra reach at the telephoto end. Think I'll rent one for a weekend and give it a try.

The faster f2.8, 18-55mm would be my first choice, especially for night shots. Having used the x100-f and s before hand, I've no idea why I'd need 80mm. Instead I always attempt to walk closer to my subject as the fixed lens system taught me. But I understand there will be reasons why this is not always possible. Nonetheless, the f2.8 takes some lovely portraits.

On travels I want a wide lens for sunsets, long exposure, I brink samyang 12 f2, for everyday shots 23 or 35 f2.... and some portraits 56, or 90f2 for landscape or portraits. I would take the 18-135 if quality is not a issure.

Love the reach of this lens but hate the size - I even find the 18-55 too big since I don't shoot much on the longer end anyway. I wish Fuji made a solid compact zoom like the RX100 or LX100 so I could keep my kit light with a dedicated prime XT shooter and a second small camera for travel/stabilised video in the Fuji ecosystem.

Hi Andrew, worm welcomes to Pattaya.Thailand🇹🇭

Lovely family photography. Kindness before cameras, it is said. I'm hanging on to my 16-55 f/2.8, sharp across the range, weather resistant, the total workhorse. Fits best on the slightly larger X-H1. Thanks!

"Zooming in and out" issues. There's a Monterey Bay channel on youtube, which has lots of very deep sealife videos, and the optics on these underwater vessel's cameras are simply, uncompromised. But what killed me was a fast zoom on some cephalopod. Boom! And the sharpness never wavered. I could only guess what they were using...the best.

This lens look so nice for travel wish I could buy it with an xpro 3

Great video lens from what you showed us!. Nice work!

16-80 is the sweet spot focal length of zoom lens that can handle sharpness and color acquisition end to end. I’m a Nikon guy but I respect other brand camera products. I’m just wondering why Fuji used f4 instead of 2.8 for more low light capability.

Excellent review - thank you!!

YAY! So much fun in Hawaii, eh 'bra? Sure wish you could have seen Maui...so incredibly different than Honolulu or O'ahu...anyway, wow surprised you still went for it with the focus quirk since video is as much as stills for you!...for now, I'm going to keep my 18-55f/2.8-4, it's a pretty darn good lens but find myself using my 16/1.4 and my 55-200 more often. By the way, I rented the 40-150 to see what I was missing...and no, the $1K more wasn't justified. Just the weight and size difference was a deal-breaker for me.

hi, great review! i have a question since it loses focus when zooming, are u still able to do dolly zooms properly?

Ah, the Aulani Resort And Spa. 👍🏻

24 to 120, pretty good range.

Thanks a lot for your review. Reviews on this lens are a bit of a mixed bag, but I think I will buy it and thus replace my 18-135 travelling lens and possibly also my 18-55. The 16 is more useful for me than the 135 reach. Also like the improved IBIS.

Hello! I wonder how the quality is compared to the 1855 lens.

As you said in your comments Fuji does have and make Lens especially for video so that’s not the problem. You can shoot video with a Len Designed primarily for still photography which is capable of Shooting video but it’s not the same as a len pacifically design for video. If Fuji 16-80mm Len is good as a video camera Len then users would be complaining about the cost. But I am enjoying your video.

Thanks for a good review with lots of examples. I have been looking at the 18-135mm lens for a travel lens but I might have to take a closer look at this one. Isn't it great when all the kids get potty trained and big enough to take a long trip? Your children are all beautiful and good sports around the camera.

Zooming in shot is usually a tacky and pointless tendency, there will be exceptions of course but for good narrative work, unless we are looking to remake any number of pop b movies from 1967 who needs it? Thanks very much for the lowdown - I am about to make a switch (or addition) from Nikon FX as I am now just about convinced that mirrorless sir type cameras can do something approaching a pleasing film look for video. Wasn't sure whether to bother purchasing this as a kit with xt-4 - looks like it may be worth it - and not only as an everyday/travel option - though it will clearly excel compared to many in this capacity. Thanks again.

Have you updated to the latest firmware? Supposedly it improves the focus “tracking” during zooms. I’ve seen one review where it seemed to be much better, albeit not fully eradicated. BTW, big kudos to you for correctly identifying the “wobble” root cause as varifocal design, with firmware and motors trying their best to mimic parfocal “by wire”. I think it is akin to barrel distortion and vignetting corrections in firmware. These are all compromises to allow optimization of other design aspects. I’ve watched just about every KZfaq video on the 16-80, and I think you’re the first one to understand/explain it correctly. Also, happy new year to you and your family!

I really was interested in this lens but then found the 16-55 selling for 700€....

I'll keep my 16-55mm 2.8.

Photography noob here, so stupid question: how is it that this is so much better at 16-80 vs the 18-55? The focal range makes them seem similar but I know it's not that simple

Salut!, Thank ya for your some-isue--thang. :) I search for the same - stand now between 18-135 or 16-80 or 10-24 + 55-200. The focus is just on video, not for photography. So do you think on other bodies like the X-T200 will be the same problem while zooming? So can you recommend objectives, where this zoom-work will work? thank ya.

