Fujifilm will release the Fujifilm FUJINON Lens GF500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR (hereinafter referred to as the GF500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR) in June 2024. This is an addition to the “GF Lens” lineup of interchangeable lenses for the “GFX Series” mirrorless digital cameras. These cameras are equipped with a large format sensor that is approximately 1.7 times the size of a 35mm sensor. The estimated retail price is 606,210 yen as announced, which is $3,900 in USD as of May 2024.
With a focal length of 500mm (equivalent to 396mm in 35mm format), the longest in the history of GF lenses, this lens is ideal for sports photography and wildlife/bird photography. When combined with the Fujinon Teleconverter GF1.4X TC WR, which expands the focal length of the lens, it can shoot a focal length of up to 700mm (equivalent to 554mm in 35mm format).
Sample Photo from the Fujifilm Website:
It is made up of 21 lenses in 14 groups, including two Super ED lenses and five ED lenses. It thoroughly suppresses the chromatic aberration that is unique to super telephoto lenses, achieving high resolution performance.
By reviewing the components and designing them to be lighter, we have achieved a weight of approximately 1,375g. In addition to reducing the weight of each lens, the optimal arrangement of ED and Super ED lenses has minimized chromatic aberration, which tends to occur with compactness, achieving both a compact, lightweight lens and high resolution performance.
Although the front lens element of super telephoto lenses tends to be large, the optimal lens arrangement allows you to hold the lens without feeling its weight. The lens barrel is sealed in 18 places to make it dustproof, weatherproof, and able to withstand temperatures as low as -10°C. In addition, the front lens element is fluorine-coated to repel water and dirt.
Improved camera shake sensing accuracy and optimal mechanical design have resulted in a powerful 6.0-stop image stabilization mechanism, allowing users to comfortably enjoy handheld shooting in the super telephoto range, which is susceptible to the effects of camera shake.
Smaller, Lighter, but Maintaining Quality
The focus lens has been made smaller and lighter while maintaining high resolution. In addition, the adoption of an inner focus system that drives the focus group with a linear motor achieves high-speed, quiet AF in as little as 0.31 seconds. Even in super-telephoto shooting, which requires advanced focusing, the subject can be captured quickly and accurately, so you won’t miss the decisive moment.
The lens is equipped with a focus preset function that allows you to instantly move the focus to a preset position with the SET button. This reduces the operational burden when shooting, as there is no need to readjust the focus to the desired subject.
It is also equipped with a focus limiter function that limits the lens operating range when focusing. This shortens the lens operating time when shooting a subject more than 5m away, achieving high-speed AF.
The Focus Control Button is located at the tip of the lens barrel. It instantly activates the function you assign with the Focus Select Switch, enabling smooth AF operation.
Lens specifications (from Fujifilm Website)
