Lens Reviews / Fujinon Lenses i Not yet tested

100-200mm	$1,999 average price

Updates:
03/22/2019: Field Test & Gallery Images added

 

Fuji GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR Field Test

Second GF zoom delivers excellent image quality & performance

by Jeremy Gray | Posted 03/22/2019

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 165mm (130mm equiv.), f/11, 1/125s, ISO 320. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Designed primarily as a lens for exploring nature, the Fujinon GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR lens offers a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 79-158mm with a fixed maximum aperture of f/5.6. It is not quite as fast or long as the GF 250mm f/4, but it does offer more flexibility thanks to its zooming capabilities.

The GF 100-200mm is the second zoom lens in the GFX system, following the GF 32-64mm f/4 lens that launched alongside the GFX 50S in 2017. Fujifilm has told us that one of the most popular lens for GFX 50S owners is the 32-64mm zoom, so it will be interesting to see if the 100-200mm follows suit.

Ruggedly built, the 100-200mm is weather sealed and is the third GF lens to feature image stabilization. The OIS system is rated for up to five stops of shake reduction. The lens features a linear AF motor with an updated mechanism allowing the motor position to remain fixed when powering off the camera, a feature first introduced in the GF 250mm f/4 lens in 2018. Also, like the GF 250mm, the GF 100-200mm is compatible with the GF 1.4x teleconverter, which then makes it a 140-280mm f/8 lens.

Other lenses in the GF lineup have proven to be very well-built, sharp and enjoyable to use. Will the GF 100-200mm follow suit? Let's find out.

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 200mm (158mm equiv.), f/5.6, 1/110s, ISO 3200. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Key Features and Specifications

• Medium telephoto zoom lens
• Designed for outdoor photography, including a weather sealed design
• Weighs 2.31 pounds (1,050 grams)
• 67mm filter thread
• Linear autofocus system
• Built-in image stabilization offering up to 5 stops of shake reduction
• Compatible with 1.4x teleconverter
• 20 elements in 13 groups, including 1 aspherical element and 2 Super ED elements
• 0.2x maximum magnification
• Costs $2,000 USD

Lens Design and Handling

Unsurprisingly, the GF 100-200mm lens features the same styling and general design as other GF lenses. This means that it has a semi-matte black finish, a dedicated ridged metal aperture ring, a gripped zoom ring and a rubber-gripped focus ring at the end of the lens barrel. In the case of the GF 100-200mm lens, it has an extra-wide zoom ring, which makes it very easy to hold and to rotate. Focal lengths are marked at 100, 130, 170 and 200mm and to zoom all the way from 100mm to 200mm requires about 90 degrees of rotation.

The GF 100-200mm is a fairly large lens. It has a maximum diameter of 3.52 inches (89.5 millimeters) and has a length of 7.2 inches (183mm). The lens has a 67mm filter thread and its removable lens hood has a slot where you can easily rotate a filter without needing to remove the lens hood. The lens weighs 2.3 pounds (1,050 grams). It is an internally-focusing lens, so the length does not change as you zoom, which is nice. Further, despite weighing over two pounds, it is very well balanced and feels nice in the hands. The lens has dust and water resistance as well and a removable rotating tripod collar.

Overall, I have no issues with the build quality of the lens. It is a very nice lens with a look and feel similar to other Fuji GF lenses.

Image Quality

Sharpness

Having shot with every Fujinon GF lens, the bar for sharpness has been set very high. The GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR lens has met my expectations across its entire focal length range. The lens has 20 lens elements across 13 groups and includes an aspherical element and two Super ED elements.

At 100mm, central sharpness, even when shooting wide open at f/5.6, is fantastic. Corner sharpness is also very good, although there is some minor loss in detail at the extreme edge.

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 100mm (79mm equiv.), f/5.6, 1s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

100 percent center crop @ f/5.6

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 100mm (79mm equiv.), f/5.6, 1s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

100 percent corner crop @ f/5.6

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 100mm (79mm equiv.), f/5.6, 1s, ISO 100. 100 percent corner crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

100 percent center crop @ f/11

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 100mm (79mm equiv.), f/11, 4s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

100 percent corner crop @ f/11

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 100mm (79mm equiv.), f/11, 4s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

At 150mm, the story is much the same as it was at 100mm, although corner performance is perhaps slightly improved. When shooting wide open, sharpness across nearly the entire frame is excellent.

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 150mm (119mm equiv.), f/5.6, 0.8s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

100 percent center crop @ f/5.6

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 150mm (119mm equiv.), f/5.6, 0.8s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

100 percent corner crop @ f/5.6

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 150mm (119mm equiv.), f/5.6, 0.8s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

100 percent center crop @ f/11

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 150mm (119mm equiv.), f/11, 3s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

100 percent corner crop @ f/11

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 150mm (119mm equiv.), f/11, 3s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

At 200mm, corner performance is further improved and overall sharpness remains fantastic at f/5.6.

