Fujifilm announces the XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II and the XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR

With the X-M5 came two new lenses for the X mount. The XF 500mm f5.6 and the more compact XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II.

Preorders in case you are here and want to dive into the X-mount;

 FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II Preorders

Fujinon XF 500mm F5.6 Preorders

Press Announcements

Prime Performance, Zoom Versatility: Fujifilm Announces FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II

Latest Iteration of Popular Lens Brings New Features for Photo and Video Creation

VALHALLA, N.Y., October 14, 2024 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announces the release of its new FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II lens (XF16-55mm II), the next generation of the company’s venerable XF16-55mm zoom lens that debuted in 2015.

“XF16-55mm has always been known as a workhorse; a must have everyday carry lens for professionals and enthusiasts alike,” said Victor Ha, vice president, Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “XF16-55mm II takes everything our fans loved about the original lens and elevates it to the next level by combining new lens optics, smooth aperture control, and enhanced autofocus, with nods to the reliable go-anywhere form factor that made the original lens such a hit.”

Product Features

Large-Aperture Standard Zoom Lens with Superior Imaging Performance

• Capable of content creation at a bright F2.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range, from wide-angle 16mm (equivalent 35mm focal length of 24mm) to mid-telephoto 55mm (equivalent 35mm focal length of 84mm), XF16-55mm II supports a wide range of still photography genres, including nature, landscape, and portraits, leveraging its high resolution and beautiful, smooth bokeh.
• Featuring an 11-group, 16-element configuration that includes 4 aspherical lenses, 1 Super Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lens, and 3 ED lenses, XF16-55mm II maintains image clarity and sharpness from the center to the edges while controlling chromatic aberrations, even when a large aperture of F2.8 is used.
• Enhanced ultra-precision manufacturing technology of aspherical lenses reduces ring patterns compared to ring patterns produced by the prior model. This results in smooth, beautiful bokeh that is uniquely different from the original XF16-55mmF2.8 lens.
• Achieving a minimum focusing distance of 11.81 inches (0.3m) across the entire zoom range, allowing for close-up photography with a maximum magnification of 0.21x.

Compact and Lightweight Design for Enhanced Mobility

• Utilizing the latest lens processing technologies, the size of the lens elements in XF16-55mm II are thinner, resulting in a reduction of the total lens length by approximately 0.433in (11mm) and a volumetric reduction by approximately 37.8% compared to the previous model. The weight has also been reduced by approximately 37.4% to about 14 ounces (410g), ensuring excellent mobility.
• Features a dust-resistant, weather-resistant, and low-temperature-resistant construction with 12 sealing points throughout the lens body, along with a fluorine coating on the front element for superior water and smudge resistance. When combined with Fujifilm’s weather-resistant mirrorless X Series digital cameras, it provides reliable performance even during extended image-making in nearly all weather conditions.

Enhanced Design for Video Recording

• The introduction of an “Aperture De-Click Switch” allows users to toggle between a stepped aperture control for still photography and a smooth, continuous aperture control for video recording, ensuring seamless and intuitive operation1.
• Minimizes focus breathing to provide more consistent framing during focusing.

High-Speed, High-Precision AF with Near-Silent Operation

• The adoption of an inner focusing system and lightweight focusing lens elements, combined with a high-speed linear motor, enables rapid and precise autofocus, achieving speeds as fast as 0.02 seconds2.

Pricing and Availability

FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II lens will be available in December 2024 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $1,199.95 USD and $1,619.99 CAD.

1 The “Aperture Click Switch” functionality requires a firmware update for compatible camera bodies. Future firmware updates are planned for current models including the FUJIFILM X-H2S, FUJIFILM X-H2, FUJIFILM X-T5, FUJIFILM X-S20, and FUJIFILM X-T50.

2 Based on CIPA guidelines, measured internally using the FUJIFILM X-T4 mirrorless digital camera in phase-detection AF mode with High-Performance Mode enabled, at the wide-angle end.

