Fujifilm unveils two new XF lenses

Angled views of the new XF150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens without and with the supplied lens hood. (Source: Fujifilm.)

Fujifilm’s longest super-telephoto zoom lens, the XF150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens will be the first to be released and is expected to arrive in local stores in July, at the same time as the X-H2S camera. The RRP will be AU$3,549. Covering a focal length range equivalent to 229-914mm in 35mm format, this new super-telephoto lens supports teleconverters, enabling it to reach up to 1200mm when fitted with the XF2X TC WR. This makes it ideal for shooting distant subject matter, including wildlife and sports. A high-precision sensing and control mechanism delivers five stops optical image stabilisation to control camera shake and extend the user’s options for shooting hand-held. An Inner Focus system drives the compact and lightweight focus lens group with a linear motor to achieve fast and silent autofocusing. Fujifilm claims focus can be achieved in just 0.25 seconds even at longer focal lengths. The lens is equipped with a Focus Preset function and dedicated SET button as well as a Focus Limiter to minimise hunting. The Focus Control button is placed at the front edge of the lens barrel where it’s easy to reach.

Other features include a lightweight design, plus fast and highly accurate AF. The optical construction comprises 24 lens elements in 17 groups and includes three ED elements and four Super ED elements, to deliver high resolution and edge-to-edge clarity across the entire zoom range. The new lens weighs just 1605 grams and internal zooming ensures a minimal shift in weight distribution for a stable grip and better balance. The HT-EBC coating, typically used in broadcast lenses, has been applied on all elements to achieve high transmittance and low reflectance.

The lens body is matte silver to reflect infra-red and reduce the risk of heating that can affect image quality. Magnesium alloy is used for the internal base frame that supports the lens structure to keep the weight low and sealing has been applied at 19 locations to ensure dust- and weather-resistance and the ability to operate at temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius.

Angled views of the new XF18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR lens without and with the supplied lens hood. (Source: Fujifilm.)

The XF18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR lens is due for local release in September at an RRP of AU$1599. Described as a ‘hybrid’ lens, the XF18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR covers focal lengths ranging from a wide-angle 18mm to telephoto 120mm (equivalent to 27mm – 183mm in 35mm film format) with a 6.7x zoom range. Featuring a compact design and power zoom plus a constant maximum aperture of f/4, it can be used for shooting stills and video movies. Additional video features include a variable zoom/focus control ring and a zoom button for constant zooming. The optical design consists of 15 lens elements in 12 groups, including three aspherical elements and three ED elements to effectively suppress spherical aberration, distortion and chromatic aberration. Optimum positioning of the focus lens suppresses focus breathing, while the use of the same advanced technology as used in Fujinon cine lenses reduces change in angle of view during focusing while shooting video.

A linear motor drives the compact and lightweight focus lens group for fast and accurate internal focusing. Close-up photography is possible at the maximum magnification ratio of x0.2 with the minimum working distance of just 46cm from the front lens element across the entire zoom range. Focus tracking is dramatically improved when it is mounted on the Fujifilm X-H2S since the lens supports the camera’s high speed focus drive mechanism. The aperture drive control has been updated to suppress exposure shift linked to aperture adjustments to ensure smooth transitions with a rapid change of brightness. A zoom.focus control ring allows users to control the speed of zooming or focusing to match their requirements. The lens also comes with a zoom button, which can drive zooming at a constant pace. When combined with the mirrorless digital camera, the Fujifilm X-H2S and optional accessory FT-XH, the lens and camera can be controlled online in a browser to enable multi-camera shooting.

Internal zooming means the lens has a non-extending design, which measures 123.5 mm in length and weighs 460 grams, making it easily portable. The lens barrel is weather-sealed at 13 locations to ensure dust- and weather-resistance and the ability to operate at temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius.

Click here for more information on both lenses.