Fujifilm has launched its new FUJINON XF 400mm F4.5 R LM OIS WR, a super-telephoto prime lens developed for its X Series mirrorless cameras.
With a 400mm focal length, equivalent to 609mm on a 35mm full-frame camera, and a maximum aperture of F4.5, the lens sits at the longer end of Fujifilm’s XF system. Yet despite its substantial reach, it weighs approximately 1,245g, making portability one of its defining features.
That combination should make it particularly relevant to wildlife, motorsport and aviation photographers, where subjects are often distant, moving quickly and rarely considerate enough to wait while you set up a tripod.
609mm-equivalent reach without the usual bulk
Super-telephoto photography has always involved gaining reach, but usually at the expense of size and weight. Large full-frame telephoto lenses can become formidable pieces of equipment, particularly once their apertures grow wide enough for serious action photography.
Fujifilm has taken advantage of the X Series’ APS-C sensor format here. Its 1.5x crop factor means the XF 400mm F4.5 produces a field of view equivalent to a 609mm lens on a full-frame camera without requiring the same physical dimensions.
At roughly 1.25kg, it remains a substantial lens, certainly, but not one that automatically demands its own gym programme.
Fujifilm has also paid attention to balance. Super-telephoto lenses often carry much of their mass towards the front, which can become tiring during prolonged handheld shooting. The XF 400mm F4.5 uses an optical layout that places its centre of gravity closer to the camera body, helping the combination feel less nose-heavy.
Built for optical performance
Inside the XF 400mm F4.5 is a 21-element optical construction arranged across 14 groups.
Among those are two Super ED and four ED elements, which are used to suppress chromatic aberration. Fujifilm says the new lens delivers the highest optical performance in the XF range, with an emphasis on retaining fine detail even at considerable distances.
At F4.5, the lens also provides a relatively bright maximum aperture for its focal length. That should give photographers more flexibility when shutter speeds need to remain high, whether freezing a bird in flight or capturing a racing car without turning its wheels into abstract art.
Even more reach with teleconverters
The XF 400mm F4.5 is compatible with Fujifilm’s existing XF teleconverters, allowing photographers to extend its reach considerably without changing lenses.
With the FUJINON XF1.4X TC WR fitted, the lens becomes a 560mm optic, delivering an 853mm-equivalent field of view in full-frame terms. Add the XF2X TC WR instead and the focal length extends to 800mm, equivalent to an extraordinary 1,219mm on a 35mm system.
5.5 stops of image stabilisation and fast autofocus
Fujifilm has equipped the XF 400mm F4.5 with an optical image stabilisation system rated at up to 5.5 stops.
The XF 400mm F4.5 uses an internal focusing mechanism, which allows Fujifilm to keep the moving focus group smaller and lighter. That group is driven by a high-speed linear motor intended to provide quick, quiet and accurate autofocus.
There is also a focus preset function. Photographers can save a predetermined focus distance using the SET button and then return to it immediately.
A Focus Control Button positioned towards the front of the barrel can also be assigned through the Focus Select Switch to AF-L, PRESET or AF functions, keeping frequently used controls close to the photographer’s supporting hand.
Built to leave the studio
The XF 400mm F4.5 incorporates weather sealing at 20 points around the barrel, providing resistance against dust and moisture. It is also designed to operate at temperatures down to -10 deg C.
The front element receives a fluorine coating to repel water and reduce the tendency for dirt and fingerprints to adhere to the glass.
Completing Fujifilm’s long-lens range
The XF 400mm F4.5 also fills an important gap in Fujifilm’s wider lens catalogue.
With its introduction, the company says its range of large-aperture super-telephoto primes now covers full-frame-equivalent focal lengths from roughly 300mm to 762mm.
That gives X Series photographers a broader choice of dedicated long lenses depending on how much reach, aperture and portability they require.
Liked this? Check out more articles on Futr tech here.
