Fujifilm Fujinon XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR First Impressions
Summary Verdict
The Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR looks set to be a great addition to Fujifilm's XF lens range, especially for photographers who want portability and long reach. Its weather-sealed construction, claimed fast autofocus, bright aperture and image stabilisation add up to a compelling mix of features that should make it a valuable tool. However, it’s price is not to be sniffed at, its a significant investment and dedicated wildlife or sports photographer will expect top-performance. I’m excited to see how it performs in the field once I get my hands on a final production sample.
Score: TBC
For
Comparatively lightweight
Weather-sealed
Compatible with teleconverters
Against
Hefty price
What is the Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR?
The Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR is a super-telephoto lens designed for Fujifilm’s X Series cameras like the X-T5, X-H2S, X-H2 and X-T50. As these cameras have APS-C format sensors, the Fujinon XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR delivers an effective focal length of 762mm on a 35mm format camera. When paired with the optional 1.4x or 2x teleconverters, the reach extends to 1067mm or 1524mm, respectively. Naturally, these focal lengths will appeal to wildlife and sports photographers.
These users will also appreciate the fact the lens weigh just 1,335g, which is remarkably light for a lens with such a long focal length and large aperture. It’s 270g lighter than the Fujifilm XF 150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR.
Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR Price and Availability
The Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR will be priced at £2899 / $2999 / €3399 and will go on sale on 28th November 2024.
Specifications
Lens type: Super-telephoto
Announced: 14th October 2024
Format: APS-C
Construction: 21 elements in 14 groups with 5 ED and 2 Super ED elements
Maximum aperture: f/5.6
Minimum aperture: f/22
Number of aperture blades: 9
Minimum focusing distance 2.75,
Maximum magnification ratio 0.2x
Filter size: 95mm
Dimensions (D x L): 104.5 x 255.5 mm
Weight: 1335g
Included accessories: lens caps, lens hood, lens pouch, tripod collar and foot, shoulder strap
Fujifilm supplies the Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR with a lens hood, tripod collar and foot.
Key Features
The Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR lens has 21 elements arranged in 14 groups, including five ED (extra-low dispersion) elements and two Super ED elements. These elements work together to reduce chromatic aberration and maintain sharpness and clarity across the frame.
As it weighs less than 1350g, the Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR is well-suited to hand-held use and the built-in 5.5-stop optical image stabilisation (OIS) should help ensure sharp images. The camera will prioritise lens-based stabilisation over in-body stabilisation (IBIS) as this is a more effective option with a long telephoto lens.
Thanks to its linear motor, Fujifilm claims the lens achieves a focus speed as quick as 0.33 seconds. That’s especially important with the subjects the XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR is likely to be directed towards.
Fujifilm has also included useful features like the focus limiter and focus preset, which allow you to lock onto specific areas in the frame (or distances from the camera), speeding up the focusing process and reducing the likelihood of the autofocus getting distract by foliage or other features between the camera and the subject..
Helpfully, the XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR has a closest focusing distance of 2.75m, which is especially useful for sports photography when subjects can come quite close. However, being a prime lens, you don’t get the flexibility of framing that comes with a zoom lens like the Fujifilm XF 150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR.
There are two wide strap lugs on the Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR so the camera doesn't need to bear its weight when the setup is carried between shots.
Build and Handling
When you see a lens like the Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR, your brain automatically prepares you for its weight as you move to pick it up. However, feels lighter than you expect. Yes, 1,335g is still 1,335g but the lens looks like it will be heavier. It also feels nicely balanced and not too front-heavy. This translates into easier handholding, but the lens has a collar and removable tripod foot in case you want to support it on a monopod or tripod.
Fujifilm’s XF lenses are known for their robust build and the XF 500mm F5.6 is no exception with 21 sealing points to protect it from moisture and dust ingress. In addition, the lens is capable of operating at temperatures as low -10°C. Further good news is that the front element is fluorine coated, helping it to repel water and dirt, so you don’t have to worry about wiping it clean constantly in challenging environments. These aspects should ensure that the XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR can cope with long wildlife or sports photography sessions in less-than-perfect conditions.
Like most of Fujifilm’s XF lenses, the XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR has an aperture ring for easy exposure adjustment. There are also switches for selecting the focus distance range (full or 5m to infinity), activating the OIS and setting the option that’s activated by the Focus Control button, (Focus Lock, Focus Preset and AF).
The control switches are within easy reach on the left side of the lens barrel
Performance
While I have handled the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR, it wasn’t a shooting sample, so I can’t comment on the quality of the results it produces. However, according to Fujifilm, the XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR was developed in tandem with the GF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR which is designed for the company’s medium format cameras like the GFX100S II. That bodes well because the GF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR is a cracking lens that can resolve a huge amount of detail.
The buttons on the Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR are positioned to be within convenient reach whether you're shooting in landscape or portrait orientation.
Early Verdict
While I need to shoot with the lens before I can comment fully, the Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR appears to be a fantastic addition to Fujifilm's lineup of XF lenses, adding another option for sports and wildlife photographers. Its lightweight design, impressive reach and image stabilisation make it an enticing optic.
The f/5.6 aperture enables the shutter speed to be kept quite high without pushing upon the ISO too far in gloomy conditions.
My first impressions are that the Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR is an excellent addition to Fujifilm’ XF lens line-up. It looks like a great option for sports and wildlife photography enthusiasts. Its combination of lightweight design and super-telephoto reach makes it an appealing choice for photographers who want to capture distant subjects without the bulk typically associated with long prime lenses. The 762mm equivalent focal length offers nice versatility, especially when paired with the 1.4x or 2x teleconverters, extending the reach to 1067mm and 1524mm, respectively.
The 5.5-stop optical image stabilisation is also a major asset, helping to ensure sharp results even when shooting handheld, although it’s important to remember that this won’t help with fast-moving subjects.
Fujifilm has clearly designed the XF 500mm F5.6 for serious use, with 21 weather seals and the ability to operate in temperatures as low as -10°C. The fluorine coating on the front element also enhances its durability, making it well-suited to harsh outdoor environments.
Advanced features like the focus limiter and preset add to the lens's appeal. While the fixed focal length doesn’t offer the same flexibility as a zoom, the weight advantage over lenses like the XF 150-600mm F5.6-8 makes it a more manageable option for handheld shooting.
