Supertelephoto Zoom And Power Zoom Join Fujifilm X Mount

Launched alongside the X-H2S are two very interesting new additions to Fujifilm’s X-mount lens system. The first is a supertelephoto zoom with a focal range of 150-600mm, which is equivalent to 229-914mm. If that’s not long enough for you, the zoom is compatible with the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters in the system, the latter giving 300-1200mm (equivalent to 457-1828mm). The new Fujinon XF150-600mm f/5.6-8.0 R LM OIS WR weighs in at 1,605g – which is quite modest for a lens of this focal range – and employs an inner zooming mechanism to minimise any weight shifts.

The external construction employs magnesium alloy barrel tubes to help keep the weight down and has a matte silver finish to minimise heat build-ups when shooting in hot conditions. There are a total of 19 sealing points to prevent the intrusion of dust or moisture, and the zoom is also insulated to enable shooting in subzero temperatures.

The optical construction employs 24 elements in 17 groups, which includes three extra-low (ED) dispersion types and four with Super ED characteristics. These are specifically designed to minimise the axial chromatic aberration that can often be an issue with long telephoto lenses. The 150-600mm has Fujifilm’s HT-EBC multi-coating (which is more commonly used on its broadcast TV zoom) to minimise reflectance and optimise transmittance. Focusing is performed internally via a linear-type motor to ensure fast and quiet operation.

The minimum focusing distance is 2.4 metres. The lens has both focus preset and focus limiter functions. The optical image stabilisation gives up to five stops of correction for camera shake at 600mm.

The second addition to the X-mount system is the Fujinon XF18-120mm f/4.0 LM PZ WR, a power zoom equivalent to 27-183mm. There are four methods of zooming the lens, starting with a conventional control ring that's electronic rather than mechanical. There is a second, rocker-type control ring that zooms (and focuses) at different speeds depending on how far it’s rotated. Then there is a tele/wide toggle switch and, finally, a touchscreen control that's currently only available on the X-H2S, but will be available on selected other models via a firmware upgrade.

The external construction is fully sealed and insulated while, on the inside, the optical construction comprises 15 elements in 12 groups that includes three aspherical types and three ED types to collectively correct for spherical aberration, distortion and chromatic aberrations. Fujifilm says the optical design also minimises focus breathing and optical axis shifts while zooming. Both zooming and focusing are performed internally, the latter via a fast and quiet linear motor.

The minimum focusing distance is 60cm, giving a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:5. The aperture control allows for finer auto adjustments to minimise noticeable exposure shifts when the light changes when capturing video.

Fujifilm has also added three new XF prime lenses to its X-mount roadmap – an 8mm f/3.5 ultra-wide (equivalent to 12mm and due in 2023), a 30mm f/2.8 Macro (equivalent to 45mm and scheduled for later this year) and an updated version of the 56mm f/1.2 (equivalent to 84mm and also coming this year).

The Fujinon XF150-600mm f/5.6-8.0 R LM OIS WR is available locally from July and is priced at $3,549. The Fujinon XF18-120mm f/4.0 LM PZ WR is due in September priced at $1,599. Fujifilm Australia provides a three-year warranty for X-mount lenses purchased from an authorised reseller.

For more information visit www.fujifilm.com.au.