Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR vs Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is 100-400mm, the Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR is 500mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR for super-telephoto, the Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR for super-telephoto.
Choose the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/4.5 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 100mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $1,899 vs $4,499 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 500mm can't reframe.
Choose the Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR if…
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 500mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR opens to f/4.5 vs the Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR's f/5.6 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is 100-400mm, Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR is 500mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is a zoom (flexible framing), the Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is $1,899, $2,600 under the Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR.
- ›Weight: the Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR is 1235g (2.72 lb) vs 1375g (3.03 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR or the Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is 100-400mm, the Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR is 500mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR for super-telephoto, the Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR for super-telephoto.
Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR?
Choose the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR if you want more light and background blur — f/4.5 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 100mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $1,899 vs $4,499 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 500mm can't reframe.
Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR?
Choose the Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 500mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR and the Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR?
Aperture: the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR opens to f/4.5 vs the Fujifilm XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR's f/5.6 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100-400mm | 500mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 21 | 21 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X |
| Angle of View | 16° – 4° | 3° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 152-609mm | 762-762mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Linear | Linear |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 175 cm | 300 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.27x | 0.16x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,899 | $4,499 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 82mm |
| Diameter | 95.4mm | 108mm |
| Length | 210mm | 302.5mm |
| Weight | 1375g (3.03 lb) | 1235g (2.72 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
