Lken wrote:
Hopefully the Fuji 100-400 lens will be here next week. Can't wait. Really excited to use it. Has anyone else here had a chance to use it yet?
Nope, but post some samples when you get a chance!
Hope to get it in my hands soon. Henry's in Canada said shipment will go out on the 16th. Will post samples if I get it before I leave on a 10 day business trip.
I tried it out on Friday and I have a review copy coming Tuesday. It's much lighter than it looks and the IS is incredible. I don't have great long lens handholding technique and was getting 5 stops easily. Very sharp even to the corners at 400mm.
I did a write up on this, the X-Pro 2 and X70 that I got to test.
My review copy has come in. Build is very similar to the 55-200...so fairly nice, but not all-metal (which is good due to weight). Aperture ring feels a bit odd...like the bearing they're using is a big plastic ball. Tripod collar is super smooth and balance is perfect with the X-T1 mounted. Zoom action is a little stiff. As I reported in my brief hands on, IS is incredible. I pushed it how far I could go, and if I'm steady, I can handhold at 1/15s at 400mm, when focused close up (5 feet or so, around MFD). That's nearly 6 stops. (DOF, by the way, at MFD, is around 5mm at f/5.6 and 400mm). No pics yet, as I've just been futzing around inside for a few minutes, but I'll post as I shoot.
Some quick shots from the half hour or so I've had to shoot with it so far. One thing is very apparent: this is an exceptional zoom for resolution. At first blush it looks as sharp as the 50-140mm f/2.8, which is pretty darn high praise. It's very sharp from wide open through the entire focal range.
Not an amazing shot or anything, but dang: 1/5 sec, handheld, at 400mm. This isn't consistent at this speed, but the fact it's possible at all is incredible.
Wow, that looks like an amazing lens. I waited so long for this to be released (along with 24mpx body) but since Fuji took their sweet time I ended up move to Sony A7rII... but my heart still long for Fuji (X-T1 was one of the best camera that I used).
I just hope that with X-T2 Fuji makes some good improvements (specially in AF) and price is better than what they have done with X-Pro2.
Nice shots. Looks very hopeful for new lens. I picked mine up yesterday. Played around in the house with it. Hope to get out and give it a real test tomorrow.
It's definitely a good lens. The only issue I notice is that the mount is a bit loose on the connection to the camera...I can wiggle the camera very easily back and forth against the lock pin.
First shot was taken by my daughter (seeing a very short 7 year old hand hold this lens is entertaining, by the way).
Jman13 wrote:
It's definitely a good lens. The only issue I notice is that the mount is a bit loose on the connection to the camera...I can wiggle the camera very easily back and forth against the lock pin.
All my lenses do this on my X-T1. I can rotate them about a millimeter back and forth when mounted. I thought it was a Fuji "feature".
DerKaiser wrote:
All my lenses do this on my X-T1. I can rotate them about a millimeter back and forth when mounted. I thought it was a Fuji "feature".
Well, some do a bit....with this lens it's a LOT. It's by far the loosest of any of the lenses I have. It actually can adjust composition a bit by how you sit the camera on the end (it's especially noticeable when tripod mounted. I also notice due to the perhaps 'flexible' nature of the optic and the connection, plus the very long focal range, that tripod settling is noticeable. My ballhead (RRS BH-40) locks very tight, but the lens itself settles when releasing it. It's not a major issue, but it's there.
It's a big lens. It's lighter than most other 100-400mm lenses from other manufacturers, but it is big...it doesn't fit in any bag I currently have (well, I'd imagine it would fit in the giant shoulder bag I got in the swag bag at PhotoPlus, but I have no use for that behemoth, and the other Fuji lenses would swim in it.)
In any case, it's also optically outstanding, and I'm continually amazed at the IS....my initial findings weren't odd luck...it's easily worth 5 stops, pushing 6 in some cases. Definitely a non-daily carry lens, but if you need serious telephoto, it's one of the best zooms I've ever used in this range, if not the best. Need to find some people willing to let me take pictures of them and some closeup things to shoot.
Jman13 wrote:
My review copy has come in. Build is very similar to the 55-200...so fairly nice, but not all-metal (which is good due to weight). Aperture ring feels a bit odd...like the bearing they're using is a big plastic ball. Tripod collar is super smooth and balance is perfect with the X-T1 mounted. Zoom action is a little stiff. As I reported in my brief hands on, IS is incredible. I pushed it how far I could go, and if I'm steady, I can handhold at 1/15s at 400mm, when focused close up (5 feet or so, around MFD). That's nearly 6 stops. (DOF, by the way, at MFD, is around 5mm at f/5.6 and 400mm). No pics yet, as I've just been futzing around inside for a few minutes, but I'll post as I shoot. ...Show more →
Jman13 - looking forward to your review. What are your thoughts on using this with the X-Pro 2 vs X-T1? Dave
X-T1 all the way for ergonomics. I'm even using my battery grip when shooting with this lens for more to hold on to. It'll easily take advantage of the extra resolution of the Pro 2, though.
Thanks. I've never shot Fuji but your answer was what I was expecting. This 100-400 lens that has me thinking now may be the time to cash in my Canon wildlife kit and go Fuji. The weight savings is HUGE and coincidentally the X-T1 would shoot identical resolution to my Canon 1D Mk IV, albeit a slightly smaller but newer sensor. Sounds like a worthwhile tradeoff!
I'm hoping you will have opportunity with the 1.4x TC as well.
Dave
Jman13 wrote:
X-T1 all the way for ergonomics. I'm even using my battery grip when shooting with this lens for more to hold on to. It'll easily take advantage of the extra resolution of the Pro 2, though.
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Edward Castro wrote:
We'll soon have the camera many of us are waiting for, THE X-T2!!!!!!
Jman - love all these photos - especially the one of you by the 7 year old - I think you have a prodigy on your hands! Love the lens - I also look forward to your review. I wasn't planning on getting the Pro2 - but may have to after looking at all the reviews - and now this lens - all reviews of it say it is outstanding! Alway enjoy your work - and enjoy watching your girl grow up! Blessings!
dbehrens wrote:
Thanks. I've never shot Fuji but your answer was what I was expecting. This 100-400 lens that has me thinking now may be the time to cash in my Canon wildlife kit and go Fuji. The weight savings is HUGE and coincidentally the X-T1 would shoot identical resolution to my Canon 1D Mk IV, albeit a slightly smaller but newer sensor. Sounds like a worthwhile tradeoff!
I was tempted for a moment too. But 400 is simply not enough for birding. I'd need at least 500 & f4. I'll stay with Canon for that.
