Fujifilm has released details of a new Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS lens for its X-Pro1 and X-E1 compact system cameras.
The new Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS lens. (Source: Fujifilm.)
The new lens is the first telephoto zoom lens for the XF system, which is designed for the company’s interchangeable lens cameras. It covers a focal length range equivalent to 84-305mm in 35mm format. The optical design includes two ED lens elements including one Super ED lens element that boasts performance equivalent to that of fluorite lenses. Fujinon’s proprietary HT-EBC (High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating) is applied to optical surfaces to control flare and ghosting.
Key features include image stabilisation, which claims will provide the equivalent of 4.5 stops faster shooting and an AF drive with two linear motors. Fujifilm clams the new lens can focus in 0.28 seconds and is quiet enough for use when shooting video movies. According to a company press release, this lens is designed to ‘draw the maximum performance from the X-Trans CMOS sensors found in both the X-Pro1 and X-E1’. Like other XF lenses, the new lens has an aperture ring that is adjustable in 1/3EV steps. Both the aperture and manual focusing rings are made from metal for a high quality feel and high durability.
The lens will be announced on April 17th by Fujifilm with an updated lens roadmap and a new firmware upgrade for the X-Pro1 and X-E1 cameras. The firmware upgrade introduces new algorithms to improve focusing performance and improve performance when using the cameras with other lenses. The lens firmware will be available from July 2013.
The new lens is expected to start shipping in May, 2013 and will be available in Australia in early June. Pricing is still to be confirmed but the US price tag is rumoured to be around US$699.
