Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR Lens: My Experience and Thoughts
The Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR lens is often seen as a specialist tool for landscape, architecture, and interior photography due to its ultra-wide-angle coverage and robust optical performance. But for me, it has taken on a unique role beyond these traditional applications—I’ve found it to be an exceptional choice for creative portraiture. This might seem unconventional at first glance, but sometimes breaking out of established norms in photography can lead to stunning and memorable results.
Challenging Portrait Norms with Ultra-Wide Perspective
Even though the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 is primarily marketed for landscapes and architectural stills, I personally use it for portraiture. Why? Because it offers the chance to achieve something different from other photographers by completely shifting the perception of what a portrait should be or look like. Photography is, after all, a form of creative expression, and using an ultra-wide lens like this allows me to create images that defy expectations and bring a fresh twist to my portfolio.
With this lens, I can get closer to my subjects than any other lens would allow, distorting and warping the shape of the human body in ways that aren’t possible with lenses starting from 24mm and onwards. This unique characteristic opens up a world of possibilities for storytelling, perspective shifts, and dramatic compositions.
Controlling Body Distortion: A Creative Challenge
Of course, there are challenges with using a lens like this for portraits. The biggest concern is how the ultra-wide perspective can stretch and distort parts of the body in potentially unflattering ways. Arms, legs, and facial features can appear elongated or compressed depending on your shooting angle and distance to the subject. As the photographer, it becomes a creative and technical challenge to adjust both in-camera and in post-production to achieve the desired effect.
Sometimes, correcting these distortions can be as simple as adjusting the shooting distance or angle. Other times, more nuanced work is required in post-processing. This is where tools like keystoning adjustments in Lightroom and Capture One can become invaluable. These tools allow me to push and pull parts of the frame to expand creative possibilities and reshape the image to suit my vision.
Embracing Unpredictable Outcomes
Ultimately, using an ultra-wide lens like the XF 8-16mm for portraiture means embracing unpredictability and pushing creative boundaries. Yes, there’s always the risk of creating images that don’t work as intended, but that’s part of the process. When it does work, though, the results are truly unique—captivating portraits that draw in viewers with their unexpected perspectives, dramatic lines, and the way they break conventional photographic rules.
In the end, photography is about using what you have to bring your vision to life, and for me, the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR lens is more than just a tool for capturing wide vistas and sweeping architectural scenes. It’s a lens that helps me create images that stand out, challenge expectations, and leave a lasting impact.