Hi Mark! Thanks so much and I agree about the IS/IBIS combo performance in video. Guess you’ll have to start a new lens series of videos - “Big and Expensive Lenses for Fujifilm X-Mount” 😉 Cheers!
Really hope i get to pair this 500 with my 70-300 someday. Both would be an amazing combo for outdoor sports and wildlife. It looks like an incredible lens!
I am thinking the same, but cannot justify that price for a hobby. I think that 500mm F/5.6 is the sweet stop for reach, aperture and cost. Maybe I will buy a used one.
Hello! Thanks for watching and sharing your comment. I hope you get a chance to try this lens - it’s pretty amazing. Looking forward to when they’re available in December 😉
$3K is a good price and is a good deal for this beautiful lens. This lens makes more sense to me for a birding lens than the 150-600mm, especially with its fixed f/5.6 aperture. For my purposes, I would prefer an updated version of the long-in-the-tooth 100-400mm, but I wouldn't expect it for a least for another year. The flexibility of the 100-400mm lens has its own advantages.
it's smaller and lighter than the 150-600 so it's an easy addition to my setup. I don't know if it will replace it for all wildlife stuff but it'll definitely be the main birding lens for me. excited to pick it up
@@Ben_Lichtfaenger it would be a trade off between having a range of focal lengths and more reach (150-600). Vs more light and a smaller and lighter lens. 99% I’m wide open and at 600mm with the 150-600. The 500mm will offer more light and hopefully more image quality, with the trade off of reach and flexibility.
Tempting, but I have the 150-600 for most of my Super-Tele work. That said, I may just rent it and see if I might want to replace the 150-600 with this at some point, at $3k, this is not a bad price. I am not a fan of Variable Aperture lenses and I prefer my f-stop ring to have f-stop numbers, which are my main issues with this lens and the slow f8 is another. However, until Fuji gets their act together and addresses the Elephant in the Room….Autofocusing, I am probably going to withhold any new purchases from Fujifilm. I was very disappointed that Fuji did not mention this.
Hi! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. I think Fujifilm has mentioned that there will be significant firmware updates for AF in November. We've heard that before, but I'm an optimist... My experience of autofocus on X-H2S was quite good!
Agree that f8 at 600mm could be better but a wider aperture would've made the lens heavier. And it's already heavy enough... As for comparison with the new prime, the 150-600 is f7.1 at 500mm, not f8 so two thirds of a stop rather than a full one.
@@grahamniven yeah the main reason to "upgrade" would be image quality, and size - obviously giving up the extra range provided by the 150-600. will be interesting to see an image quality comparison between the two
@@grahamniven Indeed a prime 600mm at f8 would have been nice, but upon reflection, the 150-600 does have an advantage over a prime….the zoom! I shoot a lot of airshows, and rodeos (I live in Texas) as well as other fast-paced events where a zoom definitely comes in handy for composing fast targets like an F-16 rocketing down a runway on full afterburners. Like everything in life, there is always a give-n-take, photography is no exception.
I think this is going to be my next purchase. The 200 f/2 is my favorite lens. I love super tele primes. This thing checks so many boxes. I was originally looking at 150-600 but I’m gonna cross my fingers that Sigma just makes theirs available some day instead.
Presently, I own a Fuji 100-400mm zoom. The 500mm prime is about 0.4" shorter than the fully extended zoom. The prime is also about 40 grams (1.4 oz) lighter than the zoom. I may be falling in love before first sight. 🙂 Some rambling thoughts follow: My concerns are dimensions for comfort on long hikes. One of the attractive features of the 100-400 for me is that when the zoom is retracted and locked, it is very short and very comfortable when I carry it on my neck strap. I rented a Fuji 150-600 zoom and a problem was that it was very long and beat against my leg when hiking (it was heavier too). The retracted 100-400 is about 8.5" long, vs 10.1" for the new 500mm. I noticed that the 500mm filter diameter is larger, 95mm vs. 77mm, which may be a carry issue for me, but I won't know until I try it. Of course, if the 500 image quality outshines the zoom, I will be able to ignore minor discomforts. 🙂
Hi! Thanks for sharing your perspective. As I mentioned in the video, I had little problem handhold carrying the 500mm over several hour or so sessions. It’s nicely balanced and comfortable (at least for me) to carry. Neck strap might be a different thing, tho. Image quality seems exceptional to me and I’m looking forward to more time and/or getting one for myself. Cheers!
