First Look: The Fujifilm XF 400mm f4.5 R LM OIS WR Lens

Fujifilm has added a 400mm f4.5 to the XF line. On an APS-C sensor it frames like a 609mm lens on full frame, and it does that at 1245 g (2.74 lb) and 9.4 inches long. For a lens with this much reach, those two numbers are rather impressive. The barrel is weather-resistant, autofocus runs on a linear motor with focus presets, and there is up to 5.5 stops of optical stabilization behind it, which together make handheld work at 600mm equivalent a reasonable proposition rather than a feat of strength.

We had time with it before the announcement and put it on the Fujifilm X-H2, Fujifilm’s performance-focused flagship. That is the body this lens wants: the drive speed for subjects that do not hold still, and a grip and control layout that can carry something this long. What the pairing gets you is roughly a 600mm kit at a weight and a price a full-frame 600mm setup does not come close to. This is the beauty of Fujifilm’s APS-C focused X-series system when it comes to long lenses like the 400m f4.5 R LM OIS WR.

Against the XF 500mm f5.6

Anyone already in the Fujifilm system is going to put these two side by side, so we did a quick calculation on how these two lenses stack up.

Both are 21 elements in 14 groups. Both are 104.5mm across, both take 95mm filters, both carry up to 5.5 stops of stabilization, both stop down to F22 on 9 rounded blades, both focus no closer than 2.75 m, and both ship with the same caps, hood, pouch, collar foot, and strap. The 500mm carries one more ED element (5 against 4). That is the extent of the family resemblance, and it is most of the spec sheet, but how would they really stack up in real life?

Order the Fujifilm XF 500mm f5.6 R LM OIS WR here from Camera West.

In real life, these two lenses are going to fit different sets of user needs. The main difference one might want to consider is that the 400mm is going to be a little bit faster at f/4.5 vs f/5.6 while being a little lighter. Additionally, the 400mm might work best for those looking to add the XF1.4X TC WR and XF2X TC WR teleconverters to add to the kit to get a specific focal range set they are comfortable with in their kit.

The feature breakdown

• 609mm equivalent. 400mm on X Mount, 4.1 degree angle of view.
• f4.5 to f22, 9 rounded blades, aperture in 1/3 EV steps across 15 stops.
• 21 elements in 14 groups, with 4 ED and 2 Super ED elements and Super EBC coating to hold down ghosting and flare.
• Up to 5.5 stops of optical image stabilization.
• Linear AF motor with focus presets, so you can park the lens on a range you have already chosen instead of letting it hunt from scratch.
• Weather-resistant construction, at its best on a weather-resistant X Series body.
• 1245 g (2.74 lb), 9.4 in (239.5 mm) long, 104mm diameter, 95mm filter thread.
• Minimum focus 108.3 in (275 cm), 0.16x maximum magnification. This is not a lens for anything close.
• Teleconverter ready. Takes the XF1.4X TC WR and XF2X TC WR, which puts you at roughly 850mm and 1200mm equivalent.

X-H2 · f/5 · 1/500 · ISO 1600 · 400mm

Photos by Zoe Libby

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Click here to order the FUJINON XF400mmF4.5 R LM OIS WR at Camera West

If you are weighing it against the Fujifilm 500mm XF lens, or have any other questions concerning Fujifilm products, we are here to help.