Fujifilm Launches XF 400mm F4.5 Super-Telephoto Prime Lens
Fujifilm has launched the XF400mmF4.5 R LM OIS WR, a new super-telephoto prime lens for its X-mount system. Priced at $3,199, the lens offers a 609mm full-frame equivalent focal length and is designed for sports and wildlife photography.
Fujifilm has launched the XF400mmF4.5 R LM OIS WR, a new super-telephoto prime lens for its X-mount cameras. According to a hands-on review by Digital Camera World, the lens is priced at $3,199 and will be available from the end of September. It is the second super-telephoto prime in the current X-mount lineup, positioned alongside the existing XF500mmF5.6 model.
The 400mm focal length provides a 609mm full-frame equivalent reach. The lens can be paired with Fujifilm's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, extending its effective focal length to 853mm and 1,219mm respectively. A comparison with its sibling lens shows key differences in size and specification.
| Feature | XF 400mm F4.5 | XF 500mm F5.6 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/5.6 |
| Weight | 1,245g | Not specified |
| Length | Not specified, but 16mm shorter than 500mm | Not specified |
| ED Elements | 4 ED, 2 super ED | 5 ED, 2 super ED |
Build and Handling
Built to Fujifilm's R-series standard, the lens features a distinctive silvery-white barrel designed to reflect heat. The barrel houses a complex 21-element optical stack in 14 groups, incorporating multiple extra-low dispersion elements to control chromatic aberrations. Fujifilm states the optical design places weight towards the rear for better balance with the camera body.
Three switches are located on the barrel: a focus limit switch, an optical image stabilization (OIS) selector, and a focus preset function. The preset, working with a dedicated 'Set' button, allows photographers to instantly recall a pre-defined focus distance. Autofocus is driven by a linear motor, and the lens offers up to 5.5 stops of image stabilization for handheld use.
The reviewer found the 1,245g lens surprisingly portable and well-balanced when mounted on a Fujifilm X-H2s camera. Weather sealing is comprehensive, with 20 points of protection against dust and moisture. A fluorine coating on the front element helps repel water and resist smudges.
Performance in the Field
Initial testing involved photographing birds of prey at a press event. The reviewer reported "superb" sharpness in the center of the frame even at the maximum f/4.5 aperture. While a definitive lab test for corner sharpness is pending, the performance was promising, with the lens showing good control over fringing in challenging high-contrast scenes.
Autofocus performance was critical for the fast-moving subjects. After dialing in settings on the X-H2s, the reviewer was able to capture sharp images of birds in flight. The autofocus was described as "utterly smooth and essentially silent," keeping pace with the camera's 15 frames-per-second burst mode. The reviewer noted, "I was particularly pleased with the lens's ease of use, even when shooting fast-moving subjects."
Position in the Lineup
The lens fills a niche for photographers seeking a more compact and slightly faster alternative to the XF 500mm f/5.6. While the XF 150-600mm zoom offers greater focal length flexibility, it is larger, heavier, and has a slower variable aperture. The new 400mm prime provides a balance of reach, speed, and portability for dedicated wildlife and sports shooters.
The final performance verdict awaits formal lab testing, but the initial hands-on impression was highly positive. The lens combines premium build quality with excellent image quality and effective stabilization, making handheld super-telephoto photography a practical proposition.
