Fujifilm brings in new lenses

Fujifilm has introduced lenses to its X- and GFX-systems including the much anticipated 70-300mm long telephoto zoom

Alex Fice|27.01.2021

4 min read

New Fujifilm lenses are coming to both the brand’s X Series and GFX system, including the much-anticipated 70-300mm long telephoto zoom.

Fujifilm’s lens roadmap for the X Series features three lenses destined for a 2021 launch. Two Fujifilm lenses have been confirmed to reach the shops this March: the XF27mm f/2.8 R WR and the XF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 LM OIS WR.

The XF27mm f/2.8 R WR pancake-style lens – equivalent to a 41mm lens in the 35mm format – is optically the same as the original XF27mm f/2.8, with a construction of seven elements in five group construction with one aspherical lens. The new lens has gained an aperture ring with lockable A position, weather resistance and fast AF. This pancake lens weighs just 84g, measures just 23mm long and accepts 39mm fit filters, so it’s the perfect lens when you want to travel really light with an X Series camera. It’ll be on sale from 18 March and is priced at £419, coming complete with a dome-shaped lens hood.

The XF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 LM OIS WR is an important lens, because it fills a need for a compact long telephoto zoom in the Fujifilm X Series lens offering. In the 35mm format, this lens is equivalent to a 107-457mm focal length, so it’s ideal for nature and sports photography.

Physically, the XF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 sports a 17 elements in 12 groups construction, including one aspherical and two ED lenses, an optical image stabiliser with a 5.5EV benefit, weather resistance and a filter thread size of 67mm. Weighing 580g and 132.5mm in length, this lens is portable and compact, too.

It’s also compatible with Fujifilm’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverter. With the latter fitted, the XF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 at 300mm gives the 35mm equivalent of a 914mm focal length.

Other key features to note include an aperture ring with an A position lock, linear motor for super smooth, quick and quiet AF and a minimum focusing distance of 83cm, giving a magnification of 1:33x (equivalent to 1:2 half life-size in the 35mm format).

This new lens has a guide price of £729 and sales start from 18 March 2021.

Also among the new Fujifilm lenses was the GF80mm f/1.7 R WR for the Fujifilm GFX system, to go on sale on 4 March 2021 at a price of £2099. This lens is the world’s fastest aperture AF lens for a medium format system and gives a focal length equivalent of 63mm with the 35mm system, making it ideal for a wide range of subject matter.

The optical construction comprises 12 elements in nine groups, including one aspherical element and two Super ED elements to deliver high image quality across the whole frame at all apertures, control aberrations and give a lovely, smooth bokeh.

Autofocusing is performed by a powerful DC motor to drive the focus group of six elements and the lens supports face/eye AF.

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