Used Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR Lens, White

2024-09-08T20:00:00

Awesome lens! All I can say

Clay

Originally posted at

2023-10-16T07:25:50

Another legendary Fuji lens - the 150-600 has it all - superb image quality, build, and performance. On my 26mp sensor (can't help those with the new 40mp sensor), my testing showed that this lens produces great color, contrast, and sharpness throughout the zoom and aperture range. Seriously. Yes f/22 looks softer, but I considered my test shot totally usable even at 600mm. Image quality is impacted way more by shutter/ISO/AF/lighting balance in the field than anything intrinsic to the lens, from what I can tell. When it all comes together, this lens delivers, that much has been clear. The controls feel perfectly damped, and the manual focus ring is one-finger precise and a joy to use. The white paint job really does keep things cooler in the summer sun (if you've used the black red badge lenses you know they can pretty much burn you). It balances great on-camera and feels light. I'd have preferred an OIS switch also, or the ability to program the AF buttons to my liking - subject detection on/off, Pre-shot ES on/off, or OIS mode, for example. Seems like a firmware update change (just make the button a fn button!). AF is snappy, accurate, and parfocal(!). AF-limiter or lock features are helpful cutting through the foliage at times, and when this lens hunts, it seems to settle itself quickly. Lots of confidence here - I shot some people playing soccer and it did a great job. I also shot gorgeous candid portraits with stunning and totally blown out backgrounds. Nearly silent operation also, btw. Minimum focus distance of about 8 feet can feel like a lot at times, particularly when trying to shoot insects. But it is not a major issue for other shooting I've tried so far. OIS is excellent - I've had great success dropping the shutter to 1/125 or even less when possible and nailing shots. You need a lot of help at 900+mm and this lens provides it for sure. My criticism is that OIS obviously bungled test shots I took on a tripod - which got sharp when I shut it off. The Fuji manual said not to worry. Well, bad advice I think. On my non-IBIS body (that may be the reason I had the issue), I think it is advisable to shut OIS off on tripods or when shooting above about 1/500. Makes life a little harder at times but whatever. People seem to forget that OIS can help, and also hurt, your results. That is about all. I do what I want with my lenses - there is no such thing as a "landscape" or "portrait" lens, there are only the pictures I decide to take with what lens I happen to be using. Like the other red badgers this lens is superb and ready for whatever I've thrown at it. It is a challenge shooting narrower apertures and longer focal lengths, but the results have been more than satisfying. Given the reach, the focal range, made in Japan etc, I think it is the highest value option out there at the moment, particularly since I'm not sure the obvious competing lenses (Sony 200-600 or Nikon 180-600) perform as well on APS-C as this lens does. I'd have preferred a fixed aperture to make manual shooting a bit easier, but I can't say enough good things about this otherwise. It deserves WAY more love than it seems to have gotten. I attach a bunch of sample images which should help others see what I mean. So long as you understand its limitations (and yours), I'd say you can buy this and not look back.

MATT H.

2023-06-02T17:52:49

I am a Fuji user?I had the 100-400mm lens and am amazed at the difference. This is a GREAT LENS. So glad I upgraded!

MARGARET M.

2022-12-25T09:11:13

I have not had much opportunity to use it, but the images I have captured so far, I love!!!

JENNIFER D.

2022-08-11T06:15:30

This is the lens I've been waiting for. Easily on par with the other XF lenses. Fast, reliable auto focus. The image stabilization allows for some smooth handheld video, even at the full 600mm range. It does have its own character, though. Not something I can out my finger on, but a lot of newer fuji glass is described as "clinical". The biggest downside is the aperture, f8 is very limiting at times. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for that extra reach.

SAMUEL R.

2022-08-04T09:35:28

So far I have been impressed with the use of this lens. I have not been able to put it to the real test with bird photography but am hoping that opportunity comes soon. I have taken some very good shots of birds from a very long distance and I have been pleased.

MARCELLA C.

2022-07-27T08:34:12

Great lense! I was able to hand hold it all day without a problem. Focus is fast and accurate. With the internal zoom, balance was never a factor. Photos were some of the best I have ever taken. When I tried my 2x extender with it, I sometimes had to manually focus first and then use autofocus. I haven?t tried using the Pre-focus setting but I have an idea that would take care of that minor issue. I whole heartedly recommend this lense.

NEIL M.

2022-07-21T09:23:58

This lens has a wonderful reach and precision sharpness even paired with the tele convertors! It?s lightweight great for taking on a hike, supurb quality by Fuji!

LENUAL M.