FUJIFILM XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens - Any Good?

jhorse wrote:

Brad Herman wrote:

Hi All;

I’m looking at the 100-400 XF lens for my XT-4. I already own the 50-140 and may not use the 100-400 a ton, but there is a good instant rebate on it now.

I read on multiple forums and watched a few You Tube videos that indicated that it isn’t very sharp at the long end. What have you heard? How does it compare to my 50-140 XF Zoom?

Thanks!

-Brad

I might be able to offer a view with this previous post, although I am unable to compare it with the 50-140 as I have never owned/used that lens, but it has a great reputation.

Re: Looking for Assistance with XF 100-400 Lens: Fujifilm X System / SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

The link offers my experience with the lens soon after I bought it and includes a shot at 400mm. Note, I use the 100-400 handheld.

Concerning sharpness, in my view it is possible that the human rather than the technical side of performance is a possible issue. I come at using telephoto lenses from the point of view of having been a marksman in rifle shooting. To be a marksman, and I was formally trained and spent years practicing, four attributes of high performance are necessary: settings; technique (standing, holding, breathing and triggering (or rolling a shutter button)); training; and practicing. I believe these four attributes are also necessary to perfect telephoto lens use.

Apologise if this sounds like I am preaching to an experienced user, but I often wonder why many people think they can buy a telephoto and obtain sharp results straight out of the box. That does not happen in rifle shooting and in my view neither in telephoto use. Once settings, techniques, training and practicing have been concluded and if the results are still unsharp then I would agree, look to the calibration of the lens.

Hope that helps.

Yes telephoto lens require practice.

There is also the problem of air especially when you shoot at long distance .

When the lens is not tack sharp , when you add the slightest motion blur, some air turbulence you finish to have a soft picture.