Fujifilm launches XF 400mm f/4.5 prime lens for X-Mount
Fujifilm has announced a new 400mm f/4.5 telephoto prime lens for its X-Mount cameras, positioned as a lighter, brighter alternative to telephoto zooms for
Fujifilm announced the XF 400mm f/4.5 R LM OIS WR lens on September 4. The lens is priced at $3,199 and is expected to begin shipping in mid-September.
Designed for Fujifilm's X-Mount APS-C cameras, the new prime lens offers a 609mm full-frame equivalent focal length. It slots into the lineup between the existing 200mm f/2 and 500mm f/5.6 prime lenses. Fujifilm states the lens is intended to fill a gap, providing a brighter aperture than the 500mm f/5.6 for tighter sports venues and a lighter profile for wildlife photographers on the move.
Specifications and Design
The lens construction uses 21 elements arranged in 14 groups. Its optical image stabilization system is rated for up to 5.5 stops of shake correction. A linear motor drives the autofocus, which Fujifilm says is built for both quiet and quick performance. The minimum focus distance allows for 0.16x magnification.
Weighing 1245 grams (2.74 lbs), the new 400mm f/4.5 is about seven percent lighter than Fujifilm's 500mm f/5.6 lens. It also represents a nearly ten percent weight saving compared to the company's XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 zoom. The internal design is weighted towards the lens mount to improve balance with the camera body.
Build and Compatibility
Weather-sealing is applied at 20 points on the lens barrel. The design includes an Arca-Swiss compatible tripod foot. A bank of physical controls offers switches and buttons for functions like stabilization mode, focus limiter, and preset autofocus.
The lens is compatible with Fujifilm's XF 1.4x and XF 2.0x teleconverters. Using these extenders increases the effective focal length when mounted on Fujifilm's APS-C sensor cameras.
Comparative Lens Data
A comparison of key Fujifilm telephoto lenses, as detailed in the source report, shows the new lens's position in the lineup.
| Model | Aperture | Weight | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| XF 200mm f/2 R LM OIS WR | f/2 | Not specified in source | Fast aperture prime |
| XF 400mm f/4.5 R LM OIS WR | f/4.5 | 1245g / 2.74lbs | New mid-range prime |
| XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR | f/5.6 | Heavier than 400mm (exact weight not compared) | Longest reach prime |
| XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR | f/4.5-5.6 | Heavier than 400mm (exact weight not compared) | Versatile zoom |
Official Statement and Positioning
Victor Ha, vice president and general manager of the electronic imaging division for Fujifilm North America, commented on the lens's design philosophy. "XF400mm lets photographers stay mobile and react to what's in front of them, and they don't have to trade image quality to do it," Ha said. He described the balance of size and performance as the creative advantage for super telephoto lenses, calling the XF400mm "lightweight, compact, powerful."
The lens is presented as a native prime alternative to telephoto zooms, emphasizing sharper optics and a constant f/4.5 aperture. It is aimed directly at photographers covering sports and wildlife who prioritize mobility without sacrificing optical performance. The report from Digital Camera World notes the lens's length is nearly the same as the Fujifilm 100-400mm zoom, despite being a fixed focal length design.
