Head to head

Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II vs Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S

A direct, no-fluff comparison: specs, pros and cons, pricing, and the scenarios where each one earns its keep.

Spec snapshot

Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR IINikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S
Price (USD)$1199$799
Our rating4.7/54.7/5
Categorycamera-lensescamera-lenses
Pros33
Cons22

The case for each

Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II

4.7

Pros

  • +Adds OIS
  • +Faster AF than the original
  • +Weather-sealed

Cons

  • Still not pocketable
  • Premium price for APS-C
Full review →

Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S

4.7

Pros

  • +Exceptional sharpness for the price
  • +Beautiful subject separation
  • +Light and compact

Cons

  • No image stabilization
  • f/1.8 not f/1.4
Full review →

Winner by use case

Vlogging & videoFujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II
Low-light photographyTie
Value for moneyTie
Pro & enterprise useTie
BeginnersTie

Inferred from each camera's pros and review focus. Treat as a starting point, then read the full reviews for nuance.

Common questions

Is the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II better than the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S?

It depends on what you shoot. Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II scores 4.7/5 in our review, while the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S scores 4.7/5. See the spec table and use-case breakdown above for our verdict.

Which is cheaper, the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II or the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S?

Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II sells around $1199, and Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S around $799. The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is the cheaper of the two.

Which one is better for beginners?

Both are capable, but beginners usually do better with whichever has the simpler interface and more forgiving autofocus. Read the "Winner by use case" section above for our specific call.

Should I upgrade from the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II to the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S?

Only if the gap in features you actually use is wide. If you already own one, the marginal upgrade is rarely worth the cost unless a specific shortcoming is blocking your work.

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