Fujifilm’s big caliber has finally arrived! Announced in development at the X-Summit in Tokyo last February, the first super-telephoto lens for very large sensor devices has finally been born. The Fujinon GF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR is indeed an exception in a market which generally ranges from ultra-wide-angle to small telephoto portrait lenses.
In the case of this highly demanded lens, according to Fujifilm, the Japanese brand has done its utmost to limit the weight of its lens, and it seems to have done an excellent job.
Not so heavy and expensive compared to the competition!
Imposing with its long sun visor, this GF500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR appears to be a behemoth. Nevertheless, its technical sheet surprises: with only 1.375 kg claimed, this large telephoto lens is surprisingly light thanks to the materials used (polycarbonates, magnesium alloys, etc.).
Here, the work of Fujifilm opticians was also exemplary. If we compare it to two Nikon lenses, the Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S (same equivalent final focal length and 1245 g) and the Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR (same native focal length and 1460 g), this Fujifilm’s jewel weighs more or less the same for a much larger image circle. Better yet, it achieves this feat while being a little more expensive. This does not mean that this telephoto lens is affordable for all budgets. Sold at €3,899, it is a niche lens.
Complex optical formula and 6 IL stabilization
This 500 mm for medium format sensor is equivalent to a 400 mm in 24×36 mm format. If it is compatible with the x1.4 teleconverter, which pushes up to 700 mm (560 mm in 24×36 mm equivalent), we can also count on the cropping capabilities of the 100 Mpx sensors of the GFX boxes to always tease a little plus the 35mm competition.
Like all high-end telephoto lenses, this 500mm is a complex object in terms of lenses. Its optical formula consists of 21 elements divided into 14 groups, with two Super ED (extremely low dispersion) and five classic ED lenses. On the diaphragm side, we count on nine blades – no need to go further, this is not a portrait lens. With a minimum focus of 2.75 m, its magnification coefficient is limited to x0.2, which eliminates the use of proxiphotography. Here, the smallest sensors, like the Micro 4/3, have a big advantage!
In terms of stabilization, Fujifilm only communicates the number of speeds combining that of the body and the optics. The manufacturer still promises 6 IL in compensation. Given the very good increase in sensitivity of the latest sensor (integrated in the GFX100 II and GFX100S II), sports and nature photography practices are now within reach of the world of very large sensors. While there is no doubt that the 24×36 mm ecosystem, more mature and faster due to the smaller size of the sensor, remains largely dominant in these uses (the minimum AF of this 500 mm is only 0, 31 s), certain demanding photographers will now be able to benefit from the incredible image quality of the GFX sensor. A competition supplement that can only benefit practice. The more choices and options, the better.
All-weather certified with its 18 waterproofing points, equipped with a front lens with a protective fluorine coating, this 500 mm has all the trappings of an outdoor lens and should meet the requirements of field photographers.
As we have seen, however, we will have to loosen our purses: scheduled to arrive in stores on June 17, the Fujinon GF 500 mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR will be priced at €3,899 including tax.