Hands On | Fujifilm | London

Fixation and Fujifilm are offering a free demonstration event showcasing Fujifilm’s superb X-series including the new Fujifilm X-T5 camera and XF 30mm f2.8 lens alongside the wider X and GFX ranges of camera bodies and lenses on hand for you to try. Join Fujifilm Product Specialist Carol Hartfree who will be demonstrating the X system cameras.

This is a great chance to try the new X-T5 from Fujifilm before it hits the shop shelves. Fujifilm will also be able to take you through all the features of the XF lenses and offer advice on which products suit your needs.

No booking is required.

Fujifilm X-T5 Camera Body

The X-T5 is Fujifilm’s next flagship mirrorless camera. With its refined design, structure and internal upgrades, the X-T5 is optimised for stills photography. It’s packed with a 40MP sensor, a powerful processing engine and next-level AF performance that provides superior operation and efficiency over its predecessors featuring:

  • 40MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor
  • High-speed X-Processor 5 image processing engine
  • Pixel Shift Multi-Shot quadruples image resolution 
  • Records stunning 10-bit 4:2:2 video at 6.2K/30P
  • 5-axis in-body image stabilisation up to 7 stops
  • Impressive animal and bird subject detection

Fujifilm XF 30mm f2.8 R LM WR Macro Lens

Fujifilm has also launched the XF 30mm f2.8 R LM WR Macro lens. Joining the esteemed XF lineup, this lens offers impressive versatility with a 1:1 macro magnification ratio and pin-sharp image-taking across a range of subjects. Thanks to its intricate optical structure, this lens offers the high-resolution quality we have come to expect from Fujifilm.

  • Highly versatile standard prime XF lens
  • 46mm full-frame equivalent focal length
  • Exceptional image quality and performance
  • 1:1 magnification ratio for macro shooting
  • A rapid linear motor Inner Focus system
  • Weather-resistant build, weighing 195g
FUJIFILM GFX50S II MIRRORLESS DIGITAL CAMERA

Fujifilm GFX50S II Mirrorless Digital Camera, GF and XF Lenses

The GFX50S II is the latest addition to the GFX Series of mirrorless digital cameras range from Fuji which is equipped with a 51 megapixel medium format sensor. As well as the new camera body Fujifilm adds a GF 35-70mm zoom lens for medium format and two XF lenses for the APS-C Crop sensor X series camera bodies.

For more information or to place an order contact our sales team on 0207 582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com

Fujifilm GFX50S II

The GFX range from Fujifilm are mirrorless cameras with a sensor larger than those found in many full-frame 35mm DSLR or mirrorless digital cameras. The GFX 50S II has the same tried and tested 51.4 megapixel sensor as it’s predecessor GFX50S with some significant improvements to key features:

The GFX 50S II camera body with a lens attached.

Lighter, weather sealed camera body

The GFX50S II weighs only 900g, the electronic viewfinder is now built into the camera body and weather sealed buttons and controls allow the camera to be used in tough conditions.

5 Axis IBIS image stabilisation

The high resolution sensor sits on a powerful five-axis in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) mechanism to smooth out camera shake. The gyro sensor that detects movement has been designed to boost its detection accuracy for precise image stabilization. That provides up to 6.5 stops of anti-shake advantage, when mounted with the FUJINON Lens GF63mmF2.8 R WR and will enhance the ease of using all lenses shooting handheld.

Pixel Shift

For ultra-high resolution the GFX50S II can produce up to 200 megapixel images by combining multiple shots. As well as increasing the available file size, image reproduction or cropping options the combined image processing can help to reduce lens artifacts such as chromatic aberration.

Improved AF

The Focus performance has been improved on the GFX50S II: The image processing and on-sensor phase detection AF runs through the “X-processor 4″ processing engine with an improved algorithm which gives a faster sample rate. The new IBIS stabilizes the during focusing to improve the lock-on speed for more reliable focus results.

[gdlr_divider type=”solid” size=”50%” ]

FUJINON Lens GF35-70mm F4.5-5.6 WR

Fujinon GF 35-70mm f4.5-5.6 WR Lens

This palm-size GF zoom lens boasts of being the smallest and lightest in the GF zoom series. A compact and lightweight zoom lens, weighing approximately 390g, with outstanding image-resolving performance and focal length range covering from the most frequently-used 35mm in wide angle to the standard 70mm. The lens offers the minimum working distance of 35cm across its zoom range, enabling a close-up shot of a subject approximately 25cm from the front-most element of the lens. This gives the lens the ability to cater to a variety of situations at a preferred angle of view. The lens has a dust- and moisture-resistant construction and can operate at temperatures as low as -10℃ and is unaffected by rain.

