Fuji GF 100-200mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens Review
Fuji GF100-200mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens
When you’re a photographer who demands nothing but the best in image quality, flexibility, and durability, the Fuji GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens presents itself as a compelling choice. This lens is designed for those who don’t want to compromise, offering a versatile zoom range and robust construction that meets the high standards of the Fujifilm GFX series.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the Fuji GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens a standout in the medium format world. From its build quality to image performance, we’ll explore every aspect that could make or break your decision to add this lens to your kit. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this review aims to provide valuable insights that will help you determine if this lens is the right fit for your needs.
Build Quality and Design
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Fuji GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR is its solid build. Fujifilm has a reputation for crafting durable lenses, and this one is no exception. Constructed with a metal exterior and featuring weather-sealing at 10 different points, this lens is designed to withstand harsh conditions. Whether you’re shooting in the rain, snow, or dusty environments, you can trust that this lens will keep performing without skipping a beat.
The lens is also surprisingly compact for a medium format zoom, weighing in at just 1,050 grams (2.31 pounds). This makes it a great choice for travel photographers who need a versatile zoom lens that doesn’t add too much weight to their gear bag. The lens barrel extends slightly when zooming, but it remains well-balanced and easy to handle, even when mounted on the larger GFX camera bodies.
The zoom and focus rings are well-damped and smooth, providing precise control over your compositions. The aperture ring, which is a hallmark of Fujifilm’s lens design, clicks positively into each stop, giving you confidence in your settings.
Optical Performance
When it comes to optical performance, the Fuji GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens truly shines. Sharpness is consistent across the zoom range, from the center to the edges of the frame, even when shooting wide open at f/5.6. This level of sharpness is critical for photographers who demand the highest image quality, whether they’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or anything in between.
The lens features 20 elements in 13 groups, including two super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and one aspherical element. This complex optical formula helps to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortions, ensuring that your images are crisp and clean, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Bokeh, or the quality of out-of-focus areas, is another area where this lens excels. While an f/5.6 aperture might not seem like it would produce a lot of background blur, the large medium format sensor of the GFX cameras helps to create a beautifully soft and smooth bokeh. This makes the GF100-200mmF5.6 an excellent choice for portrait photographers who want to isolate their subjects against a creamy background.
Image Stabilization
One of the standout features of the Fuji GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR is its Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This lens offers up to 5 stops of image stabilization, which is particularly useful when shooting at longer focal lengths or in low-light situations. With OIS, you can confidently shoot handheld without worrying about camera shake, even at the 200mm end of the zoom range.
This feature is especially beneficial for landscape photographers who may find themselves shooting in challenging conditions where tripods aren’t feasible. The OIS system works silently and efficiently, ensuring that your images remain sharp and free of motion blur.
Autofocus
Autofocus performance is another area where the GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR impresses. The lens uses a linear motor (hence the "LM" in its name) for focusing, which is both fast and nearly silent. This makes it an excellent choice for wildlife photographers who need to capture fleeting moments without disturbing their subjects.
In practice, the autofocus system locks onto subjects quickly and accurately, even in low light. Whether you’re tracking a moving subject or focusing on a stationary object, the GF100-200mmF5.6 performs reliably, ensuring that you get the shot you want.
Versatility
One of the most significant advantages of the Fuji GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR is its versatility. With a focal length equivalent to 79-158mm in 35mm terms, this lens covers a wide range of shooting scenarios. From portraits to landscapes to wildlife photography, this lens is a jack-of-all-trades that doesn’t compromise on image quality.
For portrait photographers, the 200mm end of the zoom range allows for flattering compression and beautiful subject isolation. Landscape photographers will appreciate the ability to zoom in on distant scenes without sacrificing sharpness or detail. And for wildlife photographers, the combination of a relatively long reach, fast autofocus, and robust build makes this lens an ideal companion in the field.
Weather Resistance
Fujifilm has designed the GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR with professional photographers in mind, and that includes ensuring the lens can handle a variety of environmental conditions. The WR (Weather Resistant) designation means this lens is sealed against dust and moisture, making it suitable for shooting in less-than-ideal weather.