@@MSladekPhotoThanks for your input. I should have mentioned that I am carrying 10x42 binoculars in a chest pack too. The neck-side carry, or perhaps a belt carry, are the only ways I can think of to accommodate the binocular chest pack. I am guessing you carried your equipment against your chest for part of your walk - no?
weird that the hawk's eye and the duck's eye looks out of focus in the stills, but in the video the hawk looks amazing. probably TH-cam compression. I'm excited to try this lens!
Wowzers, this lense appears to house all the features that the 150-600 zoom doesn't. What a great contrast between the two. I love the size. There goes the camera shop budget, right? Bill
I have the Fuji 150-600 but this new lens is tempting….the zoom lens has its place for versatility but to shoot with a faster prime is great and since I already have the 1.4x it will certainly go great with the 500.
I have the. Fuji 100-400 and it hard to see much difference with my photos of wood ducks . Would owning this tens add Michu to my photographic experience
I borrowed the 100-400 a couple of years ago, and I didn't like it enough to replace my 70-300mm. Too big, heavy and expensive. But... the 500mm is something else! It won't replace my 70-300, but it will let me create photos that I can't with the 70-300. It's a really amazing lens, in my opinion.
Great video and lens Michael. Sadly, my pockets aren't deep enough to find that amount of cash. I will have to be content with Nikon's AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR for the time being. I wonder if anyone will do a comparison?
Hi Michael, wow this lens looks really good. About the aperture ring, is there a way to switch or lock it out of use and use a command dial instead? I have the XF150-600 and it has a switch to turn the aperture ring off, I find this essential because I was always catching it and getting unwanted changes. One thing I really like about the XF150-600 is the OIS, I regularly use the lens handheld on an X-T3 and the stability is amazingly good. So it’s no surprise this new prime is also good. Am hoping Santa will bring me an XF500, might have to start saving up.
Agreed - I'm already saving :) The XF 500 has an "A" setting on aperture ring, which does lock. I don't remember if that gives command dial aperture option, or not... Should work same as other Fujifilm lenses in that regard. Cheers and hope Santa hears you!
Hai dear I am a fan of your videos about fuji camera I need your advise before purchasing lens Currently i won fuji XT4 XF16-80 lens and i do landscape, portrait and product photography. As per your experience which lens is best for product photography 1. XF 90mm 2. XF 50-140mm 3. XF 80mm macro 4 XF 70-300mm
Hi! I think for product photos from your list, I would use (and have used) the 16-80mm the most. The 80mm would be a very close second, but mostly for details. You need lots of room to photograph full products at 80mm. Hope that helps and best wishes!
Hi! I've only used the XF 500mm from your list, and from my brief initial experience, I have zero hesitation in highly recommending this lens. I also think it's (relatively) competitively priced for its quality and performance. Best wishes!
But is it any good for iguana photography🤣.Obviously a great lens based on your review and the images that you shared, but for my “style” of photography I prefer a zoom lens such as the XF70-300 and if I need a little more reach I can always attach the 1.4 teleconverter. Be well.
Hi Enrique! The XF 500mm is THE lens for iguana photography. No other lens is even close. LOL... Agreed - the 70-300 + 1.4XTC is a great, smaller, lighter, less expensive alternative. But, imagine the 1.4X with 500mm... ;)
A price drop will come soon, I suppose, like they've done it with the 150-600mm. There aren't a lot of wildlife or sports photographers using Fujifilm. For very good reasons. I am shooting sports - a lot - but 500mm isn't useable for football, speedway, show riding or motocross. And they won't improve their crappy AF system. It would be great of they reach in 2024 - with the better hardware and sensor of the XH2s - the level Sony reached with the A7 IV two or three years ago .... but I don't think they will.
