Fujifilm XF500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR review

What is the Fujifilm XF500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR?

The XF500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR marks a significant step forward for Fujifilm, particularly for sports and wildlife photography. With its 762mm equivalent focal length (extendable even further with a teleconverter) and wide maximum aperture, it strikes the perfect balance.

Fujifilm’s X Series has proved a truly formidable system. As sensor technology continues to advance, the APS-C format is increasingly difficult to dismiss – and the latest X-Trans sensor is a testament to that fact.

With its 40-megapixel resolution, high readout speeds and great low-light performance, it is a force to be reckoned with. When combined with the excellent XF lens line-up, Fujifilm has a winning formula. This is very important in a market where portability is a crucial factor in attracting users graduating from pocket-sized smartphones.

Having said all that, one area where the brand has always struggled is the professional sports and wildlife genres. While the XF200mm f/2 is an absolutely gorgeous bit of kit, it’s just not quite close enough. The same could be said for the XF100-400mm, while the XF150-600mm f/5.6-8 may leave many pros wanting for speed at the long end.

The XF500mm f/5.6 presents a great solution, offering a better balance of performance and portability.

What are the key features of the Fujifilm XF500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR?

The XF500mm f/5.6 attached to the X-H2 camera was tested to uncover why this lens is making waves in sports and wildlife photography.

Size & handling

The first and most important thing to highlight is the weight – when I first picked the lens up, I almost threw it over my shoulder! OK, that’s a bit dramatic, but you get my point: it’s unexpectedly light.

Fujifilm attributes this portability to making each element as small and thin as possible. It says it has achieved without sacrificing quality through ‘careful positioning of aspherical and ED elements’, with two and five of each respectively.

I found it to be comfortable handheld, mainly down to the light weight. But at the end of the day, 1.3kg is 1.3kg, so the inclusion of a foot and collar complete with strap lugs is welcome – especially on long days.

The lens only measures 104.5×255.5mm, but despite its compact form, the XF500mm f/5.6 certainly isn’t short on features.

Optical stabilisation

Inside, you have 21 elements in 14 groups, 5.5 stops of optical stabilisation and a high-performance focusing system driven by a linear motor.

During testing, I spent much of my time using the lens handheld, and the stabilisation saved me on more occasions than I’d like to admit.

Focusing speed

Focusing speeds were fast, with a particularly respectable hit rate. This was aided by the inclusion of an on-barrel switch to limit autofocus distance to 5m+.

Other features

With wildlife and sports photography in mind, the XF500 f/5.6 excels in several key areas.

Usability is complemented by programmable AF preset buttons. These are positioned at four locations around the barrel for ease of access, regardless of orientation.

When it comes to quality, there is not much to report… in a good way. Distortion and colour fringing are negligible, and the sharpness was spot on as far as I could see.

Overall, I had a great experience with this lens; I would urge you to give it a try, but don’t throw it over your shoulder!

Fujifilm XF500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR price and availability

The Fujifilm XF500mm F/5.6 R LM OIS WR is available to buy, with a starting price of £2899

For more information visit the Fujifilm website.