Fujifilm launches 400mm f/4.5 lens for wildlife photography
Fujifilm has announced a new 600mm-equivalent telephoto prime lens for its X-series cameras, priced at £2,499.
Fujifilm has announced the Fujinon XF400mm F4.5 R LM OIS WR lens for its X-series mirrorless cameras. The lens offers a 600mm full-frame equivalent focal length and a maximum aperture of f/4.5.
Weighing 1,245 grams, the lens is built for handheld photography of distant subjects like wildlife and sports. Its optical stabilization system promises up to 5.5 stops of shake correction. The lens is compatible with Fujifilm's teleconverters, extending its reach to an equivalent 840mm or 1,200mm.
Optical Design and Build
The 400mm F4.5 uses a 21-element, 14-group optical design that includes two Super ED and four ED elements to control chromatic aberration. It features 20 sealed points for dust and water resistance, and its front element has a fluorine coating. A pre-release tester from Amateur Photographer used the lens for hours in heavy rain without issue, noting the weather sealing performed well even if the birds of prey being photographed were less active.
Handling and Stabilization
Despite its long reach, the lens is balanced to bring the centre of gravity closer to the camera body. It includes a lens foot to aid stability and reduce fatigue during extended handheld sessions. The tester found the image stabilization effective at minimizing shake noticeable at such focal lengths. "It seems from my initial usage of the lens that the stabilisation systems here do a great job of keeping that to a minimum," the report stated.
Autofocus and Features
The lens's autofocus is quiet, a benefit for not disturbing wildlife during portraits. It provides direct access to several focusing features. A focus preset function allows a user to assign and return to a specific focusing position, useful for a regular perch. A focus limiter helps ensure the lens isn't distracted by foreground elements when tracking distant subjects.
Positioning and Price
Fujifilm states this lens completes its lineup of super-telephoto primes for the X system. It slots between the existing XF200mm F2 and XF500mm F5.6 lenses. The company provided a comparison of its current telephoto prime lenses.
| Lens Model | Focal Length (35mm Equivalent) | Maximum Aperture | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fujinon XF200mm F2 R LM OIS WR | 300mm | f/2 | Over £4000 |
| Fujinon XF400mm F4.5 R LM OIS WR | 600mm | f/4.5 | £2499 |
| Fujinon XF500mm F5.6 LM OIS WR | 762mm | f/5.6 | Not stated |
The new XF400mm F4.5 lens will be available from the end of September. During testing in wet conditions, the lens proved capable of capturing sharp, detailed portraits of stationary birds of prey.
