Fujifilm has officially announced its latest XF-mount prime lens, the XF400mmF4.5 R LM OIS WR. This new ultra-telephoto prime lens is set to hit the market in mid-September, aiming to capture the attention of wildlife, sports, and aviation photographers.
Optical Excellence and Compact Design
The XF400mmF4.5 R LM OIS WR boasts a physical focal length of 400mm, which translates to an impressive 609mm equivalent on Fujifilm’s APS-C sensor format. This makes it one of the highest performing optical products in the XF lens series. Designed with a similar aesthetic to the XF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR, this new lens offers a more compact form factor, weighing in at approximately 1245g, making it more manageable for extended shooting sessions.
Optically, the lens features an intricate construction of 14 groups and 21 elements. Among these are two Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and four ED elements, meticulously placed to combat the chromatic aberrations commonly associated with ultra-telephoto lenses. The lens utilizes a 9-blade circular aperture, contributing to smooth bokeh. It has a minimum focusing distance of 2.75 meters and offers a maximum magnification of 0.16x.
Advanced Features for Enhanced Shooting
Fujifilm has equipped the XF400mmF4.5 R LM OIS WR with a powerful 5.5-stop optical image stabilization (OIS) system, significantly reducing camera shake and enabling sharper handheld shots, especially at its long equivalent focal length.
Autofocus performance is driven by an internal focusing system powered by high-speed linear motors. This setup ensures fast, precise, and near-silent autofocus, crucial for capturing fleeting moments in wildlife or fast-paced sporting events. The lens also incorporates a focus preset function, allowing users to quickly recall a specific focus distance. Additionally, a focus control button is integrated into the lens barrel, providing immediate access to focus adjustments. For added shooting flexibility, a focus limiter switch is included, allowing photographers to restrict the focus range to distances above 15 feet (5 meters), which can further speed up autofocus acquisition in certain scenarios.
Robust Build and Versatility
The lens measures φ104.5mm×239.5mm, with the stated weight excluding the lens cap and hood. Demonstrating Fujifilm’s commitment to durability, the lens barrel is weather-sealed at 20 points, offering protection against dust and moisture. It is also designed to operate reliably in temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F). The front element features a fluorine coating, providing resistance to smudges and water, making it easier to clean in challenging outdoor conditions.
Expanding Reach with Teleconverters
A key feature for photographers seeking even greater reach is the lens’s compatibility with Fujifilm’s XF 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. When paired with the XF1.4X TC WR, the focal length extends to 560mm (equivalent to 853mm). Using the XF2X TC WR pushes the focal length to a remarkable 800mm (equivalent to 1219mm).
With the introduction of the XF400mmF4.5 R LM OIS WR and its teleconverter options, Fujifilm’s XF-mount ultra-telephoto prime lens lineup now covers an equivalent focal range from approximately 300mm to an impressive 762mm. This comprehensive range solidifies Fujifilm’s offering for specialized photographic applications, providing versatile solutions for capturing distant subjects with high image quality.
The lens is slated for release in the United States in mid-September with a suggested retail price of $3,199.95 USD. Pricing for the Japanese market, scheduled for release on September 18th, has not yet been announced.