FUJINON Lens XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR

Fujinon XF 33mm f1.4 R LM WR Lens

The new addition to the line-up of interchangeable XF lenses designed for the X Series of mirrorless digital cameras, known for their outstanding image quality based on Fujifilm’s proprietary colour reproduction technology.

The XF33mmF1.4 is a highly versatile standard prime lens with the focal length equivalent to 50mm in the 35mm film format, making it an essential new-generation lens for all X Mount users. The X Mount format has undergone continuous development in pursuit for advanced image quality. This lens has been designed to support camera sensors of even greater resolution to be developed in the future, offering exceptional image sharpness and advanced image-resolving performance even when wide open. It also offers impressive mobility and is equipped with a silent, fast and highly accurate AF system driven by a linear motor, enabling tack-sharp focus in stills and smooth focusing in video recording. The ruggedized dust- and moisture-resistant design comes in X Mount’s signature portability, weighing approximately 360g and measuring 73.5mm in length and 58mm in filter thread.

FUJINON Lens XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR

Fujinon XF 23mm f1.4 R LM WR Lens

The XF23mmF1.4 is a new-generation prime lens, designed with a view to support future camera sensors of even greater resolution, which features a fast and highly-accurate AF in compact, lightweight and ruggedized construction to take advantage of the fully overhauled optical performance in stills, video and all shooting situations. With the highly-versatile wide focal length of 23mm (equivalent to 35mm in the 35mm film format), the lens boasts uncompromising optical performance to deliver incredible sharpness even when wide open at F1.4. It controls camera shake and digital noise in low light, giving users flexibility on when to shoot. Its shallow-depth of field renders the background out-of-focus for creamy bokeh, adding three-dimensional definitions to the main subject. The use of nine aperture blades ensures nearly round shape bokeh effect even around the maximum aperture. The lens is easy to handle despite being a large-aperture prime, weighing approximately 375g and measuring 77.8mm long with the filter thread size of 58mm. The XF23mmF1.4 rewrites the existing benchmark to drive the evolution of the X Series for the next decade and beyond.

FUJIFILM GFX 100S AND X-E4

Fujifilm GFX 100S and X-E4

Fujifilm has announced two new cameras: the GFX 100S medium format mirrorless camera, and the X-E4 an X series mirrorless APS-C sensor camera body. Both have an impressive specification seen in flagship models, squeezed into a smaller build. The full feature set of the GFX100 has been re-engineered to fit within the smaller, lighter body of the new GFX 100S. In a similar fashion the X-E4 has the same sensor and processor as the flagship X-Pro3, again in a more compact design.

Both camera bodies are more affordable then their flagship counterparts making them lighter on the wallet as well as lighter in your camera bag.

New Fujifilm camera bodies: GFX100S (left), X-E4 (right)

Fujifilm GFX100S Features

The GFX100S has at its heart a 102 megapixel medium format sensor. The sensors in the Fujifilm GFX series are 1.7x larger than the full-frame 35mm sensor seen in Canon, Sony and Nikon flagship bodies. Medium format digital sensors offer a different quality of image closer to that achieved with medium format analogue camera bodies such as the film cameras from Hasselblad, Mamiya and Fujifilm in the past. A large lens mount is needed for such a large sensor and the GFX100S has a reinforced chassis which is 1mm thicker around the mount while the camera is overall 500g lighter than the GFX100. The increased density at the lens mount gives greater support for larger GF lenses.

X-Processor 4 is the engine behind the impressive 102 megapixel sensor. It powers the on-sensor phase detection auto-focus making this camera versatile, accurate and very fast. The shutter unit has been re-designed and the in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) unit is a new design which is 20% smaller and 10% lighter than the IBIS in the GFX100 while delivering 6 stops of image stabilisation.

The large sensor is also capable of recording 4k30p video at 16:9 or 17:9 aspect ratios, and can record 10 bit F-Log to an internal SD card or output 12bit ProRes RAW via the HDMI port to an external recorder. 12 bit RAW footage can be output via HDMI to an Atomos Ninja V recorder to eliminate in-camera image processing and offer you freedom to make decision in post.