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 200mm (158mm equiv.), f/5.6, 0.8s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

100 percent center crop @ f/5.6

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 200mm (158mm equiv.), f/5.6, 0.8s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

100 percent corner crop @ f/5.6

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 200mm (158mm equiv.), f/5.6, 0.8s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

100 percent center crop @ f/11

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 200mm (158mm equiv.), f/11, 3.2s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

100 percent corner crop @ f/11

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 200mm (158mm equiv.), f/11, 3.2s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Overall, I consider f/8 to be the sweet spot for overall sharpness. At f/11, while corner performance is improved a bit, center sharpness decreases very slightly. At f/16, overall sharpness decreases further although it remains very good. At f/22, diffraction sets in heavily and the image becomes noticeably soft. At the GF 100-200mm's minimum aperture, f/32, image quality is quite poor.

Vignette

The images below have been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings, save for a normalization of white balance and +0.5 EV to exposure.

At 100, 150 and 200mm, there is some minor vignetting when shooting wide open and there remains some at f/8. At f/11, the entire frame is nearly uniform in brightness. Overall, the performance is impressive.

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 100mm (79mm equiv.), f/5.6, 1/125s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 148mm (117mm equiv.), f/5.6, 1/125s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 200mm (158mm equiv.), f/5.6, 1/120s, ISO 100. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Bokeh

While not a super fast lens given its f/5.6 maximum aperture, the GF 100-200mm nonetheless can produce images with some decent bokeh and good subject separation, provided that you get close to your subject and have a reasonably distant background. It is simply impossible to get the same smooth and soft background as you get with the GF 110mm f/2 or GF 250mm f/4 lenses. The GF 100-200mm f/5.6 is not designed for that kind of photography. However, as you can see in the images below, you can still get images with nice depth and separation.

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 200mm (158mm equiv.), f/5.6, 1/500s, ISO 160. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 200mm (158mm equiv.), f/5.6, 1/500s, ISO 3200. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 200mm (158mm equiv.), f/5.6, 1/125s, ISO 640. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Shooting Experience

Autofocus

The GF 100-200mm has a Linear AF motor, which delivers pretty quick autofocus performance. The real limiting factor with the GF 100-200mm, like other GF lenses, is the camera itself. Whether you use the GFX 50S or the GFX 50R, neither are fast focusers -- both cameras use contrast-detect AF. However, relative to other GF lenses, the GF 100-200mm is pretty quick. It features an updated mechanism that fixes the motor position to retain focus position even after turning off the camera. The Fuji 100-200mm also has a focus limiter switch that allows you to reduce the focus range from 2 feet to infinity to 16.4 feet through infinity.

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 200mm (158mm equiv.), f/8, 1/500s, ISO 500. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Close Focus

The GF 100-200mm lens can focus as close as 1.97 feet (60 centimeters). This results in a maximum magnification of just 0.2x (reproduction ratio maximum is 1:5).

Image Stabilization

The GF 100-200mm is the third Fujinon GF lens to include built-in image stabilization, joining the GF 120mm f/4 Macro lens and the GF 250mm f/4 telephoto prime lens. The GF 100-200mm is rated for up to five stops shake correction and can be enabled or disabled via a switch on the lens. In my experience, the OIS works well not only for capturing sharp images at slower shutter speeds, but also for helping to maintain a stable viewfinder image.

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 183mm (145mm equiv.), f/5.6, 1/45s, ISO 3200. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 183mm (145mm equiv.), f/5.6, 1/45s, ISO 3200. 100 percent crop. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Overall

Regarding the shooting experience, I do have a few minor issues with the GF 100-200mm lens. While the tripod foot is generally pretty good, it does sit rather close to the barrel of the lens, which can make it a little difficult to rotate the zoom ring without moving the tripod foot out of the way or removing it entirely. I opted for the latter solution.

Another minor issue is that there simply isn't a ton of zoom range with the GF 100-200mm lens. It's sort of similar in spirit to a 70-200mm lens, although it is really more like an 80-160mm. A 70-200mm-equivalent focal length range would've been more useful, I think. Further, the f/5.6 maximum aperture is limiting not only in terms of shooting in low light, but also with respect to creating good subject separation. Fujifilm states that the lens is good for portraiture, but I do not see any compelling reason to opt for the Fuji 100-200mm over a GF 110mm f/2 lens.

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 102mm (81mm equiv.), f/8, 1/3s, ISO 100. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

For nature and landscape photography or general walkaround shooting, the GF 100-200m is quite good, although it is a pretty large lens and somewhat heavy. However, it balances nicely with the GFX 50S. The OIS works well too, which can help compensate for its size, but it is far from a compact travel zoom.

