Fujifilm has announced the release of two exciting new lenses designed to enhance the capabilities of its X-series system cameras, which feature APS-C sensors. These new additions cater to both everyday photography and specialized needs, appealing to a broad range of photographers, from wildlife enthusiasts to videographers.
The first of these lenses is the XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II, a standard zoom lens that has been significantly refined from its predecessor. This new model is designed to be lighter and more compact, making it a convenient choice for photographers who prefer to have their gear on hand at all times. With a focal length range of 16 to 55 millimeters (equivalent to 24-83mm in full-frame), this lens covers a versatile spectrum from wide-angle to light telephoto. This makes it ideal for various shooting situations, whether capturing landscapes or portraits.
One of the standout features of the XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II is its improved optical performance. The lens has been engineered to produce a more pleasing bokeh, characterized by softer transitions and the absence of distracting rings. Additionally, the closest focusing distance has been significantly reduced to just 30 centimeters, allowing for more creative compositions and close-up shots.
Videographers will find this lens particularly appealing due to its mechanical deactivation of the aperture stop, which facilitates quiet and stepless aperture adjustments. This feature is crucial for recording video, as it minimizes any unwanted sounds that could interfere with the audio quality of the footage.
The XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II is set to hit the shelves in December 2024, with a retail price of approximately 1,350 euros.
The second lens unveiled by Fujifilm is the XF500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR, which boasts the longest telephoto focal length in the X system to date. Weighing in at just 1,335 grams, this lens is surprisingly lightweight for its class. With a focal length of 500 millimeters (equivalent to about 760 millimeters in full-frame), it is designed for capturing distant subjects, making it an excellent choice for wildlife and sports photographers.
For those looking to extend their reach even further, the XF500mm F5.6 can be paired with a teleconverter. This lens features an advanced image stabilization system that allows for longer exposure times, providing more flexibility when shooting handheld or in challenging conditions. The optical design has been optimized to minimize chromatic aberrations, a common issue in telephoto photography, ensuring cleaner and sharper images.
Built for outdoor use, the XF500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR is both dust and splash-proof, allowing photographers to work confidently in various environments, even in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. A notable feature of this lens is the focus preset button, which allows users to lock focus at a specific distance. This is particularly beneficial for capturing sequences of images where the subject is consistently in the same focal plane, such as animals in motion.
The autofocus system is driven by a fast and quiet linear motor, ensuring quick and accurate focusing, which is essential when photographing fast-moving subjects.
The XF500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR is expected to be available in November 2024, with a price tag of around 3,400 euros.
With these two new releases, Fujifilm continues to expand its lens offerings for the X-series, providing photographers with versatile tools to enhance their creative expression and capture stunning images in a variety of scenarios.
