Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R OIS WR Review

Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR Handling and Features

The new Fujinon lens is reasonably compact for its focal length range, equivalent to 152-609mm in 35mm-format terms. This is an amazing range on APS-C format and gives us a very powerful telephoto zoom, that nonetheless balances very well using the Fujifilm X-Pro2 body supplied for this review.

From the front of the lens moving back to the camera body, we first have the very substantial bayonet fit lens hood, very deep and highly effective. It clicks into place easily and firmly and has a catch that has to be depressed to remove it. There is also a window provided to allow access to rotating filters such as polarisers. This is better than a removable cover, as found on some other marques, as there is no piece of plastic to lose. The filter thread is 77mm.

We then encounter a generous manual focusing ring, followed by an even more generous zoom ring, complete with a lock that is hardly necessary as there is no evidence of zoom creep. Behind the zoom ring is a small ring used to control the aperture, although this clearly works electronically. We can choose whether the lens or the camera adjusts the aperture and that control is on the lens, more of which in a moment.

Next up is the collar for tripod mounting. There is a substantial tripod foot which is removable. The collar has a knurled knob that allows the camera and lens to be rotated for portrait format shots as required. This is all sturdy and stable and is very useful indeed when using a tripod. Finally, the lens controls are nearest the mount. OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation) on/off, a switch to choose between lens or camera control of aperture and a focus limiter to engage 5m to infinity or full AF ranges. The strong metal mount completes the picture and the lens is definitely heavy enough at 1375g to warrant always picking the kit up by the lens rather than the camera body.

The lens is Weather Resistant, a most welcome feature, having 13 seals to prevent the ingress of water and dust. It also has a fluorine coated front element, which repels moisture and grease. Twin linear motors provide the AF function, silently and efficiently. It is also cold resistant down to -10C.

Lens construction is 21 elements in 14 groups, with five ED (extra low dispersion) and one Super ED element. The nine bladed diaphragm promises smoother bokeh. Focusing down to 1.75m, 0.19x magnification, allows a good degree of close focus and makes the lens much more versatile. There is an XF 1.4x TC WR converter that matches the lens, although this was not provided at the time of review.

Add your message