Fujifilm XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR

Fujifilm X

Review

The Fujifilm XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR is a versatile telephoto zoom lens that is designed specifically for Fujifilm's X series cameras. Providing a focal range equivalent to 76-213mm in full-frame terms, this lens is perfect for a variety of shooting scenarios, including portraits, wildlife, and even some sports photography.

One of the standout features of this lens is its constant maximum aperture of F2.8 throughout the zoom range. This wide aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and the ability to create beautiful background blur, helping your subjects to stand out. The lens also incorporates Fujifilm's cutting-edge Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which compensates for camera shake and makes handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds much more feasible.

The build quality of the XF 50-140mm is top-notch, as expected from Fujifilm. The lens is weather-sealed, which ensures durability and usability in challenging environmental conditions. This is especially beneficial for outdoor photographers who may encounter rain or dusty conditions. The robust construction, coupled with the lens's relatively lightweight design, makes it a great choice for long shooting sessions.

The lens features a fast and quiet autofocus system powered by linear motors, which provides a smooth focusing experience. This is particularly advantageous for both stills and video shooters, where a silent focus is essential for capturing high-quality content without distracting noise. Additionally, the lens has a minimum focusing distance of 1.0m, which allows for closer shots and adds to its versatility.

However, it's worth noting that this lens is not without its downsides. While it offers excellent image quality, some users have reported a slight softness at the edges when shooting wide open at 140mm. In certain lighting conditions, chromatic aberrations can also appear, although these can be mitigated in post-processing. Additionally, the lens is relatively large and not as compact as other options in the Fujifilm lineup, which might be a concern for those looking for a more portable solution.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Constant F2.8 aperture across the zoom range
• Exceptional build quality with weather-sealing
• Effective OIS for improved stability
• Fast and quiet autofocus performance
• Versatile focal length range for various applications

Cons

• Slight softness at the edges at maximum focal length
• Potential for chromatic aberrations in challenging lighting
• Bulky size compared to other Fujifilm lenses

Verdict

The Fujifilm XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR is an outstanding telephoto zoom lens that excels in both image quality and versatility. Its robust construction, weather resistance, and impressive low-light performance make it a valuable tool for any serious Fujifilm shooter. While it may not be the most compact option and presents minor optical imperfections at times, the overall performance and feature set considerably outweigh these drawbacks. If you’re in the market for a high-quality telephoto lens for your Fujifilm X mount camera, this lens should definitely be on your short list.