Nothing mentions about focus issue of XH2s with the latest firmware. Lot of shots out of focus with this lens too accur. So it doesnt matter what lens you have if the camera have problems... First of all Fuji must repair their focus problems with a new firmware. If they dont fix by the firmware, aquisition of new lenses doesnt justify anymore!
Hello and many thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I agree that Fujifilm needs to really and finally fix the autofocus problems. Looks like X-H2S is on the list for November updates (www.fujirumors.com/fujifilm-confident-in-new-autofocus-says-its-nailed-ahead-of-early-november-firmware-release-report/)
Bought the 500mm and let the 150-600 go. Keeping the 100-400 as a zoom backup. And who cares about AF, that’s for Jack Rabbits jumping in and out of the screen….
Lets be real Fuji is taking the piss here, taking a medium format lens, in this case one for the GFX and chucking an X mount on it for small APSC body's is delusional at best. at 750mm FF equivalent it has a very restricted application for sport's, it's basically the same size has the Nikkor 500mm f5.6 PF, I can actually buy the Nikon 500mm cheaper than this Fuji lens. Any serious Fuji sports or wild life shooter would be far better fof investing in a Fringer adapter and buying the Nikon glass opening up a wide section of lenses if this is the route Fuji is taking with their long primes.
Or… maybe a serious wild life photographer (me) doesn’t want to add an adapter and then open up possibilities of complications of using adapter. The XF 500mm is lighter than Nikon 500mm, shorter (no adapter needed), less expensive and tripod foot has built in Arca compatibility. That works for me.
@@MSladekPhoto The Nikkor is literally 85g heavier and pretty much the same size, I've had zero issue's with the fringer adapter using Nikon or Canon glass. the 500mm Nikkor also has the Arca foot compatibility, taking a Med format lens and putting an X mount on it show's just how seriously Fuji are taking their X mount system. It's a joke.
My gosh, the IS in video was nuts! The images were just beautiful.
Hi Mark! Thanks so much and I agree about the IS/IBIS combo performance in video. Guess you’ll have to start a new lens series of videos - “Big and Expensive Lenses for Fujifilm X-Mount” 😉 Cheers!
Good to see you got your hands on it. I'm enjoying the video right now
Thanks! I had a great time with this lens. Top of my wish list. Take care!
Really hope i get to pair this 500 with my 70-300 someday. Both would be an amazing combo for outdoor sports and wildlife. It looks like an incredible lens!
That would be a nice combo! Thanks for sharing.
I am thinking the same, but cannot justify that price for a hobby. I think that 500mm F/5.6 is the sweet stop for reach, aperture and cost. Maybe I will buy a used one.
@@catherinegrimes2308 yep agreed. It'll have to be a used one for me too, so I'll have to wait a while.
That what I thought too.
@@catherinegrimes2308you may have to wait for many many years before it appears on the second hand market 😂
Thank you! I'm pleased that Fuji has released this.
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching and sharing your comment.
Great video. Images are very impressive . Been using the 100-400mm for 8 years now so very interested in this lens.
Hello! Thanks for watching and sharing your comment. I hope you get a chance to try this lens - it’s pretty amazing. Looking forward to when they’re available in December 😉
$3K is a good price and is a good deal for this beautiful lens. This lens makes more sense to me for a birding lens than the 150-600mm, especially with its fixed f/5.6 aperture. For my purposes, I would prefer an updated version of the long-in-the-tooth 100-400mm, but I wouldn't expect it for a least for another year. The flexibility of the 100-400mm lens has its own advantages.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I agree, the $3000 price is reasonable for what this lens does. Cheers!
it's smaller and lighter than the 150-600 so it's an easy addition to my setup. I don't know if it will replace it for all wildlife stuff but it'll definitely be the main birding lens for me. excited to pick it up
Thanks for sharing this. The price is… high, but I sure can’t argue with the image quality and fun of using this lens. It’s now top of my wish list.