Fujifilm X-E4 Features

The Fujifilm X-E4 is a lightweight, rangefinder-styled camera built around the latest X-Trans 26.1MP CMOS 4 sensor and the X-Processor 4. With Fujifilm’s latest sensor and processor combined the X-E4 inherits features from the most recent Fujifilm cameras, including an updated AF system, 4K video recording and fast burst shooting rates. If you shoot to JPEG, there are now eighteen of Fujifilm’s film simulation modes to choose from.

The X-E4 has a tilting LCD screen which can be flipped to 180 degrees for forward facing monitoring. The AF system can achieve focus in 0.02 seconds and uses an advanced tracking algorithm to hold focus on moving subjects.

When recording video the X-E4 oversamples 6k footage to record 4k30p 4:2:0 8-bit in camera, or to output 4k30p 4:2:2 10-bit via HDMI.

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO FUJIFILM X LENSES

The complete guide to Fujifilm X lenses

What’s the best thing about being a Fujifilm photographer? Well, there’s the retro styling of all the chic mirrorless cameras, there’s the tactile control system that makes photography fun again, there’s the film simulation modes that harken back to the photography of yesteryear. But if we were pushed, we’d have to say it’s the lenses.

Fujifilm has a fantastic range of lenses in its X series. Pin-sharp and fast-focusing, its lenses cover a comprehensive range of focal lengths, ensuring all photographers and videographers are catered for. Fuji has done a terrific job of filling out both its high-quality professional end and its affordable entry-level end, so there really is something for everyone.

This does mean, of course, that there are quite a few lenses, and it can be tricky to know where to start. We’ve put together this guide to pick out the best optics at every focal length so you can easily find the lens that’s right for you. We’ve picked out our absolute favourites from the current crop, and where appropriate, we’ve identified alternatives you can also look at if the lens we’ve picked isn’t quite right for you.

XF or XC?

You may have seen that Fujifilm lenses mostly come with the designation XF, however there are a few that are denoted “XC”. What’s the difference? XF lenses are the flagships of the range, and almost certainly the ones that professional and enthusiast photographers will mostly be concerning themselves with. XC lenses are the smaller, lighter and more affordable lenses in the system, providing slimmed-down and cheaper alternatives for popular focal lengths. The XC range is still relatively young, and there are only a few optics in the series so far. We’ve dealt with XF lenses first in this guide, and included the XC lenses at the end for those who are looking for a budget option.

 

A note on sensor size

Remember, Fujifilm X cameras come with APS-C sensors. This means that the focal lengths printed on the box of each lens aren’t precisely what you get – there’s a crop factor involved. While we’ve detailed many of the equivalent focal lengths throughout the guide, a handy thing to remember is the “1.5 Rule” – when mounted on a Fujifilm X camera, every one of these lenses will provide an effective focal length roughly 1.5x larger than its official designation.

So, a 50mm lens mounted on, say, the X-T30, will behave like 75mm. A 23mm lens will  behave like a 35mm, and a 100-400mm zoom will act like a 152-600mm lens. It’s pretty easy to get used to – just worth remembering when you’re calculating what kind of lens you need.

Right, let’s get to the lenses!

 

XF prime lenses

 

XF 16mm F1.4 R WR


Fujifilm’s professional wide-angle prime, the XF 16mm F1.4 R WR is a rugged and versatile lens designed to provide a wide field of view in all situations. It’s weather-resistant and light, weighing just 375g, and also sports a 15cm close-focusing distance. This means it’s as useful for getting close-up images as it is for wide-expansive views.

The maximum aperture of f/1.4 makes it easy to produce images in low light, or with a shallow depth of field and vivid bokeh. Constructed of 13 elements in 11 groups, the XF 16mm F1.4 R WR also uses elements with Nano GI Coatings for faultless light transmission and superior edge-to-edge performance.

Also consider: For the same wide-angle prime on a tighter budget, try the XF 16mm F2.8 R WR, which has a smaller maximum aperture but retains the weather-resistant build. Alternatively, for a wider perspective, there’s the XF 14mm F2.8 R, which comes at a similar price point to the f/1.4. 

