Fujifilm has announced a new super-telephoto prime lens for X-mount APS-C cameras. The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR prime lens delivers the full frame equivalent of a 762 mm focal length lens.
Lightweight design
With such a long focal length, the Fujinon XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR isn’t a small lens. However, at 2.94 pounds (1335g), it is relatively lightweight for a super-telephoto lens. Fujifilm says it has achieved this by making each lens element as small and thin as possible. If you use the XF500mm lens with Fujifilm’s X-H2S mirrorless camera body, your kit still weighs less than 4.41 pounds (2 kg) including the battery and memory card. The lens is also relatively compact at 10 inches (255.5 mm) in length.
The Fujinon XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR prime lens features 21 lens elements in 14 groups. These include five ED (extra-low dispersion) elements and two super ED lens elements. Fujifilm also says that the lens delivers uncompromising contrast, detail, and sharpness. In addition, the XF 500mm lens has a 9-bladed iris so you should get a smooth, rounded bokeh. Although the maximum aperture is only F5.6, achieving a shallow depth of field won’t be a challenge with such a long focal length.
Autofocus
The Fujinon XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR prime lens uses a whisper-quiet linear focus motor. In addition, the lens can hit accurate focus in just 0.33 seconds. Fujifilm has achieved this by the arrangement of lens elements to minimize chromatic and spherical aberrations. However, the design still allows the focusing lens group to move with speed and precision. The close focus distance is nine feet (2.75 meters). You can also limit the focus range and lock focus with physical switches on the lens.
Optical stabilization
Camera shake is a big challenge when you shoot with any super-telephoto lens. To help with this, the Fujinon XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR prime lens also features optical image stabilization (OIS). This provides up to 5.5 stops of stabilization. The advanced OIS technology in the lens processes signals in real-time for precision movement compensation. In addition, Fujifilm says that the lens group responsible for vertical image stabilization has been optimized and miniaturized.
Other features
The Fujinon XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR prime lens comes with a lens hood and a tripod collar foot. You also get a lens pouch and end caps.
What we think
The Fujinon XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR prime lens delivers a super-telephoto lens in a compact body the size of a 300 mm lens. Combined with the optical image stabilization, you should be able to achieve good results even handheld. 500 mm is a specialized focal length that will be too long for everyday use. However, if you are into sports and nature videography, Fujifilm’s new Fujinon XF 500mm prime lens could be perfect for you.
Pricing and availability
The Fujinon XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR prime lens will be released in December and will retail at $2,999.
