X-Photographer – Peter Delaney – Review On The New XF100-400mm
Best Wildlife Zoom Lens
FUJINON XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Now I loved my DSLR gear and had many enjoyable years and was rewarded with some amazing photos. But I was never really totally satisfied. The biggest problem was the weight of my camera equipment. It was too heavy and cumbersome and I hated travelling with it. The other was the uncertainty of whether my photos would be sharp. I was paranoid about mirror vibration. I always did my best in the field to ensure my shutter speed was fast enough and my long lens technique was correct.
For years I dreamt of a lighter and shorter long lens. A zoom that would replace two of my lenses the 600mm and 200-400mm.
It was always a mission as a subject moved closer and away to remove the lens from a gimbal head and replace it with the correct one. Valuable seconds or minutes could be lost. Resulting in missed photographs.
Then with the evolution of mirrorless cameras a few years ago . My Prayers were answered by FujiFilm. With the birth of the FujiFilm XT-1 and FujiFilms Lens roadmap I saw hope and the future. I decided to take the plunge and fully embrace this revolutionary technology.
Welcome to the Best Wildlife Zoom Lens
Fujinon XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
FujiFilms new XF100-400mm is the answer to my dreams. This is without doubt the only Wildlife Lens you will ever need need to take on Safari.
With a 35mm focal length of 152mm to over 609mm. This focal length will cover the majority of your photography needs.
Photographers Mantra …One camera and one lens
Keep your photography simple
Fujifilm XF100-400mm means no more reaching and swapping lenses. A simple rotation of the lens barrel and I can continue shooting without taking my eye off the subject.
The one thing that I can guarantee is the optics are just superb. This lens is sharp, great contrast, no chromatic aberations. But then again FujiFilm have always been known for their excellent glass.
The build quality is excellent, solid feel in hand. Combination of metal and rubber grips means this lens is built to last.
Few Points About The Lens
The zoom is a rotating barrel and extends about 3cm when you focus at 400mm.
Aperture ring has no F number indicators on barrel. But as you rotate the aperture the F numbers shows in viewfinder.
Manual focus ring is wide with rubber grip which allows for ease of use.
Switch to change focusing distance from full to 5m to infinity.
OIS switch, this is Fujis Stabilisation mode for use in low shutter speeds. (Handheld up to 5 stops)
The hood is solid and has a solid locking mechanism with a push button to unlock. No chance of lens hood falling off.
Weather sealed.
Linear motor ensures faster Auto Focusing.
Weighs only 1.4kg
The FujiFilm XT-1 camera Auto Focus works really well with this lens it was snappy and quick to focus. My settings were Continuous tracking with Single AF point (smallest box) and varied between Single shot mode and Continuous low mode.
I will say it again
Fujinon XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
is the “Best Wildlife Zoom Lens” I have ever used.
Peter Delaney
www.fineartwilderness.com
www.aboutwildphoto.com
