FUJINON GF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR – Super-Telephoto Prime, Weather-Resistant, Optical Image Stabilization, GFX Medium Format Lens
The FUJINON GF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR emerges as a groundbreaking super-telephoto prime lens designed exclusively for the FUJIFILM GFX Series medium format mirrorless system. Targeted at professional wildlife, sports, and outdoor photographers, this lens solves the critical need for ultra-long reach with uncompromising image quality, lightweight handling, and robust weather resistance. Leveraging cutting-edge optical engineering, the GF 500mm F5.6 delivers exceptional resolving power, advanced image stabilization, and rapid autofocus, meeting the demands of high-resolution GFX sensors in challenging, real-world shooting environments.At the heart of this lens is a sophisticated optical formula featuring multiple Super ED and ED elements, ensuring edge-to-edge sharpness, minimal chromatic aberration, and outstanding color fidelity. The Linear Motor (LM) autofocus system, combined with up to 6 stops of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), empowers photographers to capture razor-sharp images even at extreme focal lengths and in low light scenarios. The GF 500mm F5.6 sets a new benchmark for medium format telephoto performance, outpacing both previous GF telephoto lenses and many full-frame equivalents in terms of reach, clarity, and field usability.
1. 500mm Super-Telephoto Focal Length
The FUJINON GF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR provides a 500mm focal length (equivalent to 396mm in 35mm format), making it the longest native lens in the GFX system. This extended reach is vital for wildlife, sports, and distant landscape photography where subject isolation and magnification are paramount. This allows photographers to fill the frame with distant subjects without sacrificing image quality.
2. Large F5.6 Maximum Aperture
A bright F5.6 aperture ensures strong low light performance and enables pleasing subject-background separation, even at extreme distances. The aperture is precisely controlled via a dedicated aperture ring with an intuitive locking mechanism for tactile, on-the-fly adjustments. This gives professionals the flexibility to shoot in variable lighting and achieve beautiful bokeh effects.
- 9-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth out-of-focus rendering
- Aperture ring with C (Command) position for camera-based control
3. Advanced Optical Design
The lens construction includes 14 elements in 9 groups, with 2 Super ED and 5 ED elements that dramatically reduce axial chromatic aberration and color fringing. This sophisticated design ensures edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast, even at maximum aperture and high-resolution sensor outputs. This delivers ultra-high image fidelity for large-format prints and commercial use.
- Super ED elements for superior correction of color aberrations
- ED elements for enhanced contrast and minimal ghosting
4. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) – Up to 6 Stops
The built-in OIS compensates for up to 6 stops of camera shake, making handheld shooting at 500mm practical and reliable. This is especially critical for medium format systems, where even minor vibrations can affect image sharpness. This enables sharp, blur-free images in dynamic or low-light scenarios without a tripod.
5. Linear Motor (LM) Autofocus System
The high-torque Linear Motor provides fast, quiet, and highly accurate autofocus tracking, ideal for capturing fast-moving wildlife or sports action. The AF system is optimized for the GFX sensor’s large imaging circle, ensuring consistent performance across the frame. This helps professionals never miss a critical moment, even with unpredictable subjects.
6. Lightweight Magnesium Alloy Construction
Despite its reach, the GF 500mm F5.6 weighs just 1,375g (without tripod collar), making it one of the lightest super-telephoto primes for medium format. The lens barrel uses magnesium alloy for strength and reduced weight, enhancing portability for field work. This lets photographers carry and operate the lens for extended periods without fatigue.
- Compact length: 247.5mm
- Balanced center of gravity for stable handheld use
7. Weather-Resistant (WR) Sealing
With 18 weather seals and a fluorine-coated front element, the lens is protected against dust, moisture, and low temperatures down to -10°C. This robust weather resistance ensures reliable performance in harsh outdoor environments, from rainforests to arctic tundra. This allows professionals to keep shooting regardless of weather conditions.
8. Tripod Collar with Arca-Swiss Foot
The detachable tripod collar features an Arca-Swiss compatible foot, providing secure mounting and easy integration with professional support systems. The collar rotates smoothly for quick switching between landscape and portrait orientation. This supports stable, vibration-free shooting during long sessions or with heavy camera bodies.
9. Teleconverter Compatibility
The GF 500mm F5.6 is fully compatible with the GF 1.4X TC WR teleconverter, extending its reach to 700mm (35mm equivalent: 554mm) with minimal impact on image quality or autofocus performance. This expands the lens’s versatility for extreme telephoto needs without compromising sharpness. This gives professionals added flexibility for distant wildlife or sports subjects.
10. Minimal Focus Breathing and Focus Range Limiter
Engineered for precise framing, the lens exhibits minimal focus breathing, ensuring consistent composition during focus pulls—an advantage for both stills and video. A focus range limiter switch allows users to optimize AF speed by restricting the focusing range. This enables efficient subject tracking and seamless focus transitions in demanding shooting scenarios.
Summary
The FUJINON GF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR redefines what’s possible in medium format telephoto photography, combining extraordinary reach, lightweight construction, and industry-leading image stabilization in a weather-sealed design. Its advanced optics, fast linear motor autofocus, and professional-grade handling make it the definitive choice for wildlife, sports, and outdoor photographers who demand uncompromising image quality and reliability in the field.Whether you are upgrading from previous GF telephoto lenses or seeking a medium format solution that outperforms full-frame competitors in sharpness and color accuracy, the GF 500mm F5.6 delivers unmatched results. Now available at ebphotovideo.com, this lens is engineered to empower professionals to capture the furthest subjects with confidence, clarity, and creative control.