I just bought this lens after my vacation and wanted to watch some reviews while thinking "this would have been a great lens for my trip to Aulani"....and sure enough....

Wow denae use the xpro3 !!!!

Most videos I see on this lens and others for that matter, the photographer never seem to use the lens hood. Do you not normally use a lens hood or under what circumstances?

Is the zooming issues fixed by any firmwares now that it's 2024?

Do you prefer the 16 - 80 over the 18-135? You can always set your f to 4 on any lens and adjust exposure with other settings. Especially with IBIS in the XT4?

So which one do you recommend for shooting videos ? 18-55 or 16-80 ? with Xt4 ?

Canon EF made an IS F4 mark ll 24-105!

Great review of a great lens... much appreciated!

I'll test it from tomorrow on a five days holiday in Helsinki. I'm still deciding whether it will be on the X-Pro3 or the X-T3...

Great and happy looking family, wish you all the best ❤️

Thanks for the review! I'm planning to buy the XT3 and I'm debating with which lens to buy it- 16-80 VS 18-55? What do you recommend? 🙏😊

Unfortunate about the varifocal issues. I was really excited about this lens for hybrid shooting as I hated working with the 18-55 for video due to the aperture. Fuji had a chance to make a killer do-it-all video lens like the Canon 24-105, but it seems like they missed the mark. Still on the fence if I'll buy it.

Great review as always... but the focus hunting in this video, ouch, made my eyes go funny lol... is that a "feature" of the s1h?

Good travel lens, a bit of a pity about the price. However, the simple reality is that you cannot purchase quality Fuji glass for petty cash. That said, you only purchase a quality lens once, I still have the Leica 50/2 Summicron and 35/2 Asph on my now very old fully manual M6 ( all the Leica gear purchased 2nd hand) and will never sell or upgrade them. They are simply superb and over a period of years have represented great value for money purchases. Same with Fuji glass. Even the "kit lens"", in fact far from an el-cheapo cent counting offering, it has received consistently excellent reviews. If you want the 2.8 zooms, ok, but there is no imperative to purchase it. Also, from experience and my wife's impatience, prime changing or any lens changing when travelling is a no-no for me. Hence will be purchasing the more expensive 2.8 zoom of a very similar focal range to the kit lens. Not cheap, but still a price I am willing to pay for a quality lens that will last for many years and even possibly serve to avoid a degree of marital conflict on overseas holidays. Just my very personal 20 cents!

Just as I was going to pull the tigger on the 16-55mm now this, Sad Panda as I am a traveler and enjoy doing video’s as I hike...Please help! thanks in advance already have the 10-24 and 16mm 1.4

Hope to have your x-pro3 review soon

Been watching your videos lately. Having utilized your Fuji lens calculator, 16-80mm came out for the kit lens. And for the prime it's 50mm f2. Now I'm planning to get both lenses together with the xt4 body. Is it redundant to have both lenses as a beginner photographer? If, then what's the best prime lens will you suggest having that kit lens already. Thanks. And btw, you have a lovely family. Love the way you document your travel together. I can resonate in this video as far as family bonding and just having a great adventure together. Cheers!

I am torn between this n the similar Tamron’s zoom with f2.8. I love the aperture ring on the Fuji n Tamron’s 2.8. I use it mainly to create cinematic video footage so the bigger aperture is better right? But how much better? Hope u can shed some lights. Thx

I just received this lens mostly for video work. But when turning on the camera on the lens makes a decent amount of noise which is quite loudly picked up by the microphone. Is this you experience as well? Turning off the iOS does not matter.

Great review, Andrew! Does the 16-55 keep focus better when zooming during video? I'm deciding between the 16-80 and the 16-55. My one concern with the 16-55 is the weight. You said the 16-80 wasn't much heavier than the 18-55, so that helps me decide. Looks like you had a great time in Hawaii.

Do you have a guide of what F stop you consider the sharpest point of the lenses you use?

Good focal range. If it were only as sharp as Fuji little prime lenses like 35-2, I would gladly buy it. But the reports are that it is not the case... It is even worse than 16-55-2.8, which I dumped in favor of little primes. No regrets.

did they fix the zoom focus issue?

How's the autofocus compared to the 18-55mm kit lens? I heard LM lenses are better for video autofocus. I'm currently using Canon but want to switch over to Fuji and I'm not sure which kit lens to get.

Anyone using this lens on X-E3 ? I'm very used to the 23mm f/2 WR kit lens and unsure how much larger/heavier the 16-80mm will feel. Of course I can go to a shop and try it, but in advance of making the trip, curious to hear any anecdotes from users with my prospective config! I can actually fit the X-E3 + lens in my vehicle's armrest, it's so compact! Not sure that would be possible with the 16-80 lol

Great review, thank you. Can I ask, have they fixed the zoom focus/flicker issues yet?

I’m interested in this lens, but how does it balance and feel on the Fuji xe3? I could use the broader reach in a one-lens solution but don’t want to buy a new camera. Maybe adding a grip would help? It’s difficult to test these options when the nearest camera store is two hours away and they have to special order anything Fuji. Thanks😀