 

XF 23mm F1.4 R


Another of the type of fast and wide prime that Fujifilm makes so well, the XF 23mm F1.4 R bears an equivalent focal length of 35mm (remember the 1.5 rule), which makes it an ideal choice for general-purpose documentary shooting. It’s designed to make it easier to compose sublime images on the fly, with a camera-to-subject distance indicator and depth-of-field scale on its barrel.

Great for shooting stills and movies alike, the XF 23mm F1.4 R focuses quickly and is great for low light thanks to its large f/1.4 aperture. The metal fittings and finish give it a real premium feel and improve the torque, making this a perfect lens for the kind of shooting where you never know what to expect next.

Also consider: Fujifilm makes some high-quality and affordable f/2 primes in similar focal lengths – the XF 18mm F2 R and XF 23mm F2 R WR. Both are a great choice for the more budget-conscious photographer.

 

XF 35mm F1.4 R


The APS-C factor puts this 35mm lens into equivalent territory of about 53mm, making it a great all-around lens for those who want to produce a naturalistic perspective. Fast with an f/1.4 maximum aperture, this lens is just about long enough to be used for portraiture as well as other types of shooting. It’s an ideal choice for weddings and events, where you sometimes want to get wide and at other times want to get close and personal, all without sacrificing the quality of a prime.

Durably built, the XF 35mm F1.4 R is immensely satisfying to handle and use. It produces sharp images with beautiful bokeh – the perfect choice for ultimate artistic expression. 

Also consider: The XF 35mm F2 R WR provides the same focal length in a cheaper package, with the trade-off being a narrower maximum aperture. Or, for a slightly wider perspective, try the XF 27mm F2.8, a pancake lens that weighs an unbelievably slender 78g! 

 

XF 50mm F1.0 R WR


Also known as “the one” due to its shallower-than-ever maximum aperture of f/1.0, the XF 50mm F1.0 R WR is an astounding feat of optical engineering. Providing an equivalent focal length of about 75mm, it’s a perfect lens for portraits, able to produce beautifully striking images with delicious bokeh.

Manual focus on this lens has been improved compared to previous similar primes, making it ideal for getting your images sharper than sharp. Though, of course, there’s also the DC autofocus motor for those who like their focusing fast and automated, Weather-sealed in 11 places, the XF 50mm F1.0 R WR is a great choice for outdoor work even in difficult conditions. Experience the ultimate in depth of field control.

Also consider: Fujifilm makes other lenses around this focal length, including the seriously impressive XF 56mm F1.2 R and XF 56mm F1.2 R APD – two virtually identical lenses whose key difference is that the latter includes an apodisation filter, which smooths out lines in out-of-focus areas for incredibly smooth bokeh. As a budget option, there’s also the XF 50mm F2 R WR, which as well as being cheaper is also much lighter than its large-aperture cousin.

 

XF 80mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro


Fujifilm has catered well to those who enjoy close-up shooting, and one of its finest optics is the XF 80mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro. With a 1:1 reproduction ratio, this is a “true” macro lens, and it also has a built-in optical stabiliser that provides up to five stops of effective compensation. This means that, unlike many macro lenses, it can be taken out and used hand-held in the field with ease! No need for a complex tripod setup – just search and shoot.

With an equivalent focal length of about 120mm, this is also a solid general-purpose telephoto, producing pin-sharp images thanks to its sophisticated optical construction of nine elements in six groups. The lens is also weatherr-resistant – perfect for roaming outdoors to look for macro subjects!

Also consider: The XF 60mm F2.4 R Macro, a more affordable telephoto macro with a 1:2 image reproduction ratio. 

 

XF 200mm F2 R LM OIS WR


The pro-level telephoto of the Fujifilm stable, the XF 200mm F2 R LM OIS WR provides the kind of image quality demanded by professional photographers. With a focal length equivalent to about 305mm in full-frame equivalent terms, it’s the best lens to choose if you plan to shoot sports or wildlife with Fujifilm X-series cameras.

The magnesium-alloy barrel of the lens is resistant to dust and moisture, making it solidly suited for outdoor work, and it also sports an Arca-Swiss tripod mount for added stability. The five-stop image stabiliser also improves the latitude for handheld shooting, and the autofocusing is fast, smooth and highly accurate. This is a seriously capable lens designed for those who want to get the utmost out of flagship Fujifilm cameras like the X-T4. 