This feature is a significant plus for outdoor photographers who often find themselves in unpredictable environments. Whether you’re caught in a sudden downpour or shooting in a dusty desert, the GF100-200mmF5.6 will keep performing, allowing you to focus on capturing the perfect shot.
Size, Weight, and Handling
While the Fuji GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR is a robust lens, it’s also designed with practicality in mind. As mentioned earlier, the lens is relatively compact and lightweight for a medium format zoom, making it easy to carry around during long shoots or travels.
However, it’s important to note that the lens does extend slightly when zooming, which might be a consideration for those who prefer internal zoom mechanisms. That said, the extension is minimal and doesn’t significantly affect the balance or handling of the lens.
In terms of usability, the lens features a tripod collar that can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing for easy switching between landscape and portrait orientations. This is a thoughtful addition that enhances the overall user experience, especially when shooting on a tripod.
Is It Worth the Investment?
At first glance, the price tag of the Fuji GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR might seem steep, especially for photographers who are used to the more affordable options available in smaller formats. However, when you consider the performance, build quality, and versatility that this lens offers, it becomes clear that it’s a worthwhile investment for serious photographers.
This lens is not just about zoom range; it’s about delivering exceptional image quality and reliability in a package that’s built to last. If you’re invested in the Fujifilm GFX system and need a versatile zoom lens that can handle a variety of shooting conditions, the GF100-200mmF5.6 is an excellent choice that won’t disappoint.
Comparing the Competition
When compared to other lenses in the medium format market, the Fuji GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR holds its own. While there are prime lenses available that might offer wider apertures, the versatility of a zoom lens combined with the robust build and optical performance of the GF100-200mmF5.6 makes it a standout option.
For photographers who require a bit more reach, Fujifilm also offers the GF250mmF4 R LM OIS WR, which provides a longer focal length but at the cost of reduced flexibility. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more compact option, the GF45-100mmF4 R LM OIS WR offers a wider angle of view but doesn’t reach as far as the 100-200mm.
In the end, the choice comes down to your specific needs as a photographer. If you need a versatile, weather-resistant zoom lens that delivers outstanding image quality, the GF100-200mmF5.6 is hard to beat.
FAQs
Is the Fuji GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens compatible with all Fujifilm GFX cameras?
Yes, the GF100-200mmF5.6 is fully compatible with all Fujifilm GFX cameras. It’s designed to work seamlessly with the GFX system, providing full autofocus and image stabilization capabilities.
How does the image stabilization perform on this lens?
The image stabilization on the GF100-200mmF5.6 is excellent, offering up to 5 stops of compensation. This allows for sharp handheld shots even at slower shutter speeds, which is particularly useful in low-light conditions or when shooting at the 200mm end of the zoom range.
Is the f/5.6 aperture limiting in low light?
While an f/5.6 aperture might seem limiting, the large sensor of the GFX cameras helps to compensate by allowing for higher ISO settings without significant noise. Additionally, the image stabilization helps to mitigate the effects of the narrower aperture in low light.
How does this lens compare to prime lenses in terms of image quality?
The GF100-200mmF5.6 performs remarkably well against prime lenses, offering excellent sharpness and minimal distortion. While prime lenses might offer slightly better performance in specific situations, the versatility of the zoom makes this lens a more practical choice for many photographers.
What types of photography is this lens best suited for?
The GF100-200mmF5.6 is incredibly versatile and well-suited for a variety of photography types, including landscape, portrait, wildlife, and travel photography. Its weather resistance and robust build also make it ideal for outdoor and adventure photography.
Is this lens worth the investment?
If you’re serious about medium format photography and need a versatile, high-quality zoom lens, the GF100-200mmF5.6 is definitely worth the investment. Its combination of image quality, build, and features make it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit.
Conclusion
The Fuji GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens is a stellar example of what modern medium format lenses can achieve. It’s a versatile performer that doesn’t compromise on image quality, build, or features, making it a worthy investment for photographers who demand the best. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or wildlife, this lens delivers consistent results that will elevate your photography to the next level.
In a market where medium format zoom lenses are few and far between, the GF100-200mmF5.6 stands out for its combination of sharpness, durability, and practicality. It’s a lens that will serve you well in a wide range of shooting situations, making it a valuable tool in any photographer’s arsenal.
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