Fujifilm has unveiled the FUJINON XF500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR, its latest addition to the X-Series lineup, offering photographers a new super-telephoto option. Set to be released in November 2024, the XF500mm F5.6 promises a combination of outstanding performance, portability, and durability. Weighing in at just 1,335g, this lens is remarkably light for its class, making it an ideal choice for wildlife, sports, and bird photographers seeking greater mobility in the field.
The lens provides an equivalent focal length of 762mm on Fujifilm’s APS-C X-series cameras, giving photographers the reach they need for long-distance subjects. This super-telephoto prime lens is also compatible with Fujifilm’s teleconverters, which extend its focal length even further. With the XF1.4X TC WR, the lens reaches an impressive 700mm (equivalent to 1067mm in 35mm format), and with the XF2X TC WR, it can extend to a massive 1000mm (equivalent to 1524mm in 35mm format). Despite these extended capabilities, Fujifilm has managed to keep the lens compact and lightweight for easy handling.
Designed for high-quality telephoto photography, the lens features an advanced optical design with 21 elements in 14 groups, including five ED and two Super ED lenses. This combination helps to minimize chromatic aberration, which can be a common issue in super-telephoto lenses, and ensures that image quality remains sharp and clear across the frame.
Fujifilm has also equipped the XF500mm F5.6 with a 5.5-stop optical image stabilisation system, which compensates for camera shake when shooting handheld at such long focal lengths. This feature is critical for those working in fast-paced environments like sports or wildlife photography, where a tripod is not always feasible.
Designed for demanding environments
The XF500mm F5.6 is built to withstand tough outdoor conditions. With 20 weather-sealing points and the ability to operate at temperatures as low as -10°C, the lens is perfect for extended use in harsh climates. The fluorine coating on the front element adds an extra layer of protection, making it resistant to water, dust, and smudges, ensuring reliability during long shoots in unpredictable weather.
The lens also features high-speed, silent autofocus powered by a linear motor, allowing it to lock onto fast-moving subjects quickly and accurately. It can focus in as little as 0.33 seconds, preventing any missed opportunities when capturing fleeting moments. The Focus Limiter and Focus Preset functions add flexibility, enabling photographers to pre-set focus distances or limit the focus range for faster performance.
Who is this lens for?
The Fujifilm XF500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR is aimed at wildlife photographers, bird watchers, and sports enthusiasts who need a super-telephoto lens that offers both portability and high performance. Its light weight and weatherproof design make it ideal for professionals and advanced hobbyists who often work in remote or difficult environments. With its long reach, powerful image stabilisation, and exceptional optical quality, this lens will appeal to anyone looking to capture detailed images of distant subjects in demanding shooting conditions.
Fujifilm XF500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR – Full Specifications
Lens Type:
- Type: Super-telephoto prime lens
- Mount: Fujifilm X-mount
- Focal Length: 500mm (equivalent to 762mm on 35mm format due to 1.5x crop factor on APS-C sensors)
- Maximum Aperture: f/5.6
- Minimum Aperture: f/22
Optical Design:
- Elements: 21 elements in 14 groups
- Special Elements: 5 ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses and 2 Super ED lenses to reduce chromatic aberration and ensure sharpness
- Coating: Fluorine coating on the front element to repel water, dust, and smudges
Teleconverter Compatibility:
- XF1.4X TC WR: Increases focal length to 700mm (equivalent to 1067mm in 35mm format)
- XF2.0X TC WR: Increases focal length to 1000mm (equivalent to 1524mm in 35mm format)
Image Stabilisation:
- Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS): 5.5 stops (CIPA compliant, in pitch/yaw directions)
Autofocus:
- Motor: Linear motor for fast, precise, and silent autofocus
- Focus Speed: 0.33 seconds (with Phase Detection AF and High Performance Mode on)
- Focus System: Inner focusing system for a lighter focusing group and faster focus response
- Focus Preset: Allows users to pre-set a focus distance
- Focus Limiter: Restricts the focus range to improve AF speed when subjects are beyond a specific distance
- Focus Control Button: Positioned at the front of the lens barrel for easy AF control and customisation
Physical Features:
- Weight: 1,335g (excluding lens cap, hood, and tripod mount)
- Dimensions: Not explicitly stated, but compact for a lens of its focal length
- Weather Resistance: Dust and weather-sealed with 20 sealing points, allowing use in harsh environments, including temperatures down to -10°C
- Tripod Collar: Detachable for added stability during long shoots
- Lens Hood: Included
Performance:
- Minimum Focus Distance: Not specified, typically expected to be long given the focal length
- Maximum Magnification: Not stated, but high due to the long focal length
- Field of View: Equivalent to a 762mm lens in 35mm format, providing a narrow field of view ideal for distant subjects
Accessories:
- Compatible Teleconverters: XF1.4X TC WR (£399) and XF2.0X TC WR (£399)
- Lens Cap, Hood, and Tripod Mount: Included
Fujifilm XF500mm F5.6 lens Price and availability:
£2,899 (including VAT) available on the 28 November 2024