Thanks for your input. Can you explain why you prefer this for birding and the 150-600 for wildlife? Thanks 🙏
@@Ben_Lichtfaenger it would be a trade off between having a range of focal lengths and more reach (150-600). Vs more light and a smaller and lighter lens. 99% I’m wide open and at 600mm with the 150-600.
The 500mm will offer more light and hopefully more image quality, with the trade off of reach and flexibility.
Awesome! So cool that you got to try it out
Thanks! It was really, really hard to return it ;)
Tempting, but I have the 150-600 for most of my Super-Tele work. That said, I may just rent it and see if I might want to replace the 150-600 with this at some point, at $3k, this is not a bad price. I am not a fan of Variable Aperture lenses and I prefer my f-stop ring to have f-stop numbers, which are my main issues with this lens and the slow f8 is another.
However, until Fuji gets their act together and addresses the Elephant in the Room….Autofocusing, I am probably going to withhold any new purchases from Fujifilm. I was very disappointed that Fuji did not mention this.
Hi! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. I think Fujifilm has mentioned that there will be significant firmware updates for AF in November. We've heard that before, but I'm an optimist... My experience of autofocus on X-H2S was quite good!
Agree that f8 at 600mm could be better but a wider aperture would've made the lens heavier. And it's already heavy enough...
As for comparison with the new prime, the 150-600 is f7.1 at 500mm, not f8 so two thirds of a stop rather than a full one.
@@grahamniven yeah the main reason to "upgrade" would be image quality, and size - obviously giving up the extra range provided by the 150-600. will be interesting to see an image quality comparison between the two
@@grahamniven Indeed a prime 600mm at f8 would have been nice, but upon reflection, the 150-600 does have an advantage over a prime….the zoom! I shoot a lot of airshows, and rodeos (I live in Texas) as well as other fast-paced events where a zoom definitely comes in handy for composing fast targets like an F-16 rocketing down a runway on full afterburners. Like everything in life, there is always a give-n-take, photography is no exception.
So excited for this lens. Hopefully I can rent one for a day prior to committing. Now the saving game begins.
I hope you get a chance to rent it. It’s such a fun and awesome lens.
Amazing lens! I would love to get one as well!
Good luck and enjoy!
I WANT ONE!!!😊
Me too! Never spent this much on a lens (or camera!). But, sure seems worth it. Cheers!
I think this is going to be my next purchase. The 200 f/2 is my favorite lens. I love super tele primes. This thing checks so many boxes. I was originally looking at 150-600 but I’m gonna cross my fingers that Sigma just makes theirs available some day instead.
Here’s to finding a good fit lens for your photos!
Presently, I own a Fuji 100-400mm zoom. The 500mm prime is about 0.4" shorter than the fully extended zoom. The prime is also about 40 grams (1.4 oz) lighter than the zoom. I may be falling in love before first sight. 🙂 Some rambling thoughts follow: My concerns are dimensions for comfort on long hikes. One of the attractive features of the 100-400 for me is that when the zoom is retracted and locked, it is very short and very comfortable when I carry it on my neck strap. I rented a Fuji 150-600 zoom and a problem was that it was very long and beat against my leg when hiking (it was heavier too). The retracted 100-400 is about 8.5" long, vs 10.1" for the new 500mm. I noticed that the 500mm filter diameter is larger, 95mm vs. 77mm, which may be a carry issue for me, but I won't know until I try it. Of course, if the 500 image quality outshines the zoom, I will be able to ignore minor discomforts. 🙂
Hi! Thanks for sharing your perspective. As I mentioned in the video, I had little problem handhold carrying the 500mm over several hour or so sessions. It’s nicely balanced and comfortable (at least for me) to carry. Neck strap might be a different thing, tho. Image quality seems exceptional to me and I’m looking forward to more time and/or getting one for myself. Cheers!
@@MSladekPhotoThanks for your input. I should have mentioned that I am carrying 10x42 binoculars in a chest pack too. The neck-side carry, or perhaps a belt carry, are the only ways I can think of to accommodate the binocular chest pack. I am guessing you carried your equipment against your chest for part of your walk - no?