 

XF Zoom lenses

 

XF 8-16mm f2.8 R LM WR Lens


The widest lens in Fujifilm’s stable, the XF 8-16mm f2.8 R LM WR Lens is perfect for getting out there and producing some amazing, unforgettable landscapes. That constant f/2.8 aperture also puts nightscapes in play, and thanks to its sophisticated construction, the lens produces images that are pin-sharp right the way across the frame. Aspherical elements control for distortion and spherical aberration, while the ED and Super ED elements take care of chromatic aberration. There’s also a double Nano-GI coating to eliminate ghosting and flare, and while you may not be chasing too many speedy subjects with this optic, having linear motors for the focusing system is no bad thing

 

XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS WR


One of the newer lenses in the Fujifilm stable, the XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS WR provides a useful wide focal range that’s great for landscapes, architecture and street shooting. The weather-resistance of this lens has been improved compared to previous Fujifilm optics, allowing you to have greater confidence when out and about even in difficult conditions. The optical image stabilisation is a 3.5-stop version; however, when it’s paired with certain sophisticated Fujifilm bodies like the X-T4, this gets bumped up to 6.5 stops.

Constructed from 14 glass lens elements in 10 groups, the XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS WR features a number of aspherical and low-dispersion glass elements to help improve sharpness and remove distortion.

 

XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR


Kit lens, but make it fancy. The XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR is a premium version of the do-it-all focal range that everyone gets with their first camera. As such, it’s a great choice for general-purpose, documentary-style shooting, with a constant aperture of f/2.8 that makes it super-versatile. The nine-bladed aperture gives you the option to create smooth bokeh, putting portraiture in play, and images are sharp from edge to edge, right the way through the zoom range. 

Also consider: The XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS is a more affordable version of this lens, sacrificing the constant aperture. Alternatively, if you need a similar range with more latitude at the telephoto end, try the XF 16-80mm F4 R OIS WR.

 

XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR


With incredible versatility, the XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR is a high-performance telephoto zoom designed for action photographers. Its inner focusing system allows for high-speed autofocus that keeps up with fast subjects, using a Triple Linear Motor for speed, silence and precision. 

The lens also employs an optical stabilisation system, giving you more latitude when shooting handheld, and the internal optical construction is highly sophisticated. Twenty-three glass elements in 16 groups combine to deliver corner-to-corner sharpness, with five ED lens elements and one Super ED lens element to effectively minimise aberration and distortion. Dependable quality in a tough, weather-resistant body – this is a lens you can rely on.

Also consider: The XF 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR, which gives you more wide-angle to play with, and is available at a lower price. If you can do without that constant f/2.8 aperture, this is a bargain. Alternatively, if you want more telephoto to play with, there’s the XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS, which packs a reasonable amount of tech into a lens with a low price tag.

 

XF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR


We love a 100-400mm, and the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR (well, all right, it’s a 152-600mm lens in equivalent terms) is one of the finer examples of the genre. Able to cope in harsh shooting conditions, it features 13 weather seals at 12 points, and sports a fluorine coating on its front element that repels dust and water. It’s also equipped with a five-stop image stabiliser for easier handheld shooting; if this stabiliser detects that the user is panning, it’ll switch to correcting on the vertical plane only.

The optical construction consists of 21 elements in 14 groups, with five ED lenses and one Super ED lens. This, according to Fujifilm, delivers results comparable to a fluorite lens, and reduces axial chromatic aberration to produce vivid images that are sharp across the frame. Despite all this, the weight of the lens is just 1.4kg, which is lighter than many lenses of comparable focal length.

 

XC lenses

 

XC 35mm F2


A no-fuss prime that delivers an equivalent focal length of 52mm for less than £200. This is a fantastic budget addition to a kit bag, that’s also light to carry and highly portable. 

 

XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS II


Surprisingly sophisticated for a lens at this price point, the XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS II boasts a construction of 12 all-glass elements in 10 groups. Images look fantastic, and having 1/3-step exposure control enables you to get pleasingly precise.

 

XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ


At 135g, this is the lightest zoom lens across the entire X series. The zoom mechanism is electric, producing a smoother action that’s great for video as well as stills. Light on the back and light on the wallet.

