Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens Review

Fujifilm’s XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR represents a significant milestone in the X-mount lineup, bringing true super-telephoto capabilities to the system. This lens aims to balance extreme reach with portability, a combination that has long been challenging in the world of super-telephoto optics.

Design and Build:

At 1,335g, the XF 500mm F5.6 is remarkably lightweight for a lens of this focal length. While not small by any means (104.5mm x 255.5mm), it’s considerably more manageable than many full-frame equivalents. The lens features a robust weather-resistant construction with 20 sealing points, ensuring reliability in challenging conditions. The fluorine coating on the front element adds protection against moisture and smudges.

Optical Performance:

The lens configuration of 21 elements in 14 groups, including five ED and two super ED elements, speaks to Fujifilm’s commitment to image quality. This design effectively suppresses chromatic aberration, a common issue in super-telephoto lenses. In practice, the lens delivers exceptional sharpness and contrast, even wide open at F5.6. The nine-blade aperture contributes to smooth, pleasing bokeh, which is particularly noticeable when isolating distant subjects.

Autofocus and Stabilisation:

The XF 500mm F5.6 employs a high-speed linear motor for autofocus, achieving focus speeds as quick as 0.33 seconds. This rapid and silent AF is crucial for wildlife and sports photography. The lens also features a Focus Preset function and a Focus Limiter, enhancing operational efficiency in the field.

Perhaps most impressive is the 5.5-stop optical image stabilisation system. This powerful OIS significantly increases the lens’s hand-holdability, a critical factor given its focal length. Users report being able to achieve sharp images at surprisingly slow shutter speeds, expanding the lens’s versatility in challenging light conditions.

Versatility and Handling:

Despite its length, the XF 500mm F5.6 is well-balanced, especially when paired with Fujifilm’s higher-end bodies. The inclusion of a removable tripod foot is appreciated for those times when support is needed. The lens is also compatible with Fujifilm’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, extending its reach to 700mm and 1000mm respectively (1067mm and 1524mm full-frame equivalent), albeit with some loss in maximum aperture.

Image Quality:

The resolving power of this lens is impressive. It captures details beyond what the naked eye can see, living up to the promise of super-telephoto photography. The colour rendition is excellent, as expected from Fujifilm optics, and the lens handles high-contrast scenes well.

Who Is It For? The Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR is ideal for:

Wildlife photographers who need extreme reach without excessive bulk
Sports photographers, especially those covering outdoor events
Advanced enthusiasts looking to explore super-telephoto photography
Fujifilm users who have been waiting for a native long telephoto option

The XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR is a testament to Fujifilm’s optical engineering prowess. It brings true super-telephoto capabilities to the X-mount system in a package that, while not small, is remarkably portable for its class. The combination of exceptional optical quality, effective stabilization, and weather sealing makes it a versatile tool for capturing distant subjects in various conditions.

While the price point places it firmly in the professional or serious enthusiast category, for those who need this focal length, the lens delivers outstanding performance. It not only fills a significant gap in Fujifilm’s lineup but does so in a way that aligns with the brand’s reputation for quality and innovation.

The XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR is more than just a lens; it’s a gateway to a new realm of photographic possibilities for Fujifilm shooters. Whether you’re tracking birds in flight, capturing decisive moments in a distant sporting event, or isolating details in a landscape, this lens provides the reach and quality to bring your vision to life.