@drzman6901 Nope - just handheld - no strap. If I was doing more than hour or so, would go for cross body or shoulder carry.
weird that the hawk's eye and the duck's eye looks out of focus in the stills, but in the video the hawk looks amazing. probably TH-cam compression. I'm excited to try this lens!
Hi! Thanks for watching and sharing this. I’m going to guess YT compression is the culprit 😉
Wowzers, this lense appears to house all the features that the 150-600 zoom doesn't. What a great contrast between the two. I love the size. There goes the camera shop budget, right? Bill
Camera budget = blown up. LOL. Thanks for watching and sharing your comment.
I have the Fuji 150-600 but this new lens is tempting….the zoom lens has its place for versatility but to shoot with a faster prime is great and since I already have the 1.4x it will certainly go great with the 500.
Thanks so much for sharing this. I agree about the 1.4x will pair nicely with the XF 500mm.
I have the. Fuji 100-400 and it hard to see much difference with my photos of wood ducks . Would owning this tens add Michu to my photographic experience
I borrowed the 100-400 a couple of years ago, and I didn't like it enough to replace my 70-300mm. Too big, heavy and expensive. But... the 500mm is something else! It won't replace my 70-300, but it will let me create photos that I can't with the 70-300. It's a really amazing lens, in my opinion.
Great video and lens Michael. Sadly, my pockets aren't deep enough to find that amount of cash. I will have to be content with Nikon's AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR for the time being. I wonder if anyone will do a comparison?
Hi! Have fun with the Nikon 200-500! Not sure if anyone will do a comparison, but you never know 😉
How does the IQ compare with the 200F2?
Hello! I’m not sure - never used the XF 200 f2. Sorry I can’t help!
Hi Michael, wow this lens looks really good.
About the aperture ring, is there a way to switch or lock it out of use and use a command dial instead?
I have the XF150-600 and it has a switch to turn the aperture ring off, I find this essential because I was always catching it and getting unwanted changes.
One thing I really like about the XF150-600 is the OIS, I regularly use the lens handheld on an X-T3 and the stability is amazingly good. So it’s no surprise this new prime is also good.
Am hoping Santa will bring me an XF500, might have to start saving up.
Agreed - I'm already saving :) The XF 500 has an "A" setting on aperture ring, which does lock. I don't remember if that gives command dial aperture option, or not... Should work same as other Fujifilm lenses in that regard. Cheers and hope Santa hears you!
I just got the minimum focusing distance online. It's 9 feet.
Yes! Saw that and thanks for the reminder. Love the photos of single subjects at that distance with the XF 500mm.
Fuji says minimum focus distance is 2.75m (9.02 feet).
Thanks! That info was not included in specs I received.
Great review! Could you please confirm whether the white body part of this lens is made of plastic or metal?
Thanks and hello! The lens body is all metal. The lens hood is plastic. Cheers!
@@MSladekPhoto Thank you!
With the AF issues on Fuji bodies what's the keeper rate when you burst shoot at 20 FPS?
Hello! I did not do any photos at 20fps, so can’t answer that question.
Wouldn't a 200mm f2.0 with a 2x teleconverter at f4 make more sense?
Maybe? It’s a $5000 lens, plus 2xtc is likely not as good optically as Xf 500mm. Great question, though!
Does this lens work with the 1.4 TC?
Yes! Also works with 2XTC.
Can u use such Fuji lens to a lumix s5II?
I don’t know if anyone that makes an adapter like that. Plus, the s5II is full frame, while this lens is designed for a crop (smaller) sensor.
Hai dear
I am a fan of your videos about fuji camera
I need your advise before purchasing lens
Currently i won fuji XT4 XF16-80 lens and i do landscape, portrait and product photography.
As per your experience which lens is best for product photography
1. XF 90mm
2. XF 50-140mm
3. XF 80mm macro
4 XF 70-300mm
Hi! I think for product photos from your list, I would use (and have used) the 16-80mm the most. The 80mm would be a very close second, but mostly for details. You need lots of room to photograph full products at 80mm. Hope that helps and best wishes!