 

XC 50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS II


Though the maximum aperture drops off pretty sharply towards the tele end, this is still a very impressive lens for its price. Giving you enormous zoom latitude, the XC 50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS II also incorporates a stepping motor and optical image stabilisation.

THE BEST 100-400MM LENSES AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW

The best 100-400mm lenses available right now

Now that optical technology is improving and lenses like the 100-400mm are getting lighter and lighter, carrying a broad-range telephoto zoom lens is starting to make more sense than carrying around multiple lenses.

Many news and sports photographers swear by their 100-400mm lenses – we recently spoke to Times photographer Richard Pohle to get the lowdown on why he loves his so much – which is why we’ve put together this guide to the various 100-400mm lenses that are available for different systems.

Each lens has its own characteristics and strengths, which are worth being aware of before you jump in with both feet. In our guide, we’ve included the best of the best for all the major pro systems – Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony FE, Fujifilm X and Canon RF – as well as a few third-party options for those who are looking to pick up a great lens on a budget.

Canon EF
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS II USM
Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS II USM

Construction: 21 elements in 16 groups
Image stabilisation: 4-stop Optical Stabiliser
Minimum focusing distance: 0.98m
Weather-sealing: Yes
Weight: 1,640g

Refining and perfecting a formula that was already pretty darn great to begin with, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is the second version of the firm’s 100-400mm lens for EF mount, and it’s a professional-grade optic for the working photographer.

Exceptionally sharp thanks to its sophisticated optical construction, the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM uses a rotating zoom mechanism, rather than the push-pull design of previous models, making it easier and more intuitive to operate. This rotation incorporates a Zoom Touch Adjustment Ring, which can be customised to suit the user’s preferred feel of zoom control. Image quality is outstanding, autofocus is zip-fast thanks to the USM motor, and Canon also includes its 4-stop Optical Stabiliser, making the lens even more useful when shooting handheld.

Weather-sealed for outdoor shooting, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is an exceptional tool for any Canon-shooting pro who needs reach, quality and flexibility.

Nikon F
Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
Nikon 80-400mm AF-S Nikkor f4.5-5.6G ED VR
Nikon 80-400mm AF-S Nikkor f4.5-5.6G ED VR

Construction: 20 elements in 12 groups
Image stabilisation: 4-stop Vibration Reduction
Minimum focusing distance: 1.5m
Weather-sealing: No
Weight: 1,570g

The Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR gives you slightly more latitude to play with, with a focal range that starts at 80mm rather than the more common 100mm. Designed for use with the firm’s FX-format SLRs, it’s very much a professional lens for the serious user, boasting such features as Vibration Reduction (VR) system for minimising camera-shake, and the Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that enables fast and accurate autofocus.

Nikon has included 4 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one Super ED glass element in the optical construction of the lens in order to ensure top-notch sharpness, while the inclusion of Nano Crystal Coat helps to minimise flare and ghosting, even when you’re shooting into the light.

Sony E
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master OSS
Sony FE 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 G Master OSS
Sony FE 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 G Master OSS

Construction: 22 elements in 16 groups
Image stabilisation: Optical SteadyShot
Minimum focusing distance: 0.98m
Weather-sealing: Yes
Weight: 1,395g

Sony’s G Master lenses are some of the finest optics around, and the FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master OSS is an exceptionally good lens for anyone lucky enough to be using a full-frame Sony E-mount camera. Its impressively innovative autofocusing system combines floating focus with a double linear motor and a Direct Drive SSM system, making for super-fast and accurate autofocus.

The inclusion of Sony Nano AR coating eliminates flare and ghosting in images, while the lightweight magnesium-alloy construction means it’s lighter to carry than both the Canon and Nikon optics above. Creating super-silky background bokeh is a cinch thanks to the nine-bladed aperture and ED glass elements, making it an ideal lens for wildlife portraiture or sports shooting.

Professional grade, powerful and portable, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master OSS really is one of the best 100-400mm lenses around.

Fujifilm X
Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 R LM OIS
Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 R LM OIS

Construction: 21 elements in 14 groups
Image stabilisation: 5-stop image stabilisation
Minimum focusing distance: 1.75m
Weather-sealing: Yes
Weight: 1,375g

As the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR works with Fujifilm X cameras, which have APS-C sensors, its “true” focal length is actually 152-609mm, giving you a little extra telephoto reach that’s useful for wildlife photography. The lens is thoroughly kitted out for outdoor photography, with a construction that features 13 water- and dust-resistant seals at 12 points, and can operate in temperatures as low as -10°C.