Super-Telephoto Excellence: Fujifilm Announces FUJINON XF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR

The Ultimate Tool for Outdoor Content Creators

VALHALLA, N.Y., OCTOBER 14, 2024 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announces the launch of its FUJINON XF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens (XF500mmF5.6). The new super- telephoto lens offers the longest prime lens coverage in the current Fujifilm X Series lens lineup, designed for quick autofocus response and incredible detail in image-making around even the most challenging outdoor subjects, and is ideal for birding, wildlife, and sports.

“Making content outdoors can always present challenges, considering weather, fast moving animals, birds, and the rapid motion of athletics,” said Victor Ha, vice president, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions. “These are only a few of the examples that were considered when developing this latest super-telephoto lens. Optical image stabilization and linear-motor driven autofocus help the creator document all the action without missing a detail. We’re excited about the capabilities this lens brings to outdoor creatives.”

Product Features

Serious Optical Performance, Rugged Yet Stylish Design

• XF500mmF5.6 offers an impressive 500mm (35mm equivalent focal length of 762mm) with a maximum aperture of F5.6, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor pursuits, including sports, birding, and wildlife.
• When paired with an optional FUJINON Teleconverter XF1.4X TC WR1, the lens reaches a maximum focal length of 700mm (35mm equivalent focal length of 1067mm), and with FUJINON Teleconverter XF2X TC WR1, it extends to 1000mm (35mm equivalent focal length of 1524mm).
• The lens features durable yet sophisticated construction with 21 elements in 14 groups, including two Super Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lenses and five ED lenses. This advanced optical design effectively minimizes chromatic aberration commonly associated with super-telephoto lenses to achieve exceptional resolving power for an extraordinary amount of detail, beyond what the naked eye can see.

Exceptional Mobility and Superior Resolution That Redefine Super-Telephoto Lenses

• Leveraging the APS-C format, which provides a 1.5x crop factor equivalent, XF500mmF5.6 maintains a compact and lightweight design weighing only approximately 2.94 pounds (1,335g)2, despite achieving a focal length equivalent to 762mm (35mm format) at F5.6 maximum aperture.
• Even though super-telephoto lenses tend to have heavier front elements, the optimal lens arrangement in this model ensures balanced weight distribution for a comfortable and stable hold, allowing users to enjoy super-telephoto photography, making it easy to handhold or carry all day in the field.
• The lens features a dust and weather-resistant structure with 20 sealing points on the barrel and can operate in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). Additionally, the front element is fluorine coated, providing hydrophobic and anti-stain properties, making the lens a reliable partner for extended content creation sessions in harsh weather conditions.

Powerful 5.5-Stop Optical Image Stabilization Performance

• Enhanced sensing accuracy and an optimized mechanical design allow XF500mmF5.6 to achieve up to a powerful 5.5-stops3 of optical image stabilization. This ensures comfortable handheld image-making in the super-telephoto range, which can ordinarily be more susceptible to camera shake.

Comfortable Operation and High-Speed, Near-Silent, Precision Autofocus

• The adoption of an inner focus system allows for a compact and lightweight focus lens assembly. Combined with a high-speed linear motor, this enables fast and silent autofocus, achieving a focus speed as quick as 0.33 seconds4. This ensures that even in the super-telephoto range, where precise focus is crucial, the user can keep up with the action as it happens.
• The Focus Preset function is featured so that the focus can be shifted to a location pre-defined with the Focus Preset button. This reduces user operation workload as re-adjusting focus on a targeted subject is not needed.
• The lens also features the Focus Limiter5, allowing users to restrict the lens’s AF range. This can effectively shorten AF time when photographing a subject that is approximately 16 feet (five meters) away or more.
• The Focus Control button is placed at the front edge of the lens barrel. Press this button to instantly recall a function you have assigned with the Focus Selector for smooth AF operation.

Pricing and Availability

FUJINON XF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens will be available in December 2024 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $2,999.95 USD and $4,049.99 CAD.

1 Sold separately

2 Weight excluding the lens cap, lens hood and tripod seat.

3 Compliant with CIPA in pitch / yaw directions.

4 Using an internal measurement method compliant with the CIPA Guidelines, when mounted on the mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-T4” with Phase Detection AF activated and the High Performance Mode turned ON.

5 The Focus Limiter function is activated with the Focus Range Selector.

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