$3k 😬, i wonder which lens is the best? fuji 500mm 5.6, sigma 500mm 5.6, nikon 400 4.5 or fuji 500 5.6 for medium format???
Hi! I've only used the XF 500mm from your list, and from my brief initial experience, I have zero hesitation in highly recommending this lens. I also think it's (relatively) competitively priced for its quality and performance. Best wishes!
See how it compares with the 150-600@500mm?
@wilduc7302 That could be interesting!
They’re not wrong about this being the sharpest lens in the XF lineup…
It is pretty awesome!
But is it any good for iguana photography🤣.Obviously a great lens based on your review and the images that you shared, but for my “style” of photography I prefer a zoom lens such as the XF70-300 and if I need a little more reach I can always attach the 1.4 teleconverter. Be well.
Hi Enrique! The XF 500mm is THE lens for iguana photography. No other lens is even close. LOL... Agreed - the 70-300 + 1.4XTC is a great, smaller, lighter, less expensive alternative. But, imagine the 1.4X with 500mm... ;)
That lens on a xm5 or a xe 😂. Maybe not ideal. But maybe on a xs20 it could be fine 🤔
I had meant to put the XF 500mm on the X-M5 when I had them both, but ran out of time... and forgot ;)
@@MSladekPhoto would be looking funny 😁
A price drop will come soon, I suppose, like they've done it with the 150-600mm. There aren't a lot of wildlife or sports photographers using Fujifilm. For very good reasons.
I am shooting sports - a lot - but 500mm isn't useable for football, speedway, show riding or motocross.
And they won't improve their crappy AF system. It would be great of they reach in 2024 - with the better hardware and sensor of the XH2s - the level Sony reached with the A7 IV two or three years ago .... but I don't think they will.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Nothing mentions about focus issue of XH2s with the latest firmware. Lot of shots out of focus with this lens too accur. So it doesnt matter what lens you have if the camera have problems... First of all Fuji must repair their focus problems with a new firmware. If they dont fix by the firmware, aquisition of new lenses doesnt justify anymore!
Hello and many thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I agree that Fujifilm needs to really and finally fix the autofocus problems. Looks like X-H2S is on the list for November updates (www.fujirumors.com/fujifilm-confident-in-new-autofocus-says-its-nailed-ahead-of-early-november-firmware-release-report/)
Bought the 500mm and let the 150-600 go. Keeping the 100-400 as a zoom backup. And who cares about AF, that’s for Jack Rabbits jumping in and out of the screen….
Enjoy!!!
Lets be real Fuji is taking the piss here, taking a medium format lens, in this case one for the GFX and chucking an X mount on it for small APSC body's is delusional at best. at 750mm FF equivalent it has a very restricted application for sport's, it's basically the same size has the Nikkor 500mm f5.6 PF, I can actually buy the Nikon 500mm cheaper than this Fuji lens. Any serious Fuji sports or wild life shooter would be far better fof investing in a Fringer adapter and buying the Nikon glass opening up a wide section of lenses if this is the route Fuji is taking with their long primes.
Or… maybe a serious wild life photographer (me) doesn’t want to add an adapter and then open up possibilities of complications of using adapter. The XF 500mm is lighter than Nikon 500mm, shorter (no adapter needed), less expensive and tripod foot has built in Arca compatibility. That works for me.
@@MSladekPhoto The Nikkor is literally 85g heavier and pretty much the same size, I've had zero issue's with the fringer adapter using Nikon or Canon glass. the 500mm Nikkor also has the Arca foot compatibility, taking a Med format lens and putting an X mount on it show's just how seriously Fuji are taking their X mount system. It's a joke.
I thought that the Nikkor 500mm F5.6 PF cost around 3.5k new. That seems to be more than the 3k for the Fujifilm.
@@daveboyle5751 I think it's fair to say we agree to disagree here. Best wishes!
The nikkor is more expensive though
Also it's not like a lens designed for APSC from the ground up would be any smaller lol.