Lightweight and speedy, with a five-stop stabilisation system, the lens is great for picking out fast-moving targets and producing images full of vibrant details and contrast. Also, thanks to the maximum magnification of 0.19x, the lens can be used as a telephoto macro, opening up plenty of interesting possibilities.

A super-telephoto made with the attention to detail and quality that Fujifilm are known for, the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lets you push the X system even further.

Canon RF
Canon RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens
Canon RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Canon RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Construction: 20 elements in 14 groups
Image stabilisation: 5-stop image stabiliser
Minimum focusing distance: 0.9m
Weather-sealing: Yes
Weight: 1,530g

The first super-telephoto zoom for the RF system, Canon actually gives range-hungry shooters an extra bit of focal length to play with, as this lens runs from 100mm to an impressive 500mm.

If you’re planning to shoot sports of wildlife images then you’re pretty much set for life here. The Canon RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 L IS USM’s construction incorporates Super UD and UD elements for a superior image free from distortion, while ASC coatings control for unwanted reflections. It’s easy to control functions with the customisable control ring, while the body is also sealed to dust and water, with an additional heat shield coating. If you need to push the focal length still further, it’s also compatible with Canon’s RF 1.4x and 2x extenders.

The next generation of optics looks to be in good hands, with the Canon RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens representing an exciting new frontier of imaging.

Third-party 100-400mm lenses
Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD
Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD
Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

Available for: Canon EF, Nikon F

Construction: 17 elements in 11 groups
Image stabilisation: 4-stop Vibration Compensation
Minimum focusing distance: 1.5m
Weather-sealing: Yes
Weight: 1,120g

A budget alternative for those who don’t want to pay the premium for Canon or Nikon’s own 100-400mm lenses, this Tamron optic ticks a huge number of boxes for a lens of its price. As well as including features like four-stop Vibration Compensation and a minimum focusing distance, it’s also sealed against dust and moisture.

Autofocus performance is quick and accurate thanks to the USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) and Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) control system, while three LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements help to reduce aberration and distortion. The lens also sports an eBAND coating to reduce unwanted reflections, for clean and crisp images.

Despite its budget price, this is a seriously impressive lens, and any Canon or Nikon user looking to save some cash should definitely consider it.

Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary
Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary
Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary

Available for: Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma

Construction: 21 elements in 15 groups
Image stabilisation: Optical stabiliser
Minimum focusing distance: 0.16m
Weather-sealing: No
Weight: 1,160g

Another budget-friendly lens that’s definitely worth considering for Canon and Nikon users, the Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens is designed around providing the user with as much shooting flexibility as possible. This means that as well as that generous focal range, you also get a choice between a twist or push-pull zooming action, an algorithm-based optical stabiliser, and an impressively short minimum focusing distance of just 160cm, which puts close-up shooting in play. And with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8, this lens is very much capable of macro imagery.

The Hypersonic Motor provides quick and quiet autofocus,and the incorporation of four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements reduces colour fringing and chromatic aberrations for a final image that’s clear, sharp and full of contrast.

The value for money you get with the Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is truly fantastic, and makes it pound-for-pound one of the most enticing 100-400mm lenses around.

Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS
Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 Contemporary DG DN OS
Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 Contemporary DG DN OS

Available for: Sony E, L-mount

Construction: 22 elements in 16 groups
Image stabilisation: Optical stabiliser
Minimum focusing distance: 1.12m
Weather-sealing: Yes
Weight: 1,135g

This lightweight 100-400mm lens is basically the rough equivalent of Sigma’s other Contemporary lens, but this one for mirrorless shooting. It comes in Sony E and L-mount fits, and is much lighter than a typical lens of its type, weighing in at just 1,135g. Despite its impressively budget price, the lens packs in plenty of upscale features: there’s the stepping motor autofocus system that’s fast and practically silent, there’s the electronically coupled manual focus ring, there’s the choice between push-pull or twist-action zoom.

We could go on. And we will – the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS also sports an optical stabiliser that’ll give you about four stops of compensation, and an impressive optical construction that ensures the lens punches well above its weight in terms of image quality.

This is an excellent telephoto zoom, and at a bargain price to boot.

Hi, how can we help?