Fujifilm Fujinon XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Lens Review

Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R OIS WR Handling and Features

The  combination of high-quality plastics and metal used in the construction of this lens, has resulted in robust build, whilst striking a very good compromise between build quality and weight. At 995g it isn't as heavy as you may expect.  As a result it compliments the Fujifilm X-T1 used for testing very well.

Focusing and zoom are performed internally, so the filter thread does not rotate during operation and the lens does not extend. As a result, the 72mm filter thread does not rotate, making it perfect for use with polarising and graduated filters. A deep, petal-shaped hood attaches to the bayonet around the front of the lens. The manual focusing ring is smooth to operate and well damped. Those wishing to manually focus on fast moving subjects may find the amount that the focus ring needs to be moved is a little too much for their tastes, as it has a long travel. As a side effect of this, fine adjustments are a pleasure.

As is the case with Fuji's other X-series optics, this lens has  a manual aperture ring for selecting your desired setting in a more traditional way. The aperture ring is clearly marked and it provides control in third-stop intervals and only requires a light touch to move through the aperture range. This is great for making quick adjustments. Auto focus is quick and precise, with little hunting for focus, even in low light.

The optical stabiliser this lens is equipped with keeps the viewfinder image uncannily steady, which aids accurate autofocus and composition with a telephoto lens. So long as a short pause is given for the image stabiliser to settle, sharp handheld shots are possible around half the time at 1/4sec, which is between five and six stops slower than might be considered safe without the system. A tripod mount is also included, which can be removed via two thumbscrews, which can be a bit fiddly to undo or tighten, if you have fat fingers, like I do.