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 151mm (119mm equiv.), f/8, 0.7s, ISO 100. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Ultimately, the GF 100-200mm lens performs well and delivers excellent image quality. As someone who primarily uses a GFX 50S for landscape photography, I see the GF 100-200mm fitting well in my kit alongside the ultra-wide GF 23mm f/4 and GF 32-64mm standard zoom. However, I do wish that the GF 100-200mm was more like a GF 80-200mm f/4.

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 100mm (79mm equiv.), f/8, 1/25s, ISO 100. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 100mm (79mm equiv.), f/8, 1/25s, ISO 100. 100 percent crop. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 200mm (158mm equiv.), f/5.6, 2.3s, ISO 500. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 126mm (100mm equiv.), f/14, 12s, ISO 100. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file. This is a focus stack. The other image used for this final image can be viewed here.

 

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 200mm (158mm equiv.), f/16, 1/6s, ISO 100. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file. This is a focus stack. The other image used for this final image can be viewed here.

 

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 100mm (79mm equiv.), f/8, 1/160s, ISO 100. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 153mm (121mm equiv.), f/8, 1/10s, ISO 125. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 200mm (158mm equiv.), f/8, 1/8s, ISO 100. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 100mm (79mm equiv.), f/8, 1/25s, ISO 100. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR Field Test Summary

Versatile and sharp, the Fuji GF 100-200mm is a great addition to any GFX kit

What I liked:

• Great build quality
• Useful focal length range
• Very good image quality
• Reliable OIS

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 200mm (158mm equiv.), f/6.4, 1/125s, ISO 100. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

What I didn't like:

• A bit large
• Autofocus performance can be sluggish, particularly in low light
• Maximum aperture of f/5.6 can be limiting

The Fujinon GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR lens is a very good addition to the Fuji GF lens lineup. Its optical performance is excellent across the board and the lens is ruggedly built, making it well-suited for hiking or other outdoors activities.

At $2,000, the GF 100-200mm lens is reasonably priced for a medium format zoom lens, and its performance absolutely lives up to the price. It is remarkably sharp across the entire focal length range, even when shot wide open. While I do wish that the lens had a bit more zoom range, given its size, price and performance, the GF 100-200mm is a great addition to any GFX kit.

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50S. 200mm (158mm equiv.), f/8, 1/125s, ISO 500. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

• • •

 

Product Overview

(From Fujifilm lens literature) FUJIFILM North America Corporation has announced that it will release the FUJINON GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens for the GFX Medium Format mirrorless digital camera system on February 14th, 2019. Designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, the camera has a durable, lightweight design paired with Fujifilm's excellent image quality and five stop image stabilization features.

"Outdoor photographers need to consider a plethora of challenges including lighting, environment and timing -- all while battling the natural elements," said Yuji Igarashi, General Manager, Electronic Imaging Division & Optical Devices Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. "As the first GF telephoto zoom lens that has a 35mm equivalent focal range of 79-158mm in a compact, weather-resistant design, this lens will meet the needs of outdoor and landscape photographers."

Ideal to shoot landscape, travel and nature photography, the new telephoto zoom lens is resilient with its ability to operate in extreme temperatures (down to 14°F) and sealed lens to resist dust and moisture -- all without sacrificing image quality.

Key features of the FUJINON GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens:

Ultra-High Image Quality: The lens is made up of 20 elements in 13 groups including two super Extra Low Dispersion Glass lenses and one aspherical lens to reduce chromatic and field curvature aberrations.

Powerful Image Stabilization: Equipped with an excellent five stop image stabilization (CIPA guidelines), the lens allows photographers to make the most of the GFX's high image resolution performance even without the use of a tripod.

Silent and High-Speed Autofocus: The linear motor which drives the focus is accurate, quiet and fast. The lens also includes an enhanced mechanism for fixing the linear motor position when turning the power off or using playback mode to avoid any additional vibration.

Robust Durable Design, Appropriate for Tough Shooting Environments: The lens is sealed across 10 areas for dust and weather resistance allowing photographers to shoot with stability in tough environments.

GF1.4X TC WR Compatible: The 1.4x teleconverter (GF1.4X TC WR) extends the telephoto shooting range to 140-280mm (equivalent to 111-221mm in 35mm format) while maintaining superior image quality.

The GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens complements the FUJIFILM GFX 50S and FUJIFILM GFX 50R as well as the full lineup of GF lenses for the Fujifilm GFX mirrorless digital camera system. GF lenses are known for top image quality using the finest optical design and production technologies to achieve high-resolution and rich tonal reproduction, making them popular among professional photographers and photo enthusiasts.

The GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens will be available in late February 2019 in the U.S. and Canada for USD $1,999.95 and CAD $2,599.99.