Fujifilm XF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R OIS WR
I picked the 100-400mm lens up in August 2020, paired with the 1.4X teleconverter. I was after a longer telephoto lens for wildlife and also landscapes, previously I had been using adapted manual focus lenses. I actually ordered the smaller and cheaper XF55-200mm, but decided to swap for the weather-sealed 100-400, given the other options at the time were the excessively fast and large (for my needs) xf50-140 or the expensive xf200mm.
The 100-400mm is quite large and has heft, because of this I only take it when I know I’ll be using it, so it’s mounted to the camera pretty much constantly when I do have it and rarely placed inside a pack. I have taken it on a few overnighters, but mostly on shorter day trips.
Using this lens has made me realise sharpness isn’t just a product of the lens. The lens is more than acceptable when it comes to sharpness, but the time of day, amount of light, weather and even groundcover also needs to be a consideration.
The longer the lens, the greater the distance between yourself and the subject and therefore the greater the atmosphere. So, on a warm sunny day it’s best to avoid shooting through midday, as photos will probably be soft, no matter which lens is used.
Here’s a few images I have on hand captured with the 100-400, some with the 1.4x teleconverter.
This lens is really quite incredible, I’ve had zero issues and I do love using it.
More recently I’ve acquired the newer XF70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR. At half the size, less than half the weight, half the cost, improved stabilization and minimum focus, while keeping the ability to use teleconverters, it is a much better fit for me. I do miss the reach of the 100-400 on occasions but actually having the 70-300 with me outweighs the limitation of reach.
Interested in the 100-400? It’s available for $1650.
Get in contact :)