Fujifilm has unveiled the XF 400mm f/4.5 R OIS LM WR lens, specifically designed for its X series of APS-C (crop-sensor) cameras, including the X-T5 and X-H2S. This lens offers an equivalent focal length of 609mm, making it highly suitable for bird photography and other long-distance shooting. Weighing 1.2kg, the lens is weather-sealed and priced at $3,200 or £2,499. It is compatible with Fujifilm’s 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, which can extend the lens’s reach but will reduce the maximum aperture, affecting the amount of light it can capture. Compared to Fujifilm’s 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR lens, which has an equivalent focal length of 762mm, the new 400mm f/4.5 lens is slightly more compact and lighter. Both lenses share similar design elements, such as an aperture ring for manual control, linear motor autofocus for quick focusing, optical stabilization to reduce camera shake, and weather resistance for use in challenging environments. The 400mm lens provides 5.5EV of stabilization, which is equivalent to reducing the shutter speed by up to five stops, and features a focus limiter that allows users to choose between focusing within 7 meters or from 7 meters to infinity. Additional accessories include a tripod collar, a strap loop, and a lens hood. During a hands-on test in rainy conditions, the lens’s weather-sealing proved effective, allowing it to perform reliably in harsh environments. The autofocus system was described as both silent and fast, though tracking birds in flight required a good understanding of the subject and some skill. While Fujifilm’s autofocus performance is currently seen as a relative weakness compared to some competitors, the company may address this with future camera models. The XF 400mm f/4.5 R OIS LM WR lens is aimed at professional and advanced amateur photographers who need a powerful, portable option for wildlife and sports photography. Its combination of features, including stabilization, weather resistance, and compatibility with teleconverters, makes it a strong contender in the niche market of long-range APS-C lenses.