Fujifilm launches the FUJINON XF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR

October 14, 2024 Ben Jones

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Super-telephoto lens that redefines portability.
The pinnacle of optical performance in a compact form.

FUJIFILM Corporation today announces the launch of the FUJINON XF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens (XF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR). The new lens joins the extensive lineup of interchangeable XF lenses designed for Fujifilm’s X Series mirrorless digital cameras, renowned for their compact, lightweight design and outstanding image quality delivered with Fujifilm’s proprietary colour reproduction technology. The lens will be available from 28 November 2024.

he XF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR is a super-telephoto prime lens offering an impressive 500mm focal length (equivalent to 762mm in 35mm format) with an aperture of F5.6. This lens represents the pinnacle of optical performance within the XF lens lineup. Leveraging the benefits of the APS-C format, which provides a 1.5x crop factor equivalent, it delivers exceptional image magnification. Despite being a super-telephoto lens, it comes in a lightweight and compact design, weighing approximately 1,335g1.

This lens is particularly well-suited for capturing images of birds, wildlife and aircraft, offering outstanding mobility that redefines the conventions of super-telephoto lenses. Its superior resolving power and portability make high-quality telephoto photography more accessible than ever.

When combined with a teleconverter, the XF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR offers even greater flexibility in focal length. Using the FUJINON Teleconverter XF1.4X TC WR, the lens extends to a maximum focal length of 700mm (equivalent to 1,067mm in 35mm format). With the FUJINON Teleconverter XF2.0X TC WR, it reaches a maximum focal length of 1,000mm (equivalent to 1,524mm in 35mm format).

Additionally, the enhanced precision in image stabilisation detection and optimal mechanical design contribute to a powerful 5.5-stop2 optical image stabilisation system. This ensures sharp and stable images, even at extended focal lengths.

Product Features

1) Pinnacle of optical performance

The XF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR achieves the longest focal length in the XF lens lineup for prime lenses3, offering an impressive 500mm (equivalent to 762mm in 35mm format) with an aperture of F5.6. This makes it ideal for capturing sports, wildlife and aircraft photography.

When paired with a teleconverter, the lens’ focal length can be extended further. Using the FUJINON Teleconverter XF1.4X TC WR, the lens reaches a maximum focal length of 700mm (equivalent to 1,067mm in 35mm format), and with the FUJINON Teleconverter XF2X TC WR, it extends to 1,000mm (equivalent to 1,524mm in 35mm format).

The lens features a luxurious construction with 21 elements in 14 groups, including two Super ED lenses and five ED lenses. This advanced optical design thoroughly suppresses chromatic aberration, which is commonly associated with super-telephoto lenses, to achieve exceptional resolving power. It captures an extraordinary amount of detail, beyond what the naked eye can see, inherent to super-telephoto photography.

2) Exceptional portability and superior resolution redefining super-telephoto lenses

Leveraging the APS-C format, which provides a 1.5x crop factor equivalent, the XF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR maintains a compact and lightweight design with a reduced weight of approximately 1,335g, despite achieving a focal length equivalent to 762mm (35mm format) at F5.6. Its precise mechanical design ensures both high mobility and premium resolving power by minimising chromatic aberration through the optimal arrangement of ED and Super ED lenses.

Even though super-telephoto lenses tend to have heavier front elements, the optimal lens arrangement in this model ensures balanced weight distribution for a comfortable and stable hold, allowing users to enjoy super-telephoto photography with greater ease.

The lens features a dust and weather-resistant structure with 20 sealing points on the barrel and can operate in temperatures as low as -10°C. Furthermore, the front element is fluorine-coated, providing hydrophobic and anti-stain properties. This makes the lens reliable for extended shooting sessions in harsh weather conditions.

3) Powerful 5.5-stop optical image stabilisation performance

Enhanced sensing accuracy and an optimised mechanical design ensure a powerful 5.5-stop optical image stabilisation system. This allows comfortable handheld shooting in the super-telephoto range, which is typically susceptible to camera shake.

4) Comfortable operation and high-speed, silent, precise autofocus

The use of an inner focus system allows a compact and lightweight focus lens assembly. Combined with a high-speed linear motor, it enables a fast and silent autofocus, achieving a focus speed as quick as 0.33 seconds4. This ensures that even in the super-telephoto range, where precise focus is crucial, subjects can be captured swiftly and accurately, preventing any missed opportunities.

The Focus Preset function enables the focus to be shifted to a location pre-defined with the Focus Preset button. This reduces the photographer’s workload as they no longer need to re-adjust focus on a targeted subject.

The lens also features the Focus Limiter5, allowing users to restrict the lens’ AF range. This can effectively shorten AF time when photographing a subject that is five metres away or more.

The Focus Control button is placed at the front edge of the lens barrel. Press this button to instantly recall a function you have assigned with the Focus Selector for smooth AF operation.