Fujifilm XF 400mm f4.5 R LM OIS WR Lens

What’s new?

The XF 400mm f4.5 R LM OIS WR introduces a different concept to Fujifilm’s super-telephoto prime range, bringing together the qualities that have previously defined different parts of the lineup into a more rounded option. Rather than concentrating on maximum aperture like the XF 200mm f2 R LM OIS WR, or pushing towards the more extreme focal length of the XF 500mm f5.6 R LM OIS WR, Fujifilm has combined extended 400mm reach with a bright f4.5 aperture and kept weight to approximately 1,245g. This gives wildlife, sports and aviation photographers a new middle ground within the range, with substantial reach and light-gathering ability in a lens designed to remain manageable for extended handheld use.

That thinking continues beyond the headline 400mm f4.5 specification. Fast Linear Motor autofocus and 5.5-stop optical stabilisation support the kind of handheld subject tracking expected at this focal length, with the centre of gravity positioned closer to the camera body to improve balance over longer periods. Compatibility with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters then extends the lens to 560mm or 800mm, allowing photographers to move further into super-telephoto territory without making that extreme reach the starting point. It is a carefully judged addition to the lineup, giving Fujifilm a super-telephoto prime that puts reach, aperture and handling on more equal terms.

Optical design for long-range detail

The XF400mm uses 21 elements arranged into 14 groups, including 2 Super ED and 4 ED elements to minimise chromatic aberration and maintain high resolution at its 400mm focal length. Controlling colour fringing is particularly important with distant subjects, where fine edges and high-contrast detail need to remain clearly resolved. The bright f4.5 maximum aperture also gives photographers more light to work with when selecting the faster shutter speeds often required for wildlife, sports and aviation. A 9-blade diaphragm complements that aperture with smoother out-of-focus rendering, helping maintain separation between a sharply focused subject and distracting background detail.

The minimum focusing distance is 2.75m, allowing the XF 400mm to focus on subjects that move considerably closer without sacrificing its 400mm framing. For wildlife photographers, that makes the fixed focal length more accommodating when subject distance changes, rather than treating the lens purely as a tool for subjects at extreme distances.

Fast Linear Motor autofocus

Fujifilm uses an internal focusing system with a smaller, lighter focusing group, allowing the high-speed Linear Motor to deliver fast, quiet and accurate autofocus. With less optical mass to move, the system can respond quickly as subject distance changes, supporting the tracking required for wildlife, sports and aviation photography. The convenient focus controls also make it easier to adapt the lens to different subjects. A Focus Limiter can restrict focusing to subjects beyond five metres, helping the AF system acquire distant subjects more quickly. Photographers can also save a focus distance using Focus Preset and recall it when needed, with the front Focus Control Button providing quick access to AF-L, PRESET or AF.

5.5-stop optical image stabilisation

The optical stabilisation system combines improved shake detection accuracy with an optimised stabilisation mechanism to provide up to 5.5 stops of correction. By detecting pitch and yaw movement more accurately, the system compensates for camera shake before it becomes visible in the recorded image. That correction is particularly relevant at 400mm, where small movements through the camera and lens translate into much larger shifts in framing. This makes the XF 400mm’s extended reach considerably easier to work with away from a fixed support.

Designed for extended handheld shooting

The XF 400mm weighs approximately 1,245g excluding its lens cap and hood, with the optical design positioning its centre of gravity closer to the camera body. Bringing that weight closer to the photographer’s supporting hand reduces the forward-heavy feel that can make a long lens tiring to hold over extended periods. Combined with the optical stabilisation system, this makes handheld framing more manageable when following wildlife, sports or aircraft.

Weather-resistant construction

The XF 400mm carries the same level of weather protection as the XF 500mm, with 20 sealed points across the lens barrel providing dust and weather resistance. It is also designed to operate at temperatures as low as -10°C, allowing users to venture into more extreme environments. A fluorine coating on the front element also repels water and resists smudges, making the exposed surface easier to keep clean when shooting outdoors.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Fujifilm XF 400mm f4.5 R LM OIS WR Lens
• 1 x Front Lens Cap FLCP-95
• 1 x Rear Lens Cap RLCP-001
• 1 x Lens Hood
• 1 x Lens Pouch
• 1 x Tripod Collar Foot
• 1 x Shoulder Strap