When it comes to a superzoom like the new XF100-400mm lens;
I guess the ‘Birding” community will flapping in excitment.
It may be the biggest, meanest, heaviest, bad ass lens from
Fujifilm XF line up but let me humbly put things into perspective.
100-400mm in 35mm equivalent will be 150-600mm lens. Naturally
I will add the XF1.4 Teleconverter and that will extend the zoom lens
into 210-840mm bass ass zoom lens! Even at F6.3-8 the Phase
detection AF shooting remain possible, even at F8.
Now the deal is this; XF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 OIS WR weights only
1.375kg. Add the XF1.4 TC which is another 130 grams. The total
weight is at approx 1.5kg! Now you are probably getting one of the
smallest and lightest zoom lens at 840mm! Attached it to a X-T1 and
you have a total package under 2KG! WOW? Here is another; its
comes with a class-leading 5.0 stop image stabilization!
Before extending the lens it sits at 21cm long with a 77mm diameter.
Its a WR; naturally. Here are some main features of this superzoom.
1.Reduced chromatic aberration to help deliver high resolution
images The optical construction of 21 elements in 14 groups,
which includes five ED lenses and a Super ED lens, delivers
results comparable to a fluorite lens, and by reducing axial
chromatic aberration it produces images packed with detail.
The maximum magnification is 0.19x, enabling users to shoot
telephoto macro images.
2. A 5.0-stop* image stabilization system – the most powerful in
any super telephoto zoom lens – produces shake-free results
even at the maximum telephoto setting of 600mm (35mm equivalent).
Also, if panning is detected, the lens automatically switches camera
shake correction to the vertical plane only.
3.Twin linear motors are used to deliver fast focusing on moving
subjects. The motors are also quiet, so the lens is ideal for shooting
live music performances and theatre productions. Even faster AF
shooting is possible with the focus limiter function, which limits
the close focusing point to 5m.
4.Thanks to a weight of less than 1.4kg, the strain of shooting
handheld has been substantially reduced. When mounted to an
X-T1 body, the combined weight is below 2kg, so it’s easier to
keep moving while shooting. What’s more, the weight distribution
of the lens when attached to a body makes it feel lighter than it
really is.
5.Water/dust resistance, -10°C low-temperature operation and
fluorine coating The lens features 13 water and dust resistant
seals at 12 points, allowing you to shoot with confidence in
tough outdoor environments. The fluorine coating applied to the
front lens element is water repellent so it’s less susceptible to
smudges and can easily be cleaned
6.Lens hood with a polarizing filter window and lock mechanism
The lens hood features a sliding window so a polarizing filter
can still be accessed even when the hood is in place. The hood
also features a locking mechanism to keep securely attached
to the lens.
Having said; the XF100-400mm is the ultimate superzoom for X-series.
If you are into wildlife and birding; then this will be your smallest
and lightest system. Period.
Price in Indian Rupee?