Fujinon XF200mm F/2 R LM OIS WR review
Fujinon XF200mm: proof Fuji takes lenses seriously
In the past years, Fujifilm has produced some amazing cameras. My favorites are their X-pro and X-T series of cameras. But where I believe Fujifilm outshines many camera manufacturers is with their amazing lens offerings. I have had the pleasure and opportunity to review great classics like the Fujinon GF100 (MSRP $6000) and the Fujinon 35mm f/2.0 (MSRP $399). These great lenses prove that Fujifilm pays such great attention to making sure their lenses are exceptional regardless of their price.
Fujifilm has one amazing sport and wildlife photography lens must-have with its Fujinon 200mm f/2 R LM OIS WR fixed focal lens. They allowed me to review it for a week and I really loved the stunning photos that it produced. But at a $6000US plus pricetag, it this lens really worth it? Who is it for? In this blogpost, I take a look at these questions and try to answer them the best I can.
Fujinon XF200 f/2 lens specifications:
- Fixed focal has a maximum of f/2.0
- 305mm field of view on a 35mm equivalent
- 19 elements in 14 groups
- 2 ED elements and 1 super ED element. It has 9 rounded blades
- weight 2.265KG
- XF1.4X TC F2 WR teleconverter included at purchase
- Image stabilization (Fuji claims 5 stops)
- Fast and silent autofocus
- AF-ON and Focus lock side buttons
- Dust, moisture, and temperature resistant down to -10 C
The 200mm f/2 is no walkaround lens.
The Fujinon 200mm f/2.0 is a very nice lens. But the reason I wanted to talk about the technical specs was really to show you who exactly this lens is for. First and foremost, because of its weather sealing, lens stabilization, and crazy open f/2 with an absence of variable focal length, it shows no compromise in quality. Secondly, at almost 2.5 kilos it weighs a great deal. Glass at this quality comes at a cost.
Quality to cost ratio: a reality all manufacturers face
All companies are faced with the reality of the price to quality ratio. Most companies (including the giants like Nikon, Canon, and Sony) will cut on quality if they know that the additional cost to get a certain level of quality is not worth the trouble. That is why we always see different quality tiers offered by each manufacturer. This gives an offering to all sorts of budgets. However, even within the classing system of Fuji (XC vs XF) we see that this lens is in a class of its own. It has a no-compromise approach to the quality side of the equation.
Who is the Fujinon XF200mm F/2 R LM OIS WR for?
So, in a business sense, all these amazing quality characteristics are actually sacrifices for the company but high hurrays for those looking for the tiny edge in performance. Therefore, the question is – who looks for that tiny edge? Well, Those wanting to use this lens as a walkaround tourist lens should move on. Those that need to blow up images doing print and editorial work will love it. Those who do not have a mobile workflow will also love it. People who stick to one framing might also like it.
Most wildlife photographers prefer the uncompromised quality of a fixed focal length lens.
Fujinon aims at the Sports and Wildlife photographers
Fuji is clearly aiming their sights toward a select few; sports and wildlife photographers. All of the features on the XF200mm f/2 are features needed for these types of photography workflows. There are not many features on this lens, and one would seemingly think that this lens does not have much to offer. But do not forget that this lens does all of the things it does at a world-class level.
Other applications for the Fujinon XF200mm f/2
However, a little mention must go to some of the things you might want to use it for the hell of it. I believe that in specific cases of event and even wedding photography, this lens might also have its place. Show and event photography might be a good place to try this lens out. At all events, light is kept to a minimum. This lens could be a great answer to those wanting to shoot in these low light situations. Sure, the classic 70-200mm (35mm range) is the perfect lens for events, but this lens is right in that max focal length one uses when they are far away.
I also think that this lens could be good for street fashion. The fixed 200mm focal length might be good to get that bokeh-feel that is so popular among fashion photographers. In fact, it will perform well wherever there are applications that call for natural light photography only and bokeh compression.
Conclusion: My review of the Fujinon XF200 f2 R LM OIS WR
Nothing about this lens disappoints. It has fast and silent autofocus as promised. The image quality is right up there with all the world-class major camera manufacturer fixed focal lenses. The only one gripe I do have is that for a $6000 lens, they could have made a more sturdy and less chintzy lens hood. This small detail and the price are major hurdles when deciding if you want to make the jump. Remember, quality glass like this just comes at a cost. If you do professional sports photography or low light run and gun fashion photography and work with the Fujifilm X mount system, this is a lens that has to be in your arsenal.
The real question with this lens is: At $6000 – Is it for you?
In a nutshell, it boils down to one short and sweet sentence:
For professional sports and wildlife photographers, this lens is a must. For anyone else, you might want to think of other less expensive alternatives by Fujinon.
To see a video version of this blog with a couple more details, you can watch these two videos
It’s almost 2022
That extra stop is easily made up in technology of the sensor
As to the elusive bokeh in fashion … It’s an easy hack to reverse “